New TT owner- video introduction

pmfinnegan2,

I am also 300 pounds, and I love it. It's honestly the best mattress I've ever owned. I think that's because it's memory foam so I don't make a ditch in it that remains the next day, like I do on regular mattresses.

the only thing I don't like about it is that I'm 6'5 and I wish it were a couple inches longer, since it's an RV queen size. However that shorter sizes makes it convenient in the bedroom space since otherwise I wouldn't have room to walk around it.

Read all the reviews about it on amazon.

Vinnie, how is that dynasty mattress? I am seriously considering one. I am 300lbs and was wondering how it would perform and hold up

Ohh, I should mention that I got an appropriate tow vehicle for it too. It's a 2004 Ford F-250 6.0 Fx4 crew cab diesel. Here's a pic:

I've done a few things to the trailer now, and I have some more changes coming. I like that modmyrv site, lots of great suggestions on there. I've already done the following mods, several of which I got the idea for from that website:

- Gas struts under the mattress to allow me to lift it and it will stay up on it's own while I load and unload stuff from underneath the bed.
Gas Struts

- Springs that attach to the screen door that will pull it closed on their own.
Screen Door Closure Kit

- A handle that runs across the sreen door that gives a nice secure place to grab to open and close it. It's convenient for my 3 year old because every time he tries to slide the white plastic piece that covers the door handles he half pulls it out of alignment.
Screen Door Cross Bar


- I replaced the mattress with a real nice RV queen mattress.
RV Queen Memory Foam Mattress

The big mod I am about to take on next is installing a solar panel system and battery bank. I am most likely going to order this one, unless my research leads me somewhere else:
400WT RV Solar Panel Kit

Thanks Spike. Great info and I really like that website about modding your RV. I'll be doing a few of those I'm sure; reading through them now.

.

Nice trailer.... Reminds me of my 2006 Jayco TT.

As a suggestion, visit http://www.modmyrv.com/mods/ and view its many different mods.
Note: See index on its lower page - on right side.

Simple mods like Roof Vents (use black over bedrooms and white over bathrooms), tinted windows in the bedrooms, etc. etc. I did lots of mods (improvements) to my 2006 Jayco TT as well.

When re-doing its factory brake wiring, I'd recommend replacing its linear design with much better STAR design (using 10 gauge thicker 12 volt wires). re:
- click here -
- click here -

If off-grid camping is your norm, many folks replace normal light bulbs with LED bulbs. I like less heat / lower energy consumption LED bulbs as well.

Also... RV Queen and House Queen mattress has same width but the normal House Queen bed is 7" (or so) longer. For my TT, I simply removed its factory RV Queen mattress and installed normal house queen mattress. And to support the longer length over hang, I simply installed some flat trimmed down 5/8" plywood at end of bed (under the new mattress). For every 6" overhang, ensure 4x6" material under the new mattress. re: Cantilever support design.

Hope this helps.

Charlie, the mace is more for the 2 legged type of bear, and we have many of them here in IL. ;-)

I'm a lifetime martial artist and have been a professional self-defense instructor for many years now. I am big into emergency preparedness, including having several options for self defense. I'd rather pepper spray someone than shoot them if at all possible. Even better if I can just avoid the confrontation.

Welcome, I enjoyed the video. Watching videos about campers/camping helps me to get through the long, cold, winter days when I can't go out.

The parks around here have no weapons rules. Just keep it inside and you'll be fine.

I didn't know they had bears in IL. lol

Thank you all so much for the replies and great information. That is exactly the type of information that I was hoping for. I will be checking into all of the suggestions, they are greatly appreciated!

A few things I didn't mention. I carry a pistol with light attached in the trailer. I also have an extra box of ammo for it. I am well trained and in law enforcement. I will keep it out of reach of my boy.

Speaking of that, someone pointed out that I didn't mention who all would be using it. It will be myself, 2 boys (a 3 year old and another to be born next month), my wife and our dog.

The bear spray exploding sounds like a nightmare, I will definitely explore some options to safely transport it.

If anyone is around the Marion IL area and would like to get together to break bread and talk camping let me know, you are welcome to stop by if I have time off work and we can arrange it ahead of time.

Here's a couple minor, miscellaneous things I've done lately or am planning on doing. I put our Keurig coffee maker in it and stocked up extra coffee packs, creamer and sugar. I am searching for the right queen sized bed for it to replace the full size that is currently in it. Thanks for the size tip, I'll measure and make sure I get the right sized one before I buy. I'll also be adding a cheap pair of walkie talkies for use when backing up/ parking and general emergency preparedness when out camping.

Ohh, also, I never did mention that my tow vehicle situation is sort of up in the air right now. We have a nice Lexus v8 SUV that can easily tow it, but we are probably going to sell it soon. I'll be in the market for a used 4 door v8 4x4 pickup truck for under $15K soon after that.

OK, that's it for now; thanks again!

Welcome, I enjoyed the video. I'm sure your son and fido will enjoy the camping! I noticed you had an organizer on the bathroom counter, remember to store it securely when you tow the trailer. Loose items will find a new home on their own very quickly.