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RE: It happened again!
I have a 22k Reese hitch, this is how I hook up. I always make sure the trailer is a bit lower than the fifth wheel so when I back up the trailer actually lifts a bit onto the fifth wheel and I can see the handle move out then in. I get out of the truck to make sure the jaws are wrapped around the king pin. Sometimes I do a pull test to make sure it's locked but not always & so far knock on wood I haven't had any issues.
I actually just read that in the owners manual about having trailer lower and "forcing" it (plate) under. I've never done that but will from now on. I also wasnt aware you could have the jaws closed - handle in, when you hoked it up. I will also look into that.
Thanks
Old Style: If you have a Reese 20k, you cannot leave the jaws closed when hooking up. You should have a single hook that wraps around the pin when connected. Because of this, you have to have the hook open, lever pulled out. When you hook up, the lever will set and you should be able to see a hole through the safety tab. If you can put the pin/padlock through, you're hitched correctly.
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USMA Dad
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05/21/12 02:53pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Toyhaulers by Jayco?
We have a 2012 Recon 39A and LOVE IT! This is the third Jayco (pop-up to a 5er to the Recon). When we decided to move up to a TH, the question wasn't what brand to buy, it was what Recon floor plan should we pick!
Both our '07 Eagle and the Recon have been flawless - not one warranty issue! We are weekend warriors twice a month and make two 3-4,000 mile trips every year. Jayco has not let us down! Not to mention, our dealer is the best!!! She's well worth the 1,000 mile drive to buy from her!
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USMA Dad
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05/15/12 07:29pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Trouble Getting into smaller sites?
More important that the size of your site is what's across the street from it. I always try to find sites that are staggared from the ones across the street. I can drive across the grass a lot easier that nailing some little TOAD sitting across the front of a rig.
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USMA Dad
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05/10/12 06:14pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: truck modifications
Dodges already let you check the transmission temp, oil pressure and engine temp is on the dash. The only other thing that might be nice to check is the exhaust temp but I wouldn't loose any sleep over not having a gauge for it. You might consider an aux. fuel tank and possibly airbags for the truck if it doesn't sit level. Only other thing you need is a good map and a plastic card for fuel...
B.O.
"Might consider an aux. fuel tank"??? How about "Don't leave home without an aux. fuel tank!!!" He'll be lucky to make 300 miles on his 36 gallon tank. In addition to my aux tank, I'm trying to figure out how to run a long line from the TH fuel station to the truck!! :B
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USMA Dad
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04/25/12 07:55pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Changing your rear-end...gears!
Thanks for sharing that extra information.
I agree that, if you can get away with doing the deletes and mods to the engine in your state, that would likely be the most cost effective way to get a noticeable improvement in mileage. I would venture to say the difference would be much more so than the tiny difference from doing an equally or more expensive axle gear change, which is typically about $1500-2000 for a 3/4-ton or 1-ton 4wd.
Possibly it is just an issue of breaking in the engine.
Are the mileage figures you posted hand calculated from actual gallons of fuel used and actual miles traveled, or are they from the fuel mileage readout on the electronic display? Also, are your tires the stock size?
The mileage calculations are from actual gallons used to mileage driven. The onboard computer is off in terms of the mpg it displays. Everything is stock on the truck...for now! Only 85,000 miles to go before things start disappearing! LOL!!!
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USMA Dad
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04/11/12 07:47pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Changing your rear-end...gears!
Thanks all for the comments! The verdict is in - no swap! After reading, it's pretty logical that the swap is not cost effective. My current mileage towing is between 7 and 8. I'm sure that will improve once I rack up 40-50,000. I am considering a few "deletes" once I'm out of warranty, but that's more for the sake of the engine and not the mileage (although increased mileage won't hurt either). My '04 2500 runs like a dream, just didn't have enough ooomph to pull the new "Beast." The Recon weighs more empty than the Eagle did loaded. Like Vulcaneer said, it's time to just suck it up and enjoy it! Although, I can fit a Prius in the back of the Recon! LOL!!!
Tahnks again to all!That is really low fuel mileage for a diesel. Your trailer sounds like a real monster too. You didn't say what speed you tow at or the type of terrain. Usually those 2 factors, plus the height and shape of the trailer have a big effect on fuel use.
On the flatlands of South Florida, I set the cruise at 68. When traveling north of Orlando, I pedal it between 65-75 uphill/downhill and let gravity help. I've tried towing at 60, 65, 70, and 75 and there is not a noticable difference in fuel econonmy. I can almost accept the low mileage while towing because of the size of the TH. Even I still gawk at the thing and am amazed how big it is (not bragging here, it's just a big frickin' trailer! :o) When we are loaded, we're probably around 16.5-17k. However, this last trip we took to AL over Easter, we were empty in the "garage" and only had about 800lbs in fresh water and still averaged around 8ish.
My issue us when highway driving without towing. 13-14 depending on the wind (it's a 4x4 so a little higher profile) doesn't seem right. I have taken it back to Dodge once and all they tell me is wait until the thing breaks in! They don't see a code so their lost!
