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RE: Propane tank question
INSPECTION? INSPECTION? GEEZ . . . GLAD I LIVE IN THE WILD WEST
:h THAT ASIDE . . . THE NEW TANKS MUST HAVE THE OVERFILL PROTECTION. AND, FOR WHATEVER IT IS WORTH, I SELDOM HAVE MINE FILLED. EVERY TIME I GO IN TO HAVE IT FILLED THEY TELL ME IT IS FINE! EVEN WHEN I USE THE FURNACE!
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Nyssa
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06/27/08 12:46pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: hi lo's
Well . . . they both are pretty good, but my final choice was a Trail Manor. Who really cares which one sets up fastest? Either will blow away a PUP. My wife can set up the Trail Manor in just a few minutes. It's fun to set up the Trail Manor and sit in a lawn-chair for another 20 minutes watching a neighbor crank up his PUP!
We looked at the HI-LO and the Trail Manor. Our 2720SL is the best for our needs - remember - our 2720 opens up to 27' and tows 20'. It weighs less than 2800 lbs dry. The HI-LO is heavier. Don't know anything about creaking and shaking as mentioned by someone. My comparisons are Trail Manor versus a PUP. The solid-wall bath and recirculating toilet are the greatest. The solar panel keeps the batteries charged and the television antenna and air-conditioner are wonderful.
Either the Trail Manor or the HI-LO are better for towing than any RV. Part of our decision was that the lighter Trail Manor would tow better with our Jeep. These "don't cross the line" arguments are silly. Either trailer meets specific needs. Our Border Collie likes the Trail Manor. The insulated floor is a plus.
:B
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Nyssa
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06/26/08 04:58pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Recirculating toilet?
Good point about septic systems, but we live in town.
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Nyssa
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06/12/08 12:37pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Recirculating toilet?
We have a new Trailmanor. The recirculating toilet is neat, but a change from our Thetford cassette. I can only tell you about the new one. Assuming the toilet is dry, dump three gallons of water in the toilet - yep - right in the toilet. Put one or two packets of Thetford deodorant in the toilet. Press the elctric switch to let it recirculate. That's it! The gauge on the toilet will say empty. As you fill it the gauge will go up to full.
There is a handle on the front of the toilet. Don't pull it until you are ready to dump your black water. Pull it before you close the trailer IF you are going to dump sewage. If not, you will have to raise the trailer to get to the toilet. Connect your sewage pipe and pull the black water handle outside. The toilet will dump. Since we take short trips, I dump mine at home - very carefully - into a plastic bucket. The I dump the goodies into our toilet at home like we did our cassette. Then I can add fresh water to the toilet to rinse it out. Chemicals do a super of keeping odor down. A new Thetford chemical smells like baby powder.
There is a good manual on the Trailmanor sites.
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Nyssa
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06/12/08 11:21am |
Folding Trailers
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NOT A PUP BUT IT IS A FOLDING TRAILER
We bought a new Trailmanor and it has exposed us to some things that are really neat. First is the solar panel. It is great. It is an 80 watt unit that mounts on the roof and has a controller inside. It keeps the batteries charged without needing a battery charger as I did before.
The trailer has two (2) 6-volt batteries. Since my PUP had a 12 volt system, I thought that all this talk about 6-volt batteries was silly. Wrong! Trailmanor knows what they are doing!
Why do PUPs have small and cheap tires? Good tires and LARGER tires cut a lot of worry.
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Nyssa
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06/12/08 09:34am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Add WD hitch or not.
I was pulling a Forest River PUP for a couple of years. I drive a Jeep Liberty. There was a bit of sway so I added a Drawtite friction swar bay. It was great. Sway was essentially gone. The Jeep was a little low in back, but I didn't worry about it.
Then I traded for a heavier trailer. I used to bad mouth WDHs. Not any more! I didn't know what I was talking about - yeah I am not as smart as a fifth-grader :B
A wdh is fairly easy to install - at least I think so. Same old story - plug the hitch ball etc into the receiver box. Make sure it is the right height. Install the bar holders on the tongue of the trailer - one on each side. Put the bars in place and pull them up until the vehicle is level with the trailer. Lock the chains in place on the tongue. That's it. Most dealers will do it for you for a price, but I bet you can figure it out.
