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Looking for window trim / gasket cleaning ideas
Good morning,
When getting the trailer ship shape for the season I noticed the exterior white rubber / vinyl material on the bottom portion is looking grungy. It seems to be stained with some darker spots like mildew. Simple Green is my usual "go to" cleaner, but no luck so far. I was wondering if anyone has run into this and had a cleaner they would recommend.
Just a minor thing and it sure is not keeping us from enjoying our first outing of the year. Sunny skies and a good view of the Columbia River. Ever notice naps are better in the trailer?
Thanks,
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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05/05/13 10:40am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Am I stretching my ecoboost limits?
Anybody know where the payload would be with a supercrew lariat 6.5 bed max to and HD payload?
My dealer said he couldn't locate the HD payload package with this configuration.....????
I have a 2012 of that truck in my driveway. It shows a payload of 2176. There were none to be found on any dealer lots so I ordered this one. Fortunately X-Plan pricing was available through work which helped out.
Currently I am towing 8k and it has done well, however I need to run it through some mountains to get a better feel for how it compares to my last rig which was a 3/4 ton Suburban.
Per the OPs question I would not tow a travel trailer of 9.5k.
Good luck,
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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05/01/13 05:56pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Am I stretching my ecoboost limits?
I believe your receiver is rated for 11500. With a 9,600 lb trailer you are exceeding your receiver rating even at 12.5% on the hitch. The trailer will also exceed the curb weight weight of your truck by greater than 50%.
I would not tow that much trailer with that TV.
Good luck,
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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04/30/13 09:18pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Tips for Cover Removal
This last winter was the first time we have used a cover. From what I can tell it has protected the trailer from some weathering. So far so good.
We live in a climate that rains occasionally, NW Oregon, and we have been enjoying a nice warm streak and want to pull it off tomorrow when it is nice and dry.
Does anyone have tips on removal other than reverse the process we followed when putting it on? Any thoughts on storing the cover to help ensure no mildew other than to make sure it is good and dry when we remove it?
Thanks for your suggestions.
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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04/24/13 08:07pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Ford ecoboost
Congratulations. You landed a really nice truck and that is a good payload number. My HD is only a little more at 2176. Pictures?
Good luck,
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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04/16/13 09:06pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Question for F150 Ecoboost owners only
I figure Ford has a reason for the recommendation so I use premium when towing, 87 when not towing. Trailer loaded comes in at 8k.
Congratulations and enjoy your new truck.
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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04/02/13 07:48pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 2013 F150 HD max payload on sticker
OP, per your payload question I have the 2012 Lariat HD which comes with Max Tow. Sticker on door shows 2,176. Console seats, but no navigation, sun roof or rear step. Did not have a use for those so left them off when I ordered it. Weighed in at scale and matches up pretty close.
Enjoy your new truck.
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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03/30/13 09:32pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: I'm about to go Eco-Boost
Nice looking rig. Now time for break-in before the first tow. I bet you are going to be really pleased with the truck both empty and towing.
Congratulations!
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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03/16/13 10:49pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: I'm about to go Eco-Boost
Hey! I got them down another hundred bucks and pick it up Saturday morning. I'm excited Jack!
Congratulations, will be looking for pictures come Saturday! :)
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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03/13/13 07:21pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: I'm about to go Eco-Boost
I can just say I have been happy with mine. Even without the trailer I have come to really like the way it holds its gear up a hill and runs quiet. Thus far it has proven to be a solid towing platform for me pulling 8k. I am running the HD.
As far as fuel economy goes I am pleased with 21mpg on the flats at 65. We use this for our primary road trip rig so that really helps. In town I get all over the map, but 15 is about average. If it is running on a short hop across a series of stop lights and is cold I can see as low as 12, but when the engine is warm and the lights let me go further between stops it goes to 17. These numbers are from the real time readout, but the average numbers when I fill the tank match closely to my hand calculated numbers so I think they are pretty close.
Good luck with your decision.
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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03/10/13 09:10pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Got myself another 4Runner!!!
Congratulations! Sounds like you found a great rig are are well set for the new season. I always liked 4Runners.
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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03/06/13 09:33pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Buying an F150 - Eco-Boost or not?
If a 5.0 will do the job for the weight of the trailer that sounds like a good choice. Of equal of greater importance is to get the package with the appropriate oil, tranny coolers, mirrors and suspension (mentioned previously).
I tow a little over 8k. If I go east I cross the Cascade Range. If I go west I cross the Coast Range. I was not choosing between a 5.0 and an EB, I was choosing between an F250 with the 6.2 or the F150HD with the EB. I went with the F150HD with the EB. It is my daily driver and when my wife and I head out of town without the trailer we drive the F150 so the 21mpg on the flats at 65 is nice. When I am towing I have been impressed with the performance and stability of the rig. The integrated brake controller is especially impressive. Towing milage is like a gas engine not like a diesel engine.
I have never had a stutter related to the intercooler condensation, even when I tried in humid conditions. I will try again when the weather warms up. Already spoke to the dealer and if I experience a stutter they have a TSB and will make a change. Mine was built after a minor change had been made in the spring of 2012 so maybe I will be fine.
