Good morning! My very first post here, but have been reading the forums for awhile now.We recently purchased a Jayco X18D. Haven't actually taken it camping yet - our first official trip is scheduled for Easter weekend. Not sure who is more excited - me or the kids!Here's my question. When we purchased the X18D, the salesman told us we needed the brake control and we had one installed in our Honda Pilot. We then had someone tell us we didn't actually need it, it was just an upsell. I am on the "better safe than sorry" rule book, but...So anyway, sold the Pilot and got a Chevy Suburban that does not have the brake control installed. Before I rush out and have one installed - 2 questions:1. Do I really need one with an HTT?2. If yes to #1, what do you recommend? (I ask as the one that was installed in the Pilot was a "pendulumn" type and was a royal PITA)Thanks in advance!Katie2014 Jayco X18DTotal Newbie :)

YES, you DO need one! Its not an upsell, its a necessity. and as for which one, that's up to you, Ive got a Primus from teknosha.

It has brakes, even if it is undet the lawful weight in your state, I would still use it.

Here's the Va law on trailer brakes, taken from the AAA web site.All State List" VirginiaTrailers must be equipped with brakes if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs.Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red brake light on the rear of the vehicle." You're trailer is over 3000 lbs. Common consensus here is Tekonsha, P3 being their top model. At least it was last I knew.

Congrats on your new camper. I have the same model camper and yes you do need a brake controller. I also recommend a weight distribution hitch(WDH) with the built in way bars. They really do help keep the trailer under control when semi's or other large vehicles pass you. There are a lot of brake controllers out there but Prodigy and Tekonsha seem to be the ones people get the most. I have the Tekonsha and have had it for 6 years and have been very happy with it. I bought a Equal-i-zer 4 point hitch and really like it. They are not cheap but I look at it this way, what price do you put on your family? There are many brands out there so do your homework on the web and see what you like and want. I know you will enjoy your new camper so have fun.

Without a brake controller, your trailer brakes aren't going to be functional, so its defintely not just an "upsell." As already mentioned Prodigy is the premier brand out there, and your dealer or installer may also have a recomendation. Congrats on the new camper!

Brake Control with HTT And Chevy Suburban | Good Sam Community

kinkak
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
Thanks, bikendan! That was how I felt as well, but my husband wanted me to ask. It saves 10 minutes :) LOL.
bikendan
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
kinkak wrote:
One question - since we are a HTT, we have the "pop out tents" for the sleeping area. We've decided to leave the camper at a campground for a significant period of time. How do you all feel about leaving the tents open/out while not there versus packing it up every time you leave?

i think you're asking for problems.
one, you're exposing the tent ends to the outside, when it's really not necessary.
two, with the ends out, a number of things could happen and damage the tent ends while you're gone.
three, the longevity of the canvas and seals will be shortened when it doesn't have to be.
kinkak
Explorer
Apr 21, 2014
Survived our first trip. Had an amazing time. It was definitely the right decision for us to upgrade from a tent to a HTT. We are already talking about what to upgrade to (in a year or 2!) Truly the perfect first experience with the camper.

One question - since we are a HTT, we have the "pop out tents" for the sleeping area. We've decided to leave the camper at a campground for a significant period of time. How do you all feel about leaving the tents open/out while not there versus packing it up every time you leave?
kinkak
Explorer
Apr 17, 2014
No worries! Hope you had a fantastic time!
Hawk7
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014
Sorry it's taken a few days to reply... We are on Spring break in Ohio for the week. Our first trip of the season. I will be posting a trip report after we get home. :)

As for the sewer hoses, we have a few small plastic totes to store the sewer hoses and all the connectors etc. The other totes are for the fresh water hose and regulator. Then we have a tote for all the electrical stuff. Hubby stores them in the basement of the camper.

The previous owner stored the hoses in the bumper. I didn't like that idea so we bought the totes. I can post pictures for you in a day or two. Tomorrow I'm going to Amish country with my sister.
SommerWL
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
I used the Prodigy P2. With the kit and a YouTube video, installed it myself on the Suburban in <30 mins. Super easy, great performance.
kinkak
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Thanks, Barb! I'm pretty OCD when it comes to everything having it's place, LOL! We've been camping forever, just with a tent. This our first adventure (in case it isn't obvious!) with a TT/HTT. So excited to finally head to a campground next weekend. I have 3 girls - 8,7, & 5.

We actually just traded in the Pilot for a Suburban. Hooking it up today for the first time with the new car to practice backing it in. My neighbors must think I am crazy! :)

Question - how do you store your sewer hose?
Hawk7
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014
Katie, I'm in Martinsburg,Wv. The best advice I can give you on practicing is take it slow and relax. When we first got our RV last summery my husband and I would get worked up we would not communicate. You have to be able to communicate, lol Also, mirrors are the best invention ever! I have a 2012 Honda Pilot and a 2011 Palomino Stampede 195sd. Very similar to the size you have. Only mine has two bunks instead of three. My Pilot mirrors are horrible so we bought extenders at Camping World. So far my backing up has improved a lot! I have 5 kids. My youngest three boys.. age 17,13 and 6 have really loved camping. Let me know if you need any tips on cooking or packing the rv. I've become obsessed with being organized.

Barb
kinkak
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
Barb - We are in Bedford - in between LBurg and Roanoke.

Got the new brake control installed today. The one we had in the Pilot was smack in the middle and I would hit my knee EVERY SINGLE time I got in or out of the car. The installer fought with me and said it was the only place to put it and I just had to deal. (not the best experience, can you tell)

But the new one... woohoo! Off to the side, angled up, and I can't even tell it is there. Looks like our luck is changing! Off to practice backing up. This is proving quite difficult :)
PAThwacker
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
i bet that 2013 k1500 sub has a factory brake controller as part of the tow package.

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