Travel Trailer

[Chris]

I'd like to see what other people have for travel trailers (vs. Popups, etc) as I search for one for myself. I'm planning to replace my pop-up with a bit more luxury for longer road trips. I know Aaron, Aaron & Rick have something. Pics, description, suggestions are all appreciated. I'm looking for something that's light, single axle, sleeps 4, has heat, power, kitchen, bathroom and is affordable. Affordable for this thread is under 5K.

TIA!

[Funrover]

For you I would get on like Jess and I have. It's simple, small, light and can go down many dirt roads without overhang issues. We have a bathroom, real bed, 3 burner stove, ice box(fridge soon), kitchen table, tons of storage etc etc. It's easy to tow with many vehicles. I would also say that the older "canned ham" type trailers are affordable. They don't have what I consider a waste is new campers (TV, and other indoor electronics that take up space.... Families excluded, kids change the rules. I get that).

What are you looking for in a trailer? What are the "must have" parts you want?

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Camping/July%209%202011/DSCN3872.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Camping/Feb%2019%202011/DSCN3425.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Camping/Feb%2019%202011/DSCN3422.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Camping/June%2011%202011/DSCN3768.jpg

[Funrover]

What size are you looking for?

Something like this ---> http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/3325722413.html / http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/3388740870.html

or bigger?

[Funrover]

http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/3401044472.html

[Brad]

I dig you toaster Aaron!

that second one, with the bunk beds... Awesome for the grand kids Chris!

[Rick]

that second oneKinda like it too!

[Chris]

I like the small ones and watch CL for one that I'll buy but most don't have sufficient sleeping space or bathroom facilities. The old style are cool though they seem to run heavier which is okay I guess since the 4Runner is a V8. I like the second one too but bunk beds are not for us, we still like to sleep together and climbing up and down is not something we want especially now that we're "older" and tend to get up more often at night than you younguns. :lmao:

I suspect I'll end up with an older one simply due to price and we don't need or want all the frills. If I want to watch TV I'll stay home! I do like the idea of being able to plug in a coffee pot but stovetop brewing is okay too. We also need to be able to sleep at least 3 adults comfortably since we take a friend with us on at least one road trip every year. Next year will be Yosemite.

[Jackie]

When Britton and I first left our homes in MN and decided to "go on an adventure" in Florida for a few months (we were still just kids), we pulled an old Apachee pop-up. We lived in that thing for 3 months in a developed campground that provided a bathroom, showers and laundry facilities. It had 2 double-bed compartments, but we used one half as a closet for all of our clothes and other stuff. We could pull the curtain closed and make our "home" look "nice"!!! We finally ended up in an apartment and sold the pop-up to a hunter! The rest is history....

Those were really good days! We still look back and laugh! I wish we still had that thing. I know we would use it!

[Chris]

Sounds like a good time Jackie! I'll make you a deal on my popup if I find a trailer. It's nice to look back and have good memories!

[Jackie]

I might just take you up on that!

[Funrover]

I dig you toaster Aaron!



Thanks, we love it!


I like the small ones and watch CL for one that I'll buy but most don't have sufficient sleeping space or bathroom facilities. The old style are cool though they seem to run heavier which is okay I guess since the 4Runner is a V8. I like the second one too but bunk beds are not for us, we still like to sleep together and climbing up and down is not something we want especially now that we're "older" and tend to get up more often at night than you younguns. :lmao:

I suspect I'll end up with an older one simply due to price and we don't need or want all the frills. If I want to watch TV I'll stay home! I do like the idea of being able to plug in a coffee pot but stovetop brewing is okay too. We also need to be able to sleep at least 3 adults comfortably since we take a friend with us on at least one road trip every year. Next year will be Yosemite.

We pulled our toaster with our old Cherokee, it did great behind that also. The older ones are not that bad about weight depending on what brand you go with. Is there a maximum length you have in mind? A great trailer that is a little bigger than mine is a Wilderness.They are a very well thought out interior floor plan and can accommodate what you are looking for. They do runa bit heavier but with your Toyota it would be any issue what so ever.

[Funrover]

,[/I] we pulled an old Apachee pop-up. ! I wish we still had that thing. I know we would use it!

My parents had a 77 Ramada. I loved that camper. That is what got me hooked. I try to talk Jess into one of those all the time.

