RE: simple portable water pump and tank
Here's what we plan on doing for our upcoming trip to the Smokys as far as filling the freshwater and dumping the grey.
I purchased two 26 gallon spot sprayer horizontal leg tanks. I picked thistank in particular because it is low enough to just clear the the truck bed cap and stow - we have roughly 19" of bed height to work with in our Titan. The other pluses for these tanks are they are pretty cheap and they have a threaded spicket on the bottom for a drain hose and a large vented capped top for fast filling.
Next I got a two of thesetransfer pumps. I can run these pumps off of either our 400W inverter hooked to the truck or off the genny. Again, pretty cheap and fairly good reviews as far as durability. We'll see.
After that, four lengths of hose - two 6 foot and two 20 foot. The short hose will cover the distance between liguid filled tank and pump, long hose between pump and empty tank to be filled. Two tanks, two hose sets and two pumps because I'm not mixing grey and fresh. I figure the black is best left unhoneywagoned, at least by me. Off to the dump station for that.
I'm hoping my little system will allow for easy freshwater tank filling from the bed of the trunk (pump on), easy grey water dumping from camper to truck (slow pull of the valve to ease the deluge, then pump on after I run out of uphill flow), easy grey water dumping from truck to station (pump on for the last bit of water as these pumps will work down to under 6 inches, and no priming!) and easy freshwater filling from sink at bathroom station to truck (no pump, just attach the hose to the sink with a water thief).
I don't plan on mounting the pumps to the tanks (although there are pre-installed brass threadings to do so on the tank) mainly because I want the freedom to position the pumps where they are most effecient, as the manufacturer states that there should be 6 feet or less of hose between the pump and the liguid the pump is going to suck.
Pretty easy to tote - just throw in the back of the bed. I guess I could mount the tanks to the truck with brackets, but I don't think it's necessary as they will be empty most of the time we drive them.
The camping buddies like the idea too, as we can honeywagon the whole caravan without a lot of struggle, I hope.
I will report back on if my big idea actually works in operation after our trip.
Melissa
RE: Lounge chairs !!
I love the reclining chairs in a bag that we purchased at Camping World for $29.00. Ours are beige with a powder black finish on the metal and DO NOT appear to be the same model as the terracotta recliner on the Camping World site currently. I know the beige ones are in stock in the Tampa CW, at least, I saw them last week. Might be worth it to look if you have a CW near you.
They are pretty heavy, but fold up to a little larger than a regular folding chair in a bag, so convenient to stow in our pass thru compartment. I am 5'7", and find them extremely comfortable (I fall asleep in them) but my 6'4" husband complains that they are a little short for him (but what isn't!)
Anyways, for under $30, I think they are a steal, and they look nice too.
RE: Just towed my TT for the trip and I have questions...
Our setup is really similar to yours, albeit Titan/Hideout instead of Yukon/Puma - we are at about the same trailer weight and tow vehicle specs (actually, you have a better gear ratio). Obviously, since I feel confident with our setup, it is my opinion that you have enough truck for your trailer, seeing as your max trailer weight according to your truck specs is 8100 and your PUMA's GVWR is 7530. You, like us, because of your low payload capacity of 1600lbs just need to watch your truck weight and load it light. If your keeping your tongue at 12% of your loaded trailer weight of around, say, 6200 lbs, that gives you around 850lbs for passengers and stuff. We have a little less than that and we hit it pretty fast.
We were having simliar issues as far as trying to find the highway cruising sweet-spot (with a 1/2 ton in headwinds, forget it, you're going 50mph with screaming RPM's- I'm talking calm weather and flat grades sweet spot). Anytime we exceeded 60mph in fair conditions, we were constantly skipping up and down gears and not dropping under 2500 RPM's. What seemed to do the trick was putting back in the K&N air filter that we had removed a few years ago. It didn't seem to do squat in the truck alone, but used when towing, we are able to maintain 65-67MPH under at 1900 RPM's. Sweet spot found. I also second not using cruise control.
