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RE: Anyone upgrade brake wiring - does it improve braking?
For all my boat, utility and RV trailers, I always remove their factory sequential "inside axle tube" wiring and replace with safer / much better STAR design using thicker 10 gauge wiring. IMO, this should be minimum factory build on all trailers. Perhaps one day it will be. Is there a difference? YES. If doing axle re-position or other suspension maintenance, I'd convert to STAR design at same time. It's well worth it..
Factory default (before): - click here -
After:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Trailer%20wiring/Brakewiring-Star.jpg height=450 width=450
Did the same thing on my 30' fifthwheel toyhauler. Night and day difference in braking ability after it was done. Before mod - could barely skid tires on gravel with brake controller on high boost and high gain. After mod - no need for high boost or gain settings plus brakes work very well. The icing on the cake was the MaxBrake controller.
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mapguy
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06/18/13 11:36am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: thoughts on this water pump problem?
buying parts for a typical OEM Surflo pump doesn't make much sense when a new 3 GPM / 55 PSI unit is about $80-85 delivered.
SHURFLO 4008 Revolution Pump
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mapguy
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06/17/13 04:14pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Removing caulking?
A plastic putty knife is probably the safest. Heating with a hair dryer or heat gun makes it easier.
I then use mineral spirits or denatured alcohol to remove any residue.
Harold has it pretty much spot on with equipment involved. I do use real razor blades, real carefully too.
On the solvent side -mineral spirits/paint thinner does remove the old stuff decently but will leave a residue. Use the denatured alcohol last to ensure the surface is clean for the new caulk.
Other hotter solvents can be used but there is risk to removing paint from metal trim.
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mapguy
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06/17/13 04:07pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: What kind of caulking?
Just don't use silicone based products as they cannot be easily touched up in the future.
I am an overkill guy - use 3M 4000 UV marine sealant on roof and sidewall applications. It is not self-leveling on the roof like one version of Dicor.
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mapguy
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06/11/13 02:06pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: best wheel bearing grease for TH with zirk/greasable hubs
Using the grease zerk to lube the bearings can be risky to your brakes. Some have success, some don't .....Make sure you follow the axle manufacturers' exact instructions for best results.....
Bearing service intervals are really dependent on operating conditions and mileage, plus ambient conditions during periods of storage.
One thing that most forget about is brake inspection and maintenance -this needs to be done regularly too on electric brakes.
All that being said: The Dexter Axle Specs
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/map_guy/DexterGreaseSpec_zps247be86e.jpg width=600
I use Lucas Red-n-Tacky as it surpasses the above specs plus the Alko dropping point spec. The Alko axle grease specs are similar but ask for a dropping point temperature of 440F. EP and corrosion protection is real important for units that sit then get used for high speed operation. Corrosion protection is real important for climates with the potential for condensation when the seasons change.
ALKO 2K-7K Owners Manual
Dexter Hubs & Drums Service
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mapguy
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06/06/13 10:17am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Wheel Bearings
you want .001 to .010 play in the hub assembly after final adjustment. I have done it by feel but anymore I use a magnetic dial indicator.
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mapguy
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06/03/13 12:05am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: GOT MY (LT) MAN CARD.....I did IT!!!!!
********snip********
$294 a tire , mounted and balanced. What I like is the fact they are retread-able up to 5 times. Cant beat that with a stick.:)
Not disputing you on the 5 retread cycle information but I don't see a retread "cap" product in the GY Truck Retread Application Guide. I also don't see anywhere in the G614 documentation a casing or retread guarantee. I only see a mention on this page that it can be retreaded. http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/truck/line.cfm?prodline=160007
The G614 Warranty is only for 4 years from date of purchase with receipt and 4 years from sidewall date of manufacture without documentation. There is no mention of a casing credit guarantee that I can find.
