*Truck and Towing thread........ask your questions here.*

[dmaxphil]

I didn't buy a trailer or anything today, but I did get a fresh coat of wax. It's something.

 

[Teamubr]

Nice upgrade. Let me know how you like those JT Strongarms. Are they mounted on the back stabilizers as well?

We had the strong arms on the race team toy hauler. They make a huge difference. The new trailer has power rear legs, but no bracing like the front.

I didn't buy a trailer or anything today, but I did get a fresh coat of wax. It's something.

Ooo. It's shiney.

Will you come do mine. It looks to be about the same size, so you already have plenty of practice.

j

 

[dmaxphil]

We had the strong arms on the race team toy hauler. They make a huge difference. The new trailer has power rear legs, but no bracing like the front.


Ooo. It's shiney.

Will you come do mine. It looks to be about the same size, so you already have plenty of practice.

j

JT Stongarms are a future upgrade for me.

I would take you up on that but I have a sore shoulder now.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

The JT Strongarm's makes a big difference, best upgrade I've made. After I installed them I don't see a need to bring the tripod with us anymore.

 

[Teamubr]

JT Stongarms are a future upgrade for me.

I would have thought with the 6 point leveling legs that it would be pretty stable. I passed on the auto leveling. I looked into adding them later and they were the same price as getting them from the factory. I can always add it later if I want. My DW said she would rather spend the same money on a generator.

j

 

[bjschil]

I like the layout of the trailer, but can you access the bathroom with the upper slide pulled in while traveling ??

PaHunter, the answer is yes, after pushing the slide out button for five seconds, it is out. It was a negative at first, but we get/got used to it real fast. Love the closet across from bathroom for extra storage, add'l towels. I hate using dirty bathrooms at fuel stops, so we began putting out the slide, and it is now just a normal thing. If we stop at a wayside, we make sure we safe so no big rig hits it.

 

[jbrostek]

PaHunter, the answer is yes, after pushing the slide out button for five seconds, it is out. It was a negative at first, but we get/got used to it real fast. Love the closet across from bathroom for extra storage, add'l towels. I hate using dirty bathrooms at fuel stops, so we began putting out the slide, and it is now just a normal thing. If we stop at a wayside, we make sure we safe so no big rig hits it.

My 2014 3600 is the same way. That storage is awesome and really is not an issue to roll the slide out for bathroom access since its independent of the main slides. So far I am still in love with my 3600, it was the old bathroom setup which I like a lot better then the wall in the bedroom. I hope FR and the new Sanibel runs well for you. I can't wait we are officially at the 30 day mark to departure!

 

[peg110]

PaHunter, the answer is yes, after pushing the slide out button for five seconds, it is out. It was a negative at first, but we get/got used to it real fast. Love the closet across from bathroom for extra storage, add'l towels. I hate using dirty bathrooms at fuel stops, so we began putting out the slide, and it is now just a normal thing. If we stop at a wayside, we make sure we safe so no big rig hits it.

SO you have to put the slide out to access the bathroom? Even though it's independent of the other slides, I can see that as being an issue for us. There have been (far to many) times when it was an "Emergency" potty break on the side of the road, since it appears the slide is on the Drivers side, that means you have to extend the slide toward moving traffic.

I do like the layout though. I'd like to upgrade to a 5er, but it's not in the budget at the moment. Maybe in 2018 when the DW's car is finally paid off.

 

[dmaxphil]

I would have thought with the 6 point leveling legs that it would be pretty stable. I passed on the auto leveling. I looked into adding them later and they were the same price as getting them from the factory. I can always add it later if I want. My DW said she would rather spend the same money on a generator.

j

It's pretty darn stable compared to other rigs I've been in without, but there is still movement on each end - only noticeable when seated in the rear or laying in the bed and the girls are bouncing around on the other end of trailer.

Is your unit gen prepped or are you thinking standalone? We have the prep package with inside controls and the metal box in the front compartment, but I'd hate to give up the storage. We've never been in a position to need one, yet.

 

[Teamubr]

Is your unit gen prepped or are you thinking standalone?

My trailer didn't officially come with the "Gen Prep" package, but the front basement is closed in and sealed and the floor has been notched with cut outs to drop one in. The battery is also mounted in the front basement, making that easy. Running the wiring up for the remote panel isn't too big of a deal. My old 5er didn't have anything setup. I had to make a bulkhead and seal it for the front basement and run all the wiring.

