Flipping axles to give more ground clearance???
How does this work? Good/Bad idea? Experiences?
We tow with a long bed (dually) Dodge with a toolbox, and have had the nose of the 5th wheel hit the rails/toolbox a few times while manuevering. A slider hitch is not an option, because we need to use something compatible with our B&W gooseneck turnover ball, which means the B&W Companion Hitch is pretty much our best option, and that's what we have...
Also hoping "flipping" would give us enough clearance to park in our drive, instead of parking 15 miles away in a storage lot... It would be SOOOO much more conveneint!
RE: weather in Akansas & Oklahoma
We've been stationed in Oklahoma for 6 out of the last 12 years. We were there and IN the May 3rd 99 tornado that hit OKC. Just get a battery powered NOAA radio like aksnowman said, and keep it on. Also, along the interstates will be signs that say, "for local weather conditions, tune to XXXXX station" If something bad is happening, you will know about it, because that will be ALL the radio talks about, they completely abort normal broadcasting. A CB is also handy, because the truckers will be talking about where to go (overpasses, gas stations, etc.) to seek cover if it gets that bad.
RE: Currency ?? when in Canada
We just traveled through last summer. Other posters are correct - ATM's will charge a ridiculous transaction fee AND a currency exchange fee. Expect the same if you use your debit card at an ATM or for a purchase. We were told the best option for oobtaining cash is to stop at a bank close to the border on the US side, do a cash advance/ATM withdrawal there, and have them convert it. But, crossing where we did in Montana did not offer this option...
But, even with the fees, we at least were never told we couldn't use our debit/credit cards. But, you will want cash for some places in the boonies, that just might not be equipped with credit card equipment...
I don't think there is a "cheap" solution. No matter what, you're going to pay fees...
RE: 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter
Yes, we used one on our toy hauler. It is a Ranch Hitch. Rated to 24,000 lbs. Was easy to install on the lot using hand tools. Once installed, we never had to climb in the bed to lock/unlock as it had a remote mechanism.
We wanted to use it on our new Cruiser, but it won't attach to the enlongated pin box.
We bought ours through Mobile Trailer Supply here in Anchorage. The owner supports them fully, says he has never had a problem, and they are extremely popular with people that need to haul gooseneck trailers and fifth wheels.
We had to find another option for our Cruiser, and still keep our B&W Turnover Ball for hauling horse trailers and flatbed hay trailers. Found out about the Companion Hitch made by B&W that converts the same turnover ball system to a 5th wheel hitch. Easy to use, and so far, so good. Might be an option for you, also, if you have a turnover ball system. We DEFINITELY did not want to have both types of hitches permanently installed in the truck - just too many holes and rails and PITA.
RE: Best camping close to Anchorage?
Yup, we went to that campground twice last year. Love the bunnies! A bit of a torture for our dog, but thankfully she knows she isn't allowed to chase them. We'll definitely be visiting it again!
Only managed to snag a bunch of humpies, and one dog salmon. Hope to do better this year!
Best camping close to Anchorage?
We arrived here last July, and were able to camp a few times at Willow and Seward last year before cold weather set in. Looking forward to camping as much as possible this summer, and fishing (from shore) LOTS! But, we have a new baby arriving in 2 weeks, so we'd like to stay close to home, and not be hours from civilization... What is everyone's favorite places on the Kenai or within a few hours north of Anchorage? Good fishing is preferred, as are kid-friendly campgrounds (i.e. bicycle friendly is a must!). Dry camping is okay, but places need to be accessible with a 34' 5th wheel.
RE: 5th wheel backing and an idea
What works best for me is the "hand on the bottom of the steering wheel" method. Like others said, you just move your hand in the direction that you want the back of the trailer to go. But, this method does take some learning - it is easiest to learn if you start out with the trailer and truck in a straight line, with the truck wheels straight forward. With more experience, you'll be able to gauge where you are no matter the position of the rig. And also keep in mind that a tiny turn of the steering wheel means a big change in the back end of the rig, so turn your steering wheel in TINY increments.
I've had friends that have been new to hauling who have literally stayed hooked on to the trailer for weeks, and take it everywhere they go locally. They try to back it into spaces wherever possible. It's good experience close to home, and also usually means extra exercise because you end up parking a ways away from the door of your destination.
I also wish every parent could do what mine did. When teaching me to drive, my father would always completely cover up my rear-view mirror with his handkerchief. He always said "you can't learn to pull or back a trailer without first learning to rely on your side mirrors!" So I grew up NOT using my rearview mirror, and still to this day, never use it, even without a trailer on behind. He also made me go backwards for weeks, all over our property, backing in between trees and other obstacles with and without the trailer. Worked awesome, as I am now completely confident that I can get any rig into any spot, maybe not on the first try, but I can do it. I've been hauling horses (36' Sundowners), flatbeds, and campers for 20 years - haven't hit anything yet when backing...
RE: Converting bunks to contain small kids?
Those are both awesome ideas! I love the picture! Unfortunately, our bunkroom contains 4 bunks in a L-shape. The corner of the L is a storage cabinet. It's hard to describe, I wish I could link a picture of it...
But, I just had a revelation when I walked into the garage and saw some leftover PVC lattice - I am pretty sure I can cut some of it to fit the odd space, and attach it with snaps. One end of the snaps would be screwed into the bunk, and the other end would be attached to webbing (from a fabric store) that I have woven through the lattice.
I'll let you know if it works, and maybe get a picture on here!
Thanks!
Converting bunks to contain small kids?
We just sold our toy-hauler and bought a bunkhouse model 5th wheel. In the toy hauler, our smallest child slept in a pack 'n play in the "garage" area, so that the adults could continue being active after bedtime. The new bunkhouse 5th wheel has the bunks in a seperate room, with it's own door. I need ideas on how to "block" a 2 yr old into the bunk. He's not a climber - he's never once tried to climb out of his crib at home, but I know he won't stay in a bed unless there is something blocking him. I think it is going to take more than a typical bedrail...
Has anyone ever made a barrier out of net/wood/something that attached securely at the top and bottom of the bunk?
Sleeping in the main living area of the rig in his pack 'n play is not an option for him, as he won't sleep with people coming and going. Most of our camping is group camping, so there is always lots of activity/noise past baby bedtime...
