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Forum
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RE: Safety chains on 5th wheels
It has to do with the type of hitch. If you have a standard 5th wheel hitch, then no. If you have a gooseneck or anderson then yes.
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Thermoguy
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11/13/23 01:17pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tow Vehicle w/ Best Back Seat for Passengers - Ram Mega Cab?
I think it was back in around 2015 or 2016 that all manufacturers increased the rear passenger room. I think you can't go wrong with any of them in the years you are looking. As for bed length, the only thing wrong with my truck is the 6 1/2' bed. We have been looking at new trucks and finding a "long" bed is incredibly hard. Good thing I'm not in a hurry. What happened to trucks being used as trucks. The 6 1/2 foot bed is small regardless of what you are putting in there, unless you don't plan to use it as a truck. We haul hay, wood, trash, etc. And for towing, the longer wheelbase increases stability.
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Thermoguy
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11/07/23 01:39pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Running Dedicated Water Line For RV at Home?
I ran a sprinkler system in my barn using 3/4" flex tubing, designed for sprinklers. I did some research before I started and Pex is not supposed to be exposed to sunlight or installed outdoors. It is for in walls. I do not recall if it can be buried, but when I compared pricing, flexible sprinkler tubing was cheaper than Pex. I ran about 300' of line with 5 sprinkler heads and it is working great, easy to drain. But, for this application, the frost free hydrant type is the perfect solution. Bury the pipe below the frost line and add a hydrant at the end, use it forever. I have 3 of those around my property including one where we park the RV. Never an issue for getting water to fill before a trip or if a friend is staying for a few days.
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Thermoguy
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11/07/23 01:23pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: "Service Trailer Brake System" message on Suburban
What year suburban? On my Silverado it was a steering stabilizer sensor. Not sure how it is related but twice I have had this problem and both times they replace the steering stabilizer and it goes away.
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Thermoguy
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11/02/23 01:30pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: TT shopping
Before you get set on any specifics on trailers, first understand what your Pathfinder can tow. You need to look at payload, that is weight on the ball. That is the important number, how much weight can it safely tow which is commonly called payload. This includes cargo in your tow vehicle. Once you know that, you can look for trailers that meet that standard. Often the 6000 GVWR is an incorrect number.
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Thermoguy
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10/19/23 05:45pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Suggestions when looking at used Class A motor homes
Thanks for the responses. Hope to hear more from people with experience with different models or makes.
First, initially we will continue to use our truck and trailer for the horses, therefore we will have a truck to drive around when parked. We have thought about a toad for when we don't bring a second car. Looking at a bronco or jeep when camping. I had not though of the exhaust from a motor home being different from a truck pulling a trailer, will have to ask some with experience towing horse trailers with their motorhome.
I guess one of my questions are all diesel pushers built the same? So a Forest River product would be similar to a Newmar or Thor? Gas seems to be where the price drops the most. New ones are easily under $150K with great floor plans. Not the towing capability, but that may or may not be an issue for me if we can pull a toad.
Thanks again for the responses.
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Thermoguy
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10/08/23 01:36pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Turning With A Long Bumper Pull Trailer
Drive out until the tires of your trailer are even with the edge of the road, then turn the direction you need to go. You might be able to start turning a little before they are at the edge depending on how much room from the tires to the edge of the road, so if you stay to the left of the drive, you have more room to start your turn earlier. You might need to have someone stop traffic or just wait for a large enough gap so you can use both lanes of the road.
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Thermoguy
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10/06/23 02:38pm |
Towing
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Suggestions when looking at used Class A motor homes
I thought I would create this post right before heading out for our final camp trip of the season. When we get home, I will winterize and cover the RV for the winter.
