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RE: Sold my 1998 Forest River Salem
Anthony
The baby doesn't like riding in the Excursion for more than 2 hours at a time. Either we will find a different mode of travel or go the motorhome route and maybe the open space (like home) will do her better. I spent hours trying to ignore her crying but she can get really loud and plus I don't want her to be miserable on the road nor can I get far in a short time span when I have to stop every 2 hours.
Joe
Congrats on selling your TT! I also am looking to sell mines after owning it almost 1 year. I posted an ad on Craigslist and on the RV.net classified but so far I haven't heard anything. I would hope to be able to sell it to the 2nd person who looks at it but I think because of the cost of gas and the economy worries it might take me awhile. Did you advertise it only on Craigslist?
Joe
Joe,
Why are you selling so soon, just curious...
I only advertised on craigslist but I priced mine lower than others that were similar. My price was above a pop up but lower than most others out there.
Anthony
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rowekmr
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09/30/08 07:13am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Sold my 1998 Forest River Salem
Congrats on selling your TT! I also am looking to sell mines after owning it almost 1 year. I posted an ad on Craigslist and on the RV.net classified but so far I haven't heard anything. I would hope to be able to sell it to the 2nd person who looks at it but I think because of the cost of gas and the economy worries it might take me awhile. Did you advertise it only on Craigslist?
Joe
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rowekmr
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09/29/08 01:57pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Some Newbie Questions
Speaking of suspension mods I have seen on some older models (97 and up) that the owner has put an air bag assist on the rear suspension. How useful are they and what kind of improvement is expected. Also I have driven box trucks in the past and when going over bumps you can hear the box move against the frame, do class C's have that same problem? Are there a lot of body/frame noises when going over irregularities?
Thanks
Thanks Ron - that's really helpful information.
I'm thinking of upgrading the shocks and installing the Safe-T-Plus as those seem like the most significant upgrades.
Thanks again, Chris.Start with a wheel alignment. Most people do that alone and say "WOW, All Better Now". A good wheel alignment will save your front tires too, so they will pay for themselves.
If not satisfied after the wheel alignment, do what you mentioned second. If the results are still not good enough, then replace the front sway bar.
I should have mentioned, Helwig makes the same spec'd front and rear sway bars as Roadmaster for much less money. People on RV.net have said they work great too. The only issue was with a few simple nuts & bolts. They had to run to a local hardware store to complete the job.
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rowekmr
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09/28/08 02:01pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Some Newbie Questions
Hey thanks that was a lot of info to help get me going on. I now have a better idea of what to look for.
According to the repies I read here.....
Chevy
- gets better gas mileage, about 1 mpg better than the Ford V10
- has more leg room
- the engine is more quiet when climbing and engine braking
Ford V10 (especially 2006 and newer with the 5-speed torque shift transmission)
- handles a bigger load better, engine, transmission, and chassis
- front of chassis itself is 9" shorter than a Chevy, making the RV portion bigger or over-all length shorter
The oldest Ford V10s until around 2003, had the engine heads popping out spark plugs because of not having enough threads for them. In 2008, Ford improved brakes, suspension, and weight capabilities even more. They are the ones with the big dump truck front grill. If you plan to buy a big one or tow something, a later Ford is generally the better choice.
About the gas milage. I think the Chevy gets a little better because they generally carry a smaller/lighter RV on it's back.
I have a small RV 9200 pound, 23.5 footer on a 2007 Ford V10 E350 chassis. I invested in $4000 of suspension upgrades to change the handling from a motorhome to an SUV. Well worth the money to us, but others are very happy with much less.
You mentioned a 28 footer. I would think "Ford-V10" 2003 or newer. Ford did offer a diesel over the years, but very expensive so few are out there. I don't know about Chevy.
Leveling jacks are not common on Class-Cs. A few have them on this forum, and love them. Others don't and do well without them.
About class-Cs in general. They are generally built close to their carrying limit, so heavy slide-outs & leveling jacks reduce the margin significantly. Watch that when shopping. A few are at capacity right from the show room, and get over-loaded when people and gear are added. A 28 footer with one slide-out and no leveling jacks, generally will be fine.
You didn't mention about the RV portion. Construction method is very important. Here are things you'll want in general to avoid water issues. You live by me so your RV will see tempertures below zero at times. This will be especially hard on caulked seam work, so the following is even more important.
- a domed roof is stronger for snow with no puddling of water around heavy items like the rooftop a/c, turning to ice destroying a good seal
- fiberglass roof has the least trouble in every way
- one piece rear fiberglass cap that wraps around to the sides of the RV, makes for a more rigid shell with fewer seam leaks
- cabover beds generally leak as they age, no matter what brand you get. If you can easily do without that bed, then do without, and get an aero-dynamic cabover fiberglass cap. Around here, we call them B+s, not Cs. If you got to have a cabover, avoid a front window. They leak with age, are cold at night and hot in the day.
