Congratulations on the Shadow Cruiser. I think you'll be very happy with your choice of trailers. My Exterra is made by the same company CruisersRV and the quality is there, alot of bang for the buck!
We have the next size down Shadow Cruiser, S-260BHS, towing with a 2007 Silverado with a 4.8L. You have 10 fewer horsepower but 20 more ft. lbs. torque, and are towing almost 500 lbs more dry. Since you have the quad bunkhouse I assume you are carrying a family, we mostly travel with just the two of us. I have found I really would like a few more horsepower. Towing uphill usually requires dropping to second. That means 4000 rpm at 60 mph, which is not really a problem, just hurts the already low gas mileage. If you're not towing on hills power won't be an issue, I can hold 60 on level roads in overdrive.
One issue you will probably have is this trailer is 8 feet wide. The extra 6 inches added to the length and height make a big difference. With a properly set up Reese dual cam the only white knuckle experience I have had is driving on city freeways when construction puts K-rails at the edge of the right lane. The lane gets really tight then.
If you want some other thoughts on our Shadow Cruiser search on my name. Use advanced search and search 12 months, I have posted a few observations and experiences, as well as some mods you may be able to use.
Don't sweat the small stuff, take it easy and enjoy.
Bruce and Jennie
2012 Shadow Cruiser S260-BHS
2007 Silverado CC 1500 4.8L 3.73
Here's my advice - before you pick up the TT; scout around and find a big empty'ish parking lot between the dealer's and your home. Then, on the way home with the TT, stop there and practice backing into the parking spots.
It will give you confidence for when you have to get into a tighter spot like your driveway or campsite.
Keep in mind, you can't always get into a spot on the first go, so going back and forth a few times is not necessarily a reflection on your capability.
As stated above get the walkie talkies for backing up because with these bigger trailers, it is hard to see the person guiding you in. These TTs are easier to back in but understand that they respond to corrections a lot less quickly and turn a lot less quickly or sharply than your pop up. If you haven't picked up your new TT then take a video camera to your pdi. Have one of you video everything while the other returns the demonstration of every last thing. Do not just let them tell you about it but make them show you how to operate it. If you have kids try to leave them home with a sitter during the pdi or bring some entertainment for them. Do not give the dealership any money until the pdi has been done to your satisfaction. Enjoy your new TT and may it bring you many happy camping trips.
* This post was
edited 05/25/12 10:58am by anaro *
backing up is much easier with the longer trailer. It listens to your commands!! When I had a PUP, after many back up attempts, I used to get frustrated and get out, unhook it, and push it back to its spot. Never had that felling with a longer trailer, not that I could do that anyway
Enjoy your trailer, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner...
2011 Kodiak 240KSSL
Husky Center Line WDH
2010 Dodge RAM 1500 4x4, 3:55, 5.7L - at last, a HEMI
2007 Kodiak 214 HTT (prior)
According to the originial window sticker and Trailer Life towing rating, that is the tow rating. We have pulled it from the dealer. The truck did well. When initially starting to tow, the engine revved a little more than usual. It's been quite an ordeal though. We had an appointment to pick up the TT. The dealer was not ready for us. We had a walk through to explain all the bells and whistles, but they still needed to install the spare tire, clock on the inside, hitch with weight distribution and sway bar, and grill. DH had to wait and continually ask what about this.... Very frustrating. The clock never was put in the TT. We drove off and they didn't give us the keys. I turned around in a second car to pick them up. None of the keys work. Even though they only had one of these models on the lot, somehow they must have mixed up the keys. I love the TT, but it seems like once the sale was done - they were done. Really sad.
TowHaul wrote: Keep in mind, you can't always get into a spot on the first go, so going back and forth a few times is not necessarily a reflection on your capability.
You are correct. But it's still a major spectator attraction at the old camp ground watching a newbie back in for his first time. Sometimes getting the lawn chairs and beer coolers set up for the event and having all the neighbors over to watch is more fun than the camping.
Be forewarned that not all newbies take kindly to the applaud when they finally get through the ordeal!! Some have even been known to give obscene gestures toward the applauding crowd.
2010 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8315BSS
2003 Chevy Silverado 1/2 Ton Extended Cab
TowHaul wrote: Keep in mind, you can't always get into a spot on the first go, so going back and forth a few times is not necessarily a reflection on your capability.
You are correct. But it's still a major spectator attraction at the old camp ground watching a newbie back in for his first time. Sometimes getting the lawn chairs and beer coolers set up for the event and having all the neighbors over to watch is more fun than the camping.
hehe.
That is the reason it is best for new TT owners to book a pull-through spot their first few times.
Pull-through spots do ruin the entertainment factor though
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