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Louvered Tailgate Recommendations???
I have been thinking about purchasing an aftermarket tailgate for my Ford F-350 (2006).
I have had a number of "close calls" and i am thinking that I am almost out of "lives" therefore I should probably buy a tailgate before I damage the trailer or the truck due to not having one. I am sure the tailgate is cheaper than fixing a "whoops."
I have been leaning toward the Custom Flow brand (made in Edmonton, AB).
Have you had any good luck with this brand? Is there something else I should consider?
Just wanted to get some opinions (everyone has one you know).
Thanks for the replies,
Paul
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Shepardsonp
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07/21/08 03:59pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: HWH Hydraulic Leveling System - Fifth Wheel???
Laying down on your belly shaving in a fun-house mirror is a pain. :)
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Shepardsonp
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07/18/08 04:55pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: HWH Hydraulic Leveling System - Fifth Wheel???
RV'n is like an addiction - those with the most toys and gadgets on their rig wins! As you can see from Britt's rig, he's well ahead of most of us. :)
The reason I asked about the jacks lifting the tires off the ground is two fold; I purchased a 20ton bottle jack from a hardware store and i could barely get the tire off the ground enough to polish the rims. I even changed the hydraulic fluid to make sure. They just don't make a good jack these days I guess. I opted for the chrome rims instead of the bathroom mirror option. Shaving is a bit of a pain but shiny wheels are great! The other issue is storing the rig in the winter and getting the tires off the unit and out of the weather. I priced Goodyear 17.5 H's and they are about $400 each. A thought was I could easily take the tires off in the winter and put the rig on blocks.
Sounds like I have some catching up to you guys and your fancy hydraulic lift kits. :)
Paul
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Shepardsonp
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07/17/08 08:49pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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HWH Hydraulic Leveling System - Fifth Wheel???
Anyone have hydraulic levelers on your fiver?
I am considering putting them on my rig but was curious if others have done it.
If you have done it, could you use these jacks to change a flat tire? will they lift the whole trailer off the ground just in case you have to????
Thanks for the replies :)
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Shepardsonp
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07/12/08 06:34pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: FIFTH WHEEL QUALITY
I am on my 3rd fiver.
1. Wildcat (Forest River)
2. Cardinal (Forest River)
3 Newmar Cypress (Newmar)
Are you a long-haul or short hauler? If you are a long hauler (like me) where you to trips of 2k-3K miles or more then you should seriously consider a higher quality rig.
If you are serious about research (like me) then narrow down to the manufacturer(s) that you like and then take factory tour. Newmar does factory tours ever day and if you are serious about purchasing a rig, the factory rep should take you on a private tour (they did for me). They take you places that they don't take the normal public tour people.
You should also consider upgrading the tires and axles immediately from the factory. I went from two 7K axles and G rated tires to 2 8K axles and H rated tires. Higher load ratings and tire pressures give you less problems and less rolling resistance. Not sure if that helps on fuel economy because you have heavier weights that may offset fuel savings - if there is such a thing ;)
It all comes down to the almighty $. You get what you pay for and if you plan to use it frequently the higher the quality the less long-term problems you will have.
If you would like any details on the structural problems and what it is like to leave home with a Forest River and come back with a Newmar on the same trip, please send me a PM.
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Shepardsonp
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07/12/08 02:16pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Thinking About Upgrading From F-350 SRW to F-450
OK...
I have had 3 PSD's (1) 7.3L and (2) 6.0's. I have a 5th-Wheel that is 16,300 lbs (with my Golden Retriever) - so I am just over the weight limit of my F-350.
I really would like the Freightliner Sportchassis but even I can't justify a $130K Tow Vehicle that will only be used for towing my 5th-Wheel 12 - 15 times/year. :(
I test drove a 2008 F-450 on Friday and they ride much better than the last one I rode in (2006).
Here's my questions:
1. My buddy had a hard time finding a insurance company that would insure a F-450 without having a commercial insurance policy. This is way more expensive than a F-350. Anyone else heard of that?
2. I don't really want a DRW because of the added hassle but the 5th-wheel towing capacity is much better (18,000/19,000). DRW's really aren't good in the snow with out a set of chains either.
3, Here in Colorado, we have seriously "grooved" roads and I hear the DRW's really don't track well - any thoughts?
4. The F-450 only comes in 4.30 or 4.88 rear ends - I am not pulling all the time, do you think the 4.30 will be sufficient?