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Nyssa
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06/12/08 09:18am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: your tv and milage
Hmmm . . . if you can afford a camper I think cost of fuel is secondary. Same if you can afford a super diesel powered fantastapickup or suv. Humans are funny critters.
:R
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Nyssa
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06/03/08 08:04am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: What do you pull your pop-up with?
I pull my 2900 dry weight Trail Manor with a Jeep Liberty. 3.7L V6 and auto-trans. I am sure it weighs well over 3,000 pounds when loaded. I installed a Hayden Trans Cooler and my Jeep dealer installed the extra wiring and my Draw Tite brake controller. The hitch is a weight distribution unit. It pulls these passes around here without a problem. I add a container of Lucas transmission additive for additional protection.
A little extra protection for the trans is always wise. My Jeep dealer adds an additive when changing transmission fluid. Additives are always controversial, but, in the case of HD towing I think it is a necessity.
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Nyssa
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06/03/08 07:50am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: No bubble levels on PUP
I thought this was easy. You can buy sets of two levels from many sources - including WalMart. Stick one in front or rear and one on the side. They are only 5 or 6 six bucks for big ones and less for small ones. They work great - a level is a level. :D
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Nyssa
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06/03/08 07:38am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Porta-pot or not?
It is interesting to see how anal people are - no pun intended. Geez. Poop smells - so? Who changed your kids diapers? Our rv toilet has a recirculating toilet AND a fan! However, my PUP had a cassette toilet. Properly used chemicals eliminate the smell and newer versions really break up the materials involved. With all the problems with STD etc, I would rather use my own facilities - let alone getting bit on the posterior by a spider!
I have a neighbor who dresses in a full-body suit - buttoned to the neck - white gloves - and uses a metal pooper-scooper held as far from his body as possible. One of these days I am going to pick up some poop with my bare hands and watch him puke or pass out :E
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Nyssa
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05/27/08 06:41pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: First Post-Hope its a good one
Forgot one thing. Ratings on the receiver are maximums for the receiver. Mine says 5000/500 but I wouldn't pull a 5,000 lb trailer if you paid me. The Jeep trailer package says 5,000/500 but, again that is a maximum. The 3,500 on your Cherokee is a safe maximum and I imagine your Jeep will pull most any PUP. Few, if any, are that heavy, but it gives you a general idea of what the Jeep will safely pull. My Forest River weighed about 2,500 filled with water and my wife's clothes. :R
Tongue weight should be about 15% of the PUP. But that is an average.
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Nyssa
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05/23/08 10:28am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: First Post-Hope its a good one
Hmmm . . . not sure what you mean by a bumper pull? Assume you mean a travel trailer and not a pup. Anyway . . . your Jeep, as described . . . will pull most any PUP. If you have the tow package, I assume you have a class III receiver already on your Jeep. My Liberty is rated at 3500 or 5,000 lbs, depending on how it is equipped. In any case pulling a PUP is no sweat.
Regular RVs insert some factors that are different. First, the wind resistance on one of those monsters IS a factor. They are generally heavier and on and on. You won't find a regular TT cheaper than a pup unless you can find a used bargain.
If I could assume to TELL you what to do, I would go to a good Jayco dealer and look around. You will spend a little more money, but they will finance them for you. The PUPs are very good. Some other companies make pretty good trailers, but you can count on Jayco to do it right.
Use it for a couple of years and evaluate where you are. You might want to upgrade to a larger PUP or go to a TT. By then you will be an expert in your needs.
Keep in mind that if you buy a TT you MAY need a bigger tow vehicle. Frankly, I am glad I am driving the Jeep Liberty. It is big enough for me and gets fair gas mileage.
There are some unusual campers available, such as the A-Liner, the Trailmanor which I now have, and the Hi-Lo. They have their advantages, but they can be expensive compared to a PUP.
I know you are anxious, but I would spend a lot of time looking around. I saw one reply where they said that EVERY dealer says their pup is the best! Of course they would say that. Look around. It seems that the most popular PUPs are Fleetwood, Jayco, Forest River, and Viking. A good brand combined with a good dealer will keep you happy.
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Nyssa
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05/23/08 09:56am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: First Post-Hope its a good one
Hey WALT . . . too bad he isn't in Springs. I know where he could have bought a super Forest River!
