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RE: Off Road Diesel
How would the authorities know if you were using it? No one can see in my tank, nor has anyone ever asked to look in my tank.
Isn't that like saying "I stole something from this store but since I didn't get caught it's okay"? :h
Just sayin'
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FalconLover
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12/19/11 10:28pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: do I need airbags for my F250 diesel
You will not need them unless you overload the truck
Disagree on this comment. We have a '04 Ford F350 dually and I added the Firestone airbags a few years ago not because I've overloaded it but wanted to improve the ride when towing. Our 5er has a hitch weight of roughly 2,400 lbs which is well under our rating. The truck only squats about an inch or so but with the air bags I can bring it right back to level keeping my headlights in alignment and an improved ride as well.
As a side note you aren't supposed to run them empty even when not towing.
John
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FalconLover
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12/17/11 06:43pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Towing Insurance?
Good Sam has worked very well for us. We had the AAA RV Policy and it wasn't worth a darm as far as the RV portion. We have the regular AAA for our vehicles, home and RV coverage (plus all of the other benifits like free maps, travel info, etc) and have had great service. But, when it came to the RV towing it was all but worthless. Read the fine print on their towing restrictions and fees and you'll see what I mean.
We now have Good Sam for that portion and so far it has been great.
John
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FalconLover
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12/17/11 06:20pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: water heater timer
Our rig also has the electric element built in so once it's on shore power it starts heating the water. The only time we even turn on the propane function is when we want quick turn-around on the water heater. Otherwise it's in the off position.
I figure that I'm paying for electricity when camped so I'm gonna use it. ;)
John
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FalconLover
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12/15/11 05:02pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: How many miles on your 6.0 PSD
86,000 on our '04 F350, with roughly 40,000 towing our 33' 5th wheel. Had a couple turbo clamps break, a fan clutch (which went out and trashed the water pump, radiator and a few other items) but Ford covered the repairs and towing bills.
More recently the ECM needed to be replaced and several years ago a sensor on the exhaust.
So far none of the items that most people complained about.
John
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FalconLover
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12/15/11 04:54pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Capcity of a Utility Trailer
Without knowing the axle weight ratings, frame material, hitch rating and tire weight capacity you'd only be guessing. Not to mention you haven't told us what the tractor and "Bush Hog" weighs.
If this trailer was a factory manufactured deal it should have a weight rating, if not I'd have someone actually look at it closer first.
John
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FalconLover
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12/14/11 10:20am |
Towing
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RE: Firestone Air Bags
I also have the on-board system with the fill/dump switch and gauge inside the cab with their compressor mounted under the bed. I really like having the ability to raise and lower the air pressure on the fly. I can raise or lower my trucks rearend about 2 inches to help keep the truck level and to better line up the hitch pin as well.
Plus not having to fill up my home compressor, find a gas station or use a hand pump, etc. everytime I need to add air. What a pain that was. Not to mention you need to get your pressure guage out all the time to check them as they are not supposed to be run under a minimum 5-10 PSI and I know mine was a lot before I had the on-board system.
Every time I get in the truck I see that little guage and know right then if I need to add a little air or not.
John
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FalconLover
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12/07/11 06:32pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Trailer Tires (again)
I've had much better luck using LT (Light Truck) tires on our rig and have for about 8 years. Only two sets in all that time and roughly 40,000 miles of towing. :C
Our trailer actually came with them from the factory otherwise I might not have gone that route in the first place.
You'll hear all kinds of opinions on ST vs LT but for me I'm sold on them and will never go back to an ST tire. Too many blowouts and failures on our last trailer.
Concerning the uneven wear; it could be bad or under-rated axles. We had that problem and after the manufacturer finally agreed to replace them our tire wear is even across all four.
While you're under there checking them look at all of the spring shackles and joints because we've had a broken shackle mount before and luckly caught it before more damage was done. When I repaired the mount I also replaced the bushings all around just for good measure. They are literally only a few dollars for a complete set and can be obtained from any trailer supply store. A pretty cheap insurance against another broken part. :B
John
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FalconLover
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12/07/11 09:17am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th wheel pin weight calculation
The F250 and F350 have the same ride, and the same rear axle, even though Ford rates the rear axle differently. Insiders know they are actually the same Ford axle.
