http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums Towing, hauling, and RV discussion. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:52:03 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/air/misc/rss.jpg http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217822-wind-weather-question.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:40:18 GMT I don't believe I've ever seen it discussed here so I thought I would tap the impressive brain trust of TDR to answer a question.

First off, I live in a "wind prone area" and as such I pay attention to the weather reports about the wind. Starting tomorrow, the weather people are saying we will have "Wind gusts 60-70 mph is possible in the wind prone areas ahead of the cold front that is expected to pass through the valleys mid evening Friday."

My 5th wheel as it is parked is facing West so the frontal area is usually close to head on in the wind. However this storm, and most winter storms, do not come in directly from the West. Sometimes South, sometime North or a combination. This places my 5th wheel somewhat broadside to the winds.

My question is, should I put the rear stablizer jacks down on the rear of the coach for added stability? Does it or would it make a real difference? Thanks everyone.

Mark.

P.S. Sorry about the font and stuff. Once I pasted the text from the weather website, I couldn't figure out how to change it back to TDR default.
]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum mberry http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217822-wind-weather-question.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217792-rv-parks-camping-sedona-az.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:15:33 GMT Well, we were headed up to the snow but to make a long story short, we are headed to Sedona AZ next weekend. Could be worse I guess.
I have been looking online at some camping places such as Rancho Sedona RV park and Dead Horse State Park. I would like electric hookups if possible.
Recommendations on places to camp w/ electric?
We plan to have three days to explore the area. Maybe do some light 4wheeling too. Anybody have some "must see" places for that area?
thanks ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum TBees http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217792-rv-parks-camping-sedona-az.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217787-gooseneck-vs-5th-wheel-hitch-setup.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:15:34 GMT I'm planing on having a trailer built so I'll have the option of either a Gooseneck or 5th Wheel hitch setup from the get go.

I'm building a HD high ground clearance 3 axle around 21k GVWR. I'll be traveling on unimproved roads more often than not. I'm planing on running at about 75% of GVWR, no more than 80%, FYI.

My question is, what hitch setup would be better? Is chucking an issue with goosenecks as well?

Thanks for your comments in advance,

Cee ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum Carlacee http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217787-gooseneck-vs-5th-wheel-hitch-setup.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217746-6th-gear-ok.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:30:39 GMT :)I own a 2008 quad cab, 4X4, SRW, 6.7, 6 speed automatic with 4.10 gears. I plan to replace my 35' 5TH wheel toy hauler with a bigger one with 3 slide outs that weighs about 16,500 pounds loaded and ready to go. Should I refrain form using 6TH gear? The truck has about 12,500 miles on it and about 11,500 miles hauling my current toy hauler. It tows this camper just fine in 6TH at 65 mph. Should I not be using 6TH? Thanks Rick ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum RStiles http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217746-6th-gear-ok.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217725-cb-antenna-cable.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:16:37 GMT :confused: I want to install a CB radio in my 08 6.7. Where do you run the cable through the fire wall? No Rapid City truck stops know anything. How do you recomend mounting the antenna? Know of a CB shop that sells mounts? I used to do business with a shop located at Jubitz in Portland OR but have been unable to find a phone number. Thanks Rick :confused: I want to install a CB radio in my 08 6.7. Where do you run the cable through the fire wall? No Rapid City truck stops know anything. How do you recomend mounting the antenna? Know of a CB shop that sells mounts? I used to do business with a shop located at Jubitz in Portland OR but have been unable to find a phone number. Thanks Rick ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum RStiles http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217725-cb-antenna-cable.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217716-progressive-industries-customer-service-outstanding.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:36:00 GMT I like to report what I consider outstanding service when received from a manufacturer or service provider and that is the purpose of this post.

About three weeks ago I decided to order a built-in 50 amp surge protector device for my fifth wheel travel trailer. EMS-LCHW50C They were offered as a factory option by NuWa on all HitchHikers but as I went down the options list in early 2007 ordering my trailer the list of expensive options and their price was adding up painfully fast so I didn't check the box for a surge protector.

I ordered a Progresive Industries device from Tweety's, an online RV parts retailer and got it via UPS a few days later. I haven't had time to install it yet but Saturday morning I was out in my barn where the trailer is stored and opened up the package to inspect the surge protector. I noticed that the cover which is attached to the body with six tiny screws had only two screws installed, four of the screw openings were vacant.

