Trailer clearance

[raldl]

I have a 2011 Coachman Catalina 22FB. The black/gray water dump valve has between and 5 and 6 inches of ground clearance. This seems really low compared to other campers. Is this low clearance going to cause problems when I go out west (especially in the National/State parks)?

[bid_time]

It all depends on how far away from the axle they are. If they are very near the tire, they will likely never drag unless you like to go busting over curbs. The farter away from the tire they are the more and more likely they may drag when encountering a steep change in grade.

[boosTT]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Are you concerned about whacking them or being able to drain tanks?

Whacking them.......wouldn't you have to be offroading for that to be a concern?

Draining tanks.......tanks will drain but you might have to 'walk' the sewer hose for it to fully drain.

Does your TT tow level when hitched?

Exactly.

My valves are low too. Smashing them on the roadway has not been an issue so far (lol). After a few years I stop worrying about it.

Draining is an minor issue. Mostly at sites with full hook ups. Sometimes my drain is only 2 inches higher then the pipe sticking out of the dirt. The regular dump stations with the concrete drain area are no problem.

[Old-Biscuit]

Are you concerned about whacking them or being able to drain tanks?

Whacking them.......wouldn't you have to be offroading for that to be a concern?

Draining tanks.......tanks will drain but you might have to 'walk' the sewer hose for it to fully drain.

Does your TT tow level when hitched?

[profdant139]

I had the same problem on my old trailer. I got a new one, with an axle flip and oversize tires, plus the valves are not at the back of the trailer. Great clearance! But a higher center of gravity and more wind resistance.

Life is a series of compromises.

[Cobra21]

The travel trailer I used to have, someone welded a drag plate under the valves
to prevent problems. This worked well, but I seldom ever dragged that.

Brian

[Nvr2loud]

I have very low clearance to mine, you just need to be very careful. I have a stabilizer right behind the dump valves, and if the stabilizer starts to make contact then I know I'm in trouble and move very slowly to avoid damaging the valves.

[jmtandem]

I have a 2011 Coachman Catalina 22FB. The black/gray water dump valve has between and 5 and 6 inches of ground clearance. This seems really low compared to other campers. Is this low clearance going to cause problems when I go out west (especially in the National/State parks)?

If you are concerned (and it appears that you are) re-position the axles and you will gain height advantage. You probably will have a bigger issue with gas stations and driveways than national and state parks.