Brake Control with HTT And Chevy Suburban

[kinkak]

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!
Katie

2014 Jayco X18D
Total Newbie 🙂

[kinkak]

Thanks, bikendan! That was how I felt as well, but my husband wanted me to ask. It saves 10 minutes 🙂 LOL.

[bikendan]

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]

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]

No worries! Hope you had a fantastic time!

[Hawk7]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

i bet that 2013 k1500 sub has a factory brake controller as part of the tow package.

[Hawk7]

Hi Katie welcome to the forum! As the other's have posted.. Yes you need a break controller. I wouldn't tow without it on my Pilot. What part of Va are you from? I'm in the eastern panhandle of Wv. Congrats on the new Rv! We are headed out for Spring Break on Sat to visit family.. I'm with you.. not sure who is more excited me or the kids!

Barb

[kinkak]

Appointment made for tomorrow. It's a 2013 Suburban, factory tow package.

We did get a WDH with sway (yeah! I did something right!). I did read a lot of the forums here before purchasing. I thought the brake control was a necessity, but then that person said we were taken advantage of, so of course you start to question yourself.

Now to master backing it into place... it turns *so* easily and I haven't quite got the hang of it yet. My husband refuses to even try 🙂

[PAThwacker]

PA LAW requires brakes on 1500lb trailers.

[bikendan]

Campfire Time wrote:

kinkak wrote:


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...

Wow, whomever told you that it was an upsell doesn't know squat about towing.

that person has no business giving advice to customers and should be sent to some RV education class.:S

the most recommended brake controller is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 and P3.
what year is your Burb and does it have the factory tow package?
Burbs before 2007 have a plug'n'play harness hookup but Burbs from 2007 on, just have brake controller wires bundle that have to be spliced onto.

and you'll also need a WDH with sway control or did that idiot tell you that you didn't need that either and that a WDH is also an upsell?:M