5. Anyone who has a '08 F-350/F-450 - what are you getting for emply/towing mpg's? I hear they are real "thirsty" and when you ask someone at the filling station, they all say 16-19 empty - i think they are lying. Most posting sights are saying 9.0 empty and 6.0 towing. Any thoughts???
If the 6.0L wasn't giving me some troubles, I probably wouldn't be considering a new T.V. but just starting to research the topic.
My buddy just downsized from his F-450 to a '07 6.7L Dodge and loves it! I hear the Duramax is a good option but that doesn't solve my "I got too much trailer and not enough truck" situation.
Thanks to all for this replies!!
Paul
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Shepardsonp
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06/21/08 10:37pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Plugged Turbo - 6.0 PSD
Mileage was 29,700 Miles.
I don't baby this thing!! Pulling a 15,800 pound Newmar Cypress in Colorado up and over passes is a darn good workout for the 6.0.
I also do run Ctain additive.
Truck pulled the trailer back home great! I have been running a Edge Juice/Attitude kit on the truck until this past winder it to Mag-Chloride on the connection to the unit and the truck wouldn't run. I switch to a Super Chips programmer and now this.
I am not running stock from now on.
We have a 2,000 round trip coming up starting Friday of next week through all the following week. Last 2 times I have made this trip, I have been towed both times. We pull into a rest stop and shut the truck off and it won't start. My Diesel tech thinks he has a fix for that too. Going to the shop tomorrow. to get it checked out.
I will keep you posted.
if you FIND me on I-80 East or West bound ON THE ROAD DEAD (FORD). Please stop and have a cold one with my while I am waiting for the tow truck :B
One more F.O.R.D incident and this sucker is getting sold.
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Shepardsonp
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06/21/08 10:04pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Plugged Turbo - 6.0 PSD
This topic has been moved to another forum.
You can read it here: 21562602
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Shepardsonp
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06/21/08 12:09am |
Fifth-Wheels
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Plugged Turbo - 6.0 PSD
Here's one I bet you have NEVER heard of. I have a 2006 Ford F-350 with a 6.0L PSD.
Pulling my fiver down the Interstate and started up a fairly steep grade. All of a sudden my EGT went to 1500 degrees and the EOT went to 235 degrees and a substantial loss of power.
I backed off the throttle and pulled in to fuel up and left the engine running to cool. While fueling up, I called my Diesel Tech at the Ford Dealer and asked him what he thought was going on. He thought it was my EGT Cooler going and said I was OK to run it as long as I monitored the temperatures.
We made it to our camp spot and had a great weekend outing. Monday AM comes around and we are now back on the road with a less than powerful PSD. I pull into a Ford Dealer and they put the truck on the computer to find it is giving a error code of 299 (low boost) from the Turbo. The turbo vanes were stuck inside the turbo and would not rotate. We decide to leave the truck/trailer at the Ford Dealer and jump in with other camping folks for a 6 hour ride home. 4 Days to get the part and a $200 plane ticket to fly to the small town to get the truck and we are back on the road.
When they pulled the old Turbo off and opened it up, it was really "plugged up" with soot from the exhaust - so much so that is plugged up the turbo.
Thank god for warranty repairs.
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Shepardsonp
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06/21/08 12:09am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Ever been snubbed or ashamed because of your RV?
Prefer not to stay in campgrounds.
Never been kicked out of a campground yet !
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Shepardsonp
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06/04/08 09:08pm |
Beginning RVing
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Does Anyone Use Mechanical Polishers On Your RV ???
Over the weekend, I spent 6 hours and waxing (Thetford Gel Gloss) a 33' 5th wheel. Is sure looks pretty by my arms about fell off doing it.
Has anyone used a mechanical polisher like the professional detailers use on cars/trucks?
I don't own a polisher but was curious if anyone has ever used one on their RV. What type of polisher/pad do you use? What type of polish do you use? Will the Gel Gloss work?
Thanks for the replies
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Shepardsonp
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05/22/08 09:18pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Grey Water tank question
Gee... Why didn't you get the 36L7S? Same Money and a lot more room :)
Your Master Bath and Shower typicaly go to your front grey tank.
Your Galley and Rear Bath go to the rear grey tank.
That's the way my last 4 fiver's have been.
PS: There is no such thing as a 36L7S by the way.
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Shepardsonp
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04/21/08 01:39am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: retro fitting double pane windows
I see you are from Minesoooota. I am from there too so I can say that.
Are you looking at the double pane windows for extra R-value for colder winter camping? Do you know the R-value of your insulation in your walls/floor/ceilings? I would have to see you put money into new windows only to have the heat escape from everywhere else.