....Premium GY Unisteel Medium/Large truck tires indeed have a casing and retreading guarantee for 7 years-provided you use a Goodyear Authorized retread provider/process.
http://www.goodyeartrucktires.com/pdf/resources/publications/2010%20RV%20Care%20and%20Maintenance%20Guide.pdf
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mapguy
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05/23/13 10:12pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Factory brake controller question???
You say new trailer. Have the brakes been broken in? Most new trailers need some stops to get everything working well. This sometimes includes needing an adjustment.
Agree - new brake shoes need to be burnished (broken in) properly, then adjusted for the best operation. The links in my post above can help you understand the break-in process. The assumption that dealer or factory actually adjusted brakes is foolhardy in this day and age of rv building.
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mapguy
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05/23/13 02:58pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: GOT MY (LT) MAN CARD.....I did IT!!!!!
Just wondering, what is the actual stamped load rating on the tires? E in that size has several different weights.
3042 @ 80 psi in single tire application like this triple axle trailer. Dual tire(dually) applications are a little lower capacity.
These are stout tires very, very similar to Michelin XPS Ribs but a little cheaper and have a better warranty against ozone(environmental) damage than the Michelin.
so....252 pound reserve on a toy hauler. I paid just over $30 more per tire for the G614's @ 3750 (110psi)on our rig and have a 4500 pound reserve. based on a 18K rating. Our rig has 7k axles on it, no way I would be happy with that little margin. But hey anything is a step up over China bombs :) They look like a good tire, just not my choice.
If you got G614's for $270-$280 a tire -you did good! Most are paying $330 and up for that tire. 17.5 rubber and a wheel would be my direction at the $330 a tire mark.
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mapguy
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05/22/13 04:30pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Re-packing bearings
AL-KO manual (0.001"-0.010" end
play)
If any of you researched the bearing specifications -the above range of adjustment would be found. These bearings need some play but at the tight end of the range is not in the "feel" range to most. I shoot for .002 or so but will accept up to 0.010 depending on how the particular axles locking style dictates. I do use a dial indicator too. Easy/peasy with a mag mount.
The hub cavity should never be packed full -even with the zerk lube axles offered by Dexter, Al-ko, reliable, QEP/Rockwell, LCI or whomever. Hub cavity needs enough grease to prevent corrosion at a minimum. Beyond that is just a waste.
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mapguy
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05/21/13 09:23pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Generator fuel additives.. yeah or nay
Ethanol free gasoline from the Cenex store plus Stabil long term dosage and SeaFoam at 1/4 dosage. Also try to exercise once a month -if it sits that long. Don't use the generator very much.
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mapguy
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05/21/13 09:02pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: GOT MY (LT) MAN CARD.....I did IT!!!!!
Just wondering, what is the actual stamped load rating on the tires? E in that size has several different weights.
3042 @ 80 psi in single tire application like this triple axle trailer. Dual tire(dually) applications are a little lower capacity.
These are stout tires very, very similar to Michelin XPS Ribs but a little cheaper and have a better warranty against ozone(environmental) damage than the Michelin.
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mapguy
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05/21/13 08:54pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Any 5th wheel hitch operate exactly like a semi 5th wheel?
Pullrite operates the same as my semi 5th wheels do.
Pullrite Superglide and Pullrite Super Fifth have Binkley Style Pin Capture.
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mapguy
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05/21/13 08:38pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Factory brake controller question???
If OP has standard Electric trailer brakes -the performance of the GM ITBC will be superior to a Prodigy or any other inertia based brake controller.
1. Adjust your trailer brakes properly. 3/4 to 1 revolution of the tire/wheel upon a moderate spin. You will hear a distinctive scrapping sound -especially on new/newer brake shoes.
2. If that doesn't help much -time to make sure the mechanical brake operation is proper and wiring system on the trailer is passing the amps/voltage without restriction.