It really does come down to crunching the numbers. I'm averaging $0.55 per mile. If I add a few "improvements" and delete Dodge's emissions crap, I'm looking at about $1400. Theoretically, that would take me from 7.5mpg to 10ish which means after 8,000 miles of towing I'll break even and my Cost Per Mile (CPM) goes down to $0.37. Again, 18 cents a miles is not a big deal. I still can't fly a family of 3, rent a car, eat out every day and borrow a hotel room for as little as "camping" costs us. AND, you lose out on the quality time camping provides. Now, if all the Dodge emissions******is harming the internal components of the engine, the heck with the 8,000 miles and 18 cents, it's all about the best thing for the engine. There's just not enough data out there yet. Only stories about blown Turbos and clogged up elbows. Of course, that a whole other thread we could create here! LOL!!!
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USMA Dad
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04/11/12 05:00am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Changing your rear-end...gears!
Thanks all for the comments! The verdict is in - no swap! After reading, it's pretty logical that the swap is not cost effective. My current mileage towing is between 7 and 8. I'm sure that will improve once I rack up 40-50,000. I am considering a few "deletes" once I'm out of warranty, but that's more for the sake of the engine and not the mileage (although increased mileage won't hurt either). My '04 2500 runs like a dream, just didn't have enough ooomph to pull the new "Beast." The Recon weighs more empty than the Eagle did loaded. Like Vulcaneer said, it's time to just suck it up and enjoy it! Although, I can fit a Prius in the back of the Recon! LOL!!!
Tahnks again to all!
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USMA Dad
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04/10/12 04:26am |
Tow Vehicles
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Changing your rear-end...gears!
Has anyone had any luck/experience in swapping out their 4.10 rear-end with a 3.73? The 4.10s are killing my mileage, towing and empty. What is the downside to making this swap?
Thanks in advance,
DZ
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USMA Dad
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04/09/12 05:26pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Any weak points to watch out for in the Dodge Ram diesels?
Not sure if its a "weak point" but the Ram is the only one left not using DEF. Fuel mileage will be a bit lower.
06 here still running fine.
A "bit" lower??? Now that's funny!!! How about a BOATLOAD lower!!! I'm getting 13-14 hwy empty and 7.5-8 towing a 43' TH. The mileage sucks!!! I do blame the 4.10 RE for most of the mileage issues.
HOWEVER, it sure is nice to know that the beast will tow anything I hook up to it SAFELY!!! Of course, as soon as it's out of warranty, the delete kits will be coming!
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USMA Dad
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04/04/12 05:25am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 2006 Keystone Raptor Roof Issue
Ahhh...Keystone at its best! Sorry to read about your roof problem. I hope Keystone will step up to the plate for you! I'm not sure about Keystone's policy, but some manufacturers warranty the roof for several years. Of course, this is a construction issue and not a roof material issue so in true Keystone fashion, they may try to screw you on this one - warranty or not!
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USMA Dad
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03/28/12 05:22am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: My experience since getting a 1-ton dually
It was a night and day improvement over my 1/2 ton Chevy. The 1 ton dually makes towing so much more comfortable. I can only dream about how much better the current generation of trucks are.
Don't waste your time dreaming! I love my truck but HATE the mileage. 7-8 towing and 13-14 highway-no-tow. Eveyone says to wait until after the break-in period. I'm at 13k miles - it better break-in soon!!! LOL!
Hey Don, I'm not trying to start anything here but I'll give you one word on how to fix your mileage - "delete". Adds 5mpg. Costs a little upfront, but the oil stays clean, motor has more power (as if it needs it). It removes the big cork from the exhaust.
READ everything first, understand what and why you would be doing the operation. I spent a year researching before I made the move. And I waited until I was very confident of the dependability of the motor. Its not a move for everyone - and that’s OK too.
It's the environmentally friendly thing to do.
Larry, I'm all over the DELETE!! I am going to wait until I'm out of warranty, however, before I make the changes. Not worth trying to head to head with the dorks at Dodge should something go wrong. I love Cummins but hate Dodge! My dream truck is the Ford body with the Dodge Cummins and the Chevy Ally! But, that's what keeps a free markets system free I suppose!
Feel free to PM me with the changes/deletes you made. I'd be interested in reading about your experience.
DZ
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USMA Dad
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03/14/12 05:49am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: My experience since getting a 1-ton dually
It was a night and day improvement over my 1/2 ton Chevy. The 1 ton dually makes towing so much more comfortable. I can only dream about how much better the current generation of trucks are.
Don't waste your time dreaming! I love my truck but HATE the mileage. 7-8 towing and 13-14 highway-no-tow. Eveyone says to wait until after the break-in period. I'm at 13k miles - it better break-in soon!!! LOL!
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USMA Dad
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03/08/12 05:29am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: My new ram 3500 longhorn !!
