RE: Heartland Cyclone 3010 Fifth Wheel
Will be installing some of the "new" improved features this weekend. If I can figure out how to post pics I will. I have tried several times with no luck. When I click the image icon it asks for a URL. The pics are on my desktop so not sure what URL it's talking about. Any hints?
Many forums, like this one, do not allow you to upload pictures. You have to upload your pictures to a picture hosting site, like photobucket.com. Photobucket is free and easy enough to use. The URL would be pointing to a your hosted pictures.
-steve
RE: Question about Fleetwood TC power converter, see photo.
The Fleetwood Elkhorn 9T I had had the converter in the same spot. My converter died one day. I can see that a previous owner just wired in a new converter to replace the broken one and didn't bother with the fuse/breaker panel. Since the old Magnateks' are a simple design, I found that mine had a blown power resistor, so I replaced it and it worked just fine after that.
I would look into replacing the converter with a more modern 3-stage one.
And, yes, Fleetwood really did design the camper with the electrics at the bottom of the fresh water tank. It probably would not meet with UL approval...
-steve
RE: Tiger Motor Homes?
While 4x4 class C's like the Tiger, earthroamer, Unicat, etc are technically not truck campers, the owners have much more in common with the folks on this forum than in the class C forum. I personally enjoy discussion on any form of RV that takes you further into the boonies.
-steve
RE: Outfitter Manufacturing files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Check out this TCM article. It explains why Outfitter filed for Chapter 11. I just got an e-mail from Bob Ward, and he say's the company is doing fine. I know all company owners say that. I surely hope it's true. Outfitter is one of the good guys and I hope they sort out their loan issues in a timely manner.
-steve
RE: Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
I had a 32' 5th wheel and with my truck and trailer attached to the 5th wheel I was over the length limit in california so I did down-size to a 28' eclipse bumper pull no slide out either I got the eclipse in jan.09 and I am already looking at another 5th wheel all ready I hate not having the slide out it makes a huge difference and the storage wish I would have got a TH with a slide and a garage
jason
That is my worry. I do like having a slide-out in the living and bedrooms. On the other hand, a Toy hauler has easy to set up beds for the kids and any friends they bring along. Our Sundance floorplan is a lot better at waking hours than sleeping hours! Most of the time, we hang outside. It's only when the weather is bad that we'll be cooped up.
There are so many pluses to the toy hauler for us, with the main negative being smaller interior space. I may end up either renting one a few times, or buying one and keeping both for a while and see how it goes. I can pick one to sell later.
Thanks for all the responses so far!
-steve
RE: HR Black Diamond / Boogie Box
Thanks, Sam. I am also looking at the 26' front bedroom. What sort of sway control device are you using? I am wondering if enough of the A-arm frame is exposed to be able to use an Equal-i-zer with it?
I know Holiday Rambler is normally considered a higher end manufacturer, but I wasn't sure how that applied to these TH's since they are made by someone else.
I won't be able to check this trailer out in person until the weekend. I'd also like to look at new Attitudes to compare, but the closest dealer is a ways away and will take some planning to work that in!
-steve
We have the 26' front bedroom Boogie Box.
It's our second toyhauler. The first was a Thor Vortex. In our opinion, the B-box is better built, with more attention to the details.
It hasn't been perfect, the check valve in the black tank spray was in backwards, I redid some caulking, I replaced the faucet in the bath sink since the spout was too short to get your hand under it, and I had to add some padding to quieten down the water pump, but overall it been good.
We really like the additional 4 feet inside with the V-nose. Nominally it's a 26 foot trailer, but with the V-nose, it actually measures 30'-6".
I can't really say the v-nose is easier to tow with, because at the same time we got this trailer, I went from a gas engine truck to a diesel. It makes sense that it does cut down on the drag though.
Sam
HR Black Diamond / Boogie Box
Hi gang,
I am considering the purchase of a used, but very clean, 2007 Holiday Rambler Black Diamond. These were actually built by R-Vision, who sold the same thing under the Boogie Box name.
Does anyone have one of these? How have they held up? Any weak areas? They look like a good quality unit, and I love the V-nose design for eaking out more interior space. I am curious how they compare in build quality to newer Attitudes, another brand I am considering.