We currently have an older 5th wheel that we would like to upgrade in the next 6-12 months. We have been looking and have decided that if we buy a new RV we have 2 options. First, we have a problem where we have 2 trailers and 1 truck. We often have to take 2 trips, one for the horses and one for the 5th wheel. We started to look at new or slightly used 5th wheels and new or slightly used trucks. Our interest has taken us to where we would need a 1 ton truck if upgrading trucks and a larger trailer than what we have now. I have often thought that the ideal RV for our situation is a Super C with a 4 horse trailer. However, looking at Super C’s they are either really great and expensive or not what I want in a RV. So, we started looking at Class A’s and at a recent RV show were really surprised at the price of a new Class A gas RV. Comparing to a 5th wheel and new truck the Class A is less expensive.
That got me looking through a variety of sources for used RV’s. Lots of Class A’s on the market, I think as interest rates climb and fuel prices reach all time highs, more will come on the market. That leads me to some questions looking at used RV’s. In the Class A market there is gas or diesel. I would prefer a diesel pusher since I want to be able to tow up to 10K. But I don’t know what to look for or what to look out for. Finding a 10 year old Diesel pusher with 30-50K miles is common and at very reasonable prices, but is this a ticking time bomb? With low usage, my fear is the engine is ready to be replaced or overhauled. I have seen lots of adds with low mileage Class A units with replaced engines or rebuilt or lots or repairs. That is great, but concerns me. What should I stay away from as it relates to engines, mileage, or years? What should I look for as reliable. Can anyone tell me why I would want a gas Class A vs Diesel pusher? I know they are way lower in price initially but they all drop like a rock as one a few years old is very reasonable in price.
I know a Cummins diesel engine should go for 400K plus miles but why are RV’s needing rebuilt with under 100K miles, is it because they site too much and the engines are not designed to sit? Or, is it because they are overworked by the large home they are pulling and undersized motors? I guess the same is true for gas Class A rigs, any opinions on this from someone who has had to rebuild a motor with low miles?
My second question not related to the drive train is the house. I know from looking at trailers, they are built poorly. What about a Class A? Are some built the same as trailers or are they all built on bus chassis? I see a lot say freightliner chassis but some don’t say, what is good or what is bad? What about the walls or roof? It seems fiberglass roof is the preferred? But maybe I am wrong. What issues have some of you had with different roofs? We would like to find one with a drop down bed and possibly even bunk beds. My wife has her eyes on a Berkshire but being a Forest River product, I am not sure if that is built just like the travel trailers. What advice can anyone give me on this?
Looking at the used market, is there any reason to stay away from an older diesel pusher? It seems that what was once $400K can be easily found for $50-$75K if you are willing to go a few years older. We have been looking at 2010-2018. I think someone said stay away from anything newer than 2018 or 2017? Any advice on years? We are would like to stay under $100K but have looked at units up to $150K. I know I can get a new Class A gas with everything we want for under $150K as prices continue to fall. I was shocked at the discounts we saw at the recent RV show, I guess the correction is starting. I have heard stay away from Thor, is that year specific or anything Thor?
If anyone has any advice as to why a 5th or class A or Super C, I would be interested in your advice. I can think of some major reasons for staying away from a diesel or larger rv like the cost of maintenance, tires, repairs, etc. But buying a truck and a trailer has its disadvantages as well.
Before anyone asks why we don’t buy a living quarter horse trailer. Basically, 2 reasons, 1 is price, you can buy a new Class A for the price of a new horse trailer, the other is we camp more than we go to horse shows. So, we want something that accommodates both needs.
Thank you in advance for your input and advice.
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Thermoguy
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10/06/23 02:26pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: What to look for - construction / materials / options
Found this on youtube this morning. Maybe not the brands you are looking at but shows some of the poor quality decisions manufactures make when designing and building an RV. Things to stay away from or things that are good and will last a long time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gamZIUnWNp4
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Thermoguy
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09/30/23 10:16am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tow truck ideas / advice
Budget?
Do you want something that will work or something that is overkill like a 1 ton? Truck or SUV or you don't have a preference?
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Thermoguy
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09/28/23 06:19pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck / 5th Wheel Combo - Do the numbers add up?
