Towing...
 

In article ,
says...

On 6/2/2013 6:23 AM, Hank© wrote:
On 6/2/2013 6:09 AM, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:
On 6/2/2013 6:04 AM, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:
On 6/2/2013 3:05 AM, Eisboch wrote:


"JustWaitAFrekinMinute" wrote in message
...


I don't know where you all got the idea I would drive overloaded...
I am
a stickler, ****es people off. Ask Jess someday how I tie stuff down,
even stuff in the trailer... I have a "superstition".. I never move my
truck (with the trailer on) without touching the drivers seat, then
doing a "walk around" which involves just what it says. I walk around
the whole rig looking at tires, lights, connections under the wheels,
locks, look for leaks... left behind equipment etc.. Jess is
required to
also do a walk around each and every time we move, even if it's leaving
the gas station a mile after doing a walk around at the house... The
whole thing goes back to about twenty years ago when I let the guys at
Home Depot load my trailer, seeing those 2x10s flying 30 feet in the
air, changed my life... I am a stickler about towing... you guys must
all be thinking of don who we shamed/threatened into getting a bigger
vehicle to tow his rig...

---------------------------------------------

You where originally talking about getting a 36' fifth wheel camper and
were asking the group for tow truck recommendations. You indicated
that you were "leaning" towards a four door (crew cab) Chevy 1500
pickup
with a small block. Those of us with some knowledge and experience
with 5th wheel camper trailers know that you would have exceeded that
truck's towing capacity by a long shot and indeed, you would be
overloaded (and illegal) with that configuration.

That's where I got the idea. You asked and some of us were simply
trying to be helpful.





Right, but some were talking like I was going to do it rather than just
asking...

Oh, I read back and I see that our boy donnie started in by trying to
troll up the thread... Sorry, should have known.

This thread has lost it's value as an on topic discussion of the subject
line. As the sharks would say, "I'm out".

Maybe for you but I got a hint from harry, and don got a hint from me..
First "useful" posts here in a while.. I still have more questions as we
are going back to look at a Dodge Dakota sxt with the 4.0, rated to tow
6800 pounds, that way we might be able to move up (eventually) to the
4400 pound trailer we were looking at...

Eventually the Dakota would be Jessi's truck and I would get something
else for me. One of the biggest problems with the Jeep is it's so
uncomortable on long trips, the seats are made of wood and dig into the
back of my legs so bad I fear blood clots... def get cramps from it all
the time...

Anyway, for now we may be towing a 1500 pound trailer with a truck rated
for 7000:)

I have a friend who has a Dakota with the tow package, it's rock solid
believe it or not. Not too powerful, but the thing will pull anything,
has the "tow" feature transmission, like my full size Dodge truck, just
push the button and it changes the shift pattern better suited for
towing, tranny cooler, HUGE battery to run 12V items or an inverter,
cooling package, etc. For a mid size truck, I really like it.

Towing...
 

On Sunday, 2 June 2013 11:29:54 UTC-3, iBoaterer wrote:

What lake is that?

Porters Lake.. about a half hour drive east of here.

Towing...
 

In article ,
says...

On Sunday, 2 June 2013 11:29:54 UTC-3, iBoaterer wrote:

What lake is that?

Porters Lake.. about a half hour drive east of here.

Looks very nice and desolate.

Towing...
 

It is at the upper 3rd, although there is a small boat club and a permanent style campground where large older style travel trailers go to die.

On the first section which is best for sailboats, are a number of nice homes and a provincial campground.
My brother-in-laws property is between a third and a half of the way up...no electricity or roads unless you make your own.
He does have a rails to trails path running right through.
Directly across the lake is a seaplane hanger.

Towing...
 

On Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:17:59 -0400, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:

So a friend has a 36 foot fifth wheel camper. The thing is huge, my wife
loves it... the guy is offering it to us for a nominal number, probably
get it for about 15 hundred. It's relatively newer looking, everything
works, clean inside with one roof leak. New bearings, tires, etc.

But it's 36 frekin' feet! That of course means another vehicle, probably
a big diesel with dual rears??? The reason I put those three question
marks is I don't know what it means...

So, what do I need to tow something like that and my other question is
if I went with something 10 feet shorter (a 25-6 footer), would I be
able to downsize the tow vehicle enough to make a difference in initial
cost and gas mileage or with a 26 would I pretty much need the same
vehicle...