But, if you want to stay within the manufacturers rating, you can't load the rear axle of an F250 above 6,100#. Remember, almost none of the pin weight will be transferred to the front axle. It is all on the rear.
One of the main differences in a 250 and 350 is the height of the spacer block on the rear axle. The 350 sits higher at the rear, which means the truck squats less under a given load. Your 250 is going to sit low under that trailer, even if you manage to come in under the specs. So then you are looking at airbags, Timbrens, or even changing the Ford spacer block, just to get the ride leveled out on the truck. These can certainly be done.
Further, I don't think you have the correct values on the 250 GVWR if you are looking at crewcabs with the diesel engine. That truck maximum GVWR is 10,000#, and the crewcab with diesel engine is going to weigh around 7,500 before you put any people or stuff in it. The 350 truck weighs the same, but has a GVWR of up to 11,500. The 350 is ready for that trailer right off the showroom floor.
I see many things wrong with this reply but I'll stick with a few comments. The F250 & 350 DO NOT ride the same. I've owned both and there is a big difference. Also there is more than simple ride height blocks in these two trucks. Springs packs are one thing. Do you really think Ford just "jacked up" the rearend and then re-rated their trucks differently? :S
Furthermore, not all of the weight is on the rear axle. Just because the hitch is closer to the axle doesn't mean ALL of the trailer weight sits on it. That is the main difference between a travel trailer and a 5th wheel. The trailers weight is moved forward like this to distribute the weight more evenly on the tow rig allowing heavier loads to be carried.
To get back to his original question on pin weights. The manufacturer of every trailer has that data so I'd check with them prior to purchase and not rely on some assumed percentage of the total trailer weight.
John
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FalconLover
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12/06/11 08:12pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 06 F350 6.0 accessories
As far as bed covers go we have the Jack Rabbit roll top cover on our truck and have for about 8 years. It's not 100% water proof but pretty good. It locks every foot or so you can bring it up to the hitch and lock it in that position to keep everything safe and out of sight.
John
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FalconLover
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12/02/11 06:27pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 5er Landing gear pull pins
Here's another answer: The earlier Quickie pulls provided on many trailers are a short pull type that only have the short pin engaging the row of holes in the inner leg on ONE side only! Ergo; your whole trailer's pin weight is being supported by two short little pins.
If thinking of replacing; buy the add-on's that have the longer pins that transect the entire width of the inner tube of the leg and engage both sides of that tube.
Maybe you installed them incorrectly. Mine are installed so the pull pin is on the outside and the pin goes through both the inner and outter holes. Sometimes they need a little tap to get them all the way in but they're great. One of the first things I added to our rig.
John
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FalconLover
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12/02/11 06:21pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: fifth wheel stabilizers?
Zedd and I think alike! I was really close to using 2x4s to make a pinbox tripod but then I found 3 alum. telescoping legs in a scrap pile and made a little classier looking one. It works great and it's not too late to use 2x4s instead. I've bought used rvs that came with cheap screw type jack stands and I gave all of them to a full timing friend. He used the 8 that I gave him plus the stands he already had and he said the more of them he used the solider the 5er got. He even used them under the slides. I've been in his 5er when it was all set up and it was like a house.
I'd never put any kind of jack stand type of thing under the slides. I know they sell them but that doesn't mean they're a good idea. The slides are self supporting and putting a stabilizer under them causes stress on the slide out mechanisms and can damage them.
The trailer will move some and there's nothing you can do about that. Remember, they sit on tires and springs that do move up and down and side to side. Making the slides unmovable means the slides are no longer moving with the rest of the trailer so something has to give.
The only way this would really work is if you were to support the entire trailer on jacks and ALL of the weight was resting on them. Basically like a mobile home where the tires and axles are removed.
