1stvee
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Joined 12 years ago
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Re: Shadow Cruiser S280QBS Axle/Tire/Propane/slide out issues
If anyone thinks they have running gear problems, don't take any chances. Take it to a reliable frame and axel service shop and have them check it out. The $100 or 2 they charge will be well spent. I just spent 2 days on the side of the road plus the next week and a total of $2000 getting an axel assy replaced while 1000 mile from home. With all said and done. I feel lucky. I was able to put out the fire and did not have a serious wreck.907Views0likes0CommentsRe: best way to store tt outdoors and protect tires
It is true tires will deteriorate over time. However, it is also true that the acid found in most soil and direct exposure to the elements and suns UV will accelerate the deterioration. Just check a TT parked in the same spot over time the tires with the southwest exposure will dry out and crack 1st.681Views0likes0CommentsRe: Slide maintence and general winter storage questions
I had a major MH manufacture tell me to put Corn Starch in an old sock and dust the slide gaskets as often as needed. This is to keep them from sticking to the surface they are mated to. Especially when open or closed for extended periods. AEROSPACE 303 is a must for any rubber or petro based material, such as tires, seals and vinyl. Unlike the "old standby" that make it look shiny and bright 303 does not breakdown the petro chemical base allowing it to dry out faster. 303 also has great UV protection. I discovered it while in the Boat business about 30 years ago. It was extensively tested in the Florida sun and salt air.261Views0likes0CommentsRe: Anyone convert a TT to all electric?
YES.. You can do it. I did it to a Travco MH back in 1982 it worked great except I could "brown out" the campground if I turned on heat, stove & oven at the same time. We have had 14 RVs since 1973. We have not used the gas oven/stove or heat in the last 10. Our current TT is a ViewFinder. We use gas for the Refer when traveling. For baking we have a Convection/Microwave (optional on this TT), a large electric skillet for frying (outside, we never fry in our RV) we cook most anything in the skillet. From time to time we may take a small Toaster oven. As for heat, there are a lot of small electric heaters that work great. My last TT I took the Oven/cooktop out and installed a full sized Convection/Microwave. Be sure to plug the gas line and TEST FOR LEAK! Put a shut off valve in the furnace gas line and TEST FOR LEAK. We spend 3 to 6 months a year in our TT and no gas inside.337Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hard side expandable trailers
I had a Trail Manor 2450KB. It was the best towing trailer of the 5 that I have owned. Good quality very comfortable even in Texas heat and South Dakota cold. I just got tired of putting it up and down. FYI It had the best resale value of the 14 RVs that I have had.262Views0likes0CommentsRe: FYI Axel Failure
1stvee here; Before leaving Camping World to get the new Axel Assy. I had them inspect and repack all the bearings. I can only go by what they said. The Tech told me every thing looked good. No visible wear or damage. But, he was also the same one that told me the new tires they installed had 51 PSI in all 4. When they pulled the Trailer out for me to hook up and go I could see one tire noticeably low. I checked them all. 1-52 1-50 1-45 1-34. Another reason for DIY.590Views0likes0CommentsRe: FYI Axel Failure
Colliehauler is correct. I should have said; I had an Axel Assembly failure. The Axel Assembly was shipped to the Trailer Mfg. as a complete unit, Axel, Hub w/bearing races & bearings, Backing Plate w/brakes, all assembled ready for the road. I don't know what failed in there. After putting out the fire. The only thing left was parts of the brakes, heavy damaged hub & races, bearing bases stuck on spindle & a nut. Thank You. 1stvee244Views0likes0CommentsRe: new light weight camper
I can't help you with a TT model. But, be careful with the length and hitch weight of the trailer. I towed a 2450 Trailmanor with a v6 Tacoma DC. It did great. I moved up to a 5.6 v8 4Runner that would tow approx. 8500 LB. I went to an RV show and bought a Cruiser Inc. 24SD ViewFinder TT 4450 LB Dry. The 4Runner pulled it up Colorado Mountains like it was not there. Problem, The length, hitch weight plus short wheelbase caused it to squirm and sway so bad it was "white knuckles" all the way, even with WD hitch and 2 sway control bars. Traded the 4Runner for 5.7 v8 Tundra DC 10000+ tow rating with tow pkg. With WD hitch (no sway bars) I forget the trailer is back there. I am adding rear air bags to the truck only because I carry a 3200 watt Onan/Cumins Gen and lots of other stuff when we go to the mountains. Be sure you hook one up and pull it around some before you buy. Good luck... 1stvee468Views0likes0CommentsRe: FYI Axel Failure
Hi, This is 1stvee: Thanks for all the reply's. This is my 14th RV 9 MH's (FMCA 13xxx)& 5 TT's since 1973 and still learning & enjoying camping. I did replace all 4 tires while (down) at Camping World. I actually found the shop that replaced the axel while researching Lippert axel problems on the internet. Someone had posted a couple of years ago having a Lippert running gear failure while on vacation in New Mexico. He reported Accutrak Mfg. Corp Los Lunas, New Mexico (about 15 mi south of Albuquerque) did the same thing for him. About 3 hours and back on the road with a complete new axel assembly at a very reasonable price. I wanted to put this info. out again. It might help someone having a similar problem while in that area. I have no business interest in this company other than the great service I received. Yes, we are fortunate and thankful that I had a good fire extinguisher and was able to put out the fire. I have seen these RV's burn and it is only seconds before it is totally out of control. It was connected to my newer Toyota Tundra with an Equalizer Hitch that would have been almost impossible to disconnect in a time. I do understand that I will never know who or what was at fault for this failure. I do feel that $50 to $100 OEM more running gear would have made my trailer a much better and safer Rig. It cost me a total of $1253 parts and labor to replace one complete axel assy. on the road. I expect to spend another $750 to replace the other axel assy. & up grade the springs. We really like this ViewFinder Trailer and feel the extra $$$$ well spent. 1stvee245Views0likes0Comments
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