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RE: Tetons/Yellowstone/Glacier
Some great info guys.
As far as Colter Bay or Gro Ventre...I see they're first come, first served. Anybody have trouble getting a site? With a pretty big rig I'm worried about getting all the way up there and finding nothing. I've only boondocked with it, so a formal campground will be a first for us....and we're planning to be up there the week of 7/4.
As far as crossing into Canada...I'm totally open to suggestions. I haven't even looked at a map yet so have no idea. Sounds like the suggestions for east Glacier would be good and just drive from there (without the trailer).
And yeah...I don't plan to spend lots of time in the campgrounds...just need a place for the rig.
If the place mentioned with full hookups is Teton Range Resort, they want 99 per night! Why bring the rig for that price?
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d-mac1
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05/14/13 09:21pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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Tetons/Yellowstone/Glacier
The above are our desired destinations. We figured to start in Wyoming and go north from there up into a bit of Canada. Don't really know where all to go up there. Our trailer is 36' long and 13'3" tall. Would prefer boondocking but could do campgrounds if none avaiable.
Any suggestions of places to camp?
Thanks!
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d-mac1
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05/14/13 09:07am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Camp sites in southern Utah - near Moab & Zion
I could go on forever about must visit spots in and around Moab. Its hard to go wrong there!
Go up to Island in the Sky...check out Green River Overlook, Grand Overlook. Take a stroll to Mesa Arch and look down on Washerwoman and Monster Tower. Drive down Shafer Trail if your into some 4wheeling (don't go down it if its just rained or going to rain). Visit Deadhorse Point State Park. Take a cruise down Potash Road for some easy to spot pictographs. Drive down Kane Creek to Hurrah Pass for a 4wheeling sampler. If you're not into driving yourself, get a guided tour. If you want a ride that will show you what Moab really has to offer, get a tour on Hells Revenge...or Behind the Rocks. DO NOT drive your tow vehicle on these. Modified trucks only. Want to ride a mountain bike? Check out the slickrock trail. Its unforgiving terrain so I suggest experienced riders only. An easy drive...that is incredibly scenic and is paved...go up Hwy 128. It follows the Colorado River and there are some spectacular views all along it. Check out the Fisher Towers...or better yet, the Priest and the Rectory that are south of it....along with Castleton Tower just east of it. Or take a drive up into the LaSals on a loop road.
On and on and on.
http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm
Many love Arches National Park. Its cool for sure, but I like Canyonlands Better. If you want relatively short hikes, Arches is the place.
Archview RV Resort a ways north of Moab could be ok. I've never camped there...just used their showers. I've actually never rv camped around Moab so defer to others for what is best in that regard.
There are numerous trails to hike in Zion but I've only done one as a descent off 1300' rock climb so can't help much. Get their park brochure for trip planning. Last I knew, you had to take shuttles into the park to ease congestion.
Another place you don't mention is Bryce. Its pretty cool too.
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d-mac1
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05/14/13 08:58am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Boondocking in Montana
We checked these out. If you have a large RV, like ours, you won't fit. But, if you have a TC or smaller RV, then they'll work for you. There are about four down this road, all on the river, and each has a nice outhouse. Here's a link I found with information on boondocking in Wyoming - boondocking information.
Our rig seems similar to yours. We've got a 36' fiver, where did you end up? We'd like to go up and camp somewhere near Tetons/Yellowstone (could even be on Idaho side if needed). Then we want to go up toward Glacier and into Canada.
Thanks for any info you can provide.
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d-mac1
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05/13/13 09:24pm |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: Fuel Tank Filler
Amen to that! Once filled my diesel pickup at a Mobil station with gas due to their green handles on the regular gas. Only takes once to learn to read the pump first!
Wow. That is stupid on the part of Mobil. You'd think there would be a nationwise standard...but that would make too much sense. I'm always afraid I'm gonna screw it up some day cuz I drive gassers and a diesel.
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d-mac1
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03/22/13 10:17pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Anti-freeze + Black Tank Chemicals
Yep...moving water definitely freezes. I used to be an ice climber (think frozen waterfall) and its pretty obvious that it freezes.
Hadn't considered using windshield washer to keep black tanks unfrozen. Thats a possible idea for water down in my sewer lines (cheaper than Wally Worlds RV anti-freeze), but it would eventually get dilluted to the point that its ineffective. I do have heated tanks and termination valve heaters, but I think they'd only be marginally effective. I'm told that they are like a heating pad stuck to the outside of the tank and from which alot of the heat will simply escape. Anyone know for sure about that? I was envisioning a heating element of some sort inside the tank but my dealer said likely not.
My main concern, as some respondents noted, was about a pssible chemical reaction between black tank chems and anti-freeze products. Glad to hear no concern there.
Thanks.
