RE: Does that BIG Toy Hauler of yours make short trips a hassle?
Good morning!
My wife and I are in the process of deciding between a standard 5th wheel and a Toy Hauler 5th wheel. We're considering the Cyclone 3612 which weighs in at a hefty 18,000# GVWR. Does the length and weight of these big toy haulers make frequent short trips (weekends, etc.) less appealing? Perhaps foolishly so, I'm thinking that the very thought of hauling a big beast like that for just a weekend might preclude that weekend trip from ever happening..?
Any truth to this?
Thanks!
For me, size was not the issue.:R
It was the loading\unloading of toys and setup\breakdown of my TH that made me think about the effort for trips less than a few days.:S If go on an overnighter, I will leave my setup (see sig) at home and tent camp. :E Since I've made the switch from an F350 - TH combo to a class A and flat trailer, the time it takes to load\unload toys and setup\breakdown of camp is much less. :h
RE: Typical towing capacity for Ford V-10?
So, what is the typical towing capacity for Ford with V-10 for year 2000-2005 and about 30 ft? Trying to decide if it can safely tow a minivan on dolly trailer.
Do you have slides and leveling jacks? :h
RE: Ford 460 vs V10 1st vs V10 2nd gen
I am looking at 1998-2002, Class A, in the 30-32 foot range.
Please compare the Ford 460 and the early V10 and the later V10 engines as for everyday drivability, torque and mileage.
Or to state it another way, to what degree should I let which motor the coach has influence my decision?
Many thanks.
I used to have a 2000 F250, CC, 4x4, auto with a V10, I got about 6mpg towing a 20ft. enclosed utility trailer that weighed about 8K lbs.
My current setup (see sig) get's about 8mpg towing. :B The difference in MPG might be that was my foot was heavier back in 2000? :h
RE: Fuel Mileage?
Have a 30' with 75 gallon fuel tank, without towing a toad get 9.6 with the toad 8.6, of course if in mountainous terrain it drops to 6.6-7.6. Usually travel between 55-62 mph.
That's about the same experience for me, except I'm in So. Cal.
RE: camping at Ootillo Wels
By the base of Blow sand (just past the Ranger station) is 'ok' during off weekends ... :C
On holiday weekends, you may want to find a more secluded spot.:W
RE: Ford V-10 mileage
I get about 8mpg towing (see profile pic) @ 60MPH-ish towing up\down grades, going to\from the So. Cal. area deserts.
My V10 has about 4k miles.
RE: Question for Class A owners with slides
I went from a F350 - bumper pull toyhauler with no slides to my 'A' with no slides, so it wasn't a big deal as far as the extra room was concerned at the time. When I purchased my 'A', I didn't want to make a $100k + purchase on something I may not be happy with. My typical RV trips are weekends to the deserts of So. Cal, so I didn't need a mobile Mc Mansion. When I decide to upgrade, it'll be a coach with at least 1 (living area) slide and possibly bunks for expectant twins :E
RE: Classic Questions for Class C and Class A
There are many valid points to the comments above from my perspective, I would say that 'Parts and Service' costs would be similar to a "C", if you got a gasser "A" versus a DP. For me, my "A" purchase price was much less than a comperable "C" and I got more capacity (towing, black, grey, fresh water tank) with a generator. :R
I'd also say rent each type of MH in order make the best decision for you.
good luck
Lets make some comparisons of my C and your A specs to illustrate that things are not always what they might appear to be:
I have a 10,000 lb receiver and if I load to the GVWR of 19,500 lbs I have 6500 lbs available for towing. I have a C Class and this was standard. What is your receiver rated for? {my guess 5,000 lbs}
My Tahoe weighs 5700 lbs. Could I tow it with yours? {my guess - NO}
Mine came with 50 AMP electrical service. What is yours - 30 amps or 50 amps? {My guess is yours is 30 amps. Lots of luck with 2 rooftop A/C like I have if you want to use the microwave as well.}
Mine came with levelling jacks standard - were they standard on yours?
My generator is 5500 watts and was standard. What size is your gennie? {My guess 4000 watts std and extra for 5500.}
My basement storage is 119 Cu ft. What is yours? {My guess is slightly more since you likely have no slides and big hole under the bed to fill. Which IS nice to have.} Oh, if I add the storage area under the bed to exterior so it is on an equal measurement basis they will likely be about the same.
My length is 32 ft 6 inches. My wheel base is 225 inches. Yours? {my guess is almost 32 ft and a much shorter wheelbase. In fact, you may have one of the worst wb/length ratios available - virtually .50}
I have 2 slides - one front road side and one rear bedroom curb side. You have? {my guess - none}
I have driver and passenger airbags. You have? {my guess - none}
Fresh water tank 59 gal (includes water heater)
Grey 41 gal
Black 51.5 gal
Are your tanks much larger? {my guess is that they are smaller}
DW called me for dinner. Must go. Look forward to your numbers.
Don
Well, you win. :R
ALL of your capacities are greater or better than mine and I believe your purchase price was close to double the purchase price of mine. In fact, it's possible that you paid more for your Tahoe :@
I think my numbers are:
75gal freshwater
40gal black
40gal grey
75gal fuel
30A circuit
4k genny
I can't remember my towing capability off the top of my head, I think it's a class IV. You are right, I do not have slides, dual a\c's, airbags, leveling jacks, and so on... Basically, all of those options add weight and reduce towing capacity as you probably know. :h
I believe I said "For me, my "A" purchase price was much less than a comperable "C" and I got more capacity (towing, black, grey, fresh water tank) with a generator." I think your Jayco (on a kodiak chassis?) purchase price was over $100K ? :D
Not that I need to justify my purchase decisions to you, but I transitioned from 4 years of owning a Fleetwood GearBox toyhauler \ F-350 combo to this setup. Basically, I wanted to tryout a gasser class A or C to see if this was the right style of RV for me. My purchase decision was dictated by PRICE and I didn't want to spend $100K plus on an RV that I MIGHT not be happy with. Even with my "worst wb/length ratios available", I am happy with my decision and purchase so far. My entry level "A" meets my basic needs (6 to 8 weekend desert trips a year), just like your upper-end C probably meets your requirements. :E
RE: Classic Questions for Class C and Class A
You are probably about right on the mileage....though you need to try and compare apples to apples here! A 43' "A" won't get the mileage that a 25' "C" will get, though you are still talking somewhere in the 6-10 mpg range, unless you get diesel.
The "C" will probably have more sleeping room (that extra bunk over the cab) than the "A".
It will also be easier to drive...or at least feel as if it's easier. Much more like driving a van, so women seem to like it better.
The "C" is usually shorter than an "A", with a max length of about 32', with the "A" starting just short of that, and going up to over 40'.
"C" can usually be serviced at most dealers....after all, it's basically a van, while the "A" is considered a "truck", and it may be harder to get parts and repairs. Parts and Service will be more expensive on the "A"....tires much more expensive.
The "A" will have more towing capability, storage, and usually some fancier features....more like a home on wheels, where the "C" will have a similar feel to the TT.
You will feel as if you are driving right on the road....with those panoramic windows, which really let you see where you are going.
My advice....get in both, walk around, sit and discuss it with the spouse....take each for a drive, to see how you feel driving it. With money being "about the same", I'd pick the one that I liked the best, and which suited our needs best! We got the "C", but looked at both types. Ironically, one of the deciding factors for us, is the ceiling height. I'm 6'7" tall, and it seemed that many of the "A" models had lower ceilings (probably to give them more basement storage). Of course, we were also looking used, and found that the "C" was usually a couple of years newer than a like priced "A".
Good luck in your search!!!
There are many valid points to the comments above from my perspective, I would say that 'Parts and Service' costs would be similar to a "C", if you got a gasser "A" versus a DP. For me, my "A" purchase price was much less than a comperable "C" and I got more capacity (towing, black, grey, fresh water tank) with a generator. :R
I'd also say rent each type of MH in order make the best decision for you.
good luck
RE: 2010 FourWinds Hurricane Specs
I have been going crazy looking for an online brochure of the 2010 Fourwinds Hurricane Models. On theire web site they still have 2009, which is okay, but RVDirect is only letting you place quotes on 2010 models. Just want to make sure what standar features are included on the 2010 Models. If anyone has a link to a brochure, or can even scan one over that would be great.
Example: RVDirect has Leveling Jacks as an optional feature. Isn't this a standard feature? $4,500 to add it on the quote.
On my model, leveling jacks are not standard. I have a camping world quote to have aftermarket leveling jacks installed for about that amount.
RE: Fuel tanks on 08 Gearbox are backwords...
Was wondering why my axillary fuel tank would never last the whole weekend.
So today I crawled under the trailer and low and behold some nutjob has the generator pumping out of the 30 gal tank and the axillary tank is only 18 gal.... The stickers that tell you whats what at each filler cap are even backwords.
My owners manual and Fleetwoods website say the main generator tank is 18 gal and the axillary is 30 gal.
How hard is it going to be to switch tanks???
If I remember correctly, my 04 FB2600 generator was fed from the main tank.
RE: Traveling without a tow vehicle
I would either tow a car, or rent one at the destination.
Enterprise car rental will pick you up, if they are close to your destination.
RE: Contemplating a Toy Hauler
I used to have a 2004 FB2600 Fleetwood GearBox TH, I was originally towing it with a short bed, 2004 F250, CC, PSD, FX4. The tongue weight was around 1200lbs unloaded, which significantly made the rear springs really compress. I believe the unloaded weight was around 7K lbs, when it was loaded with water, fuel, supplies, and toys, it was probably over 12K lbs. Needless to say, I experienced swaying at speeds over 55MPH when fully loaded and no swaying with the TH unloaded. Of course, I had WD bars. When I made the adjustment to tow nose down, it improved the swaying condition at speeds over 55mph, but it was still a handfull when being passed by another large vehicle. :S
A few years later, I decided to upgrade my TV to a 2007 long bed F350, CC, PSD, FX4. All of my sway problems were gone. :h
Now, I ditched the whole setup and went with a Class A and 20ft. flat utility trailer. :R
RE: 101 freeway
101 is safe, just plan your fuel stops carefully. There aren't as many gas stations with diesel on the 101 compared to I-5.
Have fun ! :C
RE: Propane Alarm Goes Off - can't find leak
Do you run your generator with open windows and\OR are you in close proximity to other people with their generators constantly running?
If so, it's probably your CO2 detector sensing the generator exhaust fumes.:h