I have a 2015 Chev 2500 with similar numbers to your F250 Mine is a Diesel, but the 7.3 is a very capable motor. My trailer is 32' and weighs a little more per the weights I have on the tags and from scales. I have no problems with that combo. I would prefer a 1 ton just so I can upgrade down the road. You might drive both, I don't think there is much a a difference in how they drive, just what your payload capabilities are. But, aside from that, your comfortably in F250 territory.
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Thermoguy
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09/27/23 01:06pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Alaskan Marine Highway Experience?
I have no experience with your question, but we did take an Alaskan Cruise. I said if I ever do this again, it will not be on a cruise ship but on the Alaska Marine Highway. My suggestion would be to find a spot to leave your RV, then take your tag on the ferry. Many of these ships have staterooms you can rent. If you wanted to stay longer in a place, get a hotel. With the marine highway, you can cruise overnight from port to port and sleep on the ship.
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Thermoguy
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09/17/23 01:22pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: DEF fluid
Or buy the Walmart Brand for $9 to $12 for 2 1/2 Gal. Been using it since 2005 in three different trucks and no issues.
2005? Mmmmkay
I'm guessing he means 2015...
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Thermoguy
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09/17/23 01:12pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: DEF fluid
Some stores offer a premium DEF - Platinum I think... You don't need that. Just buy the regular Blue DEF. Last time I had to look around for the cheaper stuff.
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Thermoguy
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09/17/23 01:12pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Boondocking near Yellowstone and Grand Teton
I don't think you can camp outside a campground in Yellowstone. Not sure about Grand Teton. Did you look at their websites? They should have camping rules. I know Yellowstone has campgrounds that only allow solid sided trailers, no tents. Did you look for reservations at the campsites within Yellowstone? I'm sure you want to leave your trailer somewhere so you can stop at the sites, it can be hard to get parking if you have a trailer or something that doesn't fit in a conventional parking spot.
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Thermoguy
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09/16/23 01:46pm |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: 2024 F150 Reveal
Ford is the best selling truck when you look at all trucks combined. Meaning, the F150, 250, 350, 450, 550 - then compare that to Chev 2500, 3500, etc - then compare that to GMC 2500, 3500 etc - then compare that to Ram 2500, 3500 etc.
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Thermoguy
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09/16/23 01:41pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Replace television
I think you only need to make sure if fits in the space you need. I have a 43" Samsung 4K TV that has been great. It sits in a cabinet (older trailer) and I don't secure it in any way, the legs on the TV hold it just fine.
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Thermoguy
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09/16/23 01:30pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Fifth wheel chucking (practical help needed)
Reading through these suggestions there is not much about the hitch as it relates to the rear axel of the truck. Where is yours, do you have the ability to move the hitch forward or back, up or down?
I have a B&W Companion which has lots of adjustments. When we first got our 5th wheel, the chucking was awful. Our first real camp trip was to Yellowstone, so every night after evaluating the ride, I would adjust the hitch as it relates to the truck bed, forward, up, back, down, etc. Finally found the location where it rides the best and haven't adjusted it since. I do think it rides better with a tank full fresh water, probably takes some weight off the hitch. I have never weighed the trailer separately, only with the truck attached, so can't help you there. But, if you can, try adjusting the hitch in the bed before spending money on shocks, fixes, that might not work.
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Thermoguy
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09/16/23 01:14pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: electric RV appliances
You don't BBQ every day when you full time RV. :)
If it was my job to cook at home, I would BBQ every day there as well...
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Thermoguy
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09/11/23 02:00pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: wiggle room on price
We looked at a trailer back in June. Sticker price was $80K or so. However, when asked, they were easy to tell me the sale price was $65. We didn't bite, but gave them our info. I have had 3 emails from them since, each time the price is $3K less. Not sure if they are selling or not selling trailers. But with the high interest rates and inflation of prices over Covid. Prices are or were as high as ever, dealers seem to be willing to deal just to sell a unit.
Do some internet research to see what "sale" prices other dealers have on that unit. Offer them a similar price if you are comfortable with that and go from there. Or, try the 35% and see what they say. Most likely they will come back with a counter offer. But, I think the days of paying MSRP are gone for now.
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Thermoguy
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09/11/23 01:45pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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