RE: Sold 5th wheel and returned to a popup
We started out tent camping. Once we had the kids, we went to a 22' trailer, then a 34' trailer, then a 26' 5th wheel. 6 years ago we purchased our present 30' 5vr, but also missed some of the rustic sites we used to go to with our tent. This past fall we purchased a pup and really enjoyed the short time we had to use it. I don't think we will ever be without our 5th wheel, but are really looking forward to all of the places we will be able to get back to next year with the pup.
RE: Winterizing Water Lines
Well, after much thought and discussion we decided to go the Pink Route. I purchased a winterizing kit from our local RV store and revamped it to work in our pup. I had a heck of a time getting in to the area to disconnect and reconnect everything, but now we will always have a hose available to put into the jugs of antifreeze after only turning one valve. I also have a water heater bypass kit installed so we only have to isolate, then drain that. I really wanted to try the air method, but have been doing it this way for years in all of our campers and have never had any problems with freezing lines. Thanks again for all of the thoughts and ideas.
RE: Winterizing Water Lines
I use the blow out method here for my POPUP. It doesnt really get too cold here so this might a difference from where you are from where it does get cold. I got the Q Industries portable MV50 12VDC 150 PSI Air Compressor to use with the CAMCO 36153 Blow Out Adaptor for blowing out the water lines...
Both units were ordered from AMAZON - Works good for me for my POPUP trailer and truck tires as well...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OrkyXicCL._SL500_AA300_.jpg height=200 http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JjZ9BsviL._SL500_AA300_.jpg height=200
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61YICfUUqiL.jpg height=200 http://origin-images.ttnet.net/pi/eprv/10/05/16/06/10051606-32b.jpg height=200
Sample Photos from google images
I can sit my MV50 on my tailgate of the truck backed up close to the trailer tongue and tap into the trailer battery and the cord of MV50 will reach my city water inlet and all of my trailer and truck tires from there...
Everything including the blow out adapter stores away in the handy MV50 storage bag...
I will connect up the blow-out adapter and start up my slow building compressor. Then I can go to each of the faucets inside the trailer and blow out the lines. Then I usually walk around the second time and do it again. Once all of the lines have been cleared of water then I will goto my fresh water low point drains and empty the tank on the ground. Once that is clear then I will go pour a small amount of pink stuff in each of the P-traps. My trailer only has the one fresh water tank.
We don't use our fresh water tank for consumption - always bring along bottled water for that. I have to bring the same brand of bottled water to make my fresh ground bean coffee with to always get the same taste we like so it all works out for us to just use the fresh water tank water for washing dishes, shower, and flushing.
The other neat thing we have found with using the blow-out system is when camping in the late fall of the season we have sometimes run into a cold freezing snap over night and the blow-out method is so easy to do in a hurry. Just gives you peace of mind...Thanks for that. One question. Do you have to do anything special to your water pump? Or does your compressor blow any residual water out of that also? Actually, I guess I have 2 questions. Do you have a bypass for your water heater? Or do you just drain it then blow out those lines also? I live in Northern Michigan, and yes it gets Coooold up here. Although not to bad the last few winters. Thanks again.
RE: Winterizing Water Lines
Thanks for the responses. I think I am going to try the little do-hickey thing. I have never blown out my water lines, have always pumped antifreeze through them, hopefully it will work out.
Winterizing Water Lines
We just bought a pop-up trailer, a Coachmen Classic 1285. I was wondering how you all winterize the water lines? In our 5th wheel, it is easy, we have a set up to pump the pink antifreeze through the water lines, and can also isolate and drain the hot water tank. I was just out looking where the pump is in the pup, and cannot see any way to get the water hose into the antifreeze jug like on our 5vr. The only thing I can see is to cut the water line coming from the fresh water tank, and install a Y fitting. Anybody have any thoughts or ideas?
RE: How much is too little Ford 6.7 Diesel
If you are considering the F250 or f350, go with the few hundred dollars more and get the 350. I have heard of people complaining about the rear end "squat" with the 250. I set our 10,000lb 5vr (2,200# pin weight) down on the the truck the other day for the first time, and the darn thing only sat down about 2 inches. But even with that stiffer suspension, it is unbelievable how smooth the truck rides down the road. As far as sitting for long periods; I sail on a Great Lakes Ore freighter. I parked the truck on March 23rd, and did not drive it until I got off on vacation August 6th. She fired right up and didn't miss a beat. I sure do love this truck......
RE: Slider Hitch for F350 SWB
Thanks for the responses. I think I will go with the manual slider and watch close on those tight maneuvers, and slide it back if needed. Ken, it sounds like your rig is close to our setup, and I will need the slider on occasion. I like the idea behind the Super Glide, but feel it is to big of a hitch. I like to hang mine on the front of the 5vr during the winter and non towing months.
Slider Hitch for F350 SWB
I'll be purchasing a hitch for the new truck in about a week or two. I have settled on the Reese 16k R16 slider. I have a question though, is anyone out there towing with a 2011 or 2012 F350 SWB, and is a slider hitch needed? I definitely needed one with my old Dodge (found out the hard way when I didn't slide it back one night). But that truck had a shorter bed, I believe the bed in my Ford is 6" longer. Just wondering if that would be enough for the corner of the 5vr to clear the cab of my truck. Hate to install a slider if I don't need one.
Thanks in advance!
Husky Hitch Height Adjustable?
I have pretty much decided to get the Husky Hitch, although I won't be getting it installed until I get home for vacation in August. I do have a question though. After reading some of the posts on here it got me to wondering if the Husky will have height adjustments? It sounds like the new trucks are higher in the back, and I would like to know if I will be able to make adjustments to have enough clearance between the 5th wheel and my truck rails. I believe I have adjustments on my pinbox, but am not sure right now.I will be installing in a 2012 F350 SWB, and towing a Carriage Cameo F30RLS. Anyone using a setup resembling this? Any problems? Thanks..