I (incorrectly) assumed someone on the assembly line had overlooked four screws so came inside and emailed Progressive Industries on their website and explained the situation and politely requested that four additional screws be mailed.

I sent the email and continued browsing on my computer and a few minutes later a pop-up told me I had received a message. I opened the message and was surprised.

The message was from the president of Progressive Industries who was apparently working in his office on Saturday. His message politiely advised me that the products are shipped like that intentionally because the other four screws and some other small parts necessary for installation are inside the cover.

I felt a bit stupid but was grateful for the outstanding service. How often does a consumer address a product question to a manufacturer and receive a personal email reply from the president within ten minutes?

An outstanding product and outstanding service from the company. Progressive Industries has my appreciation. ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum HBarlow http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217716-progressive-industries-customer-service-outstanding.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217676-tire-clearance-problem-desert-fox-30-5j-toy-hauler.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:51:12 GMT I have a tire clearance issue and was hoping someone with Toy Hauler type trailer or experience in this could help me out. The trailer is a 30’ fifth wheel Toy hauler that is 9600 lbs empty and has a gross weight of 14K. Problem: The tops of the tires have rubbed and penetrated thru the top of the inner fender well. I have measured the clearance between the top of the tire and the fender well. I have 1.5 inches of clearance. All the tires have contacted the fender wells but only one has rubbed thru. So while traveling down the road and a bump is hit the tire gently rubs the top of the fender well plastic. I have not modified the rig and it has 235 85 R16E Uniroyal tires that it came with new. I have it at a repair shop and thankfully the manufacturer is taking care of this and a few other small issues. The customer service rep and I spoke about the problem. He gave me a measurement of 5 inches for the hangers that the leaf springs are attached too. Mine measure 4 inches and the frame shop at the manufacturer believes that is where the tire clearance problem is. The remedy was to cut off the old hangers and weld the longer hangers in place. But between the manufacturer and the repair shop tech they came up with another fix (easier). They will place the springs on top of the axle (Flip the axle), effectively lifting the rig 3 to 4 inches. I was unsure of this repair but here I am?? I guess if it’s not right and the rig is too tall or handles unsafely I’ll approach that as it unfolds. I didn’t think another inch of clearance was going too help all that much (1”longer spring hangers) but 3 to 4 inches more is that excess?? That will give me 4-5.5 inches of clearance between the tires and wheel well. My concern is this repair going to be safe? The trailer is tall enough now (it’s huge). Is the spring on top of the axle OK? There must be a reason when they manufacture these units, they place the axle on top of the springs on these rigs? Any down side? It tows great now except for HOLES IN THE FENDER WELLS!! What to do? Possible problems with axle alignment are other concerns I have. Rear cargo door too high. I came up with a few ideas but once again I’d like some input so as to get the best fix. Shorter 245 75 16E tires which have the same load capacity of 3040 lbs each. They are 1.5 inches shorter but if the springs settle am I going to be in the same position I am now? I thought that after the axles were flipped if the rig was still too high, they could drill lower mounting holes in the spring hangers there by lowering the unit by 2-3 inches? I guess I would like to see 3 inches of clearance between the tire and top of the wheel well when they finish. Here is how I load it when we travel. ¼ tank of water, grey and black tanks empty. Food and clothes for my wife and I for maybe a week to 10 days. 2 big 4 wheelers 660 and 800. Honda EU 2000 and sorted stuff. Full tank of gas and water when we get there. I’m glad the manufacturer is honoring the warranty but I’m unsure of the fix. I’m one year into the two year warranty. Any help, comments, ideas are appreciated. I have a tire clearance issue and was hoping someone with Toy Hauler type trailer or experience in this could help me out. The trailer is a 30’ fifth wheel Toy hauler that is 9600 lbs empty and has a gross weight of 14K.

Problem: The tops of the tires have rubbed and penetrated thru the top of the inner fender well. I have measured the clearance between the top of the tire and the fender well. I have 1.5 inches of clearance. All the tires have contacted the fender wells but only one has rubbed thru. So while traveling down the road and a bump is hit the tire gently rubs the top of the fender well plastic. I have not modified the rig and it has 235 85 R16E Uniroyal tires that it came with new.