Melissa
RE: Advice on Pigeon Forge Trip
Hi Todd,
FWIW, I just posted about the NC to TN portion of US #441. As far as the Georgia portion, I used to take it all of the time when I lived in Athens, GA and would head up to the Smokies. We still take it now when we head up from Florida, either off of 23 or I-85. It's two and four lane, and passes through some neat areas. I really like the Rabun county portion - be sure to check out the academy on the west side of the road, GREAT sled hill! Also, Tallulah Gorge is pretty awesome if you have time to pull over and check it out. US #441 will take you all the way into Cherokee - be sure to watch the signs through Cherokee and stay on 441, it's super easy to get turned around. From there, up the mountain you go.
Melissa
RE: Smoky Mountains
Hi Steve,
While I have never driven a motorhome with a toad on Newfound Gap Road aka US #441, I have followed plenty. You can do it without a problem, provided the weather is with you. In winter months, and often in late autumn and early spring, 441 is prone to ice at the higher elevations and will be closed, either all day if it is snowed or iced in, or from dusk to dawn if the ice is forecast to develop overnight. If it closes, you will be stopped at either the TN or NC entrance and will have to take the long way from or to Gatlinburg on I-40.
You obviously won't be winning any races driving your rig up the grades, but it's not a road you really want to rush anyhow. There is a corkscrew section as you pass north of Clingman's Dome which might make an easily carsick passenger a little green, but nothing I would call dangerous. As for tunnels, I think there are two. Have a look at this this article which talks about how the Newfound Gap Road tunnels were recently graded to allow for a 13'6" minimum clearance, specifically to accommodate the RV's traveling the route. The road is two lane and pretty wide as far as mountain roads go. Take the blind turns slow (obviously) and try not to get to distracted by the absolutely beautiful vistas you will pass.
If you have time and it's open, pull off at Clingman's dome and take a gander from the parking lot. It's worth the extra drive.
The hubby and I plan on taking this route into Gatlinburg from the south when we make our semi-annual trip to the Elkmont campground this fall. We will be towing a 29 foot TT.
Good luck and enjoy the great ride.
melissa
RE: where are you going
just worndering where is everyone going for the long weekend of may 23 .I book at the red counut in ft myers beach 1 st time outthere with the rv. Has any body been there before.
I'd like to hear about the Red Coconut as well - we are booked there July 4th weekend. Post back with some pics!
RE: anyone tow with a Nissan Titan? need help!
Haven't been towing long, but we tow a Keystone Hideout 23RKS with a 2005 Titan SE Crew 4x2 without the big tow package. We tow just below the max for the non-big tow package limits. Tow in 4th, Tow mode ON, no cruise (cruise will eat your fuel up if you are on anything other than dead flat road), probably 3rd or 2nd hitting the big hills (tell you for sure in September when we go to the Smokies). On flat land and a calm day, we got just over 9MPG. I anticipate that in the hills we will be looking at closer to 7.
We plan to get a autogauge tranny temp gauge just to keep an eye on things - all Titans regardless of package come with a tranny cooler. If you have the Big Tow package, you just get to see the gauge. We are adding back the K N filter that has been stashed in the garage because it was a PIA, but now seems like a pretty good idea. Also plan to upgrade to some decent shocks.
For a 1/2 ton, the Titan is one heck of a truck.
FYI - have you read about the possible 3/4 ton Titan in the works for 2010? Would not share parts with the Ram like the prospective 1/2 tons set to release (if Nissan decides the Titan is viable at all for 2010) it would be all Nissan all the way. Sweet.
Hope that helps.
Melissa
RE: Maiden Voyage - Long post and Pics
Realy nice camper. I too enjoy Hillsborough River State Park Photos
Maybe we will run into each other sometime...
Be safe,
Terry
Hi Terry, Thanks!
Believe it or not, the hubby and I have seen your Highland Hammocks SP pics before by total chance when we were Googling our next trip! We lucked out and got a spot down there over Memorial Day weekend.
I will keep an eye out for you!
Melissa
RE: Maiden Voyage - Long post and Pics
Thanks for the great pics. I like the idea of the towel rack in the bathroom. We will probably do the same. We have had our first driveway campout last night and will have our first campground outing next week. Thanks for some great ideas.
