Lots Of Camping Questions

[goofysgal]

We (DH 50, DS 13, and me 49) have just planned our first camping in a trailer experience. We are renting a 29 foot travel trailer with slide out and towing it to a state park about 2 hours away for 4 days to try it out. (My ulterior motive is to eventually get us to FW next year!). We are also planning to attend a camper/RV show in metro Atlanta next weekend to check out what is available.

We have an '05 F150 4dr truck to use as our tow vehicle.

What do you recommend for first-timers to consider?

Got any tips or suggestions to make this first trip go smoothly? What should we not forget to take with us?

How soon should I make a reservation for FW for February or April '06?

What is "Magical Journeys"?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[tim5055]

The first thing to think about is safety! So, even though you have an F-150 the way it is equipped will determine what you can safely tow - figure out your exact tow ratings. Remember, ratings are usually based on a single occupant and nothing in the vehicle. Reductions may need to be mad for the weight of your family and luggage in the truck. I mention this because my previous vehicle was an F-150 and I was surprised with how little tow capacity I was left with after loading the truck.

Check out my Towing and Hitch Information Web Page for specific information. While my web site is directed to pop up campers, much of the information is valid for TTs

Secondly, I generally like to stay VERY close to home for a trial trip like this. That way if you need to run home for something you forgot it's not a big problem

 

[VAN]

I would recommend making your reservation at Ft. Wilderness as soon as you know your dates. I usually will make mine a year out.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

In my humble opinion you dont have enough truck for a 29ft unit with slides.
Even with the larger engine I think it will be underpowered.
The first thing you need to do is find out the weight of the trailer. Then factor in EVERYTHING that you want to put in it (ours weighed 5000# from the factory, with options and supplies it weighs 6300# with no water)
I have a 27ft with no slides and have towed with an 03 1/2 ton chevy that had some performance modifications, it does the job but just barely.
I pick up my new 05 2500HD on wednesday because we decided we didnt want to destroy the 1/2 ton by pulling the trailer.
Lastly, just because an RV salesperson says it is possible doesnt make it true, there are some very uninformed people in the business.

Tims site has some excellent advice, read all that you can so that YOU can make an informed choice. RVing is lots of fun but it does require some talents in the driving department.

Hope to see you at FW soon !

 

[Randbo51]

Another good place to ask for advice is the Woodall's forums.....

http://www.woodalls.com/cforum/index.cfm

See you on the road.

 

[Disney Campers]

Great information so far, you guys are great

Take your time at the RV show, and don't be pressured from any salesperson talking about show specials, join the above mentioned RV forums and also try www.irv2.com you will get good information from owners. do your homework and get the trailer you want first, i think many new rvers jump in to quick and find out the first trailer won't really meet the needs and wants and end up taking a beating on trade in within a year or so.

Its a great way to travel,

 

[goofysgal]

Thanks for all the info and the web sites. I will spend some time on those sites tonite and tomorrow nite.

I'm seriously rethinking the size of the unit we have reserved (although DH has assured me the truck can pull it). He's calling the RV company tomorrow to discuss again at my insistence. He's going to pack the truck as we would for this first trip and says he will take it to get it weighed (I'm not sure where--any suggestions?).

I knew I could get pointed in the right direction from you guys!!

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

If you call the local DMV (not sure what they call it in GA, here in MI its the secretary of State) they can usually tell you where to find a scale.
After you get the truck weighed you will need to find out the following
1) max towing capacity for truck
2) weight of trailer (actual weight, not mfg base weight)
3) GCWR, maximum weight of truck, trailer, supplies, fuel and people

www.fordvehicles.com/trucks
will have the specs you need for your model and engine combination


If these numbers all are within limits then you are at least legal. I guarantee that trailer will be a handful for that truck to tow.

Scott

 

[John VN]

goofysgal

Go to www.catscale.com and you will find a number of scale locations in the Atlanta area. Give them a call to check on price. Should be around $8.00 to $10.00.

John

 

[Nickimouse]

I didn't see this mentioned, so I thought I'd throw it in. Before we picked up our trailer (24ft, towing with F150) we had to have an electric brake installed on the truck and I also highly recommend sway bars.
Good Luck and enjoy camping!

 

[Weegie]

Back when we owned a tt we also had to have an electric breaks and anit-sway bars to tow it with our Suburban. Those big rigs can really toss you around when they pass you if you don't have those anti-sway bars.

 

[anditoo72]

I tried to call last weekend for Jan or Feb of 06 and they were already booked up for a preffered site, which is I am sure what you want. I would call asap for april 06. We decided to go in November 06 so I have to wait till july to make my reservations (500 days in advance) I plan on counting down the days!!!!!

 

[kilroys]

I pulled a 30 ft (about 6000lb) with a 150 for 5 years. It can be done but it was a struggle. Going South to Disney was not bad, but north into the mountains I found I needed more power. We have 350 Van with V10 now. I would find a rig well under your tow rating. Try Red Top Mt State Park for a test trip. Lots of great State Parks around here.

Charles