First Trailer

[Bemota]

We got our first FW, 2011 Keystone Cougar. I have a bunch of questions:
Going to try snow birding, Just too cold in northern Minnesota any more!!!
What type of jack do you carry, or use TV jack?
How long will 2 12v batteries last, we had a slide-in, so we are frugal.
I fully don't understand all I don't know about the electrical system on this thing, the manual is no help, is there a wiring diagram out there some where?

After reading this site for a while, I plan on getting a surge protector, water filter, pressure gauge/regulator, tripod stabilizer, just to start.

I figured basic hand tools to carry with, anything else?

WE have been cleaning and fixing, can't say much for dealer prep.
The tires, I didn't notice on walk-through, were hideous, all the tread wore inside, had axels aligned, learned a lot from tech.
I re-drained all the water and flushed the system numerous times to get anti-freeze out of water heater and everything else. Fixed cable to truck connecter and brake wires.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks, Dan and Jan

[kellertx5er]

Don't bother with the tripod, use stabilizer bars (front and rear) instead. More effective and don't get in the way. JT Strong Arm and BAL Lock Arm are two examples.

[Fixed_Sight_Tra]

I forgot our bottle jack on a trip and had to use the TVs jack. Turned out it worked much better, faster and with a long enough handle that my wife was able to jack the trailer up easily without having any part of her body underneath the RV. I had checked the spare and made sure it was good but there on the side of the highway I learned the stud was too long to allow the star wrench I had bought to work the nut on the spare. Luckily I travel with an 18v drill, light and sawzall with wood and metal blades so I was able to cut down the stud.

As far as the batteries where and how are you planning on camping? Most, not all but most campgrounds with hookups are more or less parking lots. And expensive parking lots at that so for me I'd rather go somewhere where we don't need the AC like up in the mountains and just use the 12volt systems. If you plan on going to AZ or somewhere really warm you will need hookups for the AC but if you stick to the more temperate climates the money could better be spent on a solar panel than a new converter.

[rexlion]

Carry a multimeter to check your battery bank voltage; you don't want to dip much below 12.1V because the batteries can start to sulfate and lose charge holding capacity. If you have a 12V 'cigarette lighter' style outlet in the unit, you can get a voltage meter that plugs right in there instead of using multimeter leads on the battery terminals.

[Bemota]

My spring perch is on the top of the axel, all I have on the bottom are the U-bolts, my only option is to jack close or between the U-bolts. I'm having problems with pic's.

I live north of Bemidji about 15 miles.

Thanks again, Dan

[westend]

Bemota wrote:
Well, my wife just got back from town with a 12 ton, short bottle jack, tried it, on a 2X12, extended it won't reach the axel, option B? I'll try the truck jack next, it has 16 in. tires so should work.
I found the converter in the basement:
WFCO 55 Amp Power converter
Model: WF 9855
Input: 105-130 VAC 950W
Output: 13.6 VDC 55 Amp
Is this a satisfactory set-up?
Back out to check-out more stuff!!!
Thanks, Dan

Wood blocking is the solution to your jack use. Check your local lumber store for cuts of 4x4 or 6x6.

That converter is not very well regarded among the battery cognescenti. It is not a multistage charger and will boil out your battery electrolyte if allowed to be powered for a length of time. I'd suggest to replace just the charging portion with a Progressive Dynamics (4650, IIRC?) converter. Your batteries will last at least twice as long with a converter swap.

Jack Meyer's Electrical topics is a good place to start about RV electrical. Jack does presentations around the country about RV electrical and solar power.

Edit: BTW, buy an inexpensive hand held meter. Even if you don't know how to use one, a fellow camper may be able to diagnose a problem with a meter. One of the best tools to carry with you on the road.

X2 Edit: Where are you in MN? I'm about 25 mi West of downtown Mpls, in Shorewood. I've rebuilt my old Starcraft so have a lot of information about local sourcing and such. If you're close and send me a PM, I'll give you my phone number (if you need a hand with anything or have a question),

[Allworth]

Before you try anything else: DO NOT LET THE JACK TOUCH THE AXLE TUBES!

You will be paying for another alignment on a bent axle.

Under the "spring perch", the square plate where the axle is bolted to the springs, is OK. Or, on the frame using blocking.

I carry about six pieces of 4x4 fence post a foot long in the truck bed in an old laundry bag. Useful for all kinds of things including under the bottle jack (2 wide) to get it up where it has enough reach.

Get good chocks and use them first and last. First on! Last off!

[path1]

Well, my wife just got back from town with a 12 ton, short bottle jack, tried it, on a 2X12, extended it won't reach the axel, option B?

See it gets confusing sometimes. That is why I have 2x4's and 4x4's chunks of wood to use as chocks for tires and can also use underneath jack and stabilizers and front jack Does your jack have any threads to give it a boost? like in this pic? See threads at top?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200641777_200641777

I also carry one of these. But not worth the money IMO and can't use as fire starter. I've tripped over it more than ever used it.

http://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-Enclosed-Trailer-Aluminum/dp/B005IDVL5M

And be sure to jack your trailer from right place.

[Bemota]

Well, my wife just got back from town with a 12 ton, short bottle jack, tried it, on a 2X12, extended it won't reach the axel, option B? I'll try the truck jack next, it has 16 in. tires so should work.
I found the converter in the basement:
WFCO 55 Amp Power converter
Model: WF 9855
Input: 105-130 VAC 950W
Output: 13.6 VDC 55 Amp
Is this a satisfactory set-up?
Back out to check-out more stuff!!!
Thanks, Dan

[path1]

What type of jack do you carry, or use TV jack?

I picked up a bottle jack. Best to do a "dry run" in your driveway before actually needing to do so on the road. We found out the spare was held on the its carrier by a different size lug nut.

Also I carry a spare bearing and fuses for everything including slide-out.

How long your batteries will last?

[Margaritaville]

I am so excited for you! I am sure you have many new adventures and experiences ahead of you.
There's not much better than heading south for the winter. I hope you have made your reservations for this year. it's not too early to get that done. Happy trails!!

[Dakota98]

In my opinion, the very first thing you need address & understand is the TT power distribution system. Find the Converter & share the make & model number with the Forum.

There is no set answer to your question, "how long will my two 12-volt batteries last" But there is hope, if you understand the DC power supply & how to maintain it properly.

Also, a very important factor concerns the type of camping you will be doing. Will you ever be Boondocking ?

12 Volt Side of Life

Read part #1 & 2

[DannyA]

I don't know the answers to all your questions but my suggestion would be to read on this forum and others, read, read, read.
Eight years ago I knew nothing about rving, but after reading all the material I could, learned enough to buy and begin. You will learn a lot from others experience.
Have a great time!