These appear to be somewhat rare and there hasn't been a lot of discussion of them in the past.
Thanks!
-steve
RE: Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
I've never had a 5W, but have no regrets with our current setup, as pictured in our profile. We needed the open bed to haul the canoe, so never considered a 5W when shopping. With this truck, a good WD hitch and Reese Dual Cam sway control it tows like dream.
Thanks! I bet the Rage'N is a LOT different camping style compared to the chuck wagon! Cool set of pictures in your profile!
I love my Dodge, Its really all i drive unless im working. I tow the adrenaline with my cummins and i am just using a husky weight distribution hitch with a reese dual cam sway controller. Tows wonderfully. The F250 just sits for the most part,
I love my Dodge Cummins as well. It sounds like my truck should easily be able to handle a TT style trailer.
-steve
RE: Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
Do you think you'll end up over your trucks GVWR with the RZR in the back while bumper pulling such a large unit?
My bumper pull is only 28' and I'm at my truck's GVWR with no load in the bed.
You bring up a good point. I will likely be at the limit or a little over on GVWR. It should come in less than my camper (about 2500lbs give or take), which the truck has no problem hauling. I have PacBrake air bags which help a lot. I don't really need to use the bags with my 5th wheel, which is putting about 1800-2000lbs on the hitch. I inflate the bags to about 25psi with the camper.
-steve
RE: Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
Very interesting, Riddler! It looks like you have quite the truck collection! Which one do you use to tow the Adrenaline? What tow system are you using?
-steve
I currently have a 5th wheel and my TT Toy hauler. Honestly i was very hesitant about not getting another 5er as far as the Toy hauler is concerned. My fears were realized AT FIRST. But after i got a good sway controller, i can honestly tell you that i would rather pull the TT Toy hauler then my 5er. There is definitely give and take with each unit, but as far as just pulling down the road, after getting the hitch setup just right, i believe the Bumper pull Toy hauler pulls better then MY 5er. I never thought i would say that but thats how i feel.
\
RE: Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
I see I'm not alone in having reluctance in moving from a 5er to a bumper pull TH.
A 5th wheel TH, to me, only has the advantage of being a 5th wheel. It will have to be considerably bigger to fit both our toys in it. It's still not going to have a living room slide-out unless it's REALLY big! It may have a bedroom slide out, which would be nice. It will also be expensive. I will be limited in where I can take it.
If anyone knows of a 28ft model (similar to my Sundance 2800RLS) 5th wheel that has 18ft of cargo space (8 feet of it can be ~50" wide), let me know! It should be technically possible, but doesn't look to be common.
Maybe I'll just have to bite the bullet and buy a 23 to 26ft bumper pull model, keep the Sundance, and see which one gets used more.
Oh, and I definitely don't have big enough cojones to double pull my Sundance and an 18ft car trailer loaded with both Rangers!
-steve
RE: Switching to TC
But now to contradict everything I said if I ever get the chance to trade my outfit for a POWER WAGON and a POP UP, it's a done deal!!! :B
You might want to talk to Don Curley about that. He had an Outfitter on a Power Wagon and the off road suspension was so not a match for hauling the Outfitter. Maybe a light weight FWC pop-up would work.
-steve
RE: Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
Thanks, OTS. You make a lot of good points. I've been trying to figure out if I want a simple front bath 23ft or a front sleeper 26ft. While a front sleeper would be nice - it adds considerable length, weight, and cost just for that feature.
I'd really like to not pay much more than $20K (plus tax) at this point. I can get a new Attitude 23AK for that price, or something used. I hesitate to buy a used TH, though! However, there is a used 26ft. HR Black Diamond (same as a Boogie Box) for sale not too far away that looks tempting. I like the use of space over the A frame for the bedroom. I would think the quality of HR/R-Vision would be on par or better than Eclipse?
Hmmmm....
I'd still like to hear from people who have "downsized"! I know that's rare as it looks like most upsize.
-steve
Steve it's legal but it would be a pretty long combo and a PITA. You would need a commercial CDL with doubles endorsement also.
I would hate to give up a 5th wheel too (if I had one) but I think you're on the right track. I would suggest a front sleeper with double queen bunks in the rear. It seems most TH with front beds less than 25' or 26' have NO room in front except for the mattress. Maybe you're OK with that. Check your height clearances closely because a Ranger won't fit in all. The Attalounger is a good idea but you can raise the bunks and stick some chairs in there and accomplish the same thing. Also personal preference, but I'd opt for 2 free standing chairs and a small table instead of the dinette set up.