One thing with the over-the-door hooks - I stuck little slivers of the soft side of sticky velcro tape on the underside of the hanging part over the door and also on the back of the hooks themselves. I am concerned about the metal rubbing against the door during travel and taking off the finish. Having the towels handy was great, and there was no protruding towel bar right in our face at eye level when we passed the door going in-between the bedroom and living area.
I also have a full-length over the door mirror that I store under the memory-foam on the bed and hang on the backside of the bathroom door when we get to camp. I loaded that puppy up on the backside with the soft side of velcro tape, just in case I shut the door too hard and the mirror rubs hard against the wood.
RE: Maiden Voyage - Long post and Pics
Oh, my gosh, your closet hanging organizer is just what I was hoping for this morning and haven't been able to find one similar online or off. Can you please let me know where you found it?
I just saw that TP/mag rack at Walmart last night. Almost bought it but knew it just wouldn't be a good idea with 3 little boys lol.
Congrats on your first trip out. We are prepping for our first 'new to us' but very old Winnebago voyage soon.
Christy
Super Target. Let me tell you, they are a PAIN to find, so if you come across them , stock up. They were not in the closet organization aisle. In one Super Target, I found them along the back wall of the container section, and in the other (I went to eight targets all together looking for the pieces) they were on an asile endcap near the beach towels. The hanging cubbies come as one piece, and the drawers are sold separately.
What was great is that the cubbies come in a short length (which is what I used) and longer for a standard home closet. Also, the drawers have a diagonal zipper along the bottom, so if you want to use the cubbie hole without a drawer, you can just unzip the bottom and fold it flat. I bought a few extra drawers that are in the overhead storage of the bedroom for socks and underwear. They are pretty handy.
I actually could not find enough large drawers, so I ended up buying the rolling cart that they had in the same product line - it came with three drawers. I used the drawers in the camper and gave the rolling cubbie cart to my friend for her kid to store toys in.
Good luck on your quest!
RE: Maiden Voyage - Long post and Pics
Wow, thanks everyone for all of the nice replies!
Vapor, you are right - no kids yet - My in-laws travel with our nephew in their pop-up, and they said the same thing! Looks awfully neat in there...just wait!
SuperDuty and Twins, the TP/mag rack is from Wal-Mart. Target has one also, which I initally bought, but returned for the WM one, as 1- it was cheaper, and 2- the Target rack had these little white knobs on the feet and at the end of the tp arm, plus had a white plastic basket lining the bottom and it looked kind of cheap.
TRNfla, I had a look at the link containing the pictures of the FL state parks, some of those look really beautiful. I just can't wait!
Thanks again, and Colocholab, Titan Up!
RE: CAT weigh-in on maiden voyage
...pull down on latch to raise the chain into place and set tension.
:? :? :?
Pull down? I have never seen a WD hitch where you pull down on the pipe to tension the bars. What brand hitch is this? Do you have any pictures?
The chains have ground clearance...
Don't quite understand this one either. The lowest point on the Dual Cam should be the cams themselves - not the chains. I am very confused. Sure hope you have a picture.
Barney
No pics of the hitch set up yet, so this is the best I can do for now....
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2230/2473642091_e78b1e4ff6_o.jpg
To raise the chain, the pipe goes over the little knob that the chain is attached to. To add tension to the bar, I raise the pipe from the lowest position while attached to the knob to the highest position.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2474482786_9cf7ed6dce_o.jpg
As far as clearance, I meant the cam, not chain....
We adjusted the ball about 10 degrees down towards the TT.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2343/2474537950_94ac62cb41_o.jpg
RE: CAT weigh-in on maiden voyage
We had the hitch ball tilted slightly back o allow for more tension on the bars (Reese Dual Cam WD, 750LB bars) and we had the bars with three links of tension, five hanging free. The tension was just enough that I could hand-set the bar chains - the dealer set up allowed for me to unmount the chain one-handed, so we adjusted.
Good to hear that your first outing was successful.:)
On the adjustment of your hitch, you need to tilt the hitch head back a lot more. You should have at least 5 links under tension when they are drawn up. This is not as important when using the Dual Cam system but three links is not enough. The ends of your bars must be pointing up when they are drawn up. They should be level or slightly pointed downward.
