fourwinns6
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Solar panels & battery cutoff switch
I was told that switching my Battery cut off switch to off during storage,that my 120 watt solar panel would continue to charge my batteries.I tried this and left it off for two weeks only to find that according to the Solar Charge controller that my batteries were only at 25%. Did not check the monitor panel on the rig itself wish I did but did not want to risk my batteries freezing another night at low voltage so I flipped the cut off back on.The controller is a 12 volt 30 amp Zamp and have not heard back from them with this question.Any one out there store with solar panels on,leave the Battery disconnect switch on.1.4KViews0likes3CommentsRe: Is all up weight of 9500 lbs. too much for Tundra 5.7L?
I pull a 30' Blackstone 7500 lbs. dry with WD bars and two anti friction sway bars with a 2007 Tundra without a problem.My 3000 watt Honda generator (74 lbs) sits in the front of the trailer along with Camp Chef grill (45lbs) and anything else that will put weight forward as my biggest weight other than the TT is my 72 gallon water tank near the rear of TT (600 lbs)My total weight loaded 8600 lbs TW (870) lbs Handles and brakes just fine just need to crank the sway bars tight to keep from swaying.Range of fuel is a problem if you go long distances,I can get 200 miles without overdrive or long climbs.I always use the 4 speed and push forward on the shift lever for 5th when cruising 65 mph.Occasionally if tucked in behind a semi I flip it into 6th and my rpm's are under 2000 I can cruise for miles getting 12 to 13 mpg.Also only use unleaded plus 89 octane for better mileage and performance cost's an additional $2 a tank and worth it294Views0likes0CommentsRe: 1/2 ton Tundra pulling 8200 lbs
My 07 Tundra is the extra cab long bed,I thought the manual stated 2045 lb payload but could be wrong.As for it's capability I was very impressed,just was wondering if there is going to be that much of a difference towing that big of a TT with a 3/4 ton domestic truck.This truck is paid for and the 95% of time I'm not towing with it I really enjoy it.I may average 8 mpg towing through the hill's but on flat highway I have had close to a 11 mpg on average.My brother in law promises that all day with his Dodge 2500 but man I don't want another truck payment292Views0likes0Comments1/2 ton Tundra pulling 8200 lbs
I inherited my father's Beautiful 30' Blackstone TT,I have pulled it maybe a dozen times with my paid for 2007 Tundra which seem's to pull and brake it just fine.But I get grilled all the time at Rv park's that I should get something bigger like a 3/4 ton truck to be safer on the roads.Which I cannot afford, I have WD bars, Anti-friction control sway bars and my trip's are usually under a 100 miles one way.So far so good but I am always wondering do they really know the difference or is it that's just the way they always have done it???My payload is over 2000,the TT is 7500 lbs dry with a tongue weight of 750.I rarely fill the 76 gallon water tank but when I do the Tundra climbs well and doesn't seem to hinder it at all.It is rated to be capable of pulling 10300 lbs,Heck it can pull a space shuttle LOL but seriously am I just foolish or is it a hazard waiting to happen ;)18KViews0likes66CommentsRe: Towing with half a tank
My tank rest's on the rear axle and travels back almost 5 feet,sloshing & sway are a concern but I hate to haul 644 pounds of water only to dump maybe 250 of it for a lighter drive home.Which I seem to do every time we camp.Seem's like a waste of water to me but???940Views0likes0CommentsTowing with half a tank
I have a 70 gallon fresh water tank and rarely use 50.Been told that I should only tow empty if possible and fill where I'm camping if possible or tow full to avoid sloshing thus eliminating possible sway.Experienced sway with a half a tank once and added 2 anti friction sway control bar's immediately and haven't had any issues since but I am Leary to try a half tank from past experience.Any rule of thumb as to traveling with a 1/2 a tank?6.3KViews0likes14CommentsRe: cannot fill water holding tank past 3/4
So traveling with a half or 3/4 tank of water is ok?I had my hand's full going through some rolling mountain passes with 50 gallons in a 70 gallon tank.I installed a pair of anti-friction sway bar's since and went out once with I believe was about 60 gallons and experienced some sway on the freeway,pulled over and cranked up the tension on them. That seemed to stop it but was pondering the rest of the trip if I really needed to top it off.Dumped all the water on the trip back and the ride was fine.I have as much weight forward as I can but the water tank sits above the rear axle and stretches back where when full should put an additional 640 or so lbs.Next trip will stop at scale station to see where my balance is.439Views0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jul 02, 202544,041 Posts
