| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: beating that dead horse again over batteries
Thanks for the answers, so, let me ask this. Which would be the better way to go. The 2 6's or the 3 12's?
Would love to have 4 6's but don't have the room, 3 is as far as I can go.
I would prefer a 2 6v GC true deep cycle batteries over 2 12v marine/deep cycle batteries with about the same amps. I think the 6v's can take much more abuse than the hybrids.
That said, more amps are always better than fewer amps. In your case with near double the amps, I'd stick with the 3 12v's.
|
Atlee
|
05/04/12 10:10am |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: New Andersen WD hitch
Using the set screws is but one of 3 suggested ways to mount the brackets. The other two suggested ways are to 1) weld the brackets on the frame and 2) drill through the frame and bolt them on.
We're over thinking this thing. To me, common sense says that a dimple that is drilled into the frame is better than no dimple. With out drilling a dimple, one is betting on the small fine point of the set screw making enough of a dimple on it's on in the metal frame from the heavy torquing needed.
With drilling a dimple, the point on the set screw has a much larger, deeper dimple to set itself into.
|
Atlee
|
05/04/12 05:12am |
Towing
|
|
RE: 17 south from Myrtle beach to James Island
What is the best route? Will I go over the big /high bridge? How is the bridge towing a tt?
If you follow US17 to James Island County Park, you WILL go up and over that high bridge.
I drove it 2 springs ago. Until that day, I had never had a panic attack, but I did driving up and over that bridge.
|
Atlee
|
05/03/12 09:00pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Roadtrek wardrobe needed
Atlee, I hope you will see this and can respond. I still haven't found a wardrobe for the Chevrolet chassis, but I should have written to thank you for your response to my need. I just helped a friend buy a 1994 Dodge 190, and if you still have the wardrobe for that model, he will be interested. Please let me know if you can.
Sorry to say, I don't have it any more. Hope you and your friend are successful in finding a wardrobe.
|
Atlee
|
05/03/12 07:35pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
RE: prpane tanks
LPG tanks are permanently mounted like in a motorhome. LPG DOT cylinders are used on trailers.
I would have to see proof that any tunnel will prohibit an RV with LPG cylinders/tanks. When you see regulations like that it is regarding commercial transportation, it does not apply to private use. There may be limitations on how many pounds/gallons but not an outright ban. What would a MH do? A permanently mounted tank cannot be removed easily.
Go to Maryland DOT. You will see that it is illegal to go through the underwater tunnels there if you have LP tanks or cylinders. Doesn't matter if they are shut off or not. That includes both I-95 and I-895.
Obviously, Baltimore has another way to go north or south other than those two tunnels. Any vehicle, RV or otherwise, that has LP tanks or cylinders can use the Key Bridge on I-695.
In Virginia, an RV can use all the underwater tunnels even if it has LP tanks or cylinders, BUT the gas must be turned off before entering the tunnel.
|
Atlee
|
05/03/12 10:39am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Two 6 volt GC Batteries, OR, two type 24 batteries?
All . . . . . . I am getting really confused about this battery issue. I currently have two 12 volt type 24 batteries. I want to improve my amp hours. So, should I buy 2 6 volt GC batteries (removing the 12 volt batteries), or stick to 2 12 batteries?
I don't want to go with solar panels.
What is the difference between type 24 batteries, or 27 type batteries?
Thanks for your help.
If I had the room (height wise) I'd go with 2 GC batteries. As it is, my new to me HiLo came with a single Gp24. When I have to replace the single GP24, I plan to get 2 GP27's. The GP27 is the same height as the GP24, but is longer, which is okay for me because the battery space is long enough for the GP27's.
|
Atlee
|
05/03/12 04:52am |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: led motion sensor
Has anyone found a good led motion sensor light? I bought an inexpensive one off e-bay last year to install in the bathroom. It is OK for the first 20-30 sec. Then you are flailing your arms around to set it off again. At 3 am aim is important.
Thanks in advance,
Jon
I sit down like a girlie at night:o ...my aim ain't that good at 3:00 am lights or no lights, this way I don't even need to open my eyes :Z
Know what you mean. Better to sit at night, than clean up a miss aimed shot the next morning.
|
Atlee
|
05/03/12 04:29am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: New Andersen WD hitch
I started on the install of my Andersen today. Couldn't finish though. Darkness drove me indoors.