In addition, you should not be able to draw up the chains by hand without raising the tongue and truck combined. If you don't have a lot of resistance on those bars, you are not transferring much weight and the sway control of the Dual Cams is not as effective.
I would take a look at this sticky post when you get a chance and then re-do you hitch set up.
It certainly does not sound like you have it set up right now.
Barney
Thanks for the reply. The bars are pointed down, probably at a 40 degree angle from the connection to the hitch to the cams. In setting the bars by hand, I mean when the hitch is just set on the ball and still raised, we place the chain (third link) and then we use the metal pipe supplied to us and pull down on latch to raise the chain into place and set tension. It's a two-handed job with some force to press that pipe down and set the chain. Then we lower the jack and complete the set-up (break-away chains and locking pin). The chains have ground clearance, but we are concerned about turning - I observed a sharp turn when we were practicing, and the bars did not hit the hitch.
We will need to play around and see if tilting the ball back more allows for more links under tension. Learning cuve.....
Maiden Voyage - Long post and Pics
Hi Everyone,
After all of the great advice regarding towing, I am pleased to say that our first trip out was a success! We pulled out Friday after work and ventured 52 miles from home to the Hillsborough River State Park just south of Zephyrhills, FL. The weather was beautiful, the park was calm and relaxing, and the people we met were just great. RV'ers are really the nicest!
There were no surprises with the TT, everything worked perfectly, the tow was slow, steady, and smooth. The gas mileage was a bummer, but expected - 9 mpg. We did a quick CAT weigh-in on our drive out to the park, we are under the GVCW (TT and TV) by 800lbs loaded up, so I am pleased with our packing skills.
Set up was a breeze - wow, what a difference from the sweat and struggle of a tent! Can I tell you how much I LOVE a hot shower and AC! We were called out as newbies by a nice passing couple, they said our TT was way too shiny and the packaging still on the propane tanks was a dead giveaway. We have since torn it off and a propane tank cover is on the way.
Some things that were really useful to have -
Walkie talkies for the backing in and hitching up process.
A good dirt mat at the steps, although in cleaning the TT yesterday, MAN we tracked in a lot of grime.
The 4 inch memory foam topper and a good mattress pad on the bed.
Awning lights. You could find our site at night, that's for sure. i think we are going to unscrew some bulbs.
A stong fan outside under the awning to ward off dusk insects.
Water pressure regulator and 90 degree brass coupler on the TT to lessen wear on the water inlet.
Chock blocks - sounds dumb, but we added those to the cart at CW last minute.
Flameless candles. Made the inside really pretty at night.
Universal tow mirrors, although I was still the passenger-side spotter for the crazy Florida drivers who tear up the non-passing lane then cut you off.
The little weather station that I bought. We were entertained, even if we could just open the door and feel the day. Plus, it made a nice clock without having to hang anything.
The multitude of bins that I had placed under the bed and dinette. Breaking down and packing the loose stuff inside the TT took under 10 minutes. Everything has a home.
Lounge chairs in a bag - we were in those thigs for hours!
Rollable aluminum table from Sierra Trading Post - that thing is light!
Pop-up hamper - didn't think that was a necessity until I filled it up when we were breaking down. Very nice to just pick it up and go straight to the washer at home.
Coffee percolator, for when no electric is available - it made REALLY good coffee, though kind of a pain to clean!
Some things we bought on the way home at CW - 45 degree clear waste hose connector. Let's just say that we were not convinced we had flushed the tanks thoroughly, and upon flushing when we arrived at our storage (dump station on site) we were correct. Tornado tank rinser. Again, we will be clean. Smaller foldable white water hose. Grey hose for waste tanks. Y splitter for water.
Some things I am buying after that trip. Propane tank cover. Awning pin (I am paranoid about that thing unraveling). 22" LCD TV - as good of an idead as the PCTV HD USB stick for the laptop that I have is, it kept freezing up because of CPU stress - too irritating. Doorway basket/key hook as we found that we were constantly grabbing for four things - the headlamps, the keys, the OFF spray, and my chapstick - I want them all contained and accessible. Grill stand - no grills on park tables, and I didn't want it under the awning. Hitchin' poles, because "an inch to the right" to DH translates to him differently than my interpretation of an inch.
