tiggerdad
I don't always get distracted but whe...SQUIRREL!
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2009
One of the reviews I read mentioned something about def consumption was about a gallon per 1000 miles. Does that sound about right ?
Yes, that's about right.
One of the reviews I read mentioned something about def consumption was about a gallon per 1000 miles. Does that sound about right ?
2800#!?
Okay, forget what I said about weight distribution as this will not be needing it in the case of the truck you have bought. You are actually going to have a much easier time on the learning curve with this camper. It is similar to the R-Pod which is what my neighbors have, and interestingly enough, are in the process of trying to sell. I have pulled their camper for them before with my dad's 2003 GMC 1500 and it had no trouble pulling or stopping and they actually back and maneuver very easily.
They pulled it the last 2 years with a 2005 Expedition, again, with no difficulty.
Tabby,
Weird posts are usually the best. Tell us more about what you bought. What model of Winny? That will let us know what other fun things you may want besides a brake controller. For example, if it's a bigger trailer, you will probably want/need a weight distribution hitch and sway control. These make towing a trailer much nicer. And for bigger trailers, safer.
Are you brand new to RVing or have you been doing this for awhile and decided to make the plunge for a truck and trailer?
As for a brake controller, Ford has been putting integrated brake controllers in their trucks with the tow package for a while. I know my 2008 F250 and my current F350 have them. If you have one from the factory, it will look like this:
It's just to the right of the steering column, above where your knee would hit the dash. If you don't have one, the dealer where you bought your trailer can install one. A decent brake controller is about $100 or so plus installation, but you will find some as cheap as $35 online.
j
I'm almost certain unless it was added her truck will not have a brake controller. The good news is it is easy to add. The wiring harness is probably there and she will have to buy a controller and have it installed. Hopefully she already has the 7 way plug and it's fully wired with power for the brakes. I have a 2004 and used a Weight Distribution Hitch with my Keystone Bullet bumper pull. Tabbytrekker have you ever towed a camper ? Do you know how to use the trailer brake properly when going down hills and such to keep from loosing control of the trailer ? If not you're gonna need some training. You'll have to learn everything quickly to have a safe experience. Other than that I love going camping.
One question. How come you went with the 170K and the bunks and not one of the floor plans with the queen bed?
My last bit of advice (this post) is to take a test run of the Winne locally. That way you can see what you need or don't need. Even if there is no place locally to go, you can "Camp" at your house. Just try to avoid going into the house. That way you can see what you need for a typical trip. (Towels, TP, Food, Pots/Pans, spices, linens, etc...)
On my Chevy 3500 The integrated controller is on the left side of the steering column, close to the door. Have whacked my knee off it before getting in and out.
I am using the Weight distribution hitch to pull my Keystone Bullet also, even though with the 3500 dually I really don't need it. Was a carry over from my 1500 and see no harm in it.
Thanks Chris. One more reason not to buy a Chevy.On my Chevy 3500 The integrated controller is on the left side of the steering column, close to the door. Have whacked my knee off it before getting in and out.
That was my thought when I saw the bunks. We brings friends along on most trips. (That's a little easier being 42 ft long, having 2 bedrooms and 415 sq ft of living space- who needs a tiny house) Sometimes it is better to have bunks for the "friend", some friends the queen would be more fun.I went with the 170K for a couple of reasons.
But also, I was sort of thinking of the future. Right now it is most likely just me traveling, but who knows what the future may hold! I might be able to drag a friend along for some trip.
Thanks Chris. One more reason not to buy a Chevy.
A good article about the WDH can be found at http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1602-five-things-you-need-to-know-about-a-weight-distributing-hitch/
That was my thought when I saw the bunks. We brings friends along on most trips. (That's a little easier being 42 ft long, having 2 bedrooms and 415 sq ft of living space- who needs a tiny house) Sometimes it is better to have bunks for the "friend", some friends the queen would be more fun.
Indeed.... Just don't tell the DW! (or DH what ever your case may be. )some friends the queen would be more fun.
My .02 cents. The thing that most freaked me out when we bought our first TT was every time a tractor trailer went by, the push & pull that happens. It made us sway for a bit. The lighter the TT the more sway. I'd definitely get a no sway bar.
Okay, thank you! I was having a conversation earlier this morning with someone along this topic. In my mind, since its a lighter trailer, it should sway more because it seems like it would be easier to sway. But I kept being reassured that isn't the case. I was told swaying has more to do with the vehicle pulling the trailer, than it does the weight of the trailer.
Indeed.... Just don't tell the DW! (or DH what ever your case may be. )
pushes the trailer away and then sucks it back toward the object passing.
Not terrifying. Think of a slight push and pull. You feel wind gusts more. I don't think you will notice it much with the F150. The trailer is small enough and the truck wheelbase is big enough to stabilize the push/pull you would get.That sounds terrifying! But I guess I'll get use to it?