First time poster, long time reader:)Just picked up the foundation to all my future TC family fun, a 02 GMC 3500 longbox 2wd dually 6.0 gas Auto 4.10 rear gears. I still need to get the TC and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or warnings/horror stories to share about TCs in a GMC/Chevy like mine. I'm looking at a couple different Lance campers in the 1998 to 2003 range from a 1010 model to a 1131. I'm thinking I should be ok without any modifications to suspension, thoughts?. Does anyone know where to get the best deal on Torklift system is or a used set for sale.First trip is planned for late April either Utah Zion National Park or Smokey Mts. NC. Anyone have done either of these trips or both and want to weigh in on me and my wife's debate.Feel free to share any insight or suggestions for my TC purchase as well as suggested best travel destinations to throw into the debate.Thanks. TC DUDE (technically wannabe TC DUDE)

Hard to find used Torklift tiedowns, they tend to fit one model or year. But etrailer.com is the cheapest source I've found. Many are easily installed yourself, but if not look for a local shop to do it rather than a RV dealer, you will save a lot. As for the rest my advice is to determine your payload and stay well under it if you can...and allow 1000lbs minimum for gear. (you can check ebay for used tie downs once you know what model # fits your truck, but don't get your hopes up.)

I've been watching Craigslist, ebay, and amazon.com. Seem torklift deals are rare. I'll be installing them myself. thanks for the reply.My GVWR is 11400 and the vehicle weighs 5845 and the rear axle supports 8550. So with 1000 in people and gear, max TC should be around 4555 wet right? New to the whole weight conversions. I want to make sure I'm safe with the family in the truck.with a larger TC should I avoid Happijac tie downs?

Agree with the etrailer purchase suggestion from tonymull and I recommend torqlift products. That range of years of Lances are good ones , especially with the aluminum roofs. Have a Lance with the aluminum roof and it is pretty straightforward to maintain. That rig of yours should be a good one for the types of campers you are looking at. Have a Blast!OH YEAH, Go to Zion! Nothing wrong with the Smokeys but the majesty of Utah is no Comparison.

I found prices for torq lift stuff at tweetys online just google it and you will find it.

That's another question. What are the benefits to fiberglass sides vs aluminum siding. Is it just weight? ease of cleaning? heating efficiency? Being that I live in MN, I'm sticking with a hard side TC vs. pop-up TC and heating efficiency is kind of important.I'm leaning towards Utah for sure, Zion National Park looks awesome.Thanks for all your responses. I've got my tiedowns and turn buckles figured out now. (torklift)

New Member questions on TC | Good Sam Community

K_Mac
Explorer
Feb 21, 2015
Sorry TC Dude, probably hit MN. third or fourth week in July, and travel down eastern side.
Paradox123
Explorer
Feb 21, 2015
Sent you a PM.
Hey_there
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
Hi TC Dude,

Yes, about 9 mpg all loaded up with gas, water, wife, and two grandchildren. I also added stable loads. I also agree with the suggestion to try a short local trip first. That's where you'll discover other things that you'll want to take along or leave behind. Happy Travels!

Kurt
mike_mck
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
Craigslist can be your friend. I bought my super hitch, 48" extension and tie down system for $500.00.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/4850379279.html

TCdude wrote:
First time poster, long time reader:)

Just picked up the foundation to all my future TC family fun, a 02 GMC 3500 longbox 2wd dually 6.0 gas Auto 4.10 rear gears. I still need to get the TC and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or warnings/horror stories to share about TCs in a GMC/Chevy like mine. I'm looking at a couple different Lance campers in the 1998 to 2003 range from a 1010 model to a 1131. I'm thinking I should be ok without any modifications to suspension, thoughts?. Does anyone know where to get the best deal on Torklift system is or a used set for sale.

First trip is planned for late April either Utah Zion National Park or Smokey Mts. NC. Anyone have done either of these trips or both and want to weigh in on me and my wife's debate.

Feel free to share any insight or suggestions for my TC purchase as well as suggested best travel destinations to throw into the debate.

Thanks. TC DUDE (technically wannabe TC DUDE)
TCdude
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
There is lots of good fishing in MN, I'd probably end up writing a novel on all the places to fish. Not sure how far in or up you are coming but the boundary waters/Lake Vermilion has some of the best fishing and prettiest camping MN has to offer. Depending on the time of the year you plan to visit can greatly affect advice on how to catch walleyes. :)
I've had a lot of luck on Lake Winnie (winnibigoshish) recently (on the ice) for walleyes. lake mille lacs in Mid-MN is either feast or famine.
K_Mac
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
Good choice going with Torklift, great company and products. Smoky's are great, plan on doing Utah next year. This year doing the UP , WI., then over to MN. Any suggestions for camping and some walleye fishing would be appreciated. Good luck in your search,TC's are the best.
TCdude
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
jimh425 I'll heed your advice and make sure to plan very well the route and gas stops. I've basically been using google maps in conjunction with my road atlas for trip planning, is there a better mapping tool online for road trip planning to use or that any of you prefer?

One of the main reasons I went with the TC vs the RV or Travel trailer is the ability to do some adventuring (not to mention towing my small boat during the summer months in MN) so even though Zion will be the more adverse trip and be rougher going I look forward to it. Adversity brings the family closer right? :)

The truck is in perfect running order and has been super well maintained but I know better and have Good Sam Road side coverage and AAA coverage just in case.

Zion may be cold in late April but coming from MN, 40 Degrees is T-Shirt weather for us. It's -25 out today and I was thinking, wow its getting warmer.

I appreciate all the advice keep it coming!
beeman1
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
Go to "Roadmasters"web site to see video on spring set up.
beeman1
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
Look into the "Active suspension" spring set up. No more sway.Front Rancho 9000xl struts /shocks,rear Rancho 9000xl shocks. These are 9 way adjustable. This is the setup I have on my 2009 half ton short
bed extended cab, with tow package.TC is a Sun-lite 800.
skipbee
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
We too have had excellent results with Rancho adjustable shocks that all but removed all of the sway. Rear airbags to restore proper ride height to the pickup bed and very importantly levels the rig from side to side. And lastly the highest rated wheels and tires that the budget allows. RV tires tend to wear out by aging rather than tred wear, so inspections for dry rot and cracking are needed. Maintaining adequate tire pressure is also high priority.

I think that the order of importance is wheels and tires first, air bags next and so on. We discovered that less is best with air in the airbags, with average loads 65 psi passenger side, 55 psi drivers side, for our very heavy rig has been fine. Too much air in the bags makes the ride way to stiff.

Forum Discussion

New Member questions on TC

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

New Member and Question

New member questions

New member introduction & questions

New member battery question

New Member and towing question