MB_Flatlander
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Re: Toyota FJ towing Shadow Cruiser 225 RBS
We went down this same path this past winter/spring. We bought a '12 S225RBS in December(stored at dealership until spring)and planned on towing it with our '03 V6 4Runner. I had previously upgraded the 4Runner with a transmission cooler, air bags and the WD hitch used on the V8's, increasing our tow capacity as documented in the owns manual to somewhere around 7000lbs, don't remember, as we don't own the 4Runner anymore. Get to that later. Our first camper that we pulled around for 2 summers was 17', with a dry weight of 3000lbs and tongue weight of 325lbs. The 4Runner pulled it just fine with no complaints. We then wanted more room and found the perfect layout with the S225RBS. With a dry weight of 4500lbs and tongue weight of 425lbs I knew the 4Ruuner was going to have to work harder on the hills and fighting side winds but I thought we would be ok. We had our sons diesel as a backup plan if it didn't work out. Well a couple weeks before picking up new TT our son sold his truck which left us a little concerned about what might happen if towing the S225RBS didn't work out as planned. My biggest fear was that the with short wheelbase the new TT was going to be an issue winds and semi traffic. At the last minute we chose to sell our beloved 4Ruuner and bought an Avalanche. Now having towed the new TT with the Avalanche I'm pretty confident it would have been a struggle for the 4Runner and me, each and every trip. That extra 1500lbs and 5' of camper is a lot to consider and with the FJ's wheelbase being 4" shorter than the 4Runner this would add to the problem. The Avalanche tows the S225RBS without any issues and we get equivalent or sometimes even better mileage towing with it than we did with the 4Runner and the previous TT. We don't regret making the decision to buy the S225RBS or the Avalanche. Hope this helps out. Mike/Theresa597Views0likes0CommentsRe: Canadians buying from the USA
I have purchased 2 vehicles and 3 travel trailers over the last couple years and can tell you that the process is easy, you just have to do it once to know. I do not consider buying south of the boarder if I'm not going to save myself more than $2000. Just make sure you take into consideration your time, gas, accomodations, temporary insurance and permits, it all adds up. I'd also like to say that the last trailer we bought in 2010 was manufactured by Sun Valley which was not in business at our time of purchase. I called RIV, the girl I spoke with made note of it and said that I wouldn't need to supply a Recall Clearance Letter and I was never asked for one. Everything went smooth and we are now waiting to head down to pick our 3rd one in 2 more months.331Views0likes0Comments- 227Views0likes0Comments
Re: LED Lighting under awning
I plan on doing this and at this point I will attach to the roller with the waterproof strip and I don't forsee any issues causing damage to the strip or the awning. I would prefer to have them on the trailer so that they could be used with the awning retracted but I share the same concerns as you. I have seen someone that has attached a non-waterproof strip to the roller and they seem to be ok. I will try to find it and attach it.204Views0likes0CommentsRe: LED Lighting under awning
For those that have attached them to the trailer below the awning is there any issues with them attracting flying insects? Think its a great idea on the trailer as opposed to the awning but around here there isn't many nights your not fighting off the mosquito's during the summer and this might make it difficult to get into the trailer wihtout a swarm coming in with you.205Views0likes0Comments
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