- RV framework constructed using wood is unstable, encouraging leaks with change of seasons. The ideal alternative is typically a steel box beam floor and aluminum studded walls
We own one of These which I feel is constructed very well for Chicago weather. Watch their virtual tour Here to get a good idea of a well made RV. There are many good RVs out there. Get educated to recognize them, and stay away from the others. You don't want to be dealing with winter water leaks turning into spring mold.
PS: turn up the volume when watching the tour.
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rowekmr
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09/25/08 02:55am |
Class C Motorhomes
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Some Newbie Questions
Hello Group
I have had a 31 TT for about a year and am considering switching up into a Class C (28' and longer) and had a few questions on after looking at a few used ones from the 1996 and up vintage. Which engine gets better mpg the V-10 (Ford) or Chevy's 454? Why don't I see any diesels in the the van cutaways since they were available in the van for those years? Do they usually come with levelling jacks? Is there anything I should look for or anything that I should avoid?
Thanks
Joe
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rowekmr
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09/24/08 03:29am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Expedition Tow Package
My 06 Exp with the 4.6 has a 3.55 and tows better and slightly more than my old 98 Exp with the 5.0 and a 3.73. Sometimes I guess less is more ;)
Seriously I think you also have to factor in the transmission gear ratios, engines torque curve and other variables. My 06 Explorer and the 07 on up Expedition have a 6 speed trans which I think is one of the reasons they can tow more efficiently.
Joe
I would not use a 3.31 axle to tow more than about 3500#...I don't care what the Ford manual states....someone is misradingt he maunaul.
ken
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rowekmr
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09/14/08 04:09am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Need an 8 passenger TV
Hello
I also have a similiar set up with a Jayco 31BHDS (had to choose between the 2) and a 00 Excursion Ltd 4X4 6.8. My wife and I have 3 kids and I am fairly large at 6'4" and my son isn't far behind but I find I have plenty of room to throw in coolers, baby carriages, a generator and other stuff we don't want to run into the trailer to get. While I am still a newbie having started last Dec I have put thousands of miles with several trips with all of us. Sometimes for short trips we will have 1 or 2 extra passengers added also and I hadn't heard any complaints.
I will agree a van will give more comfort as I have owned several vans in the past incl a old Ford E250 ext conversion van with a big block that I used to tow a 28" boat with but the Ex has really grown on me with how it handles everything pretty well. If I read the post correctly you have 2 younger kids and are expecting 2, I for one don't see a problem with 4 kids and 2 adults. I like the original poster prefer to have 4X4 just in case I need it in those sometimes muddy campgrounds or on the slippery boat ramp and of course our snow filled winters here in Chicago.
I weighed my combination on our first trip at 17,300 and one day I weighed the truck with me in it at a local cement yard scale at 7480 lbs (minus my family, luggage and fuel fuel) to give you an idea of where I am at. While I like to know the paper limitations of the truck I do not constantly weigh or lose sleep over whether or not I am +100 or -100 in regards to the ratings. I have a bone stock truck that is maintained by my local dealer and I actually like the compliant suspension because we have pot holes over here and I don't need a bone jarring ride.
Joe
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rowekmr
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09/14/08 04:02am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Would you tow with this TV
I hesitate to offer any opinion contrary to all the resounding no, no no's but I would ask what is the approx weight of the trailer loaded. Also I noticed that few responders mentioned experience driving or towing with the Trailblazer, but even so two different drivers with the same combination can disagree on towing safety/performance. Since you didn't provide the weight if the trailer I assume that the length is what many consider too much.
I know I get a lot of strange looks towing my 26' boat with my 06 Ford Explorer but it does fine for me but I don't expect acceleration like I am empty and I drive very conservatively. Before I got my Excursion I towed my new 31BHDS home from the dealer (only once) with no sway or braking problems but the tongue weight was way too much for the truck. I understand that wheel base factors into stability towing trailers but I wouldn't rule out a light to moderate weight trailer that is comfortably under your vehicles tow rating but again I have to admit I haven't driven a Trailblazer.
We have a Chevy Trailblazer with a 4.2 engine, we have been looking at TT's at about 24-26 ft. long. We are supposed to be able to tow 5600# with this vehicle, we just don't want to buy something and be sorry after the purchase.
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rowekmr
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07/29/08 03:59am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
Now that's a trailer!!!
How long is that trailer and how much does it weigh?
http://www.irv2.com/photopost/data/507/medium/Truck_Trailer_1.jpg
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rowekmr
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06/13/08 06:37pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Diesel vs gas......................
