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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: 8,500 lbs plus dry weight
jwstewar I checked out your picture and honestly it doesn't look OK to me but I knew it wouldn't. TT and truck appear nose high. Ground appears sloping but combo is not. But that may be just my take due to the angle of the picture.
AS to how well the combo tows it gets very subjective.
What you consider OK, I probably would call inadequate. What you refer to as working it is probably unacceptable to me. I want to tow wherever I want, without regard to terrain or grades. I tow frequently and prefer not to be fatigued or concerned about the capabilities of my rig. More importantly I want the tow to be relaxing. I don't want to "work it".
I have towed lots of things before where I've had to work it, which was to use your words is OK, however I do not want to tow in that manner in my spare time for recreation. My goal is to go somewhere neat with the family and relax. I prefer a combo that is capable of allowing me to relax and not work it.
Staying within all the towing parameters allows the driver to relax. As a combo strays away from the parameters,more work is required of the driver and the relaxation factor decreases.
Staying within the parameters allows you to relax on a good day. It also gives you more margin for error on a bad day,when the wind is blowing,the rain is pouring, or the traffic in front of you suddenly stops. Bad day scenarios are the real reason I choose to tow with a capable combo that is with in its parameters vs. one that is not or one that is OK.
But in the end what I think really doesn't matter. It's your rig and your combo. If you are content and satisfied with how it performs than that's all that matters.
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Lantley
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05/18/13 06:25am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 8,500 lbs plus dry weight
We have a Jayco 32BHDS. It weighs 7984 as shipped from the factory. I'm towing it with the '99 1500 Silverado in my signature. Looking to upgrade. But probably not for another year or so. Haven't weighed it loaded, but I know with 5 of us and all of our toys (5 bikes, 2 grills, full of water, extra 35 gallons of water, etc), I know we are heavy and over our weight limits. The truck actually does OK and sits level. If you were to just "look" at it, you would have no clue it is over weight.
I think I could tell by looking. But I have an idea of the weights and tow ratings involved. I also believe once you upgrade and tow your TT with a more capable truck. You will realize that your current set up doesn't really perform as well as you thought. My comments are not meant to bash your set up, but to point out that many feel they are fine until they eventually use the correct vehicle and learn from the driver's seat they were just getting by. This idea applies to vehicles of all sizes not just 1/2 tons.
I towed my prior 10K loaded 11k GVW TT with a 7.3 PSD Excursion.
AS mentioned most 3/4 ton vehicles with diesels or big blocks are capable of hauling the larger bunkhouses without issue.
I also towed the same TT w a V-10 X as well. The PSD did a much better job. But the V-10 was capable as well.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 10:25pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Memorial Day weekend, where will you be?
I leave the holiday weekends for the workin' stiffs.
I imagine that's a good idea. If I wasn't one of those working stiffs i'd avoid the holidays as well.
However since I'm a stiff myself I can't pass up the extra camping day the holiday provides.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 06:53am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: NYC campground recommendations
You might also consider Croton Point Park. It is on the Hudson River north of the city. Rate is about $50 per night for full hookup. You can take the train to the city. About a 30 minute trip.
In fact we will be arriving there today. We plan to be there for a week.
Croton Park is a great place however the train ride to the city is more than 30 minutes. It's more like 75-90 minutes if I recall
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Lantley
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05/17/13 04:35am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Warranty work refused
call me crazy, but they seemed to have " lost a potential customer."
when you traveled 700 miles away to another dealer to buy something you could have bough locally..
Not justifying their decision,but understand it...
Bryan
I have to respectfully disagree. They get paid from Lance to do warranty work on "Lance" campers not just campers they sell. Most dealers are more than happy to do warranty work for this reason and if you are there hanging out while your work is being done you're bound to wonder around their store and buy more stuff.
They do not get paid full rate or even at all if repair is not approved by Lance. All warranty claims are not approved . Approval is not automatic and subject to Lance's discretion.
Furthermore there are parts to be returned paperwork to fill out and up to a 60 day payment window.
