Chucknbob
Explorer
Joined 11 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Looking to purchase my first TT
+1 on what Handey said. If you're purchasing from an individual, you may take it to a local dealer to let them do an inspection before you purchase it. They're typically not busy this time of year, and it would be a few bucks well spent. If it's good to go, you paid for peace of mind. If it's bad, it will save you from buying a piece of junk.112Views0likes0CommentsRe: Jayco 165 Mods
There was a water leak in the front, so we pulled the old floor and replaced it. It's just stain master laminate, not sure of the type, just whatever was on clearance. The cabinets were primed with an oil based primer, then we just used white interior paint on them, spray painted the hinges, and replaced the hardware with faux crystal knobs. We pulled the Venetian blinds (hate those), and my wife made the curtains. They're just held up with cheap tension rods. She also pulled fabric off of the cushions and made new covers with mattress ticking. The fridge was painted with flat black magnetic paint. It works great, but it is the nastiest paint you'll ever use. Cover EVERYTHING when you use it, and use a disposable brush. Hope that helps. If you have other questions let me know.178Views0likes0CommentsRe: Giant City SP, Illinois
Never camped there, but wet to college in Carbondale and spent a lot of time at the park. It's beautiful with great hiking trails. There's also several wineries nearby that are worth a stop (if that's your thing). Also, I agree that giant city lodge is the best Sunday lunch around.277Views0likes0CommentsRe: Gas or Diesel
I work in the auto industry, and one of the biggest problems I see with diesel trucks are people that buy them but never use them the way they should. People have a trailer/boat/whatever that they pull a few times a year, but use it as a commuter car the other 350 days a year. Short trips without a load and not giving the engine a chance to warm up will cause you many problems with the turbo, fuel, and exhaust system. The other issue will be maintenance costs. Diesels are more expensive to operate and maintain. They are great if you truly need a diesel pickup, however, based on your camper size and how often you pull it, I don't think you need a diesel.357Views0likes0CommentsRe: Choosing a Tow Vehicle
Although a vehicle with a "towing package" may have a higher axle ratio, it is not necessarily what is most important. With newer vehicles having anywhere from 6-9 speeds in the transmission, they can easily tow with a fairly low axle ratio. Just find a vehicle that is rated to what you need, and in my opinion a 7,000lb rating should do you just fine. Also make sure you have a good brake controller, and trailer sway control would be a plus. You don't say if you want to go new or used, but a Grand Cherokee can handle up to 7,400 lbs plus has sway control, tranny coolers, and the other items you'll need. You can even have the dealer put in a MOPAR trailer brake controller that is designed to work with the entire system. http://www.jeep.com/en/grand-cherokee/capability/423Views0likes0CommentsRe: Pros and Cons of Travel Trailers...
A TT is great for weekend jaunts because they're cheaper to own/maintain and you have another vehicle there to drive around. My wife and I like to take kayaks with us when we camp, and they just get thrown in the back of the truck when we leave. If we had a motorhome, it would need another vehicle just to get them back and fourth to the lake.199Views0likes0CommentsJack is too short
So the main jack for my Jayco 165 doesn't lift the front of the trailer high enough to be able to lift the trailer off of the hitch. I have to slide a 4" block of wood underneath it to be able to lift it high enough. Unfortunately, I've not been able to find any info to tell me if there is a wheel or something that may have been there at one time to make it higher. Does anyone know of something permanent I could use to increase the lifting height of the jack? The block of wood works but it feels a little rednecky (yes, that's a word).11KViews0likes34CommentsRe: '15 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND TRAILER COMPATIBLE?
Yeah, you'll be able to pull that. I agree with the others, you may be happier with a v8, but there's no reason why the pentastar and 8 speed won't be able to handle that. It is a very impressive motor/tranny combination. However, please keep in mind it likely won't come with a trailer brake controller. You MUST have that installed to pull your camper safely. The dealer can install a very nice controller designed for the Grand Cherokee that will be covered under warranty.125Views0likes0Comments
Groups
RV Newbies
We all start out new. Share lessons learned or first-time questions!Jun 15, 20174,026 Posts Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 19, 202544,029 Posts