RE: Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
What about double towing behind your current fifth wheel?? I think you would be disappointed when you move down to a smaller trailer. The larger fifth wheels with the open interior will give you alot more options and veratility. Good luck.
I don't think double towing is legal in CA. Most things aren't. :)
I'm not sure I would be comfortable doing that anyway.
-steve
Has anyone gone from a std 5th wheel to a bumper pull TH?
Hi there folks,
We recently acquired a couple of toys - Polaris Ranger 700XP and Polaris RZR. I am tossing around the idea of toy haulers.
I currently have a very nice Sundance 2800RLS 5th wheel. We love this trailer and it's been a pleasure to own. This is a standard floor plan with a long couch/dinette slideout and a bedroom slide out. It's very roomy for the 4 of us. The downside is that I have to make up beds for the kids every night. The couch is easy as it has a pull out bed with an air mattress. The booth dinette is getting too small for my daughter, so we've had to fashion up a platform with a separate air mattress.
I am thinking of possibly replacing this with a bumper pull toy hauler. I could haul the RZR in the bed of my truck (dodge 2500 CTD long bed), and keep the Ranger in the TH. In order to fit both in a 5th wheel TH, I would need a large unit that has around 18 feet of cargo space. I really don't want to pull anything larger than what I have now.
I like the bed arrangements on your typical TH, which would even allow a friend to come along. I just worry about what I'm giving up:
5th wheel towing
slide out in the living area
slide out in bedroom making it very roomy and comfortable
large outside storage
lots of interior storage
8 cu ft fridge
What I gain:
smaller trailer (I am looking at an Attitude 23AK)
easy bed setup
more places to sit (with the atta-lounger)
can carry toys, bikes, etc
Has anyone made this transition? Any thoughts or words of wisdom?
TIA!
-steve
RE: Outfitter Trip Report: Northwest Passage
Beautiful pictures told with great humor and heart, as always! I wish I knew you were visiting Jefe - I live close by. Were you at Bowman Lake? I love it out there, but Bowman Lakes Rd. is a rough one!
Love the redwoods as well. I spent a few days in the lost coast this last summer. California has a lot to offer!
take care,
-steve
RE: Beachfront camping Bay Area Califonia
North of Fort Bragg as the 1 turns inland to meet the 101 is Bear Harbor. First come and the road getting there is steep and all dirt, but not bad. This one you camp right on the beach and elk come into camp and graze. Do NOT, however, camp there on weekends. The locals like to bring out thier drugs and party all night... literally until sun up. It becomes the wild west on weekends as there is no supervision of the campground. During the week, the two times I've been, it has been amazingly great. To get there, look for Usal Road painted on the ground on hwy 1 and take that to the beach... it is a 45 minute crawl through a beautiful redwood and connifer forest. I've been warned that the locals grow Humbolt's main domestic product in the woods, so don't venture off of the road. Evidence of that came through camp selling it (among other things) on the last Friday night I'll ever camp there.
I went there a couple months ago on a monday. It's actually Usal beach. Bear Harbor is further north. Usal road was a bit nerve wracking as it's VERY narrow with limited places to pass others, steep, rutted, and pretty rough. When I got there, it was more crowded than anywhere else I had been staying during my lost coast adventure. People were blasting stereos, being loud, ATV's were ripping around, etc. The worse part is that the garbage bins and pit toilets are no where to be found in the campground. You have to walk quite a distance to get to those. No matter, the campers just tossed their garbage wherever and did their business in the surrounding bushes.
I have never been so disgusted with the human race, and dissapointed at a campground. I left and camped somewhere else that night.
Mattole Beach was very nice, clean, and quiet. It's quite a ways from the bay area. BLM has a few other nice remote campgrounds in the Kings Range area, a beautiful part of the lost coast. They aren't near the beach, though.
-steve
RE: Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV
I saw this thing (with a matching trailer) at the Motorsports Gathering at Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley a few weeks ago. My reaction was Whiskey Tango Foxtrot??? Off road never came to my mind.
-steve
