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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Electric jack kill switch
I was thinking of installing a in-line Manual resettable 30 amp fuse holder sold at automotive stores.
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gtkato
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05/10/12 07:09pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Setups with queen bed and couch?
I just sold my Rockwood Mini-Lite 1809S (around 3200lbs) with queen bed and huge couch slide out. My new trailer is the new Lance 1685 (around 3500lbs) with Queen Bed and mega dinnette slide out. Lance also makes the new 1575 with Queen bed, large dinnette and comes in around 2500lbs. These are all tandem axles with independent suspension.
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gtkato
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05/06/12 07:12am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Heavy duty shocks, super springs or both for truck?
Assuming you are keeping the TT and your Tundra, I would suggest the following which will help the sag tremendously without sacrificing ride quality. Granted, you will still be over your truck ratings, but the following will help tremendously.
1. Air springs (hd 5000 Ride Rites by firestone) which can be adjusted according to weight or no load. These ONLY help the rear sag.
2. Super Springs work like magic...only engage under load..and when no load...you still have a good ride..easy install
3. Rancho 9000XL shocks (adjustable for loads, and no loads)..really help truck sway..and run smooth.
still over your truck axle ratings, but will help you run level and smooth.
I did all of the above on my last truck, and added the Hellwig hd sway bar, and added Timbren bump stops on the front
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gtkato
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04/22/12 07:00pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Rear vision cam for hitch
I first tried the I-Ball portable, but did not like the viewfinder and the 12V connector was too flimsy. I then went with the 'Swift Hitch II' which is rechargeble and battery life is over 7 hours. Works great and in color. I can use it to hook up the TT, and then place it on the rear of the trailer for a rear view camera setup. I mount the viewfinder in a hands free cell-phone windshield holder. The picture quality is great (but the viewfinder is small but does the job). The camera is waterproof, wide angle and has night vision.
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gtkato
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03/09/12 07:47am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Best light weight camper under 20 feet?
We did a lot or research and hands on demos last year, and ended up with the Rockwood Mini-Lite 1809S (TV - Nissan Xterra V-6). Compared the Fun Finder 18ft models, Heartland MPG with slide-outs, R-Pods, and Lance 1685 (2011 model), Jayco, Apex, and decided on the Mini-Lite for Dollar value and features/quality.
I have since purchased a newer Dodge V-8 Hemi and now thinking of purchasing the Lance 1685(true 4 season) since I do a lot of fly fishing into the winter. I have owned two other Lance Truck Campers and like the quality and four season capability.
The new Lance 1575 is a great trailer also and the NEW V-Cross VIBEs will be hitting the market soon. The new Koala TT also look very well built
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gtkato
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02/26/12 11:02am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Best light weight camper under 20 feet?
We did a lot or research and hands on demos last year, and ended up with the Rockwood Mini-Lite 1809S (TV - Nissan Xterra V-6). Compared the Fun Finder 18ft models, Heartland MPG with slide-outs, R-Pods, and Lance 1685 (2011 model), Jayco, Apex, and decided on the Mini-Lite for Dollar value and features/quality.
I have since purchased a newer Dodge V-8 Hemi and now thinking of purchasing the Lance 1685(true 4 season) since I do a lot of fly fishing into the winter. I have owned two other Lance Truck Campers and like the quality and four season capability.
The new Lance 1575 is a great trailer also and the NEW V-Cross VIBEs will be hitting the market soon. The new Koala TT also look very well built
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gtkato
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02/26/12 10:37am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Better fuel milage
Just traded in my Nissan for a Dodge Hemi. I installed the Hyper Tech Max Tuner in the Nissan and gained about 2mpg (plus 18 hp and 18-20lb of torque) I noticed a considerable difference at cruising speed with the tuner.
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gtkato
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01/31/12 08:49am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: MPG or R-Pod Owners
Came very close to purchasing the MPG 184. It seems very large inside, and really liked the Queen bed in place. With the slide sofa and large kitchen. DW did not like the small wet bath, so we ended up with the Mini-Lite 1809S (really about the same size and weight, but huge inside with a large dry bath.
We looked at all the small mini campers. I liked the MPG over the R-Pod because the quality just felt better, and had a rear bumper and built in hitch reciever for bikes or storage pod. Also liked the exterior graphics with deluxe package.
The newest entry into the mini trailers is the Forest River V-Cross VIBE....looks like a winner with fiberglass roof and V frontal nose..lightweight and aerodynamic.
