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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
You need to be using a Dexos approved oil in that engine. At the shop we are using Mobil 1 in those applications. I would run another 1000 miles before thinking about the oil. Do it again at 5000, then every 5000 after that. I didn't put the full synthetic in mine until 10,000.
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mhsmith
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05/20/13 07:16pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Lessons we've learned over the years
Had trailer in for warranty service, upon returning home, could not find any help to back in. While trying to avoid the large bush on the drivers side, I hit the top corner of roof, tore up awning and a couple pieces of aluminum at front corner of trailer. TT was not even a month old and the bush was removed shortly after. ALWAYS have help when backing ever since.
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mhsmith
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04/14/13 12:29pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Jacking up trailer
I will lower tongue jack all the way down, onto floor jack with a block of wood on it. Place 2 concrete blocks under the rear frame with 2x6's on top of them. Using the floor jack, raise front of trailer until rear is on blocks. Place 2 blocks under front of trailer and lower onto blocks. Using jack, raise one wheel at a time under the spring mountings. Yes, this is a lot of work, but it will sit like that for a week or two, as I will take drums,bearings and tires to work for cleaning and repacking. Tires will also be balanced. This happens as time permits at the shop.
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mhsmith
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04/14/13 12:14pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Brand new TT has sewage odor
Almost 8 months after buying ours, we had a bad sewage outside the trailer. Took it back under warranty and the "connector" or pipe between the toilet and black tank had cracked. Were unable to sit under the awning that weekend due to smell and flies everywhere.
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mhsmith
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04/11/13 10:51am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: black tank flush
I have two on mine. One up near the tank and one at the sewer hose hook-up. You need to crawl under there and check. After a few years using my awning rod to open and close the valve near the tank, I installed a valve with a long cable and mounted the handle by the outlet. Makes things alot easier.
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mhsmith
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04/10/13 07:05pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: How far can you tow prior to fill up?
The 2012 Ecoboost is the 3.5l engine. With 36 gal tank, I was able to go 265 miles on 30 of those gallons.
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mhsmith
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04/07/13 01:00pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: '03 GMC 6.0 alternator?
If you know a mechanic that is proficient with a labscope, he may be able to give you a "state of health" check on these items. Buy looking at the waveforms, he should be able to give you a good idea as to their expected longevity. If there is ANY doubt after the test, then maybe have that item replaced. He may even do a pressure test on the fuel pump and take look at the PCM for any indications of possible failure. You may have to pay a fee, but may be well worth it for peace of mind.
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mhsmith
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03/23/13 08:53am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Cleaning Fresh Water Tank
After emptying the FW tank by running pump to fill gray and black tanks, I refill FW tank with a mix of water and maybe 1/4 cup of baking soda. This helps freshen it and nuetrilizes the bleach. At this point, I run the mix thru the system, install my filter and ready for another season.
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mhsmith
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03/10/13 08:39am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Fuel Filter improved? Mileage
It is possible...as you may have the same pressure, but your volume will drop off, therefore requiring you to press a little more on the throttle to maintain the same speed. The oxygen sensors pick this up as a lean condition, causing the PCM to add more injection time to the injectors..albeit slight. But over time it makes a difference. After I replaced my fuel pump on my burb years ago, I changed my filter once a year. Cheap insurance against pump failure and it kept the line fittings "loose". I also would put a little never-seize on the nuts and lines to keep them from rusting. I still do this for my customers who still have vehicles with external filters. Afterall...I may be the one to replace it next time. Keep in mind these pumps still fail...just later than sooner.
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mhsmith
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02/28/13 01:41pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: changing a tire
I carry a bottle jack to place under the frame of mine as it is already low to the ground. I kept the scissor jack from my old truck as I know it will pass under the axle when the tire is flat. You need to expierement with this scenario in your driveway before you leave so that you may aquire the ability to do it if needed. Also this will help decide what tools you may need.