These links will help you through the checking process -if you are a DIYer
First manual is from Dexter Axle:
http://www.dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/600-8K_Service_Manual_3-13/Electric_Brakes_3-13.pdf
Second is from ALKo Axle:
http://www.al-kousa.com/pdf/ALKO_2kto7k_OM.pdf
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mapguy
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05/21/13 01:56pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Can't make any Adjustments on my trailer brakes
This website should have the proper truck side wiring info:
http://gmupfitter.com/pdflists/view/6
GM upfitter manuals
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mapguy
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05/20/13 05:22pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 2012 Raptor with Towmasters = BOOOM!!!
The Maxxis M8008 is probably the best "ST" class tire available....but that does not mean it is the only choice or the overall greatest cost/benefit choice. Especially if you tow at speeds at or above 65 mph in high ambient temperature or want 6 year lifetimes.
BTW not an ST tire on any trailer in my fleet that an alternative P or LT tire can be used that handles weight and size needs. This comes from many years of fleet maintenance both wrenching then
management.
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mapguy
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05/17/13 10:03am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Double pulling
I do wish that the association of a CDL with an RV would hit the TRASH CAN. Only need a CDL IF your hauling an RV for pay, ie, factory to dealer, and getting paid to do that (as a business.)
The need for a CDL and or other special endorsement in regards to an RV is a state/province regulatory issue. You only need to be "specially licensed and or endorsed" if your home state/province has the requirement.
Towing multiple trailers as an RV is also a state by state regulatory thing. In my home state, Washington, no special licensing or endorsment standards apply but you can only tow 1 trailer -period even if you possess a CDL A with double/triple trailer endorsement....
In the trucking industry -double trailer is double towing, triple trailers is triple towing. I have seen quad trailer towing before in the desert southwest on road paving projects.
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mapguy
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05/15/13 06:14pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Flipping Shackles
Crude picture but if you are talking about a double set of holes in the spring hangers and equalizer hanger as shown -yes this is a valid way to adust height on a trailer. Nets about 2" typically.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/map_guy/Scan_zps441bebeb.jpg width=600
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mapguy
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05/15/13 08:03am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: First trip and need new tires
The G614's weighed a good deal more bare than my factory installed Towmax tires weighed still mounted on the rims! A lot more tire there...Yup, almost twice as much!
The thin tires on wheels I could lift onto the studs while kneeling. Now my R250s (about the same weight as G614s) I have to sit on the ground with the wheel in my lap and lift the wheel with my legs
Be careful with that, if the jack fails your legs will be pinned, don't ask how I know.
I was lucky I was only slightly pinned and someone was able to lift the car enough that I got my leg out with out damage.
Use a 2' pry bar and a small 2x4 block to lever the tire up onto the studs -way easier on the body plus your not putting your body in a dangerous place underneath. I keep one with my jack and lug wrench in the trailer.
A 2'pry bar is chaeap at Harbor Freight or north of the border at Princess Auto or Canadian Tire
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mapguy
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05/12/13 03:10pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Wheel bearings
The OEM Manuals give excellent advice on service intervals and product specifications. I use the Dexter Axle grease specifications plus the Al-Ko Dropping point -as my experience is that bearing failure is a potential if the grease breaks down from heat....the high dropping point with good consistency prevents high temp breakdown of grease. Currently I use Lucas Red-n-Tacky grease.
Complete Dexter Axle Service Manual Here:
http://www.dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/600-8K_Service_Manual_3-13/600-8K_Complete_Service_Manual_3-13.pdf
Complete Al-KO Axle Owners Manual Here:
http://www.al-ko.us/download/ALKO_2kto7k_OwnerManual.pdf
Recommended Wheel Bearing Lubrication Specifications
Grease
Thickener Type -Lithium Complex
Dropping Point -215°C (419°F) Minimum
Consistency -NLGI No. 2
Additives -EP, Corrosion & Oxidation Inhibitors
Viscosity Index -80 Minimum
Grease
Use a high temperature, automotive type wheel bearing grease produced
by a reputable manufacturer. The soap type should be lithium complex orequivalent. Use NLGI Grade 2 product
with a minimum dropping point of 440oF
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mapguy
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05/12/13 11:02am |
Fifth-Wheels
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