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gtkato
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12/27/11 12:29pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: REFRIGERATOR
I would try to raise or lower your TT as close to level before you take your trip. The trailer does not have to be perfectly level for the frig to run. It usually takes overnight to cool the frig sufficient to keep food from spoiling. It only takes an hour or two for food to spoil if not kept below 42 degrees. Being sick while on the road would be terrible. The minimum prep without plugging in overnight would be ice packs to cool the frig BEFORE putting food in.
As far as traveling with the frig on, most RVers do...with the exception of perhaps turning it off while fueling if the frig is near any pump being used. Running on LP is more effective than running on 12V.
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gtkato
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12/20/11 02:24pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: TT Recommendations
I agree with the truck camper. I had several for the last 7 years and went places that I could never go with my TT. Hardside and several great pop-ups(Artic Fox, Wolf Creek, Hallmark, 4Wheel, Northstar, etc) All of mine were self contained, Solar, and I carried a Honda 2000. Truck was HD Dodge 4x4 CTD with great clearance.
Northwoods makes a great durable small toy hauler called Desert Fox with tons of clearance and built-in gen and fuel station. The Northwood products (Nash, Artic Fox, Desert Fox, Wolf Creek) are made for off-road use.
I did a lot of consulting work in remote areas with my 4x4 Truck Campers, and miss the go anywhere freedom of a TC. (btw, most Class C motorhomes have VERY LOW ground clearance and only 2 wheel drive)
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gtkato
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12/06/11 07:39am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Which small/lightweight Trailer to get?
I have the Rockwood Mini Lite 1809S with couch slide and 14" wheels and option package with Tuscany interior. Pulled with 08 Xterra v-6 for about 3 months, but here in Colorado, most of our camping is the the high mountains. I did add the Hypertech Max Tuner which increased horsepower to 290 hp and 300 lbs of torque. I just sold an Dodge CTD with 400hp and 700lb of torque hauling a 3000lb TC, so I am spoiled with all the power and torque. I just purchased an 08 Dodge Durango with Hemi 5.7 and max tow package to pull the Mini-Lite.
Really like the layout of the Mini Lite and so far has met most of my expectations (especially like the light tongue weight and large holding tanks). We also looked at the R-pods and MPG's and feel the MPG by Heartland are better over quality. We did not want the small wet bath (since we spent 5 years with that in our Truck Camper).
This spring, we are going to look at the NEW Lance 1575 which has a huge slide out dinette, AND FUll Queen Size bed AND fiberglass roof and comes under the weights of our Mini Lite (caveat is that they are very expensive, and not many good deals). Just use the 80/20 rule based on your TV, then shop....Wolf Creek by Northwoods is also a good prospect.
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gtkato
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12/01/11 10:52am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Anybody got a Flojet?
When at campgrounds with dump stations, I use my Rhino Flex, but do not worry about doing the final cleanout till I get home. I run about 35 ft to our guest bath, dump 5 gallons of clean water into the toilet at end, and flush clean.
It does a great job with just 3/4" hose, but tends to run hot. It would be a big problem if the motor went out and only 1/2 finished. I use my Optima trolling motor for the battery since it takes a while to do a thorough job.
Overall would recommend the flojet. I wish the portable came with a end sewer cap for dump stations.
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gtkato
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10/31/11 12:16pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Recommendations on small TT w/ fiberglass roof
Rockwood Mini-Lite ETC series
Forest River R-Pod
Heartland MPG series
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gtkato
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10/20/11 03:01pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Small Trailers at the Portland RV Show
Went through the same process three months ago. Downsized TV and camper. Liked the Lance the best because of the huge slide out dinette and tons of storage. My previous Camper was an 08 Lance 845 Truck camper on a Dodge Cummins. Lance makes a quality product. The Lance TT did NOT come with some of the standard ammenities of the truck camper line )i.e. day-night shades, spice rack, magazine rack etc)
I ended up with (because of budget) the Rockwood 1809S Mini Lite over the Fun Finder 18ft (I thought the build quality was a little better, had rear bumper and heated holding tanks) The funfinder came with power tongue and stabalizer jacks) My favorite FF was the model you show (huge slide out, but SMALL dinnette, and awkward viewing of TV)
Other good small brands are Apex by Coachman, MPG by Heartland, R-Pod by Forest River, Wolf Pup, Rockwood Roo.