John
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FalconLover
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11/24/11 01:24pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: weak floor registers
Funny, but I just replaced two in our rig this morning. Ours are all metal. The one in the kitchen broke for some reason and since they're pretty close together I bought the other to match. This time I bought the kind that have the adjustable vent doors in them so I can direct the air around a little better since the kitchen vent is so close to the heater most of the heat was sent up there.
As was said, any home improvement store should have them since they are standard sizes - at least here in the US.
John
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FalconLover
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11/16/11 05:20pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Water heater won't light on gas side.
One possible problem is the air/fuel ratio. There should be a tube surrounding the burner that's about 1/2 to 3/4" diameter and maybe a couple inches long. They're usually right up front and down low. It should have a sliding adjustment or variable opening vent hole in it for better lack of describing it.
Try opening up or closing off the gap and starting it up again. They sometimes vibrate open or closed and throws off the adjustment. A little makes a big difference so make small adjustments and keep trying.
Good luck! :C
John
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FalconLover
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11/09/11 07:23pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Scissor Jacks using Right Angle Crank Handle
I've been using a cordless drill with a socket on my jacks for years and thought this was common knowledge. A decent sized (18 V or whatever) one will put a pretty good tension on them too. My buddy has the same style jack screws as you describe and a large allen wrench in his drill is exactly what he does.
I guess I need to start sharing my "tricks of the trade" since I cannot assume they're not all common knowledge. Glad you figured it out on your own! :B
John
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FalconLover
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11/09/11 07:11pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: F350 SW air bag
My pin weight is around 2,400 lbs and my F350 dually would sag about 2 inches which isn't a big deal. However, I added the Firestone air bags and more recently the compressor and in cab adjuster and love it. It not only levels the truck but the ride is better too.
Even an inch or two will throw the lights out of adjustment and into oncoming drivers eyes.
John
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FalconLover
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11/09/11 11:16am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Ford f350 rear axle weight
Yes you can. The rear axle rating is basically the carrying capacity of your two wheels and tires.
Look at the tires and you will see that the rear rating is double the amount that the factory tires are rated to carry. For some reason Ford put pretty 17 inch wheels on their trucks, and what they really should have done is put 19.5 inch wheels and tires on instead like they did on the F450.
Instead of 18's my advice would be bite the bullet and put on 19.5 Vision 81's.
Absolutely not! The rear axle weight rating is done by the manufacturer and and that little sticker isn't changing just because you bought different tires. Many things besides tires are in that equation like suspension, frame rating, etc. Try telling the Highway Patrolman or your insurance people if you ever have a problem related to over weight towing. I'm sure they'll have something to say about it.
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FalconLover
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11/08/11 04:43pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Trapped ?
Luckily I had just brought my trailer home to pack it for the weekend. I just went out and tried it and the door opens easily from the inside. Almost no more effort than without the handle colsed over it.
You might have too much tension on yours.
John
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FalconLover
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11/08/11 04:28pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Trailer towing behind a fifth wheel
Yes, I know. No, its not.
http://reedbrothersdodge.wordpress.com/2009/02/12/double-trailer-towing-laws/
PROVIDED the total length of the rig does not exceed the maximum length law. Most states this limits total length (tow vehicle plus two trailers) to between 60 and 70 feet.
There's more to it than that. I know that in CA for instance and maybe other states there is a restriction that the 5er most be less then 27'. You also have to get a special license.
John
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FalconLover
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11/08/11 04:20pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Wood under wheels for storage?
RV tires have a chemical embedded in the rubber to slow the dry rot process. Storing on some surfaces like dirt and rock are supposed to wick out the chemical faster than others, at least that's what I've read when researching this issue.
However, the best way to keep them in good condition is actually using them. The heat and cool cycles keep them plyable and supposedly last longer than just sitting.
With all that said I still replace them about every five years or so regardless of how they look. It's a matter of age, not miles that cause most blowouts.
I'm sure we'll hear more on this so hold on to your hats!
John
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FalconLover
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11/03/11 06:27pm |
Beginning RVing
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