I have it at a repair shop and thankfully the manufacturer is taking care of this and a few other small issues. The customer service rep and I spoke about the problem. He gave me a measurement of 5 inches for the hangers that the leaf springs are attached too. Mine measure 4 inches and the frame shop at the manufacturer believes that is where the tire clearance problem is. The remedy was to cut off the old hangers and weld the longer hangers in place. But between the manufacturer and the repair shop tech they came up with another fix (easier). They will place the springs on top of the axle (Flip the axle), effectively lifting the rig 3 to 4 inches. I was unsure of this repair but here I am?? I guess if it’s not right and the rig is too tall or handles unsafely I’ll approach that as it unfolds. I didn’t think another inch of clearance was going too help all that much (1”longer spring hangers) but 3 to 4 inches more is that excess?? That will give me 4-5.5 inches of clearance between the tires and wheel well. My concern is this repair going to be safe? The trailer is tall enough now (it’s huge). Is the spring on top of the axle OK? There must be a reason when they manufacture these units, they place the axle on top of the springs on these rigs? Any down side? It tows great now except for HOLES IN THE FENDER WELLS!! What to do? Possible problems with axle alignment are other concerns I have. Rear cargo door too high.

I came up with a few ideas but once again I’d like some input so as to get the best fix. Shorter 245 75 16E tires which have the same load capacity of 3040 lbs each. They are 1.5 inches shorter but if the springs settle am I going to be in the same position I am now? I thought that after the axles were flipped if the rig was still too high, they could drill lower mounting holes in the spring hangers there by lowering the unit by 2-3 inches? I guess I would like to see 3 inches of clearance between the tire and top of the wheel well when they finish.

Here is how I load it when we travel. ¼ tank of water, grey and black tanks empty. Food and clothes for my wife and I for maybe a week to 10 days. 2 big 4 wheelers 660 and 800. Honda EU 2000 and sorted stuff. Full tank of gas and water when we get there.

I’m glad the manufacturer is honoring the warranty but I’m unsure of the fix. I’m one year into the two year warranty.



Any help, comments, ideas are appreciated. ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum WWomack http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217676-tire-clearance-problem-desert-fox-30-5j-toy-hauler.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217510-easiest-way-drill-karadon-countertop.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:41:16 GMT I own a 2005 Alpenlite with Karadon countertops. I have never drilled into anything like this before. If anyone out there has done it and has information I would appreciate it. Texas Ted I own a 2005 Alpenlite with Karadon countertops. I have never drilled into anything like this before. If anyone out there has done it and has information I would appreciate it.
Texas Ted ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum Texas Ted http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217510-easiest-way-drill-karadon-countertop.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217501-converting-generator.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:30:07 GMT I own a Onan Pro 6000E (portable) generator that I have had no trouble with. However, during the last hurricane gasoline was hard to get and the gasoline I could get was questionable. (Lots of water) I'm considering converting it to a tri-fuel (propane/nat gas/gasoline) I see a couple of vendors on the net with some adapters, but don't have any experience with any of them. Any ideas? I can't find any conversion kits on Onan's website. ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum JRS http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217501-converting-generator.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217461-teton-pass-hwy-22-a.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:56:36 GMT Has anyone been on state hwy 22 from Victor Wy to Jackson Wy if so what is the grade % and how long of a grade is it.Cant find info about Teton pass thanks for any info. Has anyone been on state hwy 22 from Victor Wy to Jackson Wy if so what is the grade % and how long of a grade is it.Cant find info about Teton pass thanks for any info. ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum BIGNASTY http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217461-teton-pass-hwy-22-a.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217420-cummins-powered-motorhome.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:03:49 GMT My parents just purchased a 2004 Winnebago class A diesel pusher motorhome. It has a 300HP 5.9 Cummins diesel and a 6 speed Allison trans on a Freightliner chassis. It has, I believe, 23K miles on it.

My dad would like to get a little more power out of it. My question is, is it "chippable", or is there a safer way to increase the power? Are there injector and turbo options available? What about the transmission needing to be upgraded to handle the extra power?

I have advised him to wait until he drives it towing his 5K lb boat and or 3500lb car over Donner pass to our home before he decides whether it "needs" anything done to it. I have also advised him to change to synthetic fluids everywhere since he isn't very good at keeping to regular maintenance intervals and this was a huge investment for them. I am recommending Amsoil.

More questions:

How much oil does this configuration hold? I think it's more than the 3 gallons our trucks take but I honestly don't know.

How much auto trans fluid does the trans hold?

Anything else I am missing here?