I may end up getting a larger TV in the spring and would get the Lance 1575 TT. Good luck
depends a lot on budget and TV
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gtkato
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09/21/11 07:29am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Looking for any comments on several small TT's
I downsized 4 months ago and looked at all the small TT. Ended up with the Rockwood 1809S. Love the layout and Tuscany interior.
other options for me were the MPG series (built by Heartland)over the R-Pods (felt the MPG was a little better built and more upscale)
Apex Ultra lightweight series by Coachman (also a Forest River Product) and upgrade of Rockwood and solid build quality. btw, Flagstaff will be discontinued in 2012. In the Denver area you can get an Apex for up to $9k off sticker right now (I wouuld have purchased the Apex 4 months ago if they were on sale then)
Wolf Pups, Rockwood Mini Lite ETC series, and the Rockwood Roos. I am looking at the MPG series again. My Xterra pulls the 1809S great until I hit steep grades in the high mountains (I also did the Hypertech Max tuner +20hp and +20lb of torque)
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gtkato
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09/20/11 08:36am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Proper Way to Charge House Batteries with Honda 2000
Thanks Keith M,
We are headed to eastern WA (Wenatchee/Levanworth areas) after seeing Glacier NP. My speed charger is a Schumacher SC8000A (12-30-80A) Totally automatic. Charges my large
Optima AGM trolling motor battery in about 2 hours. Thanks for the clarification about charging both batteries at same time. I will try it both ways while in Glacier NP (since there are no electrical hook-ups) Grew up in WA and really miss the PNW.
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gtkato
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08/12/11 08:13am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Proper Way to Charge House Batteries with Honda 2000
thanks for the clarification. I wasn't worried about the frig or detectors drawing too much power, but possible damage to the TT converter if not disconnected first before connecting the portable speed charger to batteries.
I am still not clear whether to connect the speed charger (portable unit with + and - cables) to charge both batteries at same time (parallel wired), or to charge each battery seperate?
Thanks for the education everyone.
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gtkato
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08/11/11 03:38pm |
Travel Trailers
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Proper Way to Charge House Batteries with Honda 2000
Question is the BEST way to charge house batteries with a Honda 2000 Portable generator?
1. I know I can just connect my shore power cord directly to the Honda Generator, but that is the slow way.
2. I have TWO 12V AGM 24 series house batteries
3. I also have a 3 stage Speed Charger
If I hook the generator up to the speed charger,
1. Should I DISCONNECT ALL elcetrical ( I have a disconnect switch) to the camper?, or is it OK to leave the electrical current going to the camper since the Refrigerator and CO2 detectors need some current to keep running. I don't want to damage the converter.
2. When hooking up the speed charger to the batteries directly (since I have two), do I charge each battery seperately?, or both at same time because they are connected in together?
I know I should know the answeres to these questions, but elctrical is not my strong suite. I am looking for the correct way to charge.
Thanks for your help
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gtkato
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08/11/11 12:43pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Rockwood or Coleman Small TT
The two TT are almost identical twins. Double check each for what is included in the "Value Packages". Aloy wheels vs. steel white spoke, TV and attena, Actual size of bed (Mini-Lite is only 54x75).
The Coleman only has two burner stove vs. 3 burner in Rockwood.
Double check axles and suspension and holding tank size.
The Mini-Lite 1809S has a front window that really makes a difference inside with tons of light (also has the rock guard).
Identical in layout. These light-weight TT built with aluminum structure are VERY thin walled. You cannot install a rear ladder without special re-inforcement from the factory. You will use a lot of industrial velcro and hollow wall screws mounting accessories.
My Mini-Light came with HEAT PADS (12V) for holding tanks, RVQ, 19" TV. The Rockwood Mini-Light has a beatiful "Tuscany" finished cabinet package (all the wood is glazed and sealed).
Bottom Line Price, because you will be adding a lot of add-ons (best to negotiate those at dealer at time of purchase...at their cost)
I've owned Coleman in the past, and they are good products. This is my first Rockwood, and fairly happy with my 1809S. Of course, you will always have those 'small fixes' after purchase because of Quality Control issues with both.
You can check out the Mini-Lite owners forum at
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f34/any-mini-lite-owners-out-there-12525-2.html
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gtkato
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08/05/11 10:56am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Let's See your Small trailers!
2011 Mini-Lite 1809S
http://i313.photobucket.com/albums/ll385/WI4C2TS/Rockwood%20Mini-Lite%201809S/DelaneyButte.jpg width=640
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gtkato
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08/04/11 08:29pm |
Travel Trailers
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