RetiredSFC_97
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Re: buying new truck, assistance needed
The question has been answered and a truck bought it appears, but I will still put my 2 cents in. I bought a 97 Dodge Ram 1500 in 98 before I ever owned a camper. It was going to be used just as a driver and occasional hauler of minor things. I bought a camper 4 years later. While it will pull my small 19N Mallard, if I would have known I was going to be a TT owner, I would have went with a 2500, and the 360 engine versus the 318 (5.2 liter) 1500. Now in my opinion I'm stuck with the smaller TT unless I buy a newer/larger truck to pull it around with. I used to always have 3/4 ton trucks and my dad used to say I was overkilling things, and I told him then you never know if you may need one. Well dad rest your soul, you were wrong on that one. LOL394Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying used from a dealer
Dealers don't know much about the trades they take in and too many people don't tell them what may be wrong, so it's not always their fault. Do your own homework and if you can take someone with you who knows campers if you're buying used. I bought mine from my sister 10 years ago when it was 3 years old. I paid more actually than what a dealer would have charged, but I knew this camper since it was new.427Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying used from a dealer
mirandamae wrote: We are looking to buy our first TT. Used 2011 from a private party. I am wondering if a local dealer will inspect it for us? Also it is already winterized so would we be able to run through the entire checklists I have found such as the water tanks etc. Any help would be so appreciated! If it's winterized you can still go through the checklist. If the owner wants to sell it and believes you're serious, it's cheap and easy to re winterize it. That's a price you pay trying to sell after you've winterized it this time of year. As far as local dealer inspecting it, I don't have any experience with that. The main things you want to do is make sure all appliances to include heater and water heater work. Look for signs of water leaks and check for mildew smells. Check all the windows for leaks and get up on top and look for cracking at places that have sealant where antennas go through the roof. etc. And along the roof lines where the rubber roof contacts the camper. The front and back are where you'll typically find cracking at the seams. Put the awning out and check for functionality and wear, rips. etc. beings it's a 2011, unless it's a lemon it's probably in pretty good shape. My rule of thumb on these things and vehicles when buying from a private party is check for cleanliness outside and inside. If it's been kept clean, it's most likely been cared for. Also have them go through the entire setup for you and explain how to set it up, winterize it, and care for it. But do your own homework on the care of it as well and don't take what they say as gospel, or you'll find out how much they didn't tell you at the least opportune time. This has been my experiences.427Views0likes0CommentsRe: my curse
backing up is a matter of practice and experience. You'll get better. As some others have said, get out and recon the area yourself and make a plan on where you want to park. Then go slowly. If you're not comfortable, et out several times to make sure you're working your plan. My wife is terrible at helping, she will even go as far as stand behind the camper and I can't see her at all. Waste of time. I just tell her to stay in my mirror line of sight and stop me if I'm going to hit something. (she knows this and understands she's no help so all is good) You think this is hard? I grew up backing hay wagons. Now that's hard.328Views0likes0CommentsRe: Just had a brainstorm - how about a survey!
Pink, drink sometimes. BUT, I don't use my holding tank, I'm always hooked up to a water source. I think in 10 years I stayed at a site that didn't have water maybe twice and used the tank, but did not drink. My camper typically stays on a farm in the woods with full hookups. I drink, wife refuses.368Views0likes0CommentsRe: Towing without equalizer bars hooked up
I always use mine, but I only have a 19N Mallard and I wouldn't be afraid to tow it without the leveling bars. (I'm assuming that's what you're talking about) I once had a 24 foot that didn't have that type of hitch and never had any problems. Heck they built campers for years and didn't have a setup like that at all. So, it's not a have to, but if you have them I would use them while on the highway. But that's just me. I too come from backwoods and have towed stuff my entire life without issues. (don't jinx me)3.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: winterizing question?
mbopp wrote: Many units have 2 valves. You need to open the valve going to the winterizing pick-up hose, and close the valve going to the fresh water tank. I don't have that system but funny you mention it. I have actually modified a system like that. I thought I was a genius. I guess not. To the OP, it's difficult to know what your problem might be without being there to test it. But try to check your lines to make sure they don't have a leak. If you use your holding tank I would think you would know if it has an air leak or not as it would leak while you used water from it, or you would just suck air. If you have a built in system that has been mentioned, make sure you have the holding tank shut off or you will just be sucking air. Turn on your other valve. Then turn on your water faucet and see if your pump comes on. If it does and it isn't sucking fluid, pull out the hose and turn it upside down and pour some liquid into it. This can just be water or antifreeze, either one. That may prime your pump. If it starts sucking, quickly put your hose back in the bottle and continue on. Make sure your valve for the water heater is closed. One time I forgot to close that valve and all my antifreeze went into my water heater. That's fine, but that's not what I wanted to do. Then I had to go buy more antifreeze.:) If you still don't get any sucking, you may have to go buy a totally new line and replace the line coming form the pump to the tank, if it sucks air that is. One last thing. Make sure you have your pump turned on. I forgot that part. After you have your cold lines filled, go back and fill your hot lines. Then go back to your hot water heater and open the valve just long enough to get some antifreeze in it. It doesn't have to be much because it should be drained anyway, but always put some in it. I typically turn it on for a 2 or 3 second count, then repeat one time for good measure. Then one more time just to make sure. I never use my holding tank and it seems one year I have zero problems, and the next I have many. I'm sure you've done this all before, but like I said, without being there, it's hard to tell you what might be going on. But typically it's a priming issue more times than not Don't forget your fresh water storage tank. (This is on my camper, I'm guessing it's about the same for them all in principle)205Views0likes0CommentsRe: outside speakers
Super_Dave wrote: Holes in the exterior are forever. I'd get a couple of those faux rock speakers and have an external speaker jack to plug them into. I have some of those rock speakers I'm going to hook up to my Alpine I just put in. I found this thread while doing a search. I was also thinking about mounting a jack on the outside so I can plug them in keeping it neat and waterproof. As to those who don't like people with outside speakers I certainly understand that. But I keep my camper 98% of the time on private property on a farm on a site with full hookups. But while in a camp ground I would never turn them on except to maybe listen to a baseball game. Just my 2 cents.490Views0likes0Comments
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