Just bought a new ORV Black Rock 20RD (GCWR 6200, full length 24'7, width 8'5). It is still sitting at the dealership due to weather and lack of time to grab it. Went to just sign paperwork as I am traveling extensively for work so won't be able to pick it up until March 1st. What are the specifics for doing a walkthrough before you take delivery of the trailer?-Specific points of interest/concern before you take it off the lot? The tires that come on the TT are 15 inch Goodyear marathon tires (C rated; ST205/75R15 1820 lbs. capacity) and axles rated at 3500 lbs (dual axle trailer). Would you upgrade to a 16 inch wheel and LT tire (Toyo High Country HD; 2600 lb. capacity) IF you spend a lot of time boon docking and traveling on dirt/gravel single track plus 1000+ mile trips (Pacific NW) at least 3+ times a year. I had 3 major blowouts on a MH and it has left me a bit cautious concerning tires. Tow vehicle is a 2011 Ford XLT Supercab whose payload (calculated off GAWR which was the limiting factor not the higher payload sticker- thanks to info in this forum) is 1400 lbs. Tires on the truck and suspension just upgraded two years ago. Has tow mirrors, tow haul, and brake controller. Safety is my primary importance. Would you spend the money on the tire change or would you spend the money on a ProPride hitch? I don't have enough to cover both. Last question: if you knew you were going to go solar in a year would you buy the batteries configured for solar right away or add to the batteries at a later date? Would you use 4 x 6V or 2 x 12V? I realize many of these questions are based on personal preference but was just looking for people's opinions on what they consider more significant and why. Thank you,Janell

In terms of batteries, I would think that upgrading the batteries sooner rather than later makes the most sense if you'll be boondocking quite a bit. The increased capacity helps even without solar, arguably even more so. It makes little sense to do anything until you figure out your electric requirements (at least roughly), however.4x6V golf cart batteries is a much larger bank than 2x12V batteries, at least using the typical 12V RV/Marine batteries, simply because you have at least two times the total battery (measured in either weight or volume). Generally speaking, the 6V batteries are about the most economical in terms of useful capacity per dollar, but that's not necessarily true in every imaginable situation.

did it come with two brand new good batteries. if so I think it is silly not to use them.bumpy

"Last question: if you knew you were going to go solar in a year would you buy the batteries configured for solar right away or add to the batteries at a later date? Would you use 4 x 6V or 2 x 12V?"Solar first. Then 6 volt batteries. 2 or 4 depending on an energy audit.I sort of agree with Bumpy. If the current batteries have enough amps, keep them for a while. With solar charging they may prove adequate.

So one suggestion if you don't know what to look for in a walk through, or don't feel comfortable making sure you check everything, then hire someone for $200 (give or take) and have them do the walk through/check out everything.Having said that, if you already signed the papers, then whatever they find will likely be fixed on their schedule, not yours. What Im trying to say is as long as you hold out signing the papers until after you do the walk through, and insist anything identified that needs to be fixed prior to signing the papers, then you are in control. They would want it fixed to get you to sign.. now you signed, so leverage is less. Regardless, that's probably not a huge deal, as anything that is identified would still be fixed.Mike

It comes with 2x6V or 1x12V (my choice) with a capacity (battery rack) for either 4x6 or 2x12. I don't know if it makes more sense to just get the additional batteries at the same time or wait until I install solar. I know leverage is gone for the fast service of any items in need of repair, hopefully we won't find much (I did walk through, around, and underneath BEFORE I signed) when I actually take delivery. I have to say that so far the dealership has been very forthcoming and honest. Prices for items are not far off of what can be ordered from Amazon. We will see if that continues. I do not know if the roof leaks or if the holding tanks have issues because it was -10 and the trailer was in a huge garage. Should find out quickly if the roof, sides, or windows leak when I pick it up considering it probably has a foot of snow on the top and temperatures should start to melt some of it prior to pickup. Will also make sure to turn gas, water, flush toilet, shower, refrigerator before taking it. I will have a generator so I wanted to hold off on solar to find a reputable place that can install and recommend a good system since they are quite complex (I've already heard the horror stories of bad installs resulting damage and overcharges). I also don't have an energy audit to pick the proper wattage of panels but I'm certainly limited on panel number/size as the trailer is only 20 feet long. It is Zamp pre-wired (side port plus rooftop) but don't know what thoughts are about staying with their equipment.Thank you for the replies

New TT with some questions | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

Walaby
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2017
So one suggestion if you don't know what to look for in a walk through, or don't feel comfortable making sure you check everything, then hire someone for $200 (give or take) and have them do the walk through/check out everything.

Having said that, if you already signed the papers, then whatever they find will likely be fixed on their schedule, not yours. What Im trying to say is as long as you hold out signing the papers until after you do the walk through, and insist anything identified that needs to be fixed prior to signing the papers, then you are in control. They would want it fixed to get you to sign.. now you signed, so leverage is less. Regardless, that's probably not a huge deal, as anything that is identified would still be fixed.

Mike
Lwiddis
Nomad
Jan 23, 2017
"Last question: if you knew you were going to go solar in a year would you buy the batteries configured for solar right away or add to the batteries at a later date? Would you use 4 x 6V or 2 x 12V?"

Solar first. Then 6 volt batteries. 2 or 4 depending on an energy audit.

I sort of agree with Bumpy. If the current batteries have enough amps, keep them for a while. With solar charging they may prove adequate.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jan 23, 2017
did it come with two brand new good batteries. if so I think it is silly not to use them.
bumpy
DrewE
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2017
In terms of batteries, I would think that upgrading the batteries sooner rather than later makes the most sense if you'll be boondocking quite a bit. The increased capacity helps even without solar, arguably even more so. It makes little sense to do anything until you figure out your electric requirements (at least roughly), however.

4x6V golf cart batteries is a much larger bank than 2x12V batteries, at least using the typical 12V RV/Marine batteries, simply because you have at least two times the total battery (measured in either weight or volume). Generally speaking, the 6V batteries are about the most economical in terms of useful capacity per dollar, but that's not necessarily true in every imaginable situation.

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New TT with some questions

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