ShotGunWillie . . . you never told us about the Jeep. Different models require different approaches. My Liberty is supposed to tow up to 5,000 but I wouldn't. 3,000 on my current Trailmanor is the max as far as I am concerned. Driving the long passes in these mountains calls for a different approach. Don't forget to get electric brakes. Some manufacturers call them an option! Buy brakes, a controller, and a breakaway switch. All are required in many States.
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Nyssa
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05/22/08 04:38pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: First Post-Hope its a good one
I want to suggest that you rent a PUP for your first outing. Some dealers rent them. I have found that there is not a great deal of difference between the top selling units. Jayco, Forest River, Fleetwood, Viking - there are several pretty fair units available. Dealers are another story! Go with a well-established dealer. Some dealers sell PUPs on the side and don't know diddly-squat about them. We bought our Forest River Flagstaff from a dealer in Denver who had sold FR for many years. He also rented FR PUPs for many years. Our 10' unit had sleeping space for 4 people and a cassette toilet and shower. It also had a hot water heater, furnace, water filter, a Trojan battery, and etc. It listed for less than $8,000 new. Would I buy another? Maybe, Jaycos are awfully nice. Be sure that the PUP has a REAL deep-cycle battery.
You didn't say what kind of Jeep. I have a Jeep Liberty. It will pull a PUP with ease with the V-6 engine and auto trans. I found that the short wheelbase mandated a friction sway bar. You need a class 3 receiver on the Jeep. A weight distribution hitch can be useful if you are getting a lot of rear sag. I added a Hayden trans cooler to the unit. Helps keep things cool, but not necessary in many cases. Don't forget electric brakes.
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Nyssa
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05/22/08 10:17am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: ? about the fridge
An eternal question - for which there should be a ready answer - but there isn't. First, brand can make a difference - my new Norcold has a separate freezer and it makes ice cubes. My other one wouldn't. I always had to pre-cool my Dometic on 110. Didn't work well on 12 volts and would drain batteries on a short trip. My suggestion? Pre-cool on 110 volts. Put it on propane when you get to your campsite. Run it on 110 volts if available. Don't open the door! It will stay cool - maybe - :h
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Nyssa
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05/21/08 10:46am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Should we,or shouldn't we?
Hi Walt - - -
Here's my chance! MAZDAX605 I just traded my PUP for a Trailmanor. I can set it up in less than 5 minutes! My spouse can too. Check their website at www.trailmanor.com. I had a Forest River PUP - which had sort of a bath - but there were problems. PUPs are great for their intended use, but I suspect that many of us soft Americans aren't ready for all the shortcomings. Trailmanor is expensive, but worth it. It tows as easily as my PUP and once set up you are home!
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Nyssa
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05/21/08 10:36am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Help!!
Whew . . . I got confused by the confusion - - :h
First - - - read what Walt said. Water heaters run on propane. Second, the hole in the water heater is USUALLY a brass plug with an attached anode. Call your dealer and confirm this.
Electricity - make sure the switch that cuts off power to the 12 volt power is ok. My PUP had a cutoff switch on the swing-up kitchen unit. Nothing would run until that somewhat hidden switch was activated. Also - slap a voltmeter on your battery - make sure it is really bad or down.
If battery won't charge - I assume you have an active charge line on your 7-pin plug - be sure you have it chacked and replace it with a TRUE deep-cycle battery. Checker has good battery under the Exide name - there are others
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Nyssa
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05/19/08 02:18pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Solar Panel Help
My 2009 Trailmanor has an 80 watt solar panel and monitor from the factory - works great! Don't know why I would need more. Unit has 2 6-volt golf cart batteries
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Nyssa
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05/14/08 01:12pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Towing with minivan. Looking at SUV.
A lot of people pull PUPs with minivans. Your camper is not too heavy, but I would consider a weight-distribution hitch with a mini-van. Hitch helps keep the front wheels on the ground :B $350 - $400 well-spent. I assume you have a V-6. That will work just fine. A 2500 pund trailer is not a big deal. Driving on flat-land you will do just fine. An add-on that MIGHT help is a Hayden Transcooler - helps cool the transmission - useful in hilly conditions - not a requirement though.
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Nyssa
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05/14/08 11:45am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: First time out woes
I used to make fun of WD hitches. They are expensive, but I found out that I didn't know as much as I claimed. They are great!
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Nyssa
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05/13/08 05:40pm |
Folding Trailers
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