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mhsmith
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02/24/13 06:29pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Light Weight Travel Trailers thoughts
Its been 12 yrs. since we have seen a new TT and said "WOW". We found the Outback 298RE. At 35', it is 3ft. longer than our current trailer. We have been hoping to find a TT in the 28-30ft. with slide(s) that would work for us. Only problem is the water tanks are smaller and I would like bigger. Can only seem to find the larger ones with tanks close to what I would like.
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mhsmith
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02/10/13 12:11pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Rockwood 2013 Windjammer with V-nose
Getting back to what APT mentioned...limited space for WDH...I have a Reese DC currently, so how does one use this or other type with this type of trailer? Also...anyone who owns a V-nose type trailer...how stable are they compared to a conventional TT?
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mhsmith
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01/20/13 03:46pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: I finally did it!
Hoping for one more trip around first weekend in Nov, but we shall see, most likely will be putting ours away instead. I only use about a gal-blow out lines and leave all valves open, empty filter housing, dump a little in traps and rest into freshwater tank and run pump till pink in filter housing.
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mhsmith
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10/14/12 02:10pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 4x4 or 4x2
I have a 2012 Ecoboost supercrew 4x4. Seriously considered 2x but it only came with 26 gal tank. After having a suburban 4x4 and a 42 gal tank, I could not imagine towing without the 36 gal tank I have now. The only way to get it at the time was with the 4x4 package and it may still be that way. As far as towing, we have a 32ft TT @7800lbs. and the truck handles it just fine.
Non towing with the max tow package I average 18-18.5mpg. Towing around 9mpg but what does one expect when hitching a 3 1/2 ton brick to the back of your vehicle?
It does have downhill engine braking assistance but it comes more from the trans downshifting to maintain control and I am very happy with it. Also has excellent trailer sway control ability with the built-in trailer brake controller.
As far as what people are saying in forums...gotta take it with a grain salt and determine what will work best for you. Here is my assesment on our first trip-
http://fordecoboostforum.com/index.php?/topic/864-first-trip-observations/
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mhsmith
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10/14/12 01:28pm |
Towing
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RE: Hail Damage to our 4 month old Jay Flight 32BHDS :(
We had our trailer one month, made the first payment, just had some warranty work done,was backing trailer into drive and awning caught corner of house cause it has large overhangs. Had to have awning and two upper rows of aluminum replaced. Doors and one window were removed and have had no problems with leaks or awning since. I have had a couple pieces low and behind the tires replaced from blowouts, and things are still good. But like others, totally up to you.
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mhsmith
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09/04/12 08:13pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Spare tires
After our trip last year to NC, I added a second spare to carry loose with me.
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mhsmith
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09/03/12 04:44pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Truck is getting old.
Had 188,500 on my last vehicle-98 suburban k1500. I just got tired of fixing it and we had also been looking last couple years for the new we have now. As smkettner said-if it still does what you want it to at minimal cost-keep it.
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mhsmith
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09/02/12 04:25pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Not happy with my Reese Dual Cam
WOW! I must have gotten real lucky. The unit I have was installed on this trailer, I beleive, in 2004 by dealer. I had to make one adjustment in the tilt of the mount after 2-3 trips and has been great ever since.I have 1200lb. setup. Just had to lower it on the shank recently cause my new truck is taller than the old one and the dual cam still handles it well.
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mhsmith
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08/27/12 01:05pm |
Towing
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RE: Shocks
I had Reflex's on my 98 burb 1500 over 140,000 miles. Replaced them every 50,000 miles and the truck performed well.(they come with a lifetime warranty).
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mhsmith
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08/17/12 07:14pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Can't get tailgate down when hitched up
I like your idea OhhWell, as my trailer a-frame is to short with the Dual Cam HP setup. Thought about turning the tonque jack, but then the handle would hit the LP tanks. I will most likely spend the money on a new bar next spring. As for our dog, she is quite comfortable laying on the floor of the truck with the seats folded up. Plenty of room with a supercrew for her and we don't have to worry about her falling off the seat or getting a leg caught between them.
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mhsmith
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08/16/12 08:17pm |
Towing
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