threeaces
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Joined 21 years ago
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Helwig sway bar with SuperHitch (issues w/ fit)
Had a 30k SuperHitch (receiver) installed and the RV place that did the install said they had to remove my Helwig Big Wig Sway Bar as both wouldn’t fit. Any ideas if this is for sure true? I’d sure like my sway bar back... My truck is a 2017 Ram 3500 SRW short bed. Appreciate the help in advance!672Views0likes1CommentRe: Finally......a good way to carry extra gas (mod)!
jaycocreek wrote: threeaces...Excellent mod..I have been looking for something similar for when I do not tote my ATV trailer with me..I was interested in some sort of ladder rack mod to carry a gas can or possibly the little gen set..No luck so far.. I travel almost exclusively on FS dirt roads and dust is an issue for anything in the rear..When I use a hitch haul I put everything in garbage bags to protect it from the heavy dust and dirt..For just saw gas I use the wheel wells but there not large enough for anything larger than say a 2-3 gal container.. Again..Excellent mod..Thanks for posting it for ideas for my solo adventures without trailer... I also like the other photo of the bumper mod for two gas jugs... I thought long and hard about some sort of ladder rack but there is just too many issues with that........in the way as you enter the camper, makes it difficult to use the ladder, and my ladder flips up to access the generator compartment. In the end just not a good place for it. Also, with it on the ladder, it would most likely hang past the bumper. At least where it’s at now, the bumper provides a little protection as it sits “inside” the verticals bumper line. The dirt road traveling will still be an isdue. I totally know what you are talking about with things getting dirty. I carry a car wash type brush with me and with my extension hose do a quick clean when I get to camp. Just makes it nice to not battle dirt on the back while camping. Seems I end up rubbing against something and getting dirty. I know....I’m a wimp!874Views0likes0CommentsRe: Finally......a good way to carry extra gas (mod)!
ticki2 wrote: burningman wrote: So... where should people carry gas cans? On the front seat? Roof rack? What is this mythical protected place? Good question , unfortunately no universal answer . Something to think about , A third of all of all accidents are rear end collisions . A driver almost never has control over being rear ended so your fate is in someone else's hands . Not a pleasant thought . Fair to say two-thirds of accidents are not rear end collisions too.877Views0likes0CommentsRe: Finally......a good way to carry extra gas (mod)!
Guys, sorry for all the controversy on this post. My intention was simply to share a mod that solved a problem. I was so excited to see the Rotopax on the front porch from Amazon, excited to install, and then equally excited to share with everyone. I understand the danger......you can find danger in anything. Considering the amount of different gas can setups I’ve seen in the past, mine seems pretty safe. Yes, I did get snarky with my second post as some comments seemed derogatory. I see this often on this forum (mostly with weight police) and its too bad that it’s so easy to hide behind a keyboard. In the end, I hope this forum continues to be a resource for all of us RVers. Now it’s time to load up and enjoy our beautiful country!482Views0likes0CommentsRe: Finally......a good way to carry extra gas (mod)!
Kayteg1 wrote: Let us know how the lock and hinges will hold the weight? Yes, this is my main concern. I’ve put quite a bit of pressure pulling out and pulling down.......all seems very solid. However, I will keep a close eye on it and definitely report back.436Views0likes0CommentsFinally......a good way to carry extra gas (mod)!
I wanted to share a simple modification (addition), but one that solves a huge problem. I recently bought an Arctic Fox 811 and opted to order it with the generator compartment, but without the generator. My reasons were cost, noise, and the fact that I really like my Yamaha 2000w generator. I knew this would be a great place to transport the Yamaha, but like many of us truck camper owners struggled to figure a good way to carry extra gas. Tonight I installed a 3 gallon RotoPax can and locking mount. I wasn’t crazy about drilling into the side of my new camper so I opted to mount to the rear access door. I figured if I make a mistake mounting it would be far less toutble than making a mistake drilling into the main siding. Also, the location worked well with being out of the way from the ladder, steps, propane bbq, etc. Here are some pictures. Note, I reinforced the inside of the door with sheet metal. Handling the weight seems like it won’t be an issue.9.5KViews0likes62CommentsRe: Artic Fox TC Empty/Dry Weight
otrfun wrote: Threeaces, thanks for posting all this info! It certainly appears you went into this with your eyes open. Your weakest link were the tires and you have that covered with the 19.5’s. Interesting that Artic Fox (AF) advertises the empty weight on your 811 as 2,873 lbs. Your AF 811 CAT scaled at 3,900 lbs. empty, with no water or gear. Those who would have run with the usual advice of adding 1,000 lbs. to a TC's empty/dry weight (as advertised by AF) would have still been underestimating their realworld weight (with water and gear) by over 1,000 lbs! So glad we have forums like this to get past all the smoking mirrors. We have the same truck as you. Although we prefer the amenities in the 865 (weighs ~300 lbs. less than your 811), we're gonna pass and look seriously at the Northern Lite 8-11 SE. A bit more money, but they CAT scale at 3,000 - 3,100 lbs. with an a/c (optional on the 8-11), batteries, propane, empty tanks, and torklift hardware. That gives us 900 - 1,000 lbs. for water and gear based on our truck’s RAWR and GVWR. Enjoy that 811!! You are correct on AF advertising the weight of 2,873, however don't forget about the "mandatory" Fox Package. That ads another 500 or so and then I have a few options. Not sure where the 3,293 comes from that is listed on the sticker. Maybe it's the base weight of the 811 plus the Fox package? My understanding is that the posted weight is supposed to be after the unit is complete and it's weighed as it goes out the door. Who knows. Whatever the case, I knew it would be very heavy and I love the unit.....I'm happy.1.3KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Artic Fox TC Empty/Dry Weight
Not an AF 865, but here are very accurate weights of my 2019 AF 811 that I picked up from the dealer 6 days ago. These are honest and very accurate numbers as I have a CAT scale not to far from my home. My truck: 2017 Ram 3500 SRW short bed diesel, GVWR of 11,700. Tradesman model with only added rubber bed mat, two sets of tire chains in vehicle, lower stableloads, Firestone airbags with onboard compressor, big wig sway bar, and 19.5” wheels / tires. My camper: 2019 AF 811. Options include factory solar (two panels), rear camera, 2 batteries, large grab handle, AM/FM-CD-DVD (no tv yet), thermal pane windows, side boxes, and slide out awning. Of course has the Fox value package. (note, no Onan generator, but is pre-wired) Truck without camper (me in truck and tailgate on): Front - 5,100 Rear - 3,250 Total - 8,350 Truck with camper on my way home from dealer (zero supplies loaded, no water, no propane..... of course Torklift and Fastguns on). Front - 4,850 Rear - 7,400 Total - 12,250 So, camper weights exactly 3,900 pounds right off the lot......exactly what I was anticipating. That’s why I added the 3 suspension products and upgraded to 19.5’s before even thinking of carrying the camper. So how does it drive? Better than I had thought it would. Extremely stable, stops great, and of course plenty of power. We immediately went on a 3 night trip and it was great. Included chaining up truck to get over mountain due to snow/ice. I’m guessing my truck upgrades made a really big positive difference. Yes, I’m over GVWR. Here is the sticker on the camper. Translate it however you’d like:1.3KViews0likes0Comments
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