Yeah reading some of these post reminds me of the play lot bullying in grammer school :o
My tow vehicle can beat up your tow vehicle.
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rowekmr
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06/04/08 07:05am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Diesel vs gas......................
No I was asking were you refering to a stock gasser. There is no doubt that diesels are designed for massive low torque and are efficient, but there are some modified gas trucks (big blocks) out there also that can run fast and pull a load. I am not taking away the diesel's reputation for power just addressing your claim that your truck is stronger and faster than ALL gas trucks. It is also good to look at the rpms an engine produces it hp/tq. If a diesel gets 1000 ft/lbs of torque at lets say 2000 rpm that is comparable to a gasser getting 500 ft/lbs at 4000 rpm because once you gear it to the same rpm (for the wheels) the gears in the gasser multiply the torque to be equal. That Hemi motor you mention can move their SUV to a tune of 13.8 seconds in the quarter stock. It was not that long ago that the only the fastest stock production autos were doing times like that. I do want to give you credit for the performance you extracted out of your combination though, as you pointed out getting more hp/tq out of a diesel is much cheaper and usually simpler with just electronics (programmers).
My truck is not stock.
Medum modifed but mostly a stock Diesel will still out perform any Gas truck.
IE:05 Dodge Hemi gas V8 345 hp and 375tq
05 Dodge Cummins inline 6 cyl 325 hp/610tq.
with light mods you can add additional 100 hp and 180pft at rear tires to the cummins for under $200.00
no way you can do that in a gas truck.
and get more mpg.
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rowekmr
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05/24/08 01:57pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Best tow vehicle - family of five
Years ago I bought a 99 Chrysler T & C Lx with the 3.8L engine w/102K miles and a mashed front bumper. After getting all the preventive maintenance that was due/overdue, I drove it for a year hauling contruction materials around the back (doors, tools, etc.) with the seats removed to make sure it was worth to get the body work done. I got body work and replaced a front bearing and trans solenoid that they found during a trans flush and once I got it home I loaded it up with my family (total of 5) and much baggage and drove it from IL to FL with the a/c on going through the hills with no problems with the cruise on at 70 mph. I stayed there a week driving around with my family and my parents (total 7) and the only problem I had was the speed sensor went out but 2 hours at a dealership and 160 bucks later we were on the road and headed home that day. I put on 24K plus miles on that vehicle (gave to inlaws) and I can say I am impressed with their versatility. It definitely had power never skipping a beat loaded with construction materials or my family. For their power and size I am suprised at their lower towing ratings than many cars. It had as much if not more interior space than my SUVs yet still had carlike manners and for the power I was still able to get 23-26 mpg on the highway. I wouldn't hesitate to pull a small trailer with them.
Road Ruler,
I do not see too many saying that a MV will not have the power etc. MOST, including myself, see a potential issue more with payload than power.
Not to beat a dead horse, but many minivans have 1500 or more pounds of payload available. My Freestar has 1605 in fact.
There is an awful lot of bad advice on this thread when it comes to minivan towing. As usual, the conventional wisdom prevails even if it is flawed.
Several newer minivans are fully rated and capable of towing 3500 pounds even with a modest compliment of people inside the van. Many, like mine, actually have about 1000 pounds of headroom under the GCWR before you have to start deducting weight from the tow rating.
A 200+ HP minivan is NOT going to struggle pulling even the largest popup. I know this from experience. There are even some hybrids and travel trailers that will pull nicely behind a well setup minivan without much extra effort. Such a setup as this is probably perfect for the average family like mine.
Or you can go full-out and have a minivan specially outfitted by a company like Can-Am. One of there most popular combos in the recent past was Freestar minivan coupled to a 27' Surveyor travel trailer. One needs to know what they are doing before attempting something like this, so get the advice of a towing specialist before thinking you can put it together yourself.
The truth (based on testing) is that published tow ratings are seriously misleading these days. There are plenty of vehicle with higher ratings than the average minivan, but few are actually as stable, comfortable and capable. Having owned trucks and SUVs in the past, I would prefer my current minivan as a tow vehicle hands down, even though it has 50% of the tow rating.
I would recommend a large popup, maybe a highwall, coupled with a minivan to most families who want to get into camping. You can't beat a minivan for practical function balanced with overall economy, and a large popup is equivalent to a 20-25 foot travel trailer when opened. That's plenty of room. You will save money towing because the trailer is low profile and the minivan is efficient, and you will save money the rest of the time simply because you are driving around a gas-guzzling SUV or truck when you don't need it.
Icing on the cake will come the first time you hitch up and drive 200 miles with 3 fingers on the wheel amazed how well your minivan actually tows, wondering why you didn't try it sooner.