It took a while to get the trailer parallel with the drive. Had to get on the ground, and partially get under the trailer to measure fore and aft. Then lift or lower the tongue.
I will say this. Thank heaven for the Barker I installed last week. Would hate to think about having to hand crank the tongue all the time.
I got as far as getting the rear brackets snug before losing daylight.
Shouldn't take much more to finish tomorrow. My biggest problem will be tightening the set screws enough to hold the brackets.
I may have to go buy an Allen wrench large enough tighten the screws.
One thing I have thought about doing is marking where the set screws go, and then drilling a dimple in the A-frame for the set screw to settle into.
Wouldn't this work?
|
Atlee
|
05/02/12 09:41pm |
Towing
|
|
RE: New Andersen WD hitch
No that wasn't me. I haven't hooked mine up yet due to ordering the incorrect sized bracket. I ordered a hitch that had the 5-6" brackets. Unfortunately, I didn't measure mine. My A frame is 4 inches. I'll start putting it together tomorrow after work.
snip...
Sorry to hear this. I hope it doesn't bode poorly for me. I get the replacement brackets today. (ordered the wrong size initially). I'll have a better than good idea how my Andersen works after Memorial Day Weekend.
We have to go to Orlando, and we're pulling the TT. While I'll not have to contend with any mountains, there will be lots of 18 wheelers to deal with.
I do have a longer wheel base TV. F150 w/ 6.5 ft box, 144.5" WB. Also the TT is just 5500# GVWR.
We'll see how it goes.
Are you the one who had those Andersen TT Tongue brackets slide posted
on one of the other Andersen System threads?
If so, note that when those brackets slide, they reduce or even lose
all of the plastic bushing (spring) force, which then reduce the amount
of WD forces on the Ball/Shank
There are two set screws that needs to gouge into the TT's tongue
member (Channel or square tube).
They then become the holding mechanism for the Andersen system to
do it's WD forces. The also become pivot points that has those brackets
pivot on to wedge themselves into the TT's tongue member.
Now that I've written this and thought a bit more....you folks with
this WD system should re-check those two set screws (bolts with pointed
ends that gouge themselves into the TT's tongue) often till the stop
loosening. Also, now thinking about it, re-paint that contact area
|
Atlee
|
05/01/12 02:27pm |
Towing
|
|
RE: New Andersen WD hitch
Well I'm eating crow on this one. I can't seem to get this hitch system adjusted to save my life. Luckily it has been slightly windy here, wind is only at 16mph currently. Just made a loop at 45-50 mph. The excursion was getting blown around quite a bit. I'm throwing in the towel on this hitch system. I hope mrad has better luck than I for the same setup. Not worth a white knuckle drive in my opinion.
I think this system might be a good setup for someone that doesn't own a ford excursion.
I'm off to camping world for a WD and sway system.
Sorry to hear this. I hope it doesn't bode poorly for me. I get the replacement brackets today. (ordered the wrong size initially). I'll have a better than good idea how my Andersen works after Memorial Day Weekend.
We have to go to Orlando, and we're pulling the TT. While I'll not have to contend with any mountains, there will be lots of 18 wheelers to deal with.
I do have a longer wheel base TV. F150 w/ 6.5 ft box, 144.5" WB. Also the TT is just 5500# GVWR.
We'll see how it goes.
|
Atlee
|
05/01/12 10:38am |
Towing
|
|
RE: Equalizer Install/Fear Not Ye Fellow Newbs
I have only slightly more mechanical aptitude than I do spare time and motivation. I am generally content to pay someone else to do stuff for me. When the decision was made to get the Equalizer, I priced it at my dealer...$650 and change for the hitch and $150 for install..... OUCH!!!
Off to the interwebz and got one for $469 and then off to a buddies house today for an extra set of hands.
Read the manual, watched the video on youtube, and off we went to start.
The driveway we were using was about an 1/8 bubble off level, so we leveled the trailer using a tape measure to level it in relation to the surface. Went to install my ball...ooops,need a 1 1/4" shank and my ball has a 1"...off to NAPA. The directions said you may use a bushing, but for peace of mind I spent the extra $14 bucks over the price of a cheesy peace of metal and bought a new ball.
