RV repairs
I've spent most of my life working on vehicles, so I can, usually, handle a wrench. My '89 Coachmen Horizon is based on a GMC 3/4 ton van. I've got a couple if issues I need to address before I take i...
Forum Discussion
I quite agree with others about air bags vs. air shocks. We installed Airlift 5000 bags (the newest model has an internal bump stop - the earlier versions did not) and their air compressor, as well as their wireless controller. Yes, it was a bit more money, but I sure like being able to sit in the driver's seat - underway if one wants - and both check and adjust the air bag pressures independently, all at the push of a button. We're VERY happy with our setup.
I can also monitor the tire pressure of all the tires - Lexor and trailer - from the driver's seat anytime the key is "on". That capability really "saved us" once when a trailer tire was going down while underway, the alarm sounded, we pulled over, solved the problem and were back underway shortly. Had we not known about the failing trailer tire, well, I have to wonder if it would have turned out the same way.
Separately, we usually tow a single axle V-nose enclosed trailer - motorcycle and other stuff inside - and I, too, was worried about the spare tire on our Lexor's left rear door. So, I put a short extension, OK, really a longer ball mount, in the receiver to move the ball out just a bit and it works very well.
To date, we have about 30,000 miles on our Lexor, 90 percent or so towing, and it works just as wanted and expected.
Don't forget to pay close attention to your ATF temperature when you're towing. "Burn" the ATF and your transmission may not be so happy. Yes, I know there are differing views on the max ATF temp, but I like to stay under 190 degrees with temporary rises - not to exceed 210 degrees - when climbing. It's almost never an issue when not towing, but when towing, the additional load does translate to an ATF temp rise. So, I watch it closely via an ATF temp gauge on the "A" pillar.
In short, to tow, if you set it up right, use a little prudence, 'tis fairly easy. Set it up wrong, or ignore prudence and/or limits, well, it might not be so much fun.
Cheers.
I can also monitor the tire pressure of all the tires - Lexor and trailer - from the driver's seat anytime the key is "on". That capability really "saved us" once when a trailer tire was going down while underway, the alarm sounded, we pulled over, solved the problem and were back underway shortly. Had we not known about the failing trailer tire, well, I have to wonder if it would have turned out the same way.
Separately, we usually tow a single axle V-nose enclosed trailer - motorcycle and other stuff inside - and I, too, was worried about the spare tire on our Lexor's left rear door. So, I put a short extension, OK, really a longer ball mount, in the receiver to move the ball out just a bit and it works very well.
To date, we have about 30,000 miles on our Lexor, 90 percent or so towing, and it works just as wanted and expected.
Don't forget to pay close attention to your ATF temperature when you're towing. "Burn" the ATF and your transmission may not be so happy. Yes, I know there are differing views on the max ATF temp, but I like to stay under 190 degrees with temporary rises - not to exceed 210 degrees - when climbing. It's almost never an issue when not towing, but when towing, the additional load does translate to an ATF temp rise. So, I watch it closely via an ATF temp gauge on the "A" pillar.
In short, to tow, if you set it up right, use a little prudence, 'tis fairly easy. Set it up wrong, or ignore prudence and/or limits, well, it might not be so much fun.
Cheers.