Thanks everyone. ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum mberry http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217420-cummins-powered-motorhome.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217381-what-safe-tow.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:43:53 GMT Help me here ? I have a 2004 Quad cab 4x4, 3.73, Smarty, exhast and Valve body upgrade and California model 235 hp, Stage 1 AFE and air bags and upgraded shocks. I have been towing a 32ft Aluminscape without any problems. We are thinking of going to a toyhauler, ( my wife has MS and can not get into the coach easliy) . The ramp of a toyhauler with a little help will work. Going from a trailer with two slides and such I would like to stay with. The trailers I have looked at are 18000 gvw, Mine is 13500 now...... the truck gvw is 9000 rear is 6000 front is 5200 payload is 2140 tow weight is 13500 My hitch is 16000 If I stay with a hich pin weight at the 2140, what can I pull trailer wise ? Help me here ?

I have a 2004 Quad cab 4x4, 3.73, Smarty, exhast and Valve body upgrade and California model 235 hp, Stage 1 AFE and air bags and upgraded shocks.
I have been towing a 32ft Aluminscape without any problems. We are thinking of going to a toyhauler, ( my wife has MS and can not get into the coach easliy) . The ramp of a toyhauler with a little help will work. Going from a trailer with two slides and such I would like to stay with. The trailers I have looked at are 18000 gvw, Mine is 13500 now......
the truck gvw is 9000
rear is 6000
front is 5200
payload is 2140
tow weight is 13500
My hitch is 16000

If I stay with a hich pin weight at the 2140, what can I pull trailer wise ? ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum CFollett http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217381-what-safe-tow.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217307-florida-muscle-car-museum.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:36:24 GMT Not long ago, I stumbled across a link to a private muscle car museum in Florida maybe around Punta Gorda. I can't remember where I saw it. Do any of you remember seeing it? Thanks! Mark Update!! (Wife) Just found it!! Rick Treworgy's Muscle Car City in Punta Gorda! ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum Mark31 http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217307-florida-muscle-car-museum.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217302-new-converter-charger.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:27:51 GMT I completed a simple project today that may interest a few RV owners. I installed a new Intelli-Power 9260 in my HitchHiker fifth wheel. This is a 60 amp AC/DC converter.

Intelli-Power PD9260C 60A Electronic RV Converter/Charger

An AC/DC converter converts 115vac shore power to 12vdc to operate trailer 12 volt lighting and to provide 12v power to the control board for the refrigerator, and power furnace blower, water pump, etc. All converters perform this function fairly well and last almost forever. Converters also charge the trailer batteries.

The important feature the Intelli-Power converter provides that other converters don't is precise battery maintenance. My new converter came with a battery charge minder which uses one of four automatic modes to care for the battery with a light to tell the owner what mode it is in and a button for operator control. It won't overcharge and damage batteries when plugged in all the time.

My HH came with an Atwood 55 amp converter. It provided 12v as it should but it overcharged and destroyed batteries as many of them do. I keep the trailer stored in a large metal building and keep it plugged in all the time. A few months ago I discovered the batteries were gassing excessively and one was bad. The trailer was only two years old. I bought a pair of new Interstate 29 series batteries from SAM's Club. I checked them a week or so ago and found water level was already down on both new batteries.

I ordered a new Intelli-Power from Tweetys.com, an internet RV parts discounter. I knew when I ordered the HH I would probably have to replace the converter and should have done it sooner.

Tweetys.com - RV Parts & Accessories - 5th Wheel Hitches, RV Parts and Accessories

I installed it today. It is a simple plug and play installation. I removed the original, connected positive and neutral wires and a ground and plugged it in. Three mounting screws driven into a wood panel hold it in place. I had to add a quart of distilled water to each new battery to refill.

An Avion travel trailer I owned several years back also overcharged its batteries and I installed an Intelli-Power converter in it. They are an excellent product. Batteries last much longer with the Intelli-Power. ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum HBarlow http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217302-new-converter-charger.html http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217291-vacuum-kit-front-axle.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:00:06 GMT In doing a search in the archives I noticed that a TDR member produces a kit that allows the use of low range without locking in the front hubs on a 4x4. I'd like to do this to be able to back up a heavy RV without toasting up the transmission fluid temperature. I'm also wondering if some sort of valve, controlled from the cab, could be inserted in the vacuum lines between the front axle and the transfer case. The valve would disrupt the vacuum and would prevent 4x4 lockup. Could this cause any damage? Any info about the kit, how to contact the TDR member, and how to make a homemade setup would be helpful.

Thanks, Skip ]]> Towing, Hauling and RV Forum MAleshire http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/217291-vacuum-kit-front-axle.html