[Chris]

Is there a maximum length you have in mind? A great trailer that is a little bigger than mine is a Wilderness.They are a very well thought out interior floor plan and can accommodate what you are looking for. They do runa bit heavier but with your Toyota it would be any issue what so ever.

I'll see if I can find some info on the Wilderness. As far as size smaller is better, 20ft or so but nowhere near 30ft dual axle monsters with a master bedroom suite. :erm:

[Brad]

I thought you were looking for sleeping arrangements for the grand kids, sorry Chris.

[Chris]

Not a problem Brad, this is for Barb & I primarily. We'd like to not have to do the setup we do with the popup and still have it fairly simple like the popup. We put over 5K miles this season with the popup and had fun the whole time. Truth is we know that we won't always be the fit, energetic, fine physical specimens we are today. :rolleyes:

[scout man]

Truth is we know that we won't always be the fit, energetic, fine physical specimens we are today. :rolleyes:

Well, not if you start taking the easy way out you wont be!! next will be velcro shoes and elastic pants while you point at the neighbor kids with your cain yelling at them for stepping on your lawn!! :brody:


:D

[Funrover]

Here is a nice size one. Not too heavy, and can sleep 3 when needed

http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/3359331356.html

[Funrover]

Slightly newer, seems really nice.

http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/3338486072.html

- - - Updated - - -

Slightly newer, seems really nice.

http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/3338486072.html

[Chris]

Thanks Aaron, any idea how much more these older ones weight vs new? I seem to see a lot of 4000# trailers which is doable but not preferable.

[Funrover]

Thanks Aaron, any idea how much more these older ones weight vs new? I seem to see a lot of 4000# trailers which is doable but not preferable.

Not sure on the ones I posted. I know mine is below 3000 loaded

[Chris]

I might have found just what I want so I put up a feeler for my popup. Jackie, a Christmas presant for Britton! :D

[Funrover]

I might have found just what I want so I put up a feeler for my popup. Jackie, a Christmas presant for Britton! :D

Good luck Chris! Hope you got a great one (if you get it)!

[Chris]

Thanks Aaron, fingers crossed! At a bit more than half the asking price it may be the deal I was hoping to find. :2thumbup:

[Brad]

I love living vicariously through you Chris! Good luck!

[Chris]

Thanks Brad, the deal is made and agreed upon so I just need to make it legal on Monday. The seller dropped his price to one I couldn't refuse.

I'll show it off after I own it since I'm a bit superstitious. :lmao:

It meets all my needs: Light (under 3k and under 20 feet) single axle (yes) sleeps 4 (yes) and has heat, power, kitchen, bathroom and is affordable (all yes). The bonus is it also has A/C which I can't imagine using until I think of our stay in the Badlands last summer when it cooled down to 99 degrees at 11pm, it also has a 600 watt generator and 2 deep cycle batteries.

:woot: :woot: :woot:

[Patrolman]

Congrats on the purchase Chris!

[Rick]

Nice

[Rob]

:thumb:

[Tom]

:2thumbup::smokin:

[Chris]

Thanks guys, do you still have yours Rick? I think I'll need some advising on what's what since the seller knows less about it than I do. :erm:

[Rick]

do you still have yours Rick?I do. Let me know and I can help with what I know.

[glacierpaul]

Love our travel trailer, Chris! Congrats on your purchase! It makes for a way more enjoyable camping experience IMHO! Especially when you have kiddos. Our's is a 1986, 25' double axle. Was in near perfect condition. Being a plumber, the first thing was all new plumbing, toilet, water heater, faucets, and some of the piping(plan on total retro of piping this spring). The next 'MOD' I want to do is install a sliding drawer/platform in between the frame rails at the rear to make an ATV carrier.
I foresee a travel trailer 'run' at some point Chris :).

[Chris]

Thanks guys, nice to know I can seek answers right here because I'm sure I'll have more than a few questions. It sure will make camping more enjoyable Paul since we're getting soft in our old age our needs are more along the line of kids! :lmao:

[Brad]

Jenn and I plan on getting a more stout RV in our later years.

[Chris]

Jenn and I plan on getting a more stout RV in our later years.

