Newbie Q

Thank you everyone for the advice. We're gonna take a few trips to various camp grounds within an hour so over the next few weekends, then a longer trip to Ohio.

DjinnMW wrote:
I appreciate it, the renting a small car for the family and luggage is not the preferred method but would drop about 600 lbs from the vehicle for the pass.

Your taking luggage with you in your TV? You should be loading clothes in the TT.

Newbie Q - a type of simple BBQ used by people who have never grilled before

Agree that you need a short trip before heading out for a longer one. You're not gonna win any races, but just take it slow and easy. I would not rent a car for the family - what's the point of a family trip if you're in 2 vehicles? Carry only minimal water for bathroom stops, like maybe 5 gallons tops. Keep the grocery supply only for a couple of days or so - there is a Walmart most everywhere. Buy in boxes and bags rather then cans - amazing how much weight those canned foods add. Clothing....no more than 4 - 5 days per person since you can run a couple loads of laundry along the way....actually a nice little break at the campground and you meet some great folks. Don't take every tool in your toolbox....look it over and find the commonly needed ones and let it be....Walmart again or Auto Zone handy most everywhere. Minimize. Have a great trip!

Welcome to the forum!

Looks like you should be fine. Just take it easy in the mountains. Does the Durango have a transmission cooler as part of the standard equipment? If not, having one added would be a good idea and not that costly. I agree with carrying a little bit of water as it comes in handy if you stop and have lunch in the trailer or want to use the bathroom. And, adjust your tire pressure as per the owners manual. Usually, you can inflate the rear tires to their maximum or a few lbs. under. I would also check to see what tires are on the Durango and are they they the highest rated for weight if different sizes are compatable with the Durango. Make sure you have a good weight distributing hitch and that it is properly set up, which means you want to take it out for a good trial run well before you leave on your trip.

I wouldn't make the trip to the Rockies my first trip with the Durango and trailer. Take at least one short trip beforehand to make sure all systems are working and you're pretty much confident that you have everything that you need. I suggest having: 1. a power cord extension, same grade as the one that came with the trailer 2. at least 25' of water hose 3. an extra sewer hose and needed fittings 4. a basic tool kit 5. extra fuses for the trailer - see what's in the converter

Finally, always check the power at a campsite FIRST! You don't want to get unhitched and then discover that you have no power. Also, you may want to consider a Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System. They're not cheap, but cheaper than paying for repairs to your AC, television, microwave & refrigerator if there is a problem with the power. There are alternatives such as a basic surge protector, but with the better magagement system, you have protection against high/low voltage, improper grounding, etc.

So...once you're ready to go....have a great trip and enjoy!!

Good luck with your purchase!

A tip from us: I wouldn't drain ALL the water, just most of it, to lessen the weight. We almost always carry about 1/3 of our freshwater capacity on the road. A little "ballast" is a good thing if you should have a windy day.

AngryBert-63 wrote:
Have you actually weighed anything or are you going with advertised weights?

He said he doesn't even pick it up until tomorrow. Published weights are close enough for his purpose at this point. He's just slightly over 50% of his tow rating and I doubt there is 3,000 lbs difference in the actual vs published weights.

Have you actually weighed anything or are you going with advertised weights?

DjinnMW wrote:
I appreciate it, the renting a small car for the family and luggage is not the preferred method but would drop about 600 lbs from the vehicle for the pass.

No need for that....

I appreciate it, the renting a small car for the family and luggage is not the preferred method but would drop about 600 lbs from the vehicle for the pass.