Once we started rolling, total time spent was about an hour.We used the base recommended 4 washers and 2 holes up, 2 holes down on the brackets. my frame allowed us to place the brackets at precisely the recommended 32".
To shorten this,my base TV measurements w/o trailer/ wheelwell measurements rear 32.5, front 32.
With trailer but no weight distribution, 30.5 rear, 32.5 front.
With everything hooked up, 32 rear, 32 front..trailer level :-)
Did you have (or where did you get) the large thin walled socket?
|
Atlee
|
04/30/12 02:09pm |
Towing
|
|
RE: To much trailer for my truck?
Snip...
Based on the TV's ratings and the above assumptions we can calculate maximum allowable trailer weights ranging from 6550# to 7700#. If you want an accurate value for how much trailer can be towed without exceeding the TV's ratings, we need to know the following:
1) GCWR (you've told us it is 13,500#)
2) The allowable maximum weight of cargo (from TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION placard on driver's door)
3) Receiver's tongue weight (weight distributing) rating
4) Weight of TV as loaded for camping, including about 80# for WDH.
Ron
I know this is an RV forum but there is ONE more item that needs to be considered when trying to determine if the trailer is suitable to be towed by a certain tow vehicle. That is the frontal area of the trailer or vehicle to be towed.
Example: A tow rating of 7000lbs may be fine for a boat or flatbed trailer but possibly not for a travel trailer. The frontal area will greatly affect the ability of any tow vehicle to get the job done.
As far as I know, all manufacturers place a limit on the frontal area for trailers in their tow specifications.
Barney
Ford doesn't put a limit on it, at least from what I read in the 2005 booklet on weight limits, etc. However, Ford did recommend a max frontal area. Unfortunately, almost all TT's I was looking at exceeded that recommended frontal area.
|
Atlee
|
04/30/12 04:49am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: which hitch to get
I would add a vote for the Equal-i-zer hitch. I used one for a year back in 2005 when I pulled a trailer before going back to a Class B.
In April, I went back to a TT. I was thinking about an Equal-i-zer, but instead decided to try the new Andersen type WD hitch. At the end of May, I'll find out if it's all it's cracked up to be. Planning on pulling from Virginia to Florida.
|
Atlee
|
04/30/12 04:45am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Towing a streamlined trailer
We're shopping for a trailer which is less than 6000 pounds and found one we like (Outback 260FL) which weighs in at 6500. The salesman mentioned that the aerodynamic design of this particular trailer is like cutting 20% from the weight from a towing perspective. Any truth to that comment? Just checking facts ... Also, has anyone seen the Outback 272RK? There wasn't one on the lot, but it looks nice, too, and does weigh less than 6000 pounds. Thanks.
The salesman may have mentioned it, but it's pretty much not reality. The Airstreams and the fiberglass egg TT's probably come the closest to being streamlined enough to show a measurable difference in towing economy.
The old HiLo trailer company did supply some data supporting it's claim to be more fuel efficent when towing. But HiLo did this by being able to lower the top of the TT. For example the HiLo I have is 77" tall when in the tow position. It is no taller than the top of my TV.
I have much less frontal area that I have to drag through the air/wind than a normal upright trailer.
|
Atlee
|
04/30/12 04:32am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: To much trailer for my truck?
OMG !!! Consensus and no one said "If you can hook up and get it to mve you are good to go" what a relief !
Well let me say this. "If you can hook up and get it to move, you are good to go." :B
|
Atlee
|
04/28/12 08:45pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: When is a 1/2 Ton not a 1/2 Ton?
Bingo. What you discovered is common for a "1/2 ton" truck. They generally run out of cargo capacity long before they run out of max tow capacity.
I have a '05 F150 SuperCab, 6.5' box, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.73 rear, and 17" factory alloy wheels. The yellow door sticker says the max cargo capacity is 1,496#. Ford says my truck can tow 9,300# when using a WD hitch.
