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RE: Fords New Transit Trail Van
I saw a Ford executive on a morning talk show introducing the E-Transit BEV van. Their projected market is surfers, hikers, and campers that want to upfit the vans to suit their life styles. Deposits are being taken now for delivery in the spring. I believe the start point was mentioned as $67k.
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Durb
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11/04/22 11:32am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Finally got the truck, next will the fifth wheel fit ?.
You should be good without removing either assuming that your fifth wheel has sufficient bedrail clearance. Your filler caps are too far forward to be a problem. You will have to keep watch if backing sharp up an incline.
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Durb
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10/27/22 06:10pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: GMC Sierra EV Denali
There isn't a bed to cab gap which would definitely preclude any other bed options. Is this a body on frame truck or a unibody like a Ridgeline or a minivan?
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Durb
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10/24/22 09:01am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Likely to regret
The way I read it, you have already gained maximum enjoyment from the tractor by fixing it up. Time to reap maximum enjoyment from your camping experience by driving a right-sized truck.
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Durb
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10/24/22 08:40am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: GM vs Ford tow off. Who will win on the Ike?
I thought the most interesting part was that both drivers were named "Dude". When my son was a teenager, all his friends were named "Dude" also.
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Durb
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10/11/22 04:30pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Jacking/Lifting Trailer for Wheel Bearing/Brake Service?
I have an Andersen Rapidjack which functions as an "other wheel ramp". It works great on my fifth wheel with Torflex axles. We went to use it on my friend's trailer that had wide set wheels (more so than yours) and a shackle equalizer similar to yours. The Rapidjack would not lift his other tire off the ground. Make sure you have return privileges if buying one of those devices.
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Durb
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09/29/22 08:35pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: how starlink works (highly technical)
Wow!
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Durb
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09/02/22 09:34am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Best Hitch
It appears the award for "Best Hitch" has been given to the B&W Companion. I'm late to this thread (been camping), but I would like to nominate the Trailer Saver TS3 which I own.
- The Companion is made in USA, so is the Trailer Saver.
- The Companion uses heavy gauge steel, the TS3 is heavier, 1/4" plate with 3/4" solid steel risers.
- The Companion has thick jaws, those on the TS3 are thicker.
- The TS3 dissipates bouncing forces, the Companion doesn't.
- Due to the high hinge design, the TS3 dissipates chucking forces, the Companion doesn't.
- During panic braking, the TS3 causes the front of the trailer to push down loading the rear truck tires, a safety feature.
- The comfortable tow of the TS3 reduces driver fatigue, a safety feature.
- Shock mitigation of the TS3 protects the trailer's frame and the truck's electronics. The Companion doesn't do this.
The Companion is a good hitch, the TS3 just does so much more. In a "Best Hitch" competition, B&W would rank below Trailer Saver, Road master Comfort Ride, and Air Safe hitches. Due to the high prices, we just don't have as many fanboys.
What kind of maintenance does the TS3 need? What are the failure points...airbags? Which one is easier to remove? Which one cost less? Which one has better customer support?
Maintenance - Zerk fittings for the pivot rod similar to the need to grease the rubber donuts on the Companion.
Failure points - Don't know, never had a failure in six years.
Easier to remove - Based on this Criterium, the lightest hitch would then be the best hitch. "Best Hitch" was the question.
Cost - You get what you pay for. Pay less - get less.
Customer support - Don't know, never needed to call customer support. My guess is if you are calling customer support, you have problems.
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Durb
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09/01/22 08:02am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Best Hitch
It appears the award for "Best Hitch" has been given to the B&W Companion. I'm late to this thread (been camping), but I would like to nominate the Trailer Saver TS3 which I own.
- The Companion is made in USA, so is the Trailer Saver.
- The Companion uses heavy gauge steel, the TS3 is heavier, 1/4" plate with 3/4" solid steel risers.
- The Companion has thick jaws, those on the TS3 are thicker.
- The TS3 dissipates bouncing forces, the Companion doesn't.
- Due to the high hinge design, the TS3 dissipates chucking forces, the Companion doesn't.
- During panic braking, the TS3 causes the front of the trailer to push down loading the rear truck tires, a safety feature.
- The comfortable tow of the TS3 reduces driver fatigue, a safety feature.
- Shock mitigation of the TS3 protects the trailer's frame and the truck's electronics. The Companion doesn't do this.
The Companion is a good hitch, the TS3 just does so much more. In a "Best Hitch" competition, B&W would rank below Trailer Saver, Road master Comfort Ride, and Air Safe hitches. Due to the high prices, we just don't have as many fanboys.
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Durb
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08/31/22 08:52pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Trailersavor vs Anderson Ultimate
In my opinion, both the AUH and a Trailer Saver hitch are quality products and will get your trailer to your destination. They each have their upsides and downsides such as cost, weight, installation, hook-up methods and so forth which the OP will have to judge the importance of on his own.
One thing that is evident is the Andersen hitch is a solid hook up between the trailer's pin box and the truck's frame; no give. The Trailer Saver incorporates a soft joint. In terms of towing comfort and gear protection, Trailer Saver wins hands down.
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Durb
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08/30/22 11:06am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: The best upgrade for your TT
When in the market for new trailer tires, I started a thread on a forum asking the question: Other than longevity, what should I be looking for in a trailer tire, better traction, easier scrubbing, more resistant to side loads, better braking performance, puncture resistance, etc.?
Not a single response touting a tire's features or performance. I ended up with Endurance tires and they tow no differently than the previous Towmax tires.