Check my math out Here
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rowekmr
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05/23/08 07:52pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Diesel vs gas......................
Wow what a statement. Are you speaking of stock or modified trucks?
I can out pull Any gas truck on the street or the strip.
And get 24 mpg. all day long.
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rowekmr
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05/23/08 07:53am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Which full-size SUV for 8000lb TT?
What makes its tow rating a paper rating? I notice that Durangos, Expeditions and Armadas get bad raps on forums for their moderately high tow ratings. If the same factory that rates the Super Duty's and Heavy Duty's rate their mid siz SUV by the same criteria why disregard those ratings. My Explorer holds it own compared with my Excursion with the same 3 loads I have towed both with from 8000 on up to 9000+.
Becky,
What's wrong with your Expe? If it needs more power, consider re-gearing the differentials instead of trading in. There's lots of like left in your '05 unless there's some problem with it.
sch,
The Durango isn't in the league with the 2500 'burb or Expe. On paper it might tow 8k, but that's not the same as controlling one under difficult circumstances where the bigger, heavier rigs will do better.
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rowekmr
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05/21/08 07:25pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Best tow vehicle - family of five
Like you I like the room and versatility of the mini vans but I had to go to SUV's when I started towing boats. When I was looking there were no mini vans rated to tow much over 3000, except a few with AWD that are discontinued now. Now there are so many mini vans and hybrid (car/minivans) so there might be something new with a higher rating. I needed something to fit in the garage so I went with the Explorer AWD (5.0) then recently with the Explorer 4x4 (4.6). The older ones were bad on gas (really bad) but I can get 23-25 mpg with the new one at highways speeds which is right on par with the 99 Chrysler Town and Country (3.8) that I just gave to the inlaws. I have 3 rows of seats with the 2nd folding flat and the 3rd electrically and have the option of 4x4 in the winter. I do love the Expedition though and consider going there since I routinely tow a 8000K boat trailer and occasionally a 9000K travel trailer with the Excursion and would rather have 1 TV than 2.
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rowekmr
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05/21/08 07:08pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
I am curious about what is the difference if any between your tow vehicle and the commercial big rigs? How much hp/tq does the engine have and what kind of trans? What kind of fuel economy do you get?
Our "new" (to us) tow rig. Absolutely love it and also will never go back to the nervous towing with a pickup.
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rowekmr
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04/30/08 11:03pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Towing with an Explorer/Mountaineer
Well I have a 06 Ford Explorer Ltd with the v-8 and tow package. While I might attempt to compare apples to turnips I will share my towing experiences. I bought my 06 to replace my 98 Explorer AWD 5.0 (3.73) that pulled my 26' boat (on approx 30' trailer) around for a year. I liked the higher tow rating and the 6 spd trans plus the 292 hp. It pulled my boat better than the 98 because of the extra gears and it gets way much better mileage. I nornally get 23 mpg at steady 65 mph and yesterday on a really flat interstate I got 26 mpg (at 44K mileage) and have pulled the boat I approximated at 6600 lbs on 250 mile trips with OD on the flats and around town in the stop and go city traffic (OD off), up and down steep slippery ramps(4X4 low). I weighed the truck and trailer at the end of the year and was suprised to see 5000 for the truck and 8000 for the trailer. I have pulled that trailer stop and go loaded with my family of 5 in 100 F heat with the a/c on (a few times) and after 22K of mixed towing and normal driving I have not had one single problem. I ended up purchasing a TT (got a lot of info from here) and wasn't sure how big I should go on the TV so I towed home the 31' trailer home with the Explorer (Prodigy/Equalizer) for 40 miles and the extreme rear sag prompted me to get an Excursion. The Excursion tows the trailer good but for I still must say the Explorer holds it own otherwise. And for the people that say they get vehicle/trailer sway when semi trucks I didn't think that was because of shorter wheel base. I get that in my Excursion and everyone I have asked said that is normal because of the aerodynamics of the tall sides of our TT that act like a sail.
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rowekmr
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04/04/08 06:16pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
...and my current Explorer pulling my buddies boat and I didn't even get gas money :-( and another shot of my TT
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/9638/01mar08053ya7.th.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4398/04jan08095dm1.th.jpg
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rowekmr
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03/30/08 11:06pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
Oops I almost forgot to post my other combinations. This is my old Explorer pulling my boat.
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/494/autoshow2006096og8.th.jpg
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rowekmr
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03/30/08 11:04pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
This is my first attempt at posting a pic. Here is my TV/TT combo:
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/8379/dsc00621rj1.th.jpg
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rowekmr
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03/30/08 09:41pm |
Tow Vehicles
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