Th EB does not drive like the typical gas engine, it really behaves more like a diesel with the lower torque and corresponding shift points. This works great for me but may not appeal to those who are accustomed to the more typical gas engine behavior. Overall I could not be happier with the rig. It is very quiet and we really enjoy it for road trips as well as towing.
It has been in the shop once for an oil change.
Has been an interesting thread. It's differences of opinions that make a horse race...
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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03/06/13 08:19pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Ram 1500 Diesel
Thought this was interesting. Looking forward to the Ram press release. I wonder if it will include a tow package option with a payload in the 2,000 lb range.
Chrysler Group will announce Thursday that it will offer a diesel in the standard-duty Ram 1500 pickup in the third quarter this year, making it the first modern half-ton pickup in the U.S. market with a diesel power option.
Link to the complete article
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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02/13/13 08:51pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Ownership cost between F150HD,F250 Diesel,F350 Diesel Dually
Per your comment
The problem I have is that I'm looking for something that has large water tanks and also washer fixture prep built-in. I found some, but they are the ones that are close to F150HD's limits. Looks like F250 will handle those with ease, but obviously I need to sacrifice in other areas. F150HD EB is such a well balanced machine, hence I'm trying hard to find a trailer that fits my needs but can be handled by it. But there are so many models available right now, may be I haven't found that model yet.
I have traveled near rig limits and did not care for it. I found myself looking at places I wanted to go, but would then think twice based on the terrain. I like it much better when I can pretty much go wherever I feel like which means giving myself some extra margin with the TV. You buy insurance? Costs a bit, but brings piece of mind. If you go with the larger TV you might think of it as buying stability and overall safety margin. And no, I do not preach everybody needs a diesel dually. For my purposes the F150HD has been a good fit.
Good luck,
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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02/13/13 08:08am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Consumer Reports thinks EcoBoost doesn't deliver
CU is just one source to be taken with a grain of salt. They did have an article that mentioned towing awhile back.
Per the article...
Why buy the EcoBoost?
In a word, torque. In a second word, towing.
Link
Have a nice weekend and hope those of you in the NE have a nice fire to sit by.
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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02/09/13 07:10am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: F150 - any reason not to get HD payload?
My HD rides a bit stiff, but no big deal. Overall it is a great driving rig. If I am not mistaken it is only available in the 157" wheelbase so with a super cab you will need to go to an 8' box. On the Ford build site you will want to look for the limited slip diff. As mentioned in other posts this is a required option to get the HD.
I went with the crew cab and 6 1/2' box. Not sure what your situation is, but my prior super cab was great until my son grew to 6'2".
Good luck,
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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02/06/13 08:22am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Replacing my 2010 F150 with a 2012 F150
I towed both my travel trailers with the 5.4L in my 2010 and it towed them well. My Sport Trac with it's 4.6L 3V also towed my 22.5' travel trailer as well. Didn't get my 29' travel trailer until after I had the 2010 F150.
The 29' travel trailer is only 1200 lbs heavier than the 22.5' travel trailer and the Sport Trac pulled the 22.5' with ease everywhere, even in some hills/mountains. It was also a higher revving motor as the 5.0L.
With the additional 50 horsepower in the 5.0L, I anticipate a better and easier pull especially with the help from the 3.73 gearing over the 3.55 gearing I had in both the F150 and the Sport Trac. The biggest improvement with the 5.0L is the shifting strategy. It no longer leaves the rpms low when acceleration is needed.
Nothing beats first hand experience with a similar configuration in the conditions you will be operating in. Sounds like you have a winning combination here between engine, transmission and higher gearing. On top of that you are running with a simpler engine design. And isn't it cool to have a very capable gas truck that gets 20mpg unloaded on the highway?
Now all we have to do is wait for camping season to get back out on the road.
Good luck,
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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12/02/12 08:39am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Replacing my 2010 F150 with a 2012 F150
...However most people pulling trailers that see a hill coming up, as well as the 18 Wheelers, make sure they are up to speed before starting that hill and don't let off the gas until they are over it.
Providing you do not have a 30mph turn at the bottom or midway up the hill. ; )
That being said seems to me the 5.0 and the 6 speed is a nice outfit. If I am not mistaken SkipnChar towed with his 5.4 and a 4 speed for years. Although the 5.0 develops torque higher than the 5.4 I have read many good things about the 5.0 engine. My signature indicates my own preference. I was not too concerned about 0-60 times unloaded. I hit a mountain range within 50 miles whether I go east or west (and the roads are not straight) so I wanted the extra torque.
Congratulations on your new rig.
Stu
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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12/01/12 05:45pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Tire pressure for Tow Vehicles
Good tires. Here is the inflation table.
Inflation table
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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11/07/12 07:54am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Another question on tire pressure
Seems as though inflating per inflation tables for an unloaded rig is moot with the TPMS in place. I had taken my best estimate per other manufacturers tables on comparable tires and then added 5+ lbs for my unloaded weight. However the TPMS alarms when I am below the number on the doorpost. The procedure to recalibrate the TPMS made no difference. I am back to 50 on the front and 60 on the rear.
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AlmostAnOldGuy
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11/04/12 03:04pm |
Tow Vehicles
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