Finally took the plunge!

[Travis_F]

Last Saturday we picked up our new to us Ameri-Lite 15BH LE. My wife and I have tagged along with her parents for 2.5 years now, it was time for us to get our own. I have camped in a tent then a pop-up for many years with my parents.

Been lurking for sometime, feels good to post this! Here is the tow rig and TT all hooked up, still haven't made its maiden journey with us yet.

Rig and TT

[Travis_F]

Test towed this weekend after lengthy brake controller install (Thanks Chrysler for making it that hard!). Did great! We leave Friday afternoon for its maiden voyage and then the next 2 weekends after that! Woohoo a full month of camping before we have to put it to bed for 5 months!

[JiminDenver]

Congrats on the new rig. We got a Amerilite three seasons ago and it hasn't given us a minutes trouble yet.

[riven1950]

"IMO friction sway controls are junk and only an integrated system is what should be used, hence the WDH suggestion."

IMO they are ok with some rigs. Works fine on mine. With heavier TT and hitch weights I would totally agree with you...

[jfkmk]

Good question on the WD hitch. I have a 17'TT that I tow with an Envoy and a friction sway control bar. It was a little bouncy until I put on heavier duty shocks. It sits pretty level. I've looked for WD hitches, but most want to have at least 400lbs tongue weight, which I do not have. I'm pretty happy with the setup, and don't really think I need the WD hitch.

[popupcamping]

Travis F wrote:
no WD hitch on the PA turnpike at 70

trailer tires are speed rated at 65 max. just in case you didn't know

[Travis_F]

Jeeps can get squirrely but my TT weight loaded is 3387 pounds, commander is good for 5000 with WD, the previous owner towed it with a Jeep Liberty with no WD hitch, that picture is miss-leading in making you think its not sitting level but it is, and the fresh water tank and LP bottles are full. We will make our 1st trip without them and that will be the watermark if we need the WD setup or not, if so then its all in plunge if not a sway control is the next item but the trip back from the dealer with a similar tow vehicle and no WD hitch on the PA turnpike at 70 with rigs passing me at 80+ its sway was nil and it handled great...again with a full fresh tank and full LP bottles.

Thanks for the comments folks, love the ideas we are getting from here, definitely will check the caulking, and what's everyone's thoughts on covering for the winter, my father in-law covers is 30' Dutchmen/Coleman and my brother in-law does not cover is 33' Sprinter. One says it helps the other says it creates marks, opinions?

[popupcamping]

riven1950 wrote:
Does the op really need a wd hitch with that rig? I would think a friction sway bar might do the trick, but then I have never towed with a Jeep

Those trailers tend to get tongue heavy, which is good. It already looks like it is squatting the Jeep pulling the front end up and unlikely he is loaded to camp yet.
IMO friction sway controls are junk and only an integrated system is what should be used, hence the WDH suggestion.

Just what I would do as it is a small investment in safety.

Good luck

[riven1950]

Does the op really need a wd hitch with that rig? I would think a friction sway bar might do the trick, but then I have never towed with a Jeep

[kennyd63]

Travis F wrote:
Last Saturday we picked up our new to us Ameri-Lite 15BH LE. My wife and I have tagged along with her parents for 2.5 years now, it was time for us to get our own. I have camped in a tent then a pop-up for many years with my parents.

Been lurking for sometime, feels good to post this! Here is the tow rig and TT all hooked up, still haven't made its maiden journey with us yet.

Rig and TT

Congrats and happy camping!!

[rockhillmanor]

Congrats on your new RV, set up looks REAL sweet!

Don't forget to post back with pics when you take your maiden trip.

Welcome to the fun wacky world of RV'ing! :B

Here's a tip for you:
Throw that 'going to be way too short' stinky slinky sewer hose the dealership included. Go to walmart and buy the Rhino Sewer Kit. It will be the best purchase you will ever make for both you and your new RV and you will be all set to go, literally! :W
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-Rhino-Sewer-Kit/14504319

[bradnailer]

Fantastic. Enjoy!

[WandaLust2]

Perfect for a couple for those long weekends away... good luck with it. 🙂

[IndyCamp]

Awesome! Have fun and safe travels!

[Hondavalk]

Congrats and enjoy!