alex1200
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Re: How Many Miles Before Towing with New Ram 3500
My 2014 Ram manual said no break in period was required. HOWEVER, when you read the 700+ page owner's manual they say no towing for first 500 miles, then no faster than 50 MPH for first 500 towing miles. I took a road trip in mine to get my 500 miles. The manual says this allows all the components (rear end, transmission, etc.) to break in. It has nothing to do with the engine.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Starting to look for a DRW
I just sold my 05 3500 DRW to a good friend. I loved the truck, and only had one minor problem with the turbo in the first year. It was fixed under warranty and I never had any more problems with the truck or the engine. I consistently averaged 14.5 MPG but most trips were city/rural. It only saw the highway when we towed. My 05 definitely had fiberglass fenders, as the bollard in the drive through taught my wife a valuable lesson about rear-end cheat. The only complaint I had about the 05 Auto Tranny was the lack of aftermarket or factory exhaust brake. I waited for most of 2005 for Jacobs to produce a brake. The problem, as I understood it, was the engine and tranny computer were new for 05 and not worth the engineers time to crack the coding for an EB. If you do end up with an 05, be aware of the EB issue. Otherwise, it was a great truck that I will sorely miss. The only reason we sold it was because the quad cab was getting a little tight for the two boys and two dogs. That and the trailer we just bought is 2000 pounds too heavy for the two rating. I just picked up a 14 Ram 3500. I was very satisfied with everything about the 05, that I went back to Ram without hesitation.179Views0likes0CommentsRe: Trailer Slide Stabilizers
LynnandCarol wrote: Has anyone used Stabilizers for their slide outs? We are thinking about purchasing some via Amazon for a long term Trailer setup. Any recommendations, opinions, suggestions, etc. welcome! When I was learning how to stabilize my trailer, everything pointed to avoiding the slide out stabilizers. My understanding was they were marginally effective, and posed a major risk. If the tires lose pressure and sink the trailer, the slide could be damaged. I suppose if they made the trailer rock solid the risk may be worth it, unfortunately they don't. I ended up going with JT Strong arms, and was really happy with them. Any of the systems that lock up the four corner stabilizers are well thought of. It becomes a matter of cost, but I'd stay away from slide stabilizers.160Views0likes0CommentsRe: Flat towing jeep behind TT
My understanding is that flat towing behind a travel trailer is hard on the front end of the vehicle. The reasoning is that as the trailer follows the turn the rear end swings in the opposite direction. The vehicle being towed 4 down is pulled in two different directions. The front wheels scrub pretty hard. This doesn't affect trailers as the second towed vehicle because their only point of contact is the middle axles. As far as can it be done sure. I've seen plenty of CJs and TJs flat towed behind fivers and tts. If it were my Jeep I'd tow it on a trailer to save the front end and not have to add brakes.512Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2007 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 31.5 FBHS?
I've got the opposite of this model, the 31.5 BHDS. Mine has the bedroom up front and bunks in the rear slide. Similar living room, trailer etc. I've been offered 14k to buy outright and 15k to consign at a dealer. The FBHS was a more desirable unit because of the full height rear bedroom, but 22k is crazy, but 17 is slightly too high. My 2008 was 27 new. This one is a year older than mine. I'd shoot for 15-16 and see what happens.171Views0likes0CommentsRe: Frustrated. Went TH browsing today...
I'd start by looking at the wholesale rv websites to get an idea of "actaul" pricing. Mid seventies sounds way too high for a Raptor or smaller Voltage. I'm on the other side of the coin and will suggest getting the trailer you are happy with. The payment difference between 50s and 60s is $100 a month. You mention you bought a new dually to haul it so I'm assuming $50+ so a $100K+ combo. Seriously what's another 10% to get the trailer you want. Don't settle when you are upgrading.207Views0likes0CommentsRe: Here's goes nothing - my first rv discussion...
We are shopping for a new setup now. We debated motor home vs. toy hauler for quite awhile. In the end we narrowed our search to toy hauler fifth wheels. My reasons for the trailer route were mostly practicality. In a mh you'll need a toad, so now you've got two vehicles with engines and related expenses. A truck can be used year round for things not related to rv-ing. A mh can't practically haul your stuff to the dump etc. I love the ceiling height in a fifth wheel. I love the safety of a crash tested Truck with airbags and crumple zones. I always thought the idea of being able to move freely about the mh while underway would be nice but I'd never be able to take advantage since I'm always the driver. Between fuel and food stops we are Stopped enough my wife and I can use the facilities in the trailer without feeling like we are wasting time. If I were in your shoes I'd buy a big toy hauler and one ton dually. I'd get a fiver hitch that removes without leaving rails. I'd assemble all my show gear in the garage of the Toy hauler on easily wheeled boxes or platforms. If I couldn't unload at the show I'd setup at camp and load everything into the truck. With the right spot you could even angle the ramp upward and dolly everything into the truck. You can't go wrong either way. Ultimately it's whatever makes you and your wife happy. Another point to consider is if far from home and a breakdown occurs it may be easier to service a pickup rather than a mh. At least with a trailer you can live in it while they fix it. In a mh you'll probably need to stay in a hotel. None of these single items would make or break a decision but all food for thought when you make your pro/con list.125Views0likes0CommentsRe: Cyclone 4000 Elite vs Voltage 3970 for fulltiming?
I really like the 4000 floor plan. The 3970 looked even better at first. What I think it comes down to is larger couch and black tank in the 4000 vs more kitchen storage in the 3970. Both garages measure about the same. From reading the dutchmen forum it looks like voltage dropped the exterior radio controls and keyless entry. I just can't see the smaller couch in the 3970 working for me. It looks like only two adults can sit comfortably. I really wanted to like the voltage.472Views0likes0CommentsRe: California coast in winter?
We spend a week at Dillon Beach every year over New Years. The weather is beautiful, even when it is drizzly or rainy. As long as you don't mind getting wet from time to time, the temperatures are great. Summer is my wife's busy season, so we don't get much time to camp unless it's fall/winter. We love camping on the Coast in the dead of winter, and often leave the snow at home as we head to the 'warmer' coast. It's mostly light jacket or sweatshirt weather, but there have been plenty of times I'll spend the day in shorts and a T-shirt in late December on the coast.356Views0likes0Comments
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