What Did You Do in your Sprinter Based RV Today?

Went for a 100 mile drive along the Columbia river staying below the frost line to charge up the batteries, exercise the generator and simply to get out. I actually saw other rv's out as well so I'm not the only one anxious for spring.

Yesterday I added a Maxxair vent cover over the Fantastic Fan I had installed earlier in the bathroom. Now we can leave the vent open all the time.

Thanks Wes, looks like I may have a side trip coming up. (Even though I can't stand driving in Portland)

fortytwo wrote:
Dkeppner,
The limitation is due to the "extension rails" that we're used lengthen the Sprinter. Those rails were of the thinnest gauge possible, and in my Winnie View they even had "lightening" holes about 2" in diameter cut in them to keep empty weight low.

Winnebago sells the rails used in 09 and later models which raise the tow rating to 500#/5k. Unfortunately, for my View both waste tanks have to be dropped to replace the rails - about a $2,500 fix. You can get rail braces from Upscale Auto in Portland, OR, which I recommend, but they don't increase the hitch capacity.

Wes

Dkeppner,
The limitation is due to the "extension rails" that we're used lengthen the Sprinter. Those rails were of the thinnest gauge possible, and in my Winnie View they even had "lightening" holes about 2" in diameter cut in them to keep empty weight low.

Winnebago sells the rails used in 09 and later models which raise the tow rating to 500#/5k. Unfortunately, for my View both waste tanks have to be dropped to replace the rails - about a $2,500 fix. You can get rail braces from Upscale Auto in Portland, OR, which I recommend, but they don't increase the hitch capacity.

Wes

Does anyone know of a way to beef up the towing capacity on these rigs? I've got the 2008 Gulf Stream Vista Mini with the 3500/350 hitch. I've also got a 2012 Chev Equinox that is checking in at 3810lbs. This is an excellent flat towing toad that I would prefer to keep but the towing limitations dictate otherwise. The 3L diesel is definitely up to the task.

Today I took the Big Step of becoming a Unity MB Owner. Gave the dealer my colors & options. We meet to Sign the deal & settle price on Friday (hopefully this part goes well). As this is a factory order it will be at least the end of Jan. before I get it.

A sad day today. Winterized.

And now that we're back in our winter port, next on the agenda is to freshen up the exterior.

I started taking off the old decals last week, it is surprising how easy old, crumbling decals come off of an RV parked in the sun when the temp is around 100F. ;) I just pick with my nails a bit, then pull the stripe right off!

Just Lee wrote:

AprilWhine wrote:
Hello from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory!

So far on this trip, we have averaged almost 14 mpg over 6,000 miles. I think that's pretty impressive!

14 mpg is great... Are you towing a TOAD?

We hope to go to Alaska in the next few years...

Friday we got our delivery from Francher's of our Windshield cover/shade and Bra.. They fit perfect....

Yes, towing a Mini Clubman, with extra stuff in the back and 25 gallons of diesel on the safari rack. :C

We finished the trip earlier this month. For over 10,000 miles, we averaged 14.22 mpg. :B

Here's a picture of the rig in Chicken, AK, just after coming across Top of the World Highway:

7 Bridgestone tires onboard. Much quieter ride than the old Continentals. $1345 Notes to self:
1) Beware, Costco has a policy of selling tires as "new" even if stamped up to 3 years ago.
2) A good deal may not be such a good deal - see #1 above
3) Good Sam ERS Platinum was the saver here. Called, got "expert" advise, went back and got totally different set of tires for same price.