The end game here is getting the wife to go with us to races, and this
is the first camper she ever got in that she actually liked.. said she
would def go camping with us if we were in that...

We are looking at other campers today but for 1500, I don't think I am
gonna' find anything like it..

So my questions are all about trucks. Remember, this one is a fifth
wheel, so what do I need? What are my options.. Thanks.

What are the specs? If nothing else, give us the manufacturer and the model number. A dually doesn't
really add all that much to your tow capacity, but it sure uses up a lot more fuel - towing or not.

I am pulling about 10, 700 lbs now. I'm using a 2009 Silverado 2500 HD diesel. It pulls the 5er with
no problems, and gets right around 15 mpg doing so. If you get a much newer pickup with a diesel,
then you have to worry about adding the urea (sp?) when you fill up. That's one of the reasons I
bought my truck used. Check out Carmax. I've had great luck with them.

John H.
--

Hope you're having a great day!

Towing...
 

On 6/2/2013 5:47 PM, John H wrote:
On Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:17:59 -0400, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:

So a friend has a 36 foot fifth wheel camper. The thing is huge, my wife
loves it... the guy is offering it to us for a nominal number, probably
get it for about 15 hundred. It's relatively newer looking, everything
works, clean inside with one roof leak. New bearings, tires, etc.

But it's 36 frekin' feet! That of course means another vehicle, probably
a big diesel with dual rears??? The reason I put those three question
marks is I don't know what it means...

So, what do I need to tow something like that and my other question is
if I went with something 10 feet shorter (a 25-6 footer), would I be
able to downsize the tow vehicle enough to make a difference in initial
cost and gas mileage or with a 26 would I pretty much need the same
vehicle...

The end game here is getting the wife to go with us to races, and this
is the first camper she ever got in that she actually liked.. said she
would def go camping with us if we were in that...

We are looking at other campers today but for 1500, I don't think I am
gonna' find anything like it..

So my questions are all about trucks. Remember, this one is a fifth
wheel, so what do I need? What are my options.. Thanks.

What are the specs? If nothing else, give us the manufacturer and the model number. A dually doesn't
really add all that much to your tow capacity, but it sure uses up a lot more fuel - towing or not.

I am pulling about 10, 700 lbs now. I'm using a 2009 Silverado 2500 HD diesel. It pulls the 5er with
no problems, and gets right around 15 mpg doing so. If you get a much newer pickup with a diesel,
then you have to worry about adding the urea (sp?) when you fill up. That's one of the reasons I
bought my truck used. Check out Carmax. I've had great luck with them.

John H.


Been through a lot of changes since "that" trailer... not going to get a
30+ footer, just don't need that.

That being said, we are now looking at a 28 foot Jaylite

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2013-JAYCO-28BHS-JAY-FLIGHT-106492668

It has all the things we need/want. Separate bedrooms (opposite ends of
the rig cause I snore loudly), and a couch/living area. Looked at a
couple of 19-21 footers that I liked but the "bedrooms" were tent type
outcroppings... The whole idea is to get out of the canvas enclosure/the
elements so they are out. The 21-26 footers were close but none had the
two separated bedrooms AND a living room/couch area...

The trailer dry weight is 5400 pounds, plus 650pounds for 80 gallon
fresh water tank, 600 pounds of bikes, gear, food and other weight in
the trailer for a total of 6650 pounds... The Silverado with the 5.7
says it's good for 7300 pounds towing. The 2500 the with the Gas engine
says it will tow 8800 pounds...

So, eventually when we find that 28 footer used, we will have to get
ourselves into a the least a 1500, and possibly a 2500 to tow it. In the
mean time we have decided it was fun looking around and dreaming but for
now we got a decent tent, and it's time to get back to work:)

Towing...
 

On Sunday, 2 June 2013 11:29:22 UTC-3, iBoaterer wrote:


I like the 70's model Ford dump truck!

That dump truck was a bit of a family joke for a while.
Went down to help my brother-in-law partially clear the lot as he found it tiring jumping back and forth between the Kubota tractor and the dump truck.
I got three dumps in before it broke. Couldn't control the hydraulic ram that lifts the back.
Then we couldn't even get it started.. thought I was going to have to fly Tim in for a consult.
Turns out it was a hose problem on the ram and they were able to find a new starter and some other electrical component locally.
Kids did sneak onto the lot winter of 2010/2011 and smash the windshield.
A person should be allowed to set up leg hold traps for two legged pests.

