Bruce_H_
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Re: Honda Pilot used as a tow vehicle
I pulled a Chalet folding trailer with our 2006 AWD Pilot and it did great. Used the Pilot for towing our 3500 lb. Lance 1575 with mixed results. The rear suspension was too soft but rectified it with Timbrens. With the Andersen WDH, got the handling under control. The Pilot did fine on flat and rolling terrain, but struggled in the mountains. To keep up with traffic on uphill climbs, 5000 rpm in 3rd gear. Little engine braking on long descents, requiring a lot of braking to the point that I was afraid of brake fade. Then the transmission began making suspicious sounds and wasn't always shifting properly. After a year, I upgraded to a 2013 Ford Expedition, which is a suburb towing vehicle. So, long story short, if your towing is limited to the midwest, you are probably fine with with the Pilot. If you plan on towing in mountains, I don't think the Pilot is a good choice. Bruce650Views0likes0CommentsRe: Replace stock tires on Lance 1575
vikigar wrote: I want to replace stock 205/75R14 tires on my Lance 1575 with larger size, 215/75R14 tires. Wondering if they will fit and concerned about bounce causing rubs, scuffs. Thanks for helping. I replaced the 205/75R14 OEM tires on my 2012 Lance 1575 with Maxxis 215/75R14 tires and found that there was some scuffing on the top of the wheel wells. I switched axles--the original Dexter axle had a 22.5 degree down angle on the torsion arm, and I went to one with a 32 degree down angle. That provided another 0.7" of clearance and haven't had any scuffing since then. However, if I were to do it again, I would go with a 45 degree down angle for even more clearance; a couple of folks on the Lance Owners of America forum did that and have reported good results. Bruce718Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lance Owners - Question on Ground Clearance
The Dexter TorFlex axles for the Lance trailers have special brackets for the BAL frame that Lance uses. Dexter sells a 7" lift kit for this axle/frame configuration. I believe, but am not absolutely certain, that a 2285 can be ordered with the lift kit. I do know for a fact that the Lance repair facility located next to the factory will install the 7" lifts. Bruce830Views0likes0CommentsRe: Valterra Fridge Vent Fan
I installed the Valterra fridge vent fan in an effort to improve the Norcold 145's functioning in hot conditions (above 100 degrees). It improves the fridge's temp by a couple of degrees. Not nearly the amount of improvement that I was hoping for. Bruce77Views0likes0CommentsRe: Tire Build Date: How Old is Too Old?
Thanks again, everyone, for your input. Spent some time last evening reading reviews of the Kumho 857 and saw too many folks with negative experiences with them to feel comfortable moving forward. Moved to Plan C. Ordered the same tires I've had on the trailer for the past three years: Maxxis M8008 ST215/75R14. They have worked well. I suspect that in three years I will get the itch again to go to a light truck tire, maybe it will work out this next time. :) Bruce537Views0likes0CommentsRe: Tire Build Date: How Old is Too Old?
Thanks, everyone, for your responses. Almost everyone votes for fresh tires and to pass on these nearly-year-old ones. That reality check is helpful. I will start looking for fresher ones. It may mean going to Plan B, the Kumho 857. Bruce536Views0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts
