RE: Rear suspension support for 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
In 2010, Dodge went with coil springs on the rear for a comfy ride. With springs, Super Springs work best, but with coils, you are limited to other solutions. The air bags that go into the coils will work, but take time to adjust, and prone to leaks. If you add a in cab auto compressor, it gets very expensive. There are also some HD coil springs (Sumo coils), and also Sumo coil foam/rubber inserts (which I am currently adding to the front coils)
I went with the rear Timbren helper spring (HD bump stops) and very happy. No adjustments, 15 minute install,and lifetime warranty.
A good WDH will solve most of your sag. This topic should not go into the war of brands. Love thant 'Hemi'
RE: Blue Ox BXW1500 Rotating Bracket - Lube or Not?
I've used the Blue Ox Sway Pro for three years now. Best to clean these rotating brackets and chains with WD40, THEN wipe clean with dry cloth (this also removes any small rust spots)
give the chains and brackets a good coating of good Silicone Spray and they will rotate just like new (remove the wd40 best you can, because wd40 is a dirt and dust magnet) Be sure to grease the grease certs on the torsion bar head every trip, and thin coat of lithium grease on the hitch ball.
RE: Backup Camera
I tried the I-Ball but did not like the small monitor, and the mount for the monitor was always vibrating.
I have used the Swift Hitch II for over three years now and very pleased. The main difference between the I and the II is the II camera lasts for up to 10 hrs between charging. The video monitor also has a video out port which I connect to a 7" color lcd monitor while using the camera mounted to the back of my TT (magnetic mounted on the top back edge of my TT) Easily remove the camera, and attach to the back of your TV and use for hooking up the TT also. If you use a lot of bluetooth devices, you will get some interference, but not too bad. The camera system can also be used at night as a security sytem while in the trailer.
RE: Recommendation for pulling a TT with a Durango
I just sold my 08 Dodge Durango 5.7 hemi with 3:55 rear axle, 5pd, that was matched to my Lance 1685. I added Timbren helper springs and Monroe Sens-A-Matic rear shocks, and Diablo tuner that boost the hp to 350 and torgue to 390lbs. Blue Ox sway pro WDH.
It pulled the trailer fine and stable on the flat and slight hills, but in Colorado we do most of our camping in the Mountains at 8-10k . The Durango struggled in 2nd gear(20mph) going up the steep hills and tended to overheat. The Hemi is a great engine, but the downside of the Durango is the low tongue weight (500lb max) AWD, and gearing 3:55.
My new Ram 1500 with Hemi now has the 3:92 rear axle, HD tow package (rated at 10,200lb). 1000lb tongue rating with WDH, and now tows the 1685TT like a dream. Up steep hills at 55 or 60mph and engine runs at normal temps.
I would listen to your dad. The tongue weights of most TT will exceed your Durango's max capacity very quickly after batteries, propane, water, and gear.
RE: First Travel Trailer Recommendations
Joe,
The Camplite mentioned is a nice all aluminum TT and very durable, but very small holding tanks. Woodglue is right. The Lance has been very durable and true "4 Season" (on par with Arctic Fox and Wolf Creek by Northwoods, but not as heavy) True 4 Season means heated and enclosed holding tanks and valves and dual pane windows with insulated shades.
RE: Exterior Ladder Install
facory
The mfg company can give you the exact dimensions for support spacing. I did mount a ladder that was supported from resting on the bumper and mounted on the top edge. There will usually be some structural members on the very edges of the TT (top and sides). The problem with mounting is that you may not be able to hit some structure on the inside edge. The width of the ladder may not match any supports to the inside mounting hardware. The ladder that was mostly supported by the bumper rest worked fine with no mounting failure. I did use well nuts for any supports that did not hit any structure. Since most of the force is downward (bumper supports that force) and away (the top mount should support that force). btw, most toy haulers have the ladders mounted on the front side area for easier access for the rear ramp door.
RE: Lake Pleasant AZ
Cacoon,
I just talked with the ranger at the entrance station to Lake Plesant and she said the current water level is a little over 50%. She said by January they expect the level up to 60% and there should be some water access closer to #116. At 134,by March you should be fine and levels should be close to 80%.
RE: Lake Pleasant AZ
Thanks for all the information. Hopefully Site #116 is still easy access to the water. I googled 116 and seems like the lower loop of tortoise campground has good access to Sunset Cover (same as upper loop #134-140). Our friends in Surprise also suggested eating at Dillons restaurant. We'll spend some time exploring the nearby attractions.
Lake Pleasant AZ
We are heading down to Lake Pleasant AZ next month for about 15 days. Never been there and made some reservations at Tortoise Campground with no hookups, but semi improved site close to the water. We will visit friends in Surprise AZ, Phoenix, and Santa Fe on the way home.
Just wondering if anyone has suggestions for best places to visit, camp at Lake Pleasant AZ?
We will probably take our Hobie kayaks, and some fishing gear (I think it is mostly warm water fishing for bass, etc).
Any suggestions would be helpful and much appreciated.
RE: Newbies trying to make the right TT choice
Jerry,
With any of the TT you mention, you will be pushing the limits of your Durango. I just sold my 08 Dodge Durango Adventurer with tow package, Hemi (with Predator chip), sensa-trac shocks, Timbren helper springs, Class IV hitch, 5 speed AWD, 3:55 gears because it struggled towing my 16ft Lance (5000lb gvw). It did fine on the flats, but struggled on steep grades.
Tongue weight, cargo will max your Durango very quickly. Another weak point will be your transmission if your Durango is a 4 speed and AWD. Strong point is that the 2nd gen Durangos have a fair amount of load capacity (close to 1300lbs). Add the max tongue weight (with batteries, propane, water, gear, etc) to figure the tongue weight load on your SUV. (if your Durango has the factory Class IV, you have the trans cooler and HD engine cooler and HD alternator).
RE: Electric Tongue Jack
Once you use the power jack to raise the TV, the torsion bars are a breeze to install. Get a 3500 or 4000 to raise the TV about 3-5".
Two TT ago, I had the Husky Brute 3500, and it completely failed after only 4X (completely colapsed with small TT and light SUV). Went with the Barker VIP 3500 and worked perfectly. My new Lance has the Atwood HD 3500 and am very happy with it (used all summer with now problems). The Bulldog also is getting good reviews for durability.
RE: What is PDI???
I have purchased a dozen or so RV's and never asked to pay for the customer PDI walk thru. There is always a Dealership Destination charge, and most dealers ask for the Dealer Prep and Handling. Never heard of a PDI costing $750- over a thousand? I usually negotiate the Dealer Prep and Handling into the Walk out the door price. Maybe mistated by the dealer(s).
RE: Need help finding a 'gadget'
I have used the Swift Hitch camera (wireless) system for several years and love it. The magnetic base on the camera allows you to first hook up the TT, then place the camera on the back of the TT for rear view camera system while driving down the road. The newer Swift Hitch II camera will last 7 hours between charges. I mounted a plate and safety wire on the top rear of the TT and works perfectly. Also I have used the camera at night for security while camping and at home(it works great with night vision). Many different uses since it is wireless and portable.
I also mount a piece of yellow tape in the middle of the Rear window of the TV and line it up with the center of the trailer (another piece of tape helps).
RE: Travel
Take a look at the new Lance 1985 TT. Very nice walk-around, large slide-out dinnette. Only around 5500lbs and 700lb tongue wt. We love our 1685.
RE: Which weight distribution bars
I also use the Blue Ox Sway Pro and love the system. Remember that by the time you add two full tanks of propane, and one or two batteries (6 volts are over 50lb each), and storage (if your main pass through is in the front), you will be right at the 750lb limit. The 1000 lb bars will probably work better. You may have to use less tension on the bars. You can also fine tune your system with the angle adjustments on the hitch head. The key is keeping the bars fairly level with the frame. Bars that are way over your actual hitch weight will give you a very rough choppy ride.
RE: opinions please Coyote or Rockwood
our last trailer was a Rockwood Mini Lite 1809S and served us well. A few minor fix and adjust (mainly all the drawers), but well built. Some re-caulking. The model you are waiting for was our choice for a larger TT with walk around queen, but rockwood Mini's do NOT offer a true 4 season package (just heat pads for holding tanks)
We went with the Lance 4 season cert TT (better quality all around but more expensive)
RE: looking for the best 4 season TT for Alaska - which one?
Synergy,
You do not mention whether you want another TC, or TT?
I have owned one Arctic Fox 860S TC and loved it...two Lance TC..
and now a new Lance TT with the true "4 Season Certification" (dual pane windows, double wall heated holding tanks, and enclosed/heated dump valves. Arctic Fox/Nash are great 4 season campers (but heavy)
So far I really like the quality of the New Four Season Lance TT.
I like the Lance 4Season because the holding tanks are double wall, insulated and heated. Covering the underbelly is not as effective or efficient.
Lots of TC are true four season certified (AF, Lance, Snowy River, Eagle Cap, Bigfoot, Hallmark, etc.
RE: Solar question
Like the previous post, depends on the quality of your controller and solar panel. On my last two Lance Truck campers, I had 100 and 135W solar panels with good morningstar controllers. The solar kept the batteries charged (2 12 volt, and 2 6 Volt in the other) year round with no loss. Night would discharge slightly, but came back with a few hours of daylight. Only in winter, when we had a long stretch of snow, did I have to get up and remove the snow from the solar panels.
Solar energy is free...vs electricity
RE: Full timing in a Travel Trailer what brands will handle it.
Take a look at Artic Fox/Nash trailers. I have the Lance with the "4-Season" Certification (completely double enclosed holding tanks heated, enclosed and heated dump valves, and dual pane windows.
Some trailers say they are 4 season capable just because they enclose the underbelly...not true 4-season cert.