Just a thought
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Shepardsonp
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04/13/08 08:26pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Vari Kennels
Well Put
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Shepardsonp
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04/01/08 10:43am |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Vari Kennels
ONE MORE THING -- Always take the collar off before you put the puppy in the kennel. You don't want something bad to happen if he/she were to get hung up in the kennel. I know, the chances are slim but it happens. Break away collars are also a good thing. Dont want a dog to jump off the 6' high deck with a 5 foot long leash - IF you know what i mean.
TRAIN TRAIN TRAIN - the more you put in, the more you get out.
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Shepardsonp
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03/31/08 10:50pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Vari Kennels
A Small is plenty. If I have a 75lb Golden in my Medium and he does just fine - has for years.
YES, you should partition it off. Put a box in the kennel (tape it shut so the puppy can't get into it) that will give the puppy 1/2 of the kennel for him/her and the other half is taken up by the box.
If you put the puppy in the full size (small) kennel, he will have way too much room and use the back as a restroom. Dogs aren't piggish animals and they do not want to go in their beds. Take him/her out every 2 hours for a potty break - outside is best, newspapers is 2nd best. That way they learn where to go and where NOT to go.
Take the puppy to a puppy class (from anyone). Your puppy wants to learn and it is your duty as a pet owner to give your new friend every opportunity to be all that they can be. All of my dogs are way smarter than most people because I take the time and effort to work with them, train them and it has paid off big time. A dog will also test you to see if they can start to rule the household. They are used to being in a "pecking order" lifestyle. Once your puppy knows who's the Alpha dog (this is you) you will be much better off.
Good luck
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Shepardsonp
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03/31/08 10:46pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: NEW 5er How are my weights?
I have a 2006 F-350 PSD SRW with Firestone Bags. I ordered a Newmar Cypress last September. When I ordered it, I had them put the next heavier axles on it 7k's to 8k's which got me from 16" G's to 17.5 H's. I also went from drum brakes to disks. MorRyde pin box and suspension too. Will Cedar Creek let you upgrade some stuff? I would hate to see you have more trailer than axles/suspension - that is a train wreck waiting to happen.
I had the trailer weighed last week with full gear and water - it was $15,840. It pulls better than my Forest River Cardinal ever did and it only weighed 12,000 lb. or so.
Is a dually better than a SRW? Maybe but I don't want to drive a dually when I am not towing.
Just make sure you are running E rated tires at 80 psi close to max on your trailer tires and you should be fine.
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Shepardsonp
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03/31/08 10:26pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Vari Kennels
Are you getting a puppy? If you get a kennel that is to big, you MUST let the dog grow into the kennel by partitioning it off. If you don't the dog will poop in it.
I have trained and competed with Golden Retrievers in AKC Hunt Tests and Upland Bird Competitions. My Golden's range from 60 - 80 lbs. They all use Medium sized kennels.
Dogs a a "denning" creature by nature and they really don't mind a smaller kennel. This is there spot and a place to get away from small kids, etc.
I would think a small would be more than adequate .
That said: Are you traveling with your dog? Do you want to lug around a larger kennel? Smaller is better in my opinion. Once you get the used to it, they will be quite happy in there.
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Shepardsonp
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03/31/08 10:14pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Designer 35RLTS-Its HOME
How did you bend you bed rails? backing up a steep hill? Bad angle/side hill?
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Shepardsonp
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03/31/08 10:07pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th wheeler ratings...
I have had 3 5'rs in the last 7 years. My last fiver was a FOREST RIVER CARDINAL --> It never made it back from out last trip. After my right side axle shackles collapsed and I blew 3 tires trying to get it to a place to get it fixed, I cut my losses and went Newmar! Haven't regretted it since. Of course there are many factors that come in to play:
- How much do you have to spend?
- How much do you think you will use it?
- Long trips or short trips?
- Will you leave your fiver at a designated site for extended periods of time?
- Do you think you may want to jump in with only one foot in the water of go for it with both feet?
- Do you have a tow vehicle that can tow a high quality (and heavier) fiver?
One thing you will find -> Everyone thinks their rig is the best. Possibly true, the best for them but not necessarily you
Here is a post that I posted last year. I looked at a bunch of them before I picked my latest rig.