Dealers are willing to endure this for units they sold however for units they did not sell, that have local owners many dealers do not feel obliged to play the warranty game. It is a loosing proposition for them
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Lantley
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05/17/13 04:27am |
Truck Campers
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RE: found new tongue-mounted bike rack system
Looks interesting. A nice alternative to the Arvika racks. I would prefer a rack that supported the bikes from underneath vs. a rack that suspends bike by supporting them from above. Nevertheless looks like a nice alternative.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 03:30am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Bed tonneau covers
When I save up all my allowance, I'm getting a Roll N Lock bed cover. Surprised no one has mentioned it . Very high quality and good reviews. Expensive but you get what you pay for.
I have found that it's not a matter of which cover you like but which cover will fit without contacting pin box in tight turns. While I like them the most,the roll up type seem to be the worst for my scenario.
The tracks used to support the rolling covers interfere with the pin box during tight turns. I eventually ruined a Retrax cover before eventually going with a Bak Flip G2 cover that fits my set up much better.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 03:23am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Fithwheel and tonneau covers issue
I had the same issue with a Retrax tonneau cover. Ended up destroying the Retrax cover. I now have a Bak Flip cover.
Truth is there is no 100% fool proof answer as to which cover fits.
Each pin box,hitch,truck bed, truck and 5'er are different.
I do believe the new Tonno Pro hard fold may be the best uninversal solution. It appears not to use any tracks. The tracks are generally what interferes with the pin box.
I found out the hard way that finding a cover that works is not as simple as you would think!
Tonno Pro Hard Fold cover
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Lantley
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05/16/13 10:54am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Warranty work refused
The local dealer is not truly the bad guy. The entire RV dealer network is really at the root of the issue. The OP stated he went to his local Lance dealer for help with a warranty repair. Truth is the dealers are not truly affiliated and are really independent operators. The idea that there is a dealer network is a charade that the RV industry really does not want to discuss.
Your local dealer does not want the job because there is a good chance they will not be compensated by Lance. They are willing to take the risk on payment with a unit they sold, however with a unit they did not sell they don't want the headache.
Notice Lance did not resolve the issue via the local dealer because they have no authority or agreement with the dealer to regulate/enforce the warranty repairs.
Frankly I would not take on non paying work either, I understand there is good will but there is also overhead and bills to be paid.
In the end the local guy gets the black eye, however the issue really lies with Lance and the entire RV industry's lack of a true automotive industry style warranty and compensation network.
Fortunately Lance did resolve your issue. Ultimately Lance is responsible for your warranty not the dealer.
Before you write off you local guy, you need to understand there is not a dealer network for warranty service.
This issue comes up frequently your case is not the first and will not be the last.
While non selling dealer warranty service is not a deal breaker when buying a unit it is a real issue that should be considered when not buying locally
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Lantley
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05/16/13 10:18am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Looking to buy my first duramax.
Mark from reading your prior post, I get the feeling you are very mechanically inclined. With that in mind, it sounds like a good find. A truck with 270K will require lots of nickel, dime and some high dollar maintenance. However you appear to be a very capable DIY'er that can do most of it yourself. Go for it.
You won't find a Duramax in decent shape much cheaper.
Any Duramax Allison that is in good running condition will be worth at least 10K
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Lantley
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05/16/13 07:08am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Finding Past Owner
Thanks everyone...figured this would not be received very well. Was just wondering if somehow a private message would be a way to connect for a quick answer to a simple question. That way no one would know who is who. I would just ask a question about the 5er and end it there. I would know who the past owner would be by them knowing something about the 5er others would not. I never posted all the information about the 5er till I seem how others feel. I am done and thank you all very much. Appears the warranty people and our insurance agent will be fighting this one out. Have save and happy travels.
Doesn't sound like a simple question to me?:h
The above is exactly something I would not want to get involved in if I were the previous owner.:S
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Lantley
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05/16/13 06:56am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: EcoBoost problems on the Horizon...:?
Several people on the forum have experienced this. It is old news and happens rarely.
Nevertheless it is a known issue it needs to be fixed to the point that it doesn't happen at all.
Though rare these engines are totally shutting down when put under acceleration. It is a potentially dangerous situation. It is a known problem at this point.
A what point does the issue have to escalate to before a recall is done? Does someone have to get hurt first?
I don't like class action suits but I also don't like large corporations stone walling consumers and sweeping problems under the rug.
I'm sure there is a fix but is Ford going to go to the expense of issuing a recall? Bean counters rule.
Enter the class action lawyers looking for easy pickings!
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Lantley
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05/16/13 05:48am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Harpers Ferry West VA - KOA
It is a decent KOA park. However they do have breed restrictions for pets. Therefore I spend my camping dollars elsewhere.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 08:37pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Lake Anna State Park, VA
I come to Lake Anna from the SW so I'm not familiar with the roads in from your direction. Route 208 is a good road but is undergoing some construction just north of the turn to the Park. The road into the park is a "small road" for sure. Large RV's travel it all the time but it's a rather narrow road.
The state park is a very nice facility. The campground was just opened in 2007 so it's still fairly new and clean.
Thanks for the response. I'm not bothered by small entry roads at all. But I am leery of following my GPS down a small narrow dirt road or coming across a 12'high overpass. There is a good chance I'll be traveling at night.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 08:03pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Grills that hang on the side wall of the trailer
I used an RVQ grill for five years with my old rig. Never any discoloration or heat issues. It was at the edge of the awning. I was able to stay dry if it rained. The RVQ was very convenient. In some ways I wish I still had it.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 07:42pm |
General RVing Issues
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Lake Anna State Park, VA
I live in the suburbs west of Baltimore. I am interested in directions to Lake Anna State Park via 15 South or 340. I can pick up both of the routes fairly easily in Frederick,MD. I want to go via 15 south and avoid the I 95 corridor.
Is anyone familiar with these routes all the way from Frederick,MD to Lake Anna? Are there any low clearances to avoid. I believe there are a few train bridges through this area. Google Maps shows the route as doable but I am concerned about bridges and small roads.
I am hoping to hear from locals or those familiar with the area. Thanks in advance.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 07:24pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: which tablet?
Another vote for Nexus 7.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 06:36pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Half Ton Fifth wheel advice...
If you are getting a 5 er....chances are you plan on keeping so why not get a 3/4 T truck or something bigger if you plan on moving up?
I get a kick out of guys that choose the smallest thing they can get away with as a TV then choose the largest rig they can find to pull?
But in the end we all have are reasons and the freedom to choose and do as we please.
It's funny too, a lot of you think you only get one chance to buy a truck. If I decide to move up in 5er, I will simply get a bigger truck too. Right now, if the camper only gets used 8-10 times a year, it is hard to justify driving that 1 ton dually to/from work, when a heavy 1/2 ton would be much more enjoyable everyday and pulls our camper real good.
Remember, just like campers, they make trucks everyday too.
Hey Shadows I understand your point and I don't want to hijack this thread.
I respect that everyone has different wants and needs. Trucks and RV's are expensive. I try to find a combo that will last me awhile in order to avoid upgrading either every few years. I try to foresee at least the next 10 years when I purchase.
Funny I do take a one chance to get it right approach vs. change vehicles as necessary. Experience has taught me it's cheaper that way. It always cost more to get it right the 2nd time. For the record I have had my share of getting it right the 2nd time and I try to avoid that scenario.
Once I set my sites on a 5'er, I purchased a dually for my next truck when the time came. I towed my prior TT with the dually for awhile in anticipation of the fiver.
In the end we all have our reasons,frequency of use is certainly an important factor.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 05:45am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Half Ton Fifth wheel advice...
If you are getting a 5 er....chances are you plan on keeping so why not get a 3/4 T truck or something bigger if you plan on moving up?
I get a kick out of guys that choose the smallest thing they can get away with as a TV then choose the largest rig they can find to pull?
But in the end we all have are reasons and the freedom to choose and do as we please.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 04:47am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Handheld Remote control for awning,rear jacks.slides,etc.?
I have on it's nice to have when you are in a tight spot however I really don't use it that often. Stays in a closet on a hook most of the time.
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Lantley
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05/15/13 04:41am |
Fifth-Wheels
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