You mean when you're old like Barb & I? :lmao:

My first question I could use advice on is brake controllers. The seller and the owner previous to him never used one. I understand you need one to use the trailer brakes, is this right? Could it have electric brakes activated through the wiring?

[scout man]

yes, you need one to controll the brakes on the trailer. the controller regulates HOW MUCH the trailer brakes apply, and it is variable from inside the cab. too firm and the trailer will skid while you roll to a stop, and too soft and they dont function well enough. Currently, your truck wont output anything down the brake lines on the trailer connector, because there is not a brain there to control the signal. You can use it without the controller, but you wont have functional trailer brakes. Controllers arent too expensive.

[CS79bronco]

Chris, check your owners manual for trailering info. You may be able to plug n play with a controller, some newer model vehicles come that way.

[Chris]

Good idea Charles, I'll RTFM first!

Thanks Steve, that was my understanding but since the two PO's had no idea what I was talking about I wasn't sure. Maybe they decided to sell it because they didn't like being pushed around by it when stopping! :eek:

I've seen there are two types, time-delayed which sounds kind of spooky and the proportional which makes sense. Any opinions on the choices? In the $100 range isn't too bad to keep it regulated.

[scout man]

ive only ever used the proportional. I am in the market too, but havent done my research yet on which one.

[Chris]

I just ordered mine - Tekonsha Prodigy P2 which is a plug and play with the connector harness for the empty plug under my dash. Thank to Charles I read my manual and found the plugs there waiting to be used. The Prodigy comes highly recommended by 4Runner people and the general population too. Free shipping right now, total just under $140.

[scout man]

and after reading your post, I just had the realization that I noticed a plug under my dash that seemed strangely placed, and empty. I bet mine is pre-wired too! Never even gave that any thought.

[Funrover]

and after reading your post, I just had the realization that I noticed a plug under my dash that seemed strangely placed, and empty. I bet mine is pre-wired too! Never even gave that any thought.

Your Ford is prewired, simple plug and play!

[Chris]

Nice thing to find because wiring isn't something I like to spend time on doing and re-doing :redface:

[Jackie]

Jackie, a Christmas presant for Britton!

Not this year, Chris. We have no place to put it! But I have another idea in mind... I have to wait for him to go out of town next week before I go get it!!!

[Brad]

We do need a front range camper rally!

[Chris]

A camper rally sounds good Paul & Brad. I'm heading out to get mine at noon. :2thumbup:

The first pic is mine, the others just pics I found.

[Funrover]

Nice set up, gotta love the hybrids! Show interior when you can.

[Patrolman]

That is pretty slick Chris! I have never seen a style like that before, but I don't spend much time in established camp sites. Do you have to pop the sides out to sleep in it, or is there a bed inside? Would be warmer without the pop outs and allow you to camp in Yellowstone. Nice to have the extra space though with the pop outs!

[Rick]

Similar to mine. Just looking at your picture I would recommend some kind of gutter or rain diverter over the pop out. Water likes to get into that. My friend had a Tahoe that didnt have one and the rain and snow did damage. Also watch your clean outs going over little humps and stuff, I snapped mine off going over a tiny bump pulling into a camp site.I ended up flipping my axles and now have more clearance than the truck. Oh yeah and when you winterize dont forget to run it through the outside shower too.I forgot and it cracked it. Just things off the top of my head(Things I wish someone told me)

[Rick]

and also throw some zipties on the awning arms, I witnessed my friends awning get ripped off as he was driving down the highway

- - - Updated - - -


We do need a front range camper rally!:thumb:

[Chris]

That is pretty slick Chris! I have never seen a style like that before, but I don't spend much time in established camp sites. Do you have to pop the sides out to sleep in it, or is there a bed inside? Would be warmer without the pop outs and allow you to camp in Yellowstone. Nice to have the extra space though with the pop outs!

It's called a hybrid Jeff, a cross between the popup type beds and hard sided unit. The beds flip down rather than pull out so you don't need to have them in place to use the inside of it. I'll get some pics next time I see it since I forgot my camera today.