We are looking forward to more weekend trips in the near future, we have three planned out over the next month.
Thanks again for the advice, and I look forward to posting back with more great trips soon!
Melissa
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RE: Tonneau Cover Impact on MPG
We added a fiberglass cap on our Titan and there was no increase in gas mileage in a non-tow environment - averaged 18 hwy. Like others have said, though, it sure is nice to have the locking DRY compartment when camping. Our mileage when towing (one time - we're new) was 9 mpg, which in speaking to other Titan owners seems right on the mark, cap or not.
We are looking into a tonneau cover to shed some payload weight, as our cap is around 200lbs.
RE: CAT weigh-in on maiden voyage
So move a couple of hundred pounds to the trailer from the truck.
Thanks for the quick reply!
That was my thought - we had a cooler full of ice, two bins of food, clothes, and my camera gear (heavy) all in the truck, so next time, load all of that in the TT. My concern with that is, will it make the truck too light compared with the TT? My understanding was that the payload of the truck should be somewhat comparable to the load in the TT forward of the axle. Does it matter? Or will the tongue weight of the TT with the WD offset the forward TT weight? Our floor plan has a rear galley, so it was kind of an issue getting enough tension on the bars as the rig is a lot heavier towards the rear, even with the forward under-compartment packed up.
Thanks again!
CAT weigh-in on maiden voyage
Hi all,
Thank you again for all of the helpful advice! I am pleased to say that our first venture out with the new TT was a success. Towing felt good, took it slow and easy. We averaged 9 MPG on flat Florida highway staying around 63-65MPH. No big surprises during the stay at Hillsborough River State Park here in Tampa. Calm, just as we had hoped.
On our way to camp we did have the opportunity to quickly pass through a CAT station and get weighed fully loaded with the TT attached (we didn't unhook). Looking at the numbers, although we were 194 lbs over the TV GVWR, I feel confident that we are within our TV limits for the tow, but I would like your take.
The CAT numbers:
Steer Axle: 2920
Drive Axle: 3680
Trailer Axle: 5420
Gross Weight: 12,020
Briefly, our TT and TV specs:
Titan, no Big Tow package, specs:
GVWR - 6422
Max Tow - 7400
Curb Weight (includes fuel and necessary fluids to run, according to dealer) - 4966
Payload capacity - 1440
Tongue Max - 740
Tire cargo load max - 2600
GCWR - 12,800
Keystone Hideout 23RKS specs:
Delivery Weight - 5320
CCC - 2320
GVWR - 7640
24 foot box, 28.5 feet bumper to hitch
We ran without fresh water, as we plan to do on all trips. The measurements when hitched front and back on the truck were pretty level, as was the trailer front to back. We had the hitch ball tilted slightly back o allow for more tension on the bars (Reese Dual Cam WD, 750LB bars) and we had the bars with three links of tension, five hanging free. The tension was just enough that I could hand-set the bar chains - the dealer set up allowed for me to unmount the chain one-handed, so we adjusted.
Thanks again, I look forward to reading your opinions!
Melissa
RE: Towing with 05 Titan 4x2 KC SE w/o BT - Please check my numbers
Even though I have the availability of the large cargo capacity in the trailer, I still should not take advantage of it past the 12,800 GCWR of the truck, right? Definitely right. The advantage you have with a large CCC is more control over how much weight you add to the trailer. Those of us with small CCC's, under 1000 lbs., have to be very, very careful how much stuff we take along.
Gotcha. So when we upgrade to a larger TV in the future, more wiggle room in the trailer cargo arena. Cool.
Thanks again!
RE: Towing with 05 Titan 4x2 KC SE w/o BT - Please check my numbers
You have a large CCC (cargo carrying capacity) of 2320 lbs, which is good in your case, because if you fill your trailer to its total capacity, you will be over your tow rating (probably in more ways than one).
Thanks again for the response, but help me understand this. Even though I have the availability of the large cargo capacity in the trailer, I still should not take advantage of it past the 12,800 GCWR of the truck, right?