Anyway the truck is still running, although everyone who drives it tends to hit a rock or something... it's getting beat up.

Towing...
 

In article ,
says...

On Sunday, 2 June 2013 11:29:22 UTC-3, iBoaterer wrote:


I like the 70's model Ford dump truck!

That dump truck was a bit of a family joke for a while.
Went down to help my brother-in-law partially clear the lot as he found it tiring jumping back and forth between the Kubota tractor and the dump truck.
I got three dumps in before it broke. Couldn't control the hydraulic ram that lifts the back.
Then we couldn't even get it started.. thought I was going to have to fly Tim in for a consult.
Turns out it was a hose problem on the ram and they were able to find a new starter and some other electrical component locally.
Kids did sneak onto the lot winter of 2010/2011 and smash the windshield.
A person should be allowed to set up leg hold traps for two legged pests.

Anyway the truck is still running, although everyone who drives it tends to hit a rock or something... it's getting beat up.

I grew up with stuff that you had to fix to keep running, I like running
old beat up equipment once in awhile, reminds me of my youth!

Towing...
 

On Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:48:34 -0400, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:

On 6/2/2013 5:47 PM, John H wrote:
On Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:17:59 -0400, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:

So a friend has a 36 foot fifth wheel camper. The thing is huge, my wife
loves it... the guy is offering it to us for a nominal number, probably
get it for about 15 hundred. It's relatively newer looking, everything
works, clean inside with one roof leak. New bearings, tires, etc.

But it's 36 frekin' feet! That of course means another vehicle, probably
a big diesel with dual rears??? The reason I put those three question
marks is I don't know what it means...

So, what do I need to tow something like that and my other question is
if I went with something 10 feet shorter (a 25-6 footer), would I be
able to downsize the tow vehicle enough to make a difference in initial
cost and gas mileage or with a 26 would I pretty much need the same
vehicle...

The end game here is getting the wife to go with us to races, and this
is the first camper she ever got in that she actually liked.. said she
would def go camping with us if we were in that...

We are looking at other campers today but for 1500, I don't think I am
gonna' find anything like it..

So my questions are all about trucks. Remember, this one is a fifth
wheel, so what do I need? What are my options.. Thanks.

What are the specs? If nothing else, give us the manufacturer and the model number. A dually doesn't
really add all that much to your tow capacity, but it sure uses up a lot more fuel - towing or not.

I am pulling about 10, 700 lbs now. I'm using a 2009 Silverado 2500 HD diesel. It pulls the 5er with
no problems, and gets right around 15 mpg doing so. If you get a much newer pickup with a diesel,
then you have to worry about adding the urea (sp?) when you fill up. That's one of the reasons I
bought my truck used. Check out Carmax. I've had great luck with them.

John H.


Been through a lot of changes since "that" trailer... not going to get a
30+ footer, just don't need that.

That being said, we are now looking at a 28 foot Jaylite

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2013-JAYCO-28BHS-JAY-FLIGHT-106492668

It has all the things we need/want. Separate bedrooms (opposite ends of
the rig cause I snore loudly), and a couch/living area. Looked at a
couple of 19-21 footers that I liked but the "bedrooms" were tent type
outcroppings... The whole idea is to get out of the canvas enclosure/the
elements so they are out. The 21-26 footers were close but none had the
two separated bedrooms AND a living room/couch area...

The trailer dry weight is 5400 pounds, plus 650pounds for 80 gallon
fresh water tank, 600 pounds of bikes, gear, food and other weight in
the trailer for a total of 6650 pounds... The Silverado with the 5.7
says it's good for 7300 pounds towing. The 2500 the with the Gas engine
says it will tow 8800 pounds...

So, eventually when we find that 28 footer used, we will have to get
ourselves into a the least a 1500, and possibly a 2500 to tow it. In the
mean time we have decided it was fun looking around and dreaming but for
now we got a decent tent, and it's time to get back to work:)


I've never filled my fresh water tank. Don't need to waste the money hauling water around. Look at
it this way, you didn't need it when you were tenting, so why haul it around now?

