Well, we're off tomorrow from Maryland to Maine in our new Avalon. I've pulled 1500 pound trailers with my Envoy XL and they didn't feel like they were back there. Have pulled 2500 pounders and felt them a little. But, this one at 3700 pounds dry, you notice this baby back there. I have 20% weight margin for my truck, but I don't plan on going over the Rockies, so I should be okay going over these gentle Eastern Seaboard hills. Will let you all know when I get back if I decide to get a bigger truck. DW keeps saying that's what I really want.
On yes, did at least two dumb things already. Put the back supports down, and then decided to raise the front a little more to make it level front to back. Forgot to crank up the back supports. No damage, but made a mental note to double-check everyting before making adjustments. Also, almost forgot to make the electrical connection from the trailer to TV before going around the block for a little test drive. Glad I caught that one.
If you haven't already, get some side mirror things so you can see around it when you're towing. They work wonders for helping you see cars when you want to change lanes.
Don't forget something to level the camper with. Because of the dual axle you'll need more than normal of plastic leveling blocks. You might want to consider going to a lumber place and getting a couple 1" thick planks and cutting them down to use. They'll stack pretty easy and when they wear out you can burn 'em at the campfire.
Get a big zippered folder/organizer from an office supply store to keep all your manuals in and a notebook/journal to put in there too. Take notes on anything you think you'll want to review later, like order of setting up or "what's this switch do?".
Best advice of all: Be patient. You're camping, don't let a few tense moments sour the whole trip.
2000 Suburban LS 4X4
2008 Fleetwood Avalon
1 Big Fuzzy Geek (me)
1 Awesome Cookie Baker (DW)
2 Goofy Dogs
Nights camped in 2008 - 17
Thanks for the suggestions. We just returned from our trip. It was great. You're right about relaxing, it's camping. I'm going to get the mirrors for our next trip. My sister has one of the Highlander series and she suggested putting manuals in a three ring binder. I like the bag suggestion. The Linksystem plastic blocks worked fine on our trip. I think the woods planks are actually easier to use, though. The Avalon was a little heavy for some steep hills, but generally, we were surprised how well my Envoy XL pulled it. Still, I'm thinking of getting one of the smaller diesel trucks when they come out next year.
eat some Lobster did we?
But then you guys have the blue crab and there not to bad.
I went to school in Bainbridge back in the 60's I think the Navy closed that base.
anyway we had a lot of Maryland blue crab.
Glad you enjoyed your trip I went there last year I too had a great time.
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