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d-mac1
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03/22/13 07:12am |
Toy Haulers
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Drain Lines in Freezing Weather
As a supplement to my antifreeze & black tank query, what do you guys do with the drain lines that extend below the trailer underbelly? I mean, if my fresh water tank is full, I'll have about 5" of water line exposed to the air. My low point drains too are exposed. You'd think there'd be a better way than to have em hanging down there just waiting to freeze...especially at highway speed.
I've considered trying to put a shutoff up within the underbelly, but it could still freeze above it and it would require acess through the underbelly and its screwed on. A hatch would be nice, but how make out of that flimsy stuff.
I've considered heat tape....could even wrap my exposed sewer lines. This seems to be the best solution and I could maybe connect it to my tank heater circuit which I'm told activates when the temp is below freezing.
I've got heated termination valves, but they'll do very little if the 6-8' of line leading to them is frozen. Again, there's gotta be a better way.
What do you guys in cold climates do...besides dry camp. I realize that would solve it.
Thanks.
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d-mac1
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03/22/13 07:00am |
Toy Haulers
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Anti-freeze + Black Tank Chemicals
Going on a trip next week but its going to be single digits around here this coming weekend, and not above freezing until Tuesday and even then, only barely. It is supposed to be warming up after that, especially where we are going. Bottom line, I likely won't be able to flush the RV antifreeze out of my lines until I get close to destination.
Is there any reason I can't just add black tank chems to the water/anti-freeze that will be in my black tank? I'd rather not take the time to flush it out cuz we'll be strapped for time in getting to our destination. Obviously our water lines won't be santitized, so we won't be drinking or cooking with trailer water, just washing hands, showering, flushing.
Thanks.
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d-mac1
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03/21/13 05:07am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Another XLR or not?
Update: After several emails back and forth with the XLR rep it looks like they are throwing us to the wolves. When I first talked to the rep he admitted they have seen this crack issue in the 06-08 model toy haulers and he went on to tell me about their updated manufacturing process which corrected/resolved this issue. All I asked him to do was work with my local dealer to make a good deal to upgrade to a new unit thereby keeping me a happy XLR customer. After a couple of Weeks of calling and emails I was told all they will do is advise me how to fix it. It's cracked on the inside and out so it's obviously structural. I'm going to fix that?
I'm hoping he is telling your dealer how to fix it vs telling you? If the dealer fixes it will it cost you anything? If not, it doesn't seem like that bad of a deal as long as the fix works.
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d-mac1
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03/01/13 07:32pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Another XLR or not?
Hey Dmac, yes I do have an air ride pin box. As far as the accomplishment, if you have a big heavy fiver they are great....
Great info....thanks. Was hoping that would have helped more. I should get one....last time our dealer had em on sale the TrailAir's were 1k installed. I never shopped around and didn't get one...yet.
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d-mac1
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02/28/13 11:40am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Another XLR or not?
Hope they work it out in a favorable manor for you. Please keep us posted.
Just wondering if you use an AirRide fiver hitch or the normal rigid hitch? I've wondered what the benefits of those are and this just may be it.
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d-mac1
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02/22/13 02:04pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Well insulated 5th wheel toy hauler
Our Cyclone garage will freeze you in the winter time and heat you to death in the summer. I eliminated the summer issue by installing a 3rd AC, after reading the articles here, it looks like insulation is needed for the winter issue.
We love our Heartland product compared to the Forest River POS that we had. I personally will not buy another FR product and I wouldn't recommend anyone else to either.
So...what did you have, what was wrong with it and couldn't you get it fixed? So far, I've had good luck with FR fixing the few things that needed it.
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d-mac1
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02/18/13 05:13pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Well insulated 5th wheel toy hauler
Yes, it is similar. The back half of the garage is fully exposed to the elements where the spare tire and tanks are. I was able to add the 2" foam board to the bottom of the floor above the tire, and tanks by cutting the pieces in certain ways. Dropping the tanks would have made the process easier.
The front half of the garage has the coroplast under belly, but there is still no insulation in there to speak of. Its basically just a plywood sheet with the coroplast about 18" below it. Again, I added 2" foam board to the bottom of the plywood.
The other issue in the garage is that the walls are 60% window which have a horrible R value, so either adding shrink wrap film or reflextix (foil bubble insulation) has helped.
We're spending the winter skiing/snowboarding full time in UT and CO, so this project has been an ongoing battle against mother nature!
Great info Spencer! Thanks! Will have to see what I can do. We have double pane windows which I thought would be pretty good. Sounds like your's are just single pane? Where he heck are you camping for your ski trip?
Leroy - I suspect you are correct....the blower isn't big enough. Our trailer is smaller and we get a decent amount of heat through our single vent in garage. It doesn't keep it warm due to no insulation, but I think if I install some insulation, ours will be ok.
Regarding the post about different uses....yeah....we need the beds in the back if we're all out camping in the trailer. Funny about using it as a meat locker.