Similar to mine. Just looking at your picture I would recommend some kind of gutter or rain diverter over the pop out. Water likes to get into that. My friend had a Tahoe that didnt have one and the rain and snow did damage. Also watch your clean outs going over little humps and stuff, I snapped mine off going over a tiny bump pulling into a camp site.I ended up flipping my axles and now have more clearance than the truck. Oh yeah and when you winterize dont forget to run it through the outside shower too.I forgot and it cracked it. Just things off the top of my head(Things I wish someone told me)

Thanks Rick, I wondered how susceptible it was to leaks and your sulution sounds good. I don't like how low the cleanouts hang and when I first saw it thought that the PO adapted something because it sure looks out of place. I figured I'd need to lift it after seeing that and knowing my tendency to break low hanging parts. How hard was the axle flip? You have dual axle, right? It's been winterized by a shop so I hope it was done right, I'll check asap though.

It's now officially mine!

[Chris]

QUOTE=Tricky69;217160]and also throw some zipties on the awning arms, I witnessed my friends awning get ripped off as he was driving down the highway[/QUOTE]

Good to know too Rick, keep them coming, I'm a total newbie!

[Chris]

Barb just gave me a couple inside pics she found. We don't have the table that's in the horseshoe sitting area though.

[Rick]

How hard was the axle flip? You have dual axle, right?Its dual; it tookabout 5 hrs. We 1st put the springs on top of the axles and it sat way to high,we ended up rolling the axles,cutting the gussets off and welding them on the the other side then reattach everything. It really wasnt that hard,just time.

[Rick]

gave me 8" of lift vs. 15" spring over axle

[CS79bronco]

That looks really nice, and sounds like you got a good buy, Chris. Good choice on the Prodigy controller, and they are guaranteed for life. If you had the filler for the horseshoe couldn't that be another sleeping area? Looks like it could be, and would be quick to make a bed if travelling, or if cold weather.

[Rick]

cold weather.thats what we do in the winter(leave the pop out closed)

[Brad]

Nice Chris!

There is a wealth of replacement parts for RV's out there.

As for the bunk end/pop out check these guys out. I recommend the high wind option.
http://www.popupgizmos.com/

[Chris]

I've seen their stuff, kind of interesting. I can say my pop-up handles winds up to 50mph from experience! :eek:

I think besides Rick's suggestions the only thing on my list will be building a table to fit where it's supposed to be and then I'll use it and see what is what.

[Chris]

gave me 8" of lift vs. 15" spring over axle

Hmmm, I haven't looked at the suspension but 8" might be a bit much. Do you have a pic by chance?


That looks really nice, and sounds like you got a good buy, Chris. Good choice on the Prodigy controller, and they are guaranteed for life. If you had the filler for the horseshoe couldn't that be another sleeping area? Looks like it could be, and would be quick to make a bed if travelling, or if cold weather.

Yeah, the seller sold it cheap, I like that! Like I mentioned to Brad, building the table in the horseshoe is on the top of my list.

[Rick]

all I could find but as you can see its not to high on mine.

[Chris]

Thanks Rick, looks good!

[southpaws3]

NICE!!! good buy!

[Chris]

Best $3500 I've spent Ed!

[Rick]

Usually when I store mine I leave the fridge and freezer cracked open,disconnect the batteries put grey water treatment in all the drains(keeps it from stinkin) and lower it fwd so any rain or snow slides off , oh yeah and wheel covers.

[Rick]

keep thinkin of stuff thats happened to me! find a way to keep your cabinets shut when traveling or you will find you food all over the trailer. Ill keep posting as I think of stuff thats happened to me!

[Rick]

and gloves for when you dump!!!!!:erm::erm:

[Java]

That's awesome Chris, congratulations!! :thumb:

[Patrolman]

keep thinkin of stuff thats happened to me! find a way to keep your cabinets shut when traveling or you will find you food all over the trailer. Ill keep posting as I think of stuff thats happened to me!

Child safety locks for cabinets. There are 2 basic styles that should do the job depending on if the cabinets are side-by-side or individual (would require the magnetic one).

http://www.amazon.com/Dreambaby-Pack-Secure-Lock-White/dp/B004BJ0SN0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1354057207&sr=8-4&keywords=child+cabinet+locks

http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-Drill-Magnetic-Cabinet-Locks/dp/B004Z1SDSG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354057238&sr=8-2&keywords=child+cabinet+locks+magnet

[Chris]

Great solution Jeff! I took Barb out to see it today and take some pics. I found that it does have a drip gutter above both flip-down beds as well as platforms for turning the U into a platform for the cushions/bed. It won't take much to turn those into a removeable table. I hope everything continues to be this easy.