I can say the shallow tread depth of the Endurance tires may contribute to less squirm, but I can't tell from the truck.
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Durb
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08/14/22 03:49pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: New to 5th wheels
In many states you will need safety chains for your Goosebox unless you have already planned for them. An additional bed plug for your umbilical cord is handy, but not mandatory. A secure hold for your breakaway cable will be needed as your only truck hold is the gooseneck ball. Accommodations for all the big stuff you put under the canopy of your truck like bicycles and ladders might be necessary.
A new checklist telling you to close your tailgate!!!
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Durb
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08/08/22 02:55pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: tire wrench
Your fifth wheel is relatively light, so 1/2"-20 studs.
To answer your question: 13/16", 6 point deep chrome socket, 1/2" x 6" extension, and 1/2" x 18" long breaker bar. I use a 16" long ratchet on mine and it works fine.
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Durb
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08/07/22 11:30am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Need help from experienced woodworker
Oak is an open grain hardwood. The first coat of an oil stain will pretty much determine the color. Additional coats will add some depth but not change the color much. A different colored stain may be required. Stains should always be tested in an obscured area. In my experience, trying to match a piece by staining is difficult.
When the manufacturer finished the wood, they sealed it. Surface sanding may give the appearance of bare wood, but it still might be sealed and not accept stain as readily. You might try treating it with a liquid paint remover. Then sand, and try again as mentioned in your other forum.
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Durb
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08/07/22 11:13am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: EV's need gas too - Tow with a Tesla?
Hmmm. Tesla has released a tow package for the Model 3 shown here. The maximum tow weight is 2,000# and max tongue weight is 220#. The lightest RPod made weighs 2,714 dry and most likely has a tongue weight of over 300#. Tesla 3s can tow teardrop trailers and that is about all. Maybe overloading his vehicle caused him to have greatly reduced range creating the need for a roadside charge.
I wonder where he hauled the generators and gas can.
Is that a model 3 or model Y. Hard to tell. If it’s a model Y then his towing capacity is 3500 lbs and max tounge weight is 350 pounds. Hard to tell from the pic though. I’ll look at it on the PC tomorrow.
No idea on the weight of the trailer.
But still no reason for a roadside charge. We have travelled that highway pulling a trailer. There are at least a half dozen charge opportunities. There is something else going on here.
Could be a Y. An X has central door handles on the rear doors. He could probably squeak under the tow rating, but would be pushing the tongue weight. Toting a couple of generators and extra fuel isn't going to help with the numbers.
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Durb
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07/29/22 05:12pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: EV's need gas too - Tow with a Tesla?
Hmmm. Tesla has released a tow package for the Model 3 shown here. The maximum tow weight is 2,000# and max tongue weight is 220#. The lightest RPod made weighs 2,714 dry and most likely has a tongue weight of over 300#. Tesla 3s can tow teardrop trailers and that is about all. Maybe overloading his vehicle caused him to have greatly reduced range creating the need for a roadside charge.
I wonder where he hauled the generators and gas can.
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Durb
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07/29/22 03:24pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Fifth wheel mileage question
Weight matters. Getting an extra two and half tons moving in stop and go traffic requires a lot of energy or fuel. Pulling an extra 5,000# up a hill also takes a lot of juice. Weight also matters when it comes to stopping your rig as retarding all that extra momentum will create a lot of heat energy which needs to be replaced as fuel.
I always strive to always keep my weight down as much as possible by loading lightly and leaving unneeded stuff at home. Lighter rigs are easier on your truck's drive line components and will result in fuel savings. Whether the savings are that important to you is something you will have to decide.
I'm of the opinion that blaming aerodynamics as the major source of poor fuel economy is a rationalization for towing heavy.
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Durb
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07/28/22 03:01pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Camping in an EV.... Always charging...
More comments: Who goes camping without an ice chest, cook stove, bags of food, or a lawn chair? Also, there were plenty of external driving shots of the truck which suggests a support vehicle (maybe with a generator) and a crew. My guess is they all stayed in motels, which from my point of view, says nothing about the truck and its capabilities.
A separate post on this forum shows I was right about some of my speculations:
They do have a crew and an F150 hybrid traveling with them. The external driving shots was an easy giveaway.
I guessed on the generator. Apparently, they tried to charge the Lightning with the on board generator in the hybrid.
I'm speculating here they stowed their essential camping gear in the hybrid to keep the BEV lighter. Not really up and up as far as I am concerned.
As far as the motels go; I'm sticking with it.
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Durb
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07/27/22 06:03pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Camping in an EV.... Always charging...
More comments: Who goes camping without an ice chest, cook stove, bags of food, or a lawn chair? Also, there were plenty of external driving shots of the truck which suggests a support vehicle (maybe with a generator) and a crew. My guess is they all stayed in motels, which from my point of view, says nothing about the truck and its capabilities.
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Durb
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07/24/22 03:54pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Anderson Camper Levelers
They work great, but will slip on some surfaces so use the rubber pad which fixes the problem. I did have one break on asphalt (10,500# trailer). I emailed them a picture of the broken unit and Andersen sent out a new one swiftly.
I did try a different brand off Amazon as it looked heavier duty and came with a carry case. The ramp angle on it was too steep and the trucks e-brake wouldn't hold on it to get the chocks in. The smooth radius on the Andersens is a better design than the Amazon product.
Some complain they interfere with chocking their tires. I use Rotochocks so it isn't an issue for me.
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Durb
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07/23/22 03:55pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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