I noticed during the PDI that this trailer also has the slide awning rails already installed on the sides above the slides. I guess it is easier to install them at the factory on everything than try to have a dealer do it afterwards. Mine didn't come with slide awnings, but I've considered adding them to keep the debris and sun off the slide roofs.

j

 

[dmaxphil]

My trailer didn't officially come with the "Gen Prep" package, but the front basement is closed in and sealed and the floor has been notched with cut outs to drop one in. The battery is also mounted in the front basement, making that easy. Running the wiring up for the remote panel isn't too big of a deal. My old 5er didn't have anything setup. I had to make a bulkhead and seal it for the front basement and run all the wiring.

I noticed during the PDI that this trailer also has the slide awning rails already installed on the sides above the slides. I guess it is easier to install them at the factory on everything than try to have a dealer do it afterwards. Mine didn't come with slide awnings, but I've considered adding them to keep the debris and sun off the slide roofs.

j

We like them for those reasons. Just keep in mind it's something else to replace every 2-3 years.

 

[Teamubr]

Just keep in mind it's something else to replace every 2-3 years.

Slide awnings only last 2-3 years? I got 11 out of the main awning on my old Cruiser. At $200-300 X 4, that isn't cost effective.

j

 

[peg110]

I would think they would last longer than 2 - 3 years. I guess a lot of depends on your usage and locations. (i.e. in more sun or in more shade, rain, etc...)

We only have the main awning on our 27' TT, and it now seems to be going. We have never replaced it since we bought the TT used 6 years ago. It's going mostly because somehow we ended up with about 2 gallons of water between the layers. That was freaky because we didn't even really know it until I started to close it back up at a campsite this past year.

 

[jbrostek]

My 2001 Monaco had the original awning and slide awnings. Though I did have to buy a new tensioner spring for the larger slide 2 years into owning it.

As for the slide to get to the bathroom, it would have to be one heck of an emergency before I would stop on the side of an interstate where that would be my largest concern. But I also do not have really young kids that would wait till near bursting to tell me they need a stop.

 

[peg110]

But I also do not have really young kids that would wait till near bursting to tell me they need a stop.

DW and DD18 both had their Gall Bladders out. They tell me it "Hits" them and it's an urgent need. No advanced notice (kind of like the little one that waits until "Bursting" to let you know.

Fortunately for us it's only been a handful of times we have had to stop on the highway (on the side) but 1 time is TOO many for my liking.

 

[dmaxphil]

Slide awnings only last 2-3 years? I got 11 out of the main awning on my old Cruiser. At $200-300 X 4, that isn't cost effective.

j

I would think they would last longer than 2 - 3 years. I guess a lot of depends on your usage and locations. (i.e. in more sun or in more shade, rain, etc...)

We only have the main awning on our 27' TT, and it now seems to be going. We have never replaced it since we bought the TT used 6 years ago. It's going mostly because somehow we ended up with about 2 gallons of water between the layers. That was freaky because we didn't even really know it until I started to close it back up at a campsite this past year.

Yes. And I may have exaggerated a bit on 2-3 years, but a lot depends on use. Keep in mind they are out all the time when setup so day and night they are exposed. I have a unit built in 2011 and for the most part they are still ok - not quite nearly as soft as new and the bed slide has stretched a bit in one area (it flaps in the wind now) so it needs replacing. Replacement awning fabric for a bed slide is costing me $120. Installing is easy.

 

[peg110]

d I may have exaggerated a bit on 2-3 years

No worries (at least from me). I haven't had to replace one yet. It doesn't look too difficult though. I guess if you have a good ladder it's much easier. I don't have an awning for our slide although I kind of wish we did. At this point though, I am not going to try and get one for it. I am hoping to upgrade to a 5er in the next couple of years (if I can get the Truck or Car paid of I might be able to swing it.)

 

[tiggerdad]

No worries (at least from me). I haven't had to replace one yet. It doesn't look too difficult though. I guess if you have a good ladder it's much easier. I don't have an awning for our slide although I kind of wish we did. At this point though, I am not going to try and get one for it. I am hoping to upgrade to a 5er in the next couple of years (if I can get the Truck or Car paid of I might be able to swing it.)

Sounds like someone I know...

 

[dmaxphil]

No worries (at least from me). I haven't had to replace one yet. It doesn't look too difficult though. I guess if you have a good ladder it's much easier. I don't have an awning for our slide although I kind of wish we did. At this point though, I am not going to try and get one for it. I am hoping to upgrade to a 5er in the next couple of years (if I can get the Truck or Car paid of I might be able to swing it.)

Good ladders are essential. We have a Little Giant that folds down small enough to fit in the storage compartment. Another thing about slide toppers - they make cleaning the tops of slides very difficult. You have to have a ladder to check the gap and make sure nothing and blown in before bringing slides in. Without the toppers you just walk the roof.

 

[dmaxphil]

Do any of you fifth wheel guys bring a golf cart? I'm considering a swivel wheel type setup. All the places around us allow carts so I think I'd get my moneys worth. Has anyone done this?