Yeah, I know better! :lmao:

[CS79bronco]

My old RV has latches on the outside of the doors & drawers, handles with push-buttons that release the latch. All plastic, but still work after 30 + years. I don't know if they are available from RV dealers still, but think something similar would be.

[Chris]

I'll have to pay attention to the cabinets next time, all I'm sure of is that the fridge has a locking clip to keep it closed.

I kept forgetting that while at the RV storage place I spotted a familiar truck and then looked closer to see the Front Range 4x4 sticker on the windshield and knew it was Asher's truck! IIRC the last trail that saw was when I towed him off Coney Flats.

[Chris]

I'm getting things done to make the trailer usable. I found that the tongue jack handle hit my spare tire and was unusable as it sat so I'm adding a Harbor Freight electric jack tomorrow. I already swapped back my stock mirrors for needed visibility, added the brake controller, larger hitch ball, etc.

Next up will be lifting so the low hanging plumbing won't get ripped off as Rick mentioned. I'm not 100% set on the axle flip but it seems the logical solution and pretty easy. Anyone wanting to lend me a hand on doing that?

[Rick]

Anyone wanting to lend me a hand on doing that?My Dad did the welding but I would offer my labor if that helps as for something loke that I do not trust my welding skills

[Chris]

What needed welding Rick? My popup was an unbolt, flip & rebolt.

I am probably jumping the gun since I haven't even looked at the axle setup yet. :p

[Rick]

On mine there is Gussets that the springs set on so we cut those off, rolled the axle and re welded on the otherside.Its hard to describe but at the ends of the axle its a 4"arm and when we rolled it thats how we got the 8" lift,if that makes ant sense. If your ever available I could show you mine

[Chris]

That makes sense Rick, I better take a look at mine and then I may need to compare to yours.

BTW, what make is yours?

[Rick]

2002 Keystone Cabana

[Chris]

Keystone is a whole lot more recognizable than my Thor which no longer exists. Thor now sells only motor homes and the branch that made mine has a web page that's blank.

[Rick]

It can be figured out. My trailer is off Jewell and Wadsworth if you ever want to just take a look I can give you the address or meet you there. Its at my mother in laws home

[Chris]

Thanks Rick, that's about 4 miles from where mine is stored at Wadsworth & Colfax. I'm going to be doing a bit of prep work on mine tomorrow so I'll take a few minutes to check out the axle mounting method.

[Chris]

Brought it home for the weekend, I have some interior pics that Aaron asked for but have to get them off the camera. Spent the day learning what and how stuff works. So far so good, the refigerator & freezer work which was nice to see, it runs on batteries, plugin or propane. Just one interior light doesn't work but everything else does so far. Picked up some propane tanks to check the heating tomorrow.

The axle flip looks to be very easy, no extra gussets like Rick has. That's one reason I wanted a single axle, one less set of tires/brakes to fix. The brake controller is cool, very nice to have too. It tows very nicely as it is but I found a Draw-Tite anti-sway bar in the storage area and will have to figure that one out too. Anyone familair with them?

Now my question: How long do the deep cycle batteries last? I have 2 wired together and I know they charge from the truck but do they also change when the trailer is plugged in?

Other problem: even with the electric tongue jack my spare is in the way when I turn. I think it may be possible for someone with welding/fab skills to pull the tire mount closer to the rear gate but that's another day too.

[Rick]

do they also change when the trailer is plugged in?Yes,as long as you have your breakers on.

[Rick]

Now my question: How long do the deep cycle batteries last?I have had mine now 4yrs but they are getting weak

[Chris]

Yes,as long as you have your breakers on.

So much I don't know, I guess I'll look for breakers Rick. Didn't notice any today.

Thanks.

[Rick]

I guess I'll look for breakers Rick. Didn't notice any today.You have em! Mine are under a closet door inside w/ a metal door

[scout man]

lets see a pic of your trailer jack issue chris. if its the jack thats hitting, i bet we could either move it back further, or use a side mount jack that can swivel horizontal when towing. if you want to bring it by this week Ill get you fixed up. either with a new jack location, or moving the tire for you.

- - - Updated - - -

lets see a pic of your trailer jack issue chris. if its the jack thats hitting, i bet we could either move it back further, or use a side mount jack that can swivel horizontal when towing. if you want to bring it by this week Ill get you fixed up. either with a new jack location, or moving the tire for you.

[Chris]

Thanks Steve, I'll try to get the spare back on today and take a few pics. I probably should have gone with the side mount like I had on my popup but since I bought the electric I want to use it. It may be possible to move it.

(I fixed the "- - - Updated - - -" thing on posts too, the double-post will no longer show...)

[Chris]

i bet we could either move it back further

Hey Steve, I like the idea of moving it back. Here are a couple pics, one as it sits, the second where I think it could go behind the propane tanks. I wouldn't be able to use the plastic cover for the tanks but that's pretty much just to make it pretty and keep the weather off. It also pprevents access when the bed is down so I might just ditch that. What do you think? It would need a strong (.25" ?) across the top and bottom with a hole to align the jack correctly.

[Chris]

I think the tire mount could also be shortened.

[scout man]

looks to me like either option would be perfectly viable (or both). I will be around the next 3 days, or next weekend if you would like me to take care of it. I should have everything on hand to do either option.

[Chris]

Pm coming Steve

[glacierpaul]

Fab a tire carrier to the back of the trailer for hauling purposes, then when the trailer is parked, put the spare back on the Toy for your wheelin'. Or a roof rack maybe.
I leave my switches(trailer fuse box) on for the battery charger, that way any time it is plugged in(which is damn near always) the batteries stay charged.

[Chris]

Thanks, I was thinking about that Paul, I have it in the back of the truck now and with the trailer the loss of room isn't a big deal since I don't need to load stuff in the truck. Roof rack? Never! I can't lift it that high! :brody:

I'm going to go to Steve's tomorrow and have him relocate the jack. That may fix everything.

I have yet to find a fuse box on mine, inline fuses I've found but no box. The only place I haven't looked is underneath which would be a strange place for one. I'll look more today.

[Brad]

Let me know if you ever want to add solar to keep your batteries charged as well. :thumb:

[Chris]

Thanks Brad, I need to see how long the batteries hold their charge before doing anything more.

[Chris]

its not to high on mine

Question for you Rick. Did you just flip your axle or did you use a kit and weld new brackets? Could you detect any arc in the axle before doing it? How much did the handling change and could you tell if the tongue weight was affected?

Thanks!

[Patrolman]

Chris, a better option might be a slightly longer hitch. I noticed that the trailer jack on the pop-up wedged into my bumper when I was backing it in, putting a small dent in the top of the jack. Since I don't have a receiver, the ball is mounted right on the bumper, making for a really short angle. The longer the hitch, the more clearance you are going to have for tighter turns, and may clear everything all together. Another option would be a slight drop receiver.

They make "extensions" where you slide the extension into the receiver, and then the hitch into the extension like this:
http://www.realtruck.com/curt-trailer-hitch-adapters/

I would prefer this which has less "connections" and things to fail:
http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Hidden-Hitch/80232.html\

Or use the drop hitch in adjustable or fixed format:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HD-10-Adjustable-Trailer-Drop-Hitch-Ball-Mount-2-Receiver-Hauling-Towing-/200813440768
or like this:
http://www.fayettetrailersales.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BMHD30012

[Chris]

Thanks Jeff but I was doing some reading at etrailer and it doesn't sound like an extension is a good idea. Probably fine for the popup but I have another 1000+ lbs. They sell a flip kit which is what made me ask the question. I did the same tight turn with the trailer, I need to learn to not bind it up like that.

It came with a anti-sway setup that's pretty interesting but can't be used off pavement which won't suit me very well. I don't plan on wheeling it but do plan to get away from everything which means no pavement at times. I'm reserving my options until the jack is moved to see what's what but think a lift is in order to avoid tearing off the plumbing drains.

[Chris]

I just realized the anti-sway setup has adjustments up and down, that may work for the ball w/o all the other stuff...

[Patrolman]

Yeah, I know you shouldn't use the extensions with the heavier weight, which is why a slightly longer hitch might solve the problem and not make anything bad. I know you are also supposed to try to keep the trailer level. I guess you measure the height of your receiver, measure the height of the trailer tongue when it is on level ground and leveled out, and get a hitch that compensates for the difference. Of course, that could make things worse depending on which way yours might need to go.