**********
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!! I do a lot of long-distance trips from Colorado to MN 3-4 times per year. Nothing tests out a rig than a good 1,000+ mile trip! If you don't go far from home or if you leave it someplace for the entire summer then you may be able to get away with a little less quality. Following is what I have had (besides 2 hard sided bumper pulls and 2 different pop-ups): Forest River Wildcat - not a bad "entry level" unit but without slide out in the Master it was a real pain. No problems but I only kept it for 2 years. Good all around beginner unit. Forest River Cardinal - Thought I upgraded when I bought it brand new in 2005. In July of 2007, I blew 3 tires and It almost caught on fire when the tires started burning holes in the floor from the tires rubbing on the wood deck - complete axle shackle failure due to metal fatigue. I even weighed the trailer (highly recommended) after it was loaded before I left on my trip and I was right where I should have been. Just a really poor quality unit. Having to leave your trailer 1/2 way through your trip at a welding shop for a month and a half while you are in a pissing match with the manufacture will ruin a vacation faster than anything. The day I picked up the Cardinal from the welding shop was the day I drove another 3 hours to trade it in for a 2008 Newmar Cypress 33RBCK. I was glad the Cardinal made it the extra 3 hours to Des Moines, IA from Omaha, NE. I was really disappointed that you even would consider a Newmar Cypress in the same class as some of the junk you mentioned; Montana, Big Horn, Cardinal (gag me with a spoon). Most of these are all made from one or two manufacturers the only thing that is different is the decals. A Newmar Cypress is by no means in the same class. Just because the Cypress is the "entry level" Newmar 5'er, they are higher quality that almost any other unit out there. Did you know that the Cypress, Torey Pine and Kountry Aire go down the same manufacturing line as their $1M+ Pushers? I did because I flew to Indiana and took a factory tour. Have you even thought about doing that? When I took my factory tour, I saw the same guys working on a $1M Essex bus and then right behind it was a Cypress. i just returned home from the Denver RV show this evening and saw a lot of junk. PLEASE DON'T GET CAUGHT UP ON ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES ON THE INSIDE - they all look nice. What you need to be paying attention to is the superstructure, frame, axles, brakes, and then look inside. Did you know that Newmar makes almost all of their own components? Most of the others buy from the cheapest place they can find and then "slap" it together and send it out the door. Ask the dealer you are working with to special order larger axles and wheels/tires and I bet you they will look at you like you have two heads. A Newmar dealer wont. I am sure there are other manufactures in the same league as Newmar but there aren't many. Newmar is more of a made-to-order company which is why you don't see many of them around on dealers lot. Also, there are not many people who will spend that kind of $$ for a 5'r either. This is why many places don't carry them. On my Cypress, I upgraded the axles from 7K to 8K which not only put me 2K more in GVWR, it got me into 8 lugs vs 5 and got me from 16" G rated tires to 17.5" H rated tires. I also upgraded from drum brakes to electric/hydraulic disks. You also get much better suspensions on this class of 5'er. The Cypress comes standard with all MOR/ryde stuff - suspension, rubber pin box. Drum brakes are standard but the hydraulic give you much more stopping power. As you can see, I can go on and on about quality. You also have to understand that the more higher end you go, the more they weigh. The Newmar is 4,000 lbs heavier than the Cardinal I had and it actually pulls better than the Cardinal ever did. Have you thought about putting extra capacity transmission and rear-differential covers on your truck? Have you thought about getting temp gauges put in your truck to monitor your engine temp, transmission temp, exhaust gas temp? What happens when your transmission fluid hits 240 degrees??? It completely breaks down and your transmission has been given a death wish. My neighbor across the street has a Ford Excursion and a 27' lightweight towable (bumper pull). He hasn't changed anything but the oil in his truck in 94K miles. He couldn't believe it when I predicted that he would have 2 blow outs on a trip he took last summer. He had 15" D rated tires. I told him from the start that he should have switch to 16" E rated wheels and tires but did he listen??? Of course not. When tires blow you can actually see insulation, fender skirts and other "stuff" blow off your trailer if you look quick enough after you hear the boom. Even on my Newmar trailer, I have 1/8" think 1" steel tubing welded to the frame rails that go up an over the tires to prevent a blown tire from destroying the underbody of my unit. "That's a bit excessive you say," Yes, but tires now days are all junk and it is just a matter of time before they "blow". Sorry for the long-winded reply. I have learned things the hard way and hopefully have given you something to think about. I am by no means an expert but living in Colorado and pulling mountain passes with all sorts of different truck/trailer configurations has given me some different perspectives on things. I am also not trying to steer you towards a Newmar since I have no idea what you can afford or how you plan to use you new rig. If you have any questions, i would be more than happy to reply to your Private Message. Happy shopping and be safe.
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Shepardsonp
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03/31/08 10:03pm |
Beginning RVing
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