First of all I wanted to say "THANK YOU" to all you guys who were so nice and helped us over the past weeks! I wouldn't know what we would have done without your advice.
We finally bought a Keystone Outback 25RS-S today, thanks to the advice we got here. For those of you that aren't familiar (or sick of) our story, here is the 1 line synopsis: My wife, cat and I are going full-timing next week for a couple of years, are generally fairly smart people, but completely clueless about trailers, since we have never even been in one before
Now for my (hopefully) final questions for a while: We got the truck, we're getting the trailer this weekend.
Now what else do we need?
I should mention that we already spent well over $40k on the vehicles so far and lord knows we're not rich... So we're talking cheap.
I am mostly concerned with the hitch stuff. The truck we have (2002 Dodge RAM 1500) comes with the factory towing package. I believe I need to buy some weight-distributing hitch, right? Like an Equ-a-lizer or something like that? Is that around $500.- ? I know there are much cooler thingies out there around $2 - 3K but unless I start dealing crack, that ain't gonna happen
Secondly, do I need a brake controller, or does that come with the towing package? If it does, I sure couldn't find it on Dodge's site. How much would that be?
I believe the sewer hose comes with the trailer and I understand that we have to buy the fresh water hose and pressure regulator ourselves.
And finally, what else? Boy I know that these are lot of question, and by now, the post is so long that nobody will read it anyway, but who knows.
I thank everybody in advance and promise to answer lots of newbie questions one I am a "seasoned pro"
Boris & Kirstin
- 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 RC/LB 4.7L V8 3.9 ratio w/ tow package
- 2002 Keystone Outback 25RS-S TT
You will need an equalizer hitch and sway control, and a brake controller 50-150 dollars,your dealer can install this. The sewer hose doesn't always come with the unit,if it does its very short and cheap. Ask your dealer to throw in a starter kit most do. It will have a sewer hose, fresh water hose,chemicals and t.p.
You will probably upgrade your sewer hose later with all the different connectors to fit different situations. Hope this helps a little.
ROBERT & VIRGINIA HAMILTON 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually H.O. Cummins Quad Cab,Auto,4WD,3.73 Posi. 2004 Cardinal 33TS LX Triple Slide Fifth Wheel U.S. AIR FORCE(Retired) Rally Attendance "3"
You will find a LOT of options you want/need as you go along but I would consider the above things essential along with a proper size electric extension cord, at least a couple of adaptors (pigtails)to go between the service box & trailer (your dealer can advise you on AMPS, etc, chocks and some kind of levellers -we have the Lynx levellers but wood will do just as well, particularly until you get established a bit more - if TV is important to you, get a coax cable along with male & female ends for it, a set of tools - minor repairs, adjustments, etc., are needed in a trailer just like a house - and a flashlight. A doormat helps keep trash out of the trailer. There are a million & one things that you will want/need and you will be adding things for a while - and also subtracting as you find you really don't need/use/want some of the things you first thought you did. Have a nice life!!
The tow package should be wired to make the brake controller an easy installation, but it does not include it. The hitch, well in my opinion is a must, I have the Equal-i-zer and am very happy with it and the setup was not that hard.
Good Luck
Bill
2001 Ford Excursion V10
Equal-i-zer, Voyager Brake Control
2 Artic Cat 500 4x4 ATVs
27' 1978 Del Rey TT
Once you get the basics, like the weight distribution hitch and brake controller, take a walk through a Camping World. Just make sure you leave your credit cards in the truck.... LOL So many little gadgets to buy!
My husband won't go anywhere without a couple of pieces of 4 foot plastic gutter to put the "slinky" in to keep it all going in the proper direction at the proper angle!
Have fun with your new toys!
*This Message was edited on 27-Jun-02 05:06 PM by MommaJo*
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
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So we're talking cheap.