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d-mac1
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02/16/13 08:15am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Another XLR or not?
Cool. Would like to see it and the expansion joint if possible. Gonna go look at mine after a bit to see if I have it. Different model, so maybe not even there.
I use photobucket to post pics to forums. They just redesigned the site, and I haven't been on the new one yet. Its pretty useful if you're on forums much....plus, if you want to send pics of a trip or something to some buds, you can create a slideshow on there and send them a link. It works lots better than emailing them a bunch of pics.
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d-mac1
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02/16/13 08:02am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Another XLR or not?
Because of the problem you are having with the crack, XLR is now using an expansion joint in that sidewall. Our 2011 has the expansion joint and we have had no problems with it. As far as the responsiveness of XLR to our concerns, I am very pleased with them. We have had very few problems with our 385X12 but when I have called them, even after the warranty period, they have been very helpful. I am very thankful for the factory's help because the dealer was worthless after the sale. If we ever buy another toyhauler, XLR will be at the top of the short list. Good luck with your problem.
I've got a 2012 300x10. No problems like what you're talking about but I'd love to see a pic of the crack and a pic or info on where to find the expansion joint.
Fortunately for me, we seem to have a good dealer in the Denver area...and FR has been good about any needed repairs. They were slow in sending us a new door, but I think many mfrs would have blamed the owner for the problem. Problem was, the door frame bent at strut attachment point when wind blew it. It wasn't that much wind...its a wimpy mount. I believe they now mount the strut differently.
Our 2012 has enclosed underbelly but the holding tank drain lines protrude and run width of trailer. I believe they are now fully enclosed which I think is a big deal if you use it in temps well below freezing. Kinda wish I could retrofit that detail.
One problem I have is the ladder keeps pulling loose at a few of the mounting screws on the side of the trailer. Going back in for second fix on that. Larger screws didn't fix. Its not like I'm swinging off it...I try to be real gentle and keep weight toward trailer.
Stereo in our unit is kinda wimpy....see if you can listen to what the new ones have and see if can upgrade if needed.
Love the layout with the ability to walk through ours with slides in and the glass doors to garage. Had a furnace lighting issue, but that was a Dometic problem as the main board was defective.
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d-mac1
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02/15/13 11:05am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Well insulated 5th wheel toy hauler
I have camped for several days in single digit temps with great success with my XLR. It does have the double pane windows, heated tanks and sealed underbelly.
Good luck in your search.
How did they do the holding tank dumps on your 2013 XLR?
On my 2012 XLR, the tank dumps are its a weak point because the lines are exposed as they protrude from the enclosed underbelly and then run across the underside of the unit exposed. They do have some sort of heat applied at the valves, but I've not tried em in the cold yet. I've got tank heaters too but don't know if they'd keep the stuff from freezing in the lines that are exposed before the valves. Probably the black tank would be ok because the first valve is pretty close to where it protrudes, but the grey tank lines would freeze for sure.
In cool temps (below freezing, but barely) the garage on our XLR isn't as warm as the living areas...even with the door open. Is yours like that too?
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d-mac1
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02/05/13 03:37pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Need a new mattress
Try looking at the used mattresses at Goodwill or Salvation Army-
I think thebudman is pulling your legs. Our local Salvation Army & Goodwill do not accept used mattresses.:)
I suspect you are right and that he is an aspiring stand up comedian. Possibly his name (thebudman) says something about what he likes to inhale. Dunno. I guess its possible he drives a budweiser truck.
One thing for sure...I ain't sleepin in his guest room to find out. :E
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d-mac1
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01/21/13 09:12pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Need a new mattress
Ok....so the general consensus is to find a comfy residential mattress. Thanks. I've got a line on one that was returned after just a few nights sleep for 40% off, which if my wife thinks its comfy, and if its still available when we get there, that might be what we get.
There is no way she'd go for a stained one....me neither!...but thanks for the input.
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d-mac1
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01/18/13 01:07pm |
Toy Haulers
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Need a new mattress
The front mattress in our hauler was like a rock. Bought a chinese made memory foam and its not much better. Taking it back. I've looked at some residential queen sized mattresses and am leaning that way. I looked at a Sealy Posturepedic Gillcrest-plush for 349 and the store had its shipping weight at 64 lbs. Nicer ones get heavy. This one had titanium steel in it which seemed to save about 9 lbs vs a comparable one, which honestly felt pretty heavy.
I know...the diff is a gallon of water. Still...a pound here, a few there, it all adds up.
Have most of you guys put residential mattresses in your rigs? Any suggestions for a plush (not super soft) one?
Thanks.
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d-mac1
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01/16/13 05:30pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Big Bear Camping/frozen water lines
This heated water hose seems like it would be just the ticket for cold weather operation.
Heated Water Hose clicky.
Nice that the hose won't freeze, but what about the faucet?
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d-mac1
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11/13/12 04:06pm |
Toy Haulers
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