If I pulled an 8300# loaded weight trailer, the tongue would weigh 1,079# @ 13%. If I take away the weight of me, my wife, and the Undercover brand tonneau cover, I'm down to around 1076#, which is what the tongue would weight. And I haven't put any cargo in the truck, nor substracted for the weight of the hitch itself.
When it is pulling a TT.
As my signature shows, I have a 2007 F150 SuperCrew, 5.5bed(SWB) with the 5.4L and 4x4 and 3.73 gears and 20"(Factory) Rims. The books/websites say 'generically'; Tows 9200 and I thought that was about as good as it gets for a 1/2T that is also my everyday vehicle.
I finally got around and opened the door (and the manual) and read the specs of my configured TV:
Max Cargo (tire label): 1329
GVWR (door label): 7200
FGAWR (door label): 3750
RGAWR (door label): 3850
GCWR: (manual for this TV config): 1450
Max Tow: (manual for this TV config): 8700
I know to subtract the weight of my bed cap and bed mat: 224 and the weight of the passengers (me, DW, DD, 3 dogs): 530 from my cargo max. Leaving only 575 for cargo AND hitch weight! My TT has a stickered Hitch weight of 703!
I really do not want to get the actual loaded weights at the scale as we love camping and we cannot afford to replace the TV with a 3/4T.
Denial is a wonderful coping mechanism.
|
Atlee
|
04/27/12 11:06am |
Towing
|
|
RE: New Auto Change Over & Pwr Tongue Jack
That what I figured, and common sense says that's correct. If all an auto change over did was use both bottles, empty both at the same time, and leave a person without any gas, then 1) who would want one, and 2) why were they designed and made in the 1st place?
I'm definitely liking the pwr tongue jack. Sure beats all that hand cranking to lift the trailer.
Atlee,
You have it correct. Both tanks do not run out at the same time. The red indicator will tell you the first tank is empty but the gas will continue to flow.
I think you are going to like the "new" set up as you will your tongue jack. The invention of the crossover made camping a little easier and better in my opinion. If you never, never take the time to check your tanks then yes, you will stand the chance of running out completely. I still can't imagine not using this feature. It is like having a furnace and not running it or a refrigerator that you pack with ice to travel to your destination. Can't figure some of these things out.
You are going to like your improvements. Have fun.
|
Atlee
|
04/27/12 10:26am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: F150 Review; 3,300 Mile Towing Trip; Long
Great review!
Regarding the missing assist handle: I asked an interior guy at Ford about this and their studies showed that most people used the steering wheel to pull themselves in. He said they left it on the Super Duty since those trucks are usually higher off the ground and drivers need more help getting in. I still miss it.
Another instance of making things worse. I use mine (2005 F150 4x4)all the time. Whenever I get in I use the A-pillar assist handle.
I currently still have a '95 Chevy chassis Roadtrek. It doesn't have an assist handle on the A-pillar. I'm forced to use the steering wheel with it. Would prefer an assist handle.
|
Atlee
|
04/26/12 10:24pm |
Tow Vehicles
|
|
RE: New Auto Change Over & Pwr Tongue Jack
When we took delivery of our first TT a couple months ago the tech suggested we leave our auto changer in manual mode. He made a pretty good point. If you leave it on manual and run on one tank - when that tank runs out you'll know you've burned through half your propane supply. Instead of leaving it on auto and running out completely.
Congrats on the Barker jack! I have a refurb UF (replacement is sitting at my doorstep right now) and I can't wait to be able to use it and not have to wrench my arm off manually jacking the TT up and down.
That's not how I understand the auto changeover works. Yes both bottles are on, but gas is taken from only one. When that one's empty, the regulator automatically switches over to the other bottle, while throwing up a red flag, telling you one tank is empty. You can then take the empty and refill it.
Is my thinking wrong?
|
Atlee
|
04/26/12 10:02pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
New Auto Change Over & Pwr Tongue Jack
Our HiLo came without the auto changer regulator on the two LP bottles. I've now fixed that. Didn't want to empty one bottle, and have to go outside in the middle of the night to manually cut on the 2nd bottle.
I also installed a Barker VIP3000 power tongue jack. Sure is going to be nice not to have to manually crank the tongue when hooking and unhooking the trailer.
|
Atlee
|
04/26/12 10:39am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