There are some light weight 5ers running around. They usually have a bed in the upper compartment
and a sleep sofa in the living room. The sleep sofa is probably not comfortable, but my wife found
an air mattress that is very comfortable. It inflates quickly and the same motor deflates it even
more quickly. It was a great idea.

John H.
--

Hope you're having a great day!

Towing...
 

On 6/3/2013 11:37 AM, John H wrote:
On Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:48:34 -0400, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:

On 6/2/2013 5:47 PM, John H wrote:
On Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:17:59 -0400, JustWaitAFrekinMinute wrote:

So a friend has a 36 foot fifth wheel camper. The thing is huge, my wife
loves it... the guy is offering it to us for a nominal number, probably
get it for about 15 hundred. It's relatively newer looking, everything
works, clean inside with one roof leak. New bearings, tires, etc.

But it's 36 frekin' feet! That of course means another vehicle, probably
a big diesel with dual rears??? The reason I put those three question
marks is I don't know what it means...

So, what do I need to tow something like that and my other question is
if I went with something 10 feet shorter (a 25-6 footer), would I be
able to downsize the tow vehicle enough to make a difference in initial
cost and gas mileage or with a 26 would I pretty much need the same
vehicle...

The end game here is getting the wife to go with us to races, and this
is the first camper she ever got in that she actually liked.. said she
would def go camping with us if we were in that...

We are looking at other campers today but for 1500, I don't think I am
gonna' find anything like it..

So my questions are all about trucks. Remember, this one is a fifth
wheel, so what do I need? What are my options.. Thanks.

What are the specs? If nothing else, give us the manufacturer and the model number. A dually doesn't
really add all that much to your tow capacity, but it sure uses up a lot more fuel - towing or not.

I am pulling about 10, 700 lbs now. I'm using a 2009 Silverado 2500 HD diesel. It pulls the 5er with
no problems, and gets right around 15 mpg doing so. If you get a much newer pickup with a diesel,
then you have to worry about adding the urea (sp?) when you fill up. That's one of the reasons I
bought my truck used. Check out Carmax. I've had great luck with them.

John H.


Been through a lot of changes since "that" trailer... not going to get a
30+ footer, just don't need that.

That being said, we are now looking at a 28 foot Jaylite

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2013-JAYCO-28BHS-JAY-FLIGHT-106492668

It has all the things we need/want. Separate bedrooms (opposite ends of
the rig cause I snore loudly), and a couch/living area. Looked at a
couple of 19-21 footers that I liked but the "bedrooms" were tent type
outcroppings... The whole idea is to get out of the canvas enclosure/the
elements so they are out. The 21-26 footers were close but none had the
two separated bedrooms AND a living room/couch area...

The trailer dry weight is 5400 pounds, plus 650pounds for 80 gallon
fresh water tank, 600 pounds of bikes, gear, food and other weight in
the trailer for a total of 6650 pounds... The Silverado with the 5.7
says it's good for 7300 pounds towing. The 2500 the with the Gas engine
says it will tow 8800 pounds...

So, eventually when we find that 28 footer used, we will have to get
ourselves into a the least a 1500, and possibly a 2500 to tow it. In the
mean time we have decided it was fun looking around and dreaming but for
now we got a decent tent, and it's time to get back to work:)


I've never filled my fresh water tank. Don't need to waste the money hauling water around. Look at
it this way, you didn't need it when you were tenting, so why haul it around now?

There are some light weight 5ers running around. They usually have a bed in the upper compartment
and a sleep sofa in the living room. The sleep sofa is probably not comfortable, but my wife found
an air mattress that is very comfortable. It inflates quickly and the same motor deflates it even
more quickly. It was a great idea.

John H.


Yeah, we usually bring in a couple cases of water and a 35 gallon
plastic barrel as most of the places we camp are not "camping" areas,
just parking lots with no hookups, or fresh water available... The 640
pound figure was based on a full tank although for a single weekend I
think we could do with half a tank at about 300 pounds.

We looked at a few with the master bedroom and a nice couch but we still
like the separate "rooms" with walls at either end and no having to go
by someone to get to the potty at night. I snore and Jess is a light
sleeper... There are a few other considerations that are specific to
"our sport" that are probably not as important to "campers"...

As to air matresses I have the Queen size, double height Coleman... It's
nearly as comfortable as my home mattress and the height being normal
bed height is a big plus...