Unsure why the link above didn't work for e-trailer. This is the same idea. Enough capacity, very simple. Gives you the option of just a bit more length:
http://www.curtmfg.com/Category/166/Dual%20Length%20Ball%20Mounts

[ColoJeeper]

The extensions drop your tongue weight by almost 1/2 if you use them. I have one that I use just to use my bike rack on the back of the JK, works great for that and allows it to clear the larger tire. If you decide to get the extension, the cheapest place in town to get them is your local UHaul store.

[Chris]

Unsure why the link above didn't work for e-trailer

It just has a / at the end that shouldn't be there. I'll be hooking it back up tomorrow and I'll do some measuring Jeff.

Thanks Don, I'm now sure I don't want an extension.

[Patrolman]

I hadn't thought about the change of the tongue weight. Good to have some weight on the back of the rig.

[ColoJeeper]

Let me clarify that comment.....the extension for the reciever hitch reduces your allowable tongue weight capacity by about 1/2.

[glacierpaul]

Chris, the sway bar is extra insurance. I have the sway bars for my 25' and definitely use them, your trailer may be small enough to not be an issue, but I figure if you have it, use it. Mine has 2 bars on each side of the trailer hitch that connect to the truck hitch.

[Chris]

Agreed Paul, I'll be reading up on the right way to install & adjust.

[scout man]

did you pick those brackets up off my driveway and take them with you Chris? I havent seen them kicking around, but didnt see you grab them either.

[Chris]

Yep, I tossed them in the truck Steve. I just talked with a friend who advised me to use that anti-sway setup, he said it really helps and since I don't have to spend $250 for it figure I might as well.

The guys at the shop really liked the new setup, got it painted and back in to storage until I do the axle flip.

Thanks again!

[Brad]

Let me know if you want help, I have been entertaining a camper as a temp housing solution when we buy our land and would love to check yours out!

[Chris]

I'll let you know when I have it back at the house Brad. :thumb:

[Chris]

got it painted and back in to storage until I do the axle flip.

Got the axle flipped today, gained an extra 6.5" so bigger tires are next.

Spring is close, time to get this wrapped up and ready to go!

[Brad]

:pics: :thumb:

[Chris]

I haven't seen it yet myself. I got a Dexter flip kit through eTrailer and dropped it off at the shop where it's stored. Much to my surprise one of the guys installed it today. I'll get pics next time I'm there which might even be tomorrow if I can swing it. We're down to one car these days so have to juggle a bit.

[Chris]

All ready to go, got the weight distributing hitch installed yesterday. It rides nice and level with the truck, can hardly tell it's back there but I'm sure the gas gauge will remind me!

Looks like Moab will be the maiden run...

[Patrolman]

Looking good! All ready to hit the road!

[Brad]

Nice Chris! :thumb:

[Rob]

Very nice, Chris. I'll drive behind you on the way to Moab in case you need push up the passes.

[Chris]

:steer: It's a plan Rob!

[glacierpaul]

Very nice, Chris. I'll drive behind you on the way to Moab in case you need push up the passes.:lmao:

Very nice Chris!!

[Chris]

Very nice, Chris. I'll drive behind you on the way to Moab in case you need push up the passes.

Rob, I think you're really just going to just draft behind the trailer to save gas. I'm told I'll be doing good if I get 10 mpg for the trip.

[Rob]

10 mpg for the trip

Wow, so, like the 40 not dragging a trailer, except a couple MPG better. :)

[Chris]

:lmao:

[Funrover]

All ready to go, got the weight distributing hitch installed yesterday. It rides nice and level with the truck, can hardly tell it's back there but I'm sure the gas gauge will remind me!

Looks like Moab will be the maiden run...


Right on man!

[glacierpaul]

Rob, I think you're really just going to just draft behind the trailer to save gas. I'm told I'll be doing good if I get 10 mpg for the trip.
Chris, time for that diesel swap :)!

[Rick]

can hardly tell it's back thereall the passes will also remind you. The trailer looks great!!!

[southpaws3]

i would love to show you my build but can't post the photos..some day chris we will get together. or maybe brad can help