How much extra was the option sitting in the back seat . . . Enjoy the truck I have the exact same one
I hope you have the "same" truck and not the same backseat option. He might not like that!!! :h
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USMA Dad
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03/01/12 02:48pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Honda eu2000 additional kill switch???
Has anyone created a kill switch for the Honda eu2000 genny that can shut the units off from inside of the rig? On occassion we run our pair of 2000s when we do an overnight boondock. If we don't need the AC overnight, I shut them down when we go to sleep. I would like to push a button/flip a switch from inside the coach rather than go outside to turn them off by the factory switch.
We have a Jayco Recon TH that is pre-wired for the optional Onan 5500 so there is a start/stop switch wired in the main control center inside the TH if that can be used somehow.
Thanks in advance! I look forward to your thoughts and experience!
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USMA Dad
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02/29/12 05:03am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Lowering a 2011 Dodge 3500 4x4 dually
Drop it at least 4" all around. This will noticeably improve MPG and handling, without hurting anything. Also helps getting in and out of the cab, and reaching over the sides of the box. Best way to lower the front is shorter springs. Start with removing blocks in the rear, then if that's only 2", get some Bell Tech 2" shackles. I love mine! Excellent return on investment.
Great advice. I had to buy a small step ladder to store in the bed of the truck so I can reach the pin lever!
In reply to the others, everything on the truck is stock so the tires are 17in. As for ditching the bed, that's probably not going to happen since we are weekend warriors and I use the bed for other things. I have seen some sweet looking custom beds but that's way out of the budget right now!
I discovered that the Recon does not have the J-Plate (like my old Eagle) so raising the trailer without flipping the axles will be limited to dropping the pinbox. Hopefully, it doesn't raise the front of the trailer too much and screws up the weight distribution.
Stay tuned!
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USMA Dad
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02/23/12 03:17pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Lowering a 2011 Dodge 3500 4x4 dually
Has anyone successfully lowered a Dodge 4x4 dually? I tow a 43' TH and have sufficient bed clearance EXCEPT when the truck is angled nose down - at that point I'm within 1 inch of the underside of the TH. I've already cracked the cargo light mounted next to the pinbox. I know I can lower the pinbox and gain about 3 inches; however, the TH tows level and I don't want to lose that. I'm not looking to turn the truck into a "lowrider" just maybe the height of a 2WD without compromising the undercarriage of the truck.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts...
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USMA Dad
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02/22/12 03:21pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Today's the day!
I just want to know where you're going to park that think in "Chicagoland"!!! We lived in the burbs for many years and loved the fact that from Chicago, you are 5 hours from 7 states to camp!!! Enjoy the new rig! Safe travels!
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USMA Dad
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02/13/12 08:23pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: DPF Cleaning Services?
Yes, I know all about the delete process (including not only the DPF but the EGR valve & cooler as well). I've given this consideration but have concerns over legality due to emissions being a federal mandate. I may be tempted, however when my warranty period is over.
Aside to Donn: While it's true the DPF self cleans itself of soot the ash that is left over will, in time, fill the unit. At that time it will require replacement. BTW, I don't know the cost of cleaning yet.
I've spent the better part of the last three days researching DPF and EGR delete kits! My fuel mileage SUCKS on my '11 Ram 3500. I thought I read somewhere that the federal mandates applied to 2012 models and the future models. I may be completely wrong on this (I've read way too much on this to keep it all straight), but I thought Dodge started implementing the new emissions systems ahead of the federal requirements.
Regardless, I've decided to wait until I'm out of warranty IF I'm even going to do it. When you compare the fuel savings cost per gallon to the amount you spend on all the delete kits, it's a real long break even point!!! Now, when Dodge stops replacing your turbo because of all the soot blowing back in and doing the DPF regen under warranty, that break even point comes alot sooner!
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USMA Dad
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02/12/12 06:38pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: My new ram 3500 longhorn !!
Great looking truck!!! I hope your mileage is better than mine! LOL!
What kind of mileage are you guys getting???
7-8.5 towing (trailer is about 15-16k loaded, gross is 18k), 10-12 around town, and 12-13 on the highway. I really don't have a heavy foot, either. When towing, there's no difference in mpg between 65 and 70 mph. I guess that's the price I pay for a 4.10 rear-end. I've considered adding an Edge Juice w/ Attitude chip but don't want to risk warranty issues. Based on my calculations, the chip will pay for itself in 3,000 miles.
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USMA Dad
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02/01/12 05:09pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: looking for camping group
OK, you got me. How's this...all the fun groups are west of the Mississippi!? Granted, you've got mountains (we have highway overpasses), beautiful dunes (we have beaches with people who ought not to be at the beach), forests (we have weeds), and deserts (we have a dry season), but we have nice winding old Florida rivers perfect for kayaking, and overpriced beach camping suitable for, well, paying too much for beach camping! We do have some awesome state parks but I'm having a hard time even finding a campsite in them big enough for our Recon (not bragging about size here, but after all, size does matter!).
Maybe it's time to head west! LOL!
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USMA Dad
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01/29/12 06:33pm |
Toy Haulers
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