SommerWL
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Hybrids in the Southeast US
I've been camping in the Rockwood Roo '11 for 2 years here in California. Next job opportunities are starting to look like they're in the Southeast US. I'm torn on whether to sell or keep the hybrid. It's perfect for CA, but I have my doubts about the SE. My concerns: -When it rains in south, it could drown a duck. How do you manage a pack-up when the ends are wet? I understand the need to go home, set up and air out. But how do you combat water intrusion when actually clearing the campsite? -When not on hook-ups...how's the temperature control (i.e. no A/C)? -Mold/Mildew on the bunk ends? -Mold in the water system if left idle?1.5KViews0likes6CommentsRe: RV Cover for our Hybrid?
I purchased an RV cover for my Roo 19 specifically because I expect I'll resell in a couple of years. UV has no mercy on fiberglass, plastic fittings, and caulking. I paid the extra money for a good quality cover. NO TARPS. That'll just breed nasties. I've had the cover for about 9 months now, so far, so good.333Views0likes0CommentsWinterizing-- Blow Down or Anti-Freeze?
Live on the CA coast, we'll get 1-2 hard freezes over the winter. We'll still use the Roo, even in the winter. Is thoroughly blowing out the water lines sufficient, or do I need to contend with anti-freeze? When doing a blow-out, any "gotchas"?2.7KViews0likes11CommentsRe: HTT comfort Size question, and newbie hazing invitation
PA, I 'fessed up that I was over GCWR. However, I didn't "break the rules" lightly or ignorantly. As I said, I was able to load and keep each axle, vehicle and trailer, under GAWR, and I was able to keep the individual GVWR's in check, but I was 700# over on GCWR. That was packing the trailer as if we were tent camping. One small bag of clothes for each person, a folding chair per person, and food. No water in the tanks. I tortured the family for 90 minutes on the scales on opening day of the trip to make sure I was as balanced as can be. She went up and down the Canadian Rockies like a dream; best towing experience I've ever had. I kept engine and oil temps in line and I kept her slow and in-control. (I did install an aftermarket tranny cooler to help mitigate my concerns.) All that said, I'm already eyeballing 3/4 ton vehicle replacement-- too close for comfort and it's not fun sweating the load out. A lesson learned; but, courtesy of this forum, I knew enough to test and double test before I pushed the envelope on the weight ratings.396Views0likes0CommentsRe: HTT comfort Size question, and newbie hazing invitation
Have the Roo 19, love it. We've even done ~3 weeks with 6 adult-sized folks (Ma, Pa, 3x Teens +teen girlfriend (son's, not mine!)) through the Canadian Rockies. However, when loaded down with all people and gear, I was 700# over GCWR. I went ahead because all axles were below GAWR. I don't know what the "80%" rule is. I went with the hard documented vehicle capabilities and accounted for every pound. Make sure you pay attention to the math. It's usually not a matter of pulling the load; STOPPING the load on a steep grade is the point where you take your life into your hands. No shortcuts on weight ratings; use the scales; tune the weight distributing hitch. Hat tip to BIKENDAN, he taught me all of the above.395Views0likes0CommentsRe: Help!
I would proceed with caution and get yourself up to expert status on all of the weight parameters: Gross combined, axle, tow. You will be pushing the limits with that rig. I'm sure the truck can pull the trailer, but it's a bad day coming DOWN the mountain when you discover you can't stop the rig. With 6 average adults in seats and towing my rig for a full summer jaunt, I'm 700# over GCWR with my Suburban towing a 19' Rockwood Roo (tanks empty). I was surprised I was over when I hit the scales. (Where did that weight come from...we packed light?!) I only proceeded because all axle weights, tongue weight and other parameters were still in limits. Needless to say, I drive VERY conservatively on mountain roads.381Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hybrid with a big family
We just did 3000+ miles to Canada with 6 ADULTS in a 19' Rockwood Roo towed by a Suburban 1500 with a standard trailering package, but w/ aftermarket tranny cooler. I bought the HTT for the same reasons you specify: Great weight/bed ratio, a refrigerator, and my own toilet. It takes some thought and careful planning, but is doable. However, since your family is not gonna get any smaller and lighter, I would be looking for a 2500 Suburban. The only 2 major downsides to my rig: -Gotta carefully monitor weight if you're going "full load". Read up and be smart on this topic. It is critical. Your Suburban can pull a more than it can stop, and may you may cause damage to your vehicle or trailer. (I was 700# over GCWR, but inside limits on all axels/tires, and carefully balanced on the scale.) -You don't have much storage. You've got the 3rd row seat filled with people, and the trailer doesn't hold much. Pack accordingly. Bicycles are pretty much out of the question, for instance. Those downside aside: With the equalizer hitch, she tows like a dream and can pull even the biggest of mountains if I take it easy and use the truck lane. Of course, once I'm free of a couple of teenagers, I see a 2/3500 pick'em up with a 5th wheel in my future...315Views0likes0CommentsRe: Stay away from Western Washington if you're headed to BC
They used a fair number of the Bailey bridges to patch numerous dropped spans of the I-10 across Lake Ponchatrain after Hurricane Katrina. It slows everything down (max speed 45mph as I recall), but did the trick until the new bridge was built.195Views0likes0Comments
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