BC4277
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Re: Coachmen Freedom Express Travel Trailers
We have a 2017 Freedom Express 192 RBS that has gone over 46,000 miles. This is our 1st TT and our very first trip was from Denver, CO. to San Diego, CA. to Fairbanks, AK. and home. The only problems were operator error. The TT had been winterized and forgot to turn the valves for the water pump and the water heater. We had a very trim pieces rattle loose, but no major problems. Having said this, we did bend the rear axle, due to really bed secondary roads in New England and Prince Edward Island. Also, on another trip we broke the right spring while I was turning over an extreme grade break putting most of the TT weight on the right rear tire. I attribute these to my traveling on the roads less traveled rather than the TT. Maintenance wise, we re-pack the wheel bearings every winter, and keep an eye on the caulking and loose screws. The exterior seems well built and the interior cabinets are well built and secure to the walls. IMHO, the Freedom Express TT's appear to be a step or two above the usual Forest River products.208Views0likes0CommentsRe: Life of a trailer slide out?
I agree with Dick B. especially on a smaller trailer like a Lance 1985 or 1995. We don't put the slide out until the trailer is level, disconnected from the TV and jacks have been set. While I don't have any experience with cable slides, I can see more problems with them than the rack & pinion slides. Sometimes while traveling and only spending one night someplace, I won't bother deploying the slide. Because our side is very small, our trailer is still fully functional. As far as a slide's life cycle, keep it lubed and inspect for loose nuts and bolts. Go camping and enjoy.508Views0likes0CommentsRe: Small Travel Trailers
I'm towing a Coachman Freedom Express 192RBS with a 03 Tundra with a 4.7 liter motor. The TV has 200k miles. I have put over 35k miles on the TT, in the last 3 years without a problem. We wanted a small TT with tandem axles and a small slide. The foorplan was very important to us along with a three burner stove, large frig, and two LPG tanks. Bryan318Views0likes0CommentsRe: Goodyear Endurance tires?
I've had the GY Endurance tires on my TT for the past two years. They've worked great and haven't lost a pound of air pressure over that time. I'm going catch a lot of flack for this next comment, but unless you increase the weight of your TT, I wouldn't run the tires at 80 psi. All you will do is wear out the center of the tire sooner. In my experience, my TT feels more stable when the weight is spread out equally across the entire tread width rather the center 1/3rd. Now, some will say OMG you'll have heat build up by running less than maximum air pressure. I bought a heat gun from Harbor Freight and check the TT and TV tire temperatures every time I stop, and have never a problem. Your TT was designed to run with tires inflated at 65psi and that is what I would run.219Views0likes0CommentsRe: Upgraded my tow vehicle, do I still need a WDH?
I would get a WD/anti-sway hitch, if only for the anti-sway. Besides after loading up the back end for the TV, it won't hurt to have a little of that weight transferred to the steering axle. I don't know the price difference between my Fastway E2 Hitch and an Andersen Hitch, but I'm happy with the Fastway, although it is nosy while making sharp turns.205Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hitch/Receiver Pin
I've used the same hitch pin for 16 years towing my sailboat trailer (800 lbs.), then two years ago we bought our Freedom Express. I continued to use the same hitch pin with no problems. This past summer, I noticed some rust on the pin, so it was replaced. Better safe than sorry. Yes, the pin hole in the hitch will get hogged out. My sister-in-law had this happen. She had steel plates welded on both sides of the hitch. The holes in the plates were drilled so that the pin has a snug fit. Just another think to keep an eye on.252Views0likes0Comments
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