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Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500, Rear Axle Ratio and Mileage?

I don't know whether this an HD or not. The listing says: 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LS 2500 V-8 VORTEK ENGINE. I will ask the seller.
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Beachcomer
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10/01/08 01:11am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500, Rear Axle Ratio and Mileage?

Thanks for telling me about the codes in the glove box. I have asked the seller to look and tell me.
I just found out that this has a short bed (6'8"). This is the extended cab, but I don't know the wheelbase.
I have heard/read that the longer your trailer (mine is a 32'), the longer the tow vehicle wheelbase should be.
I plan to get a WD hitch, but any ideas if a long bed truck would be better for towing?
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Beachcomer
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09/30/08 11:45am |
Tow Vehicles
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2003 Chevy Silverado 2500, Rear Axle Ratio and Mileage?

Hi,
I am not a truck person. Never owned one before, but recently purchased a used travel trailer and need a truck to tow it with.
Now to my question. I am looking at a 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 (6.0L V8) online and wondering if there is a way to know the axle ratio. I asked the seller but they didn't know or how to find out. I need to know the axle ratio to know the towing capacity.
Second question is that this truck. This truck is almost 6 years old, but it has less than 24,000 miles. That is only about 4,000 a year. I don't know whether this is good or bad. Any comments?
Thanks
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Beachcomer
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09/30/08 08:22am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Handy Hints, Gadgets, Products & Gizmos

Finish all 87 pages and like other, have a list of tips.
Thanks to all.
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Beachcomer
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08/23/08 05:29am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: How/Where to Find a Used Truck?

Thanks for the comments/suggestions.
Any ideas on whether it might be better--price or otherwise--to buy in the Houston, Tx or Lakeland, Fl area?
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Beachcomer
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08/17/08 05:00am |
Tow Vehicles
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RV Education Books/DVD's--Any Comments?

First time owner of travel trailer trying to learn as much/as quickly as possible. I saw some RV Education Books/DVD's and wondered if anyone had bought or seen them.
Any comments on these or other RV books?
Thanks
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Beachcomer
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08/16/08 06:47am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Recommendations for a Used TV less than 10 years old

I just picked 10 years randomly. Older will probably be fine. I specified gas because I don't plan to keep the truck more than a year or so, and I thought gas would be easier than hunting for places to fill up with diesel.
Below is a summary of the recommendations that I received. If it isn't correct, please let me know.
GAS:
94-97 Ford 250 with 460 *
96 and later GM 454 *
2001-07 Chevy/GMC 8.1 L V8
2002 and later Ford V10
2003 and later Dodge V10
* Any Ford 6.8 L V10 will get better gas mileage
DIESEL:
GM Duramax/Alison (NO 2004-05 LLY Duramax)
Dodge Ram Cummins TD (03 and later have a better transmission)
1999-2002 Ford 7.3 L Power Stroke
NO 2003-2007 6.0 L Ford Power Stroke
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Beachcomer
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08/14/08 06:44am |
Tow Vehicles
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How/Where to Find a Used Truck?

Just recently purchased a used trailer (GVWR 10,000#); so, now, I am in the market for a used 3/4 ton truck to tow it with. The problem with most ads I see is that not all of the information regarding towing capacity is listed—such as rear axle ratio.
Looking for suggestions on how and where (websites) to find one.
The trailer is in Lakeland, Florida, and I am overseas, but will be returning to the Houston, Texas area. Any opinions on whether it would be better to buy in one of those areas over the over area?
Thanks
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Beachcomer
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08/13/08 10:45am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Anyone Added A Large HDTV?

A bit over the top, perhaps for some, but not for me. The larger the screen the better. I love watching TV/movies, and as I told my son, I might be "Trailer Trash", but I am going to have a first class home (trailer) theater system.
I don't have a wall space to mount even if I could. I could take out the dinette or the sofa or the two recliners to build an entertainment center, BUT I wouldn't have a straight line of sight to the TV without twisting/turning. Personally, I like to sit/recline with the TV directly in front of me.
The only way to do this, is to set the TV on a table that can be moved. That way, it can be stored out of the way (or as much out of the way as possible), and still be moved for viewing from the recliners or sofa.
This table would have shelves below the TV for other electronics. One problem with a moving table is the wires/cables laying on the floor. I will have to figure out a way for them to lay flatly/smoothly so they won't be a trip hazard.
Thanks for the comments/suggestions.
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Beachcomer
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08/12/08 01:12am |
General RVing Issues
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Anyone Added A Large HDTV?

Hi, I am in the process of buying a Holiday Rambler Alumascape 31 CKS to fulltime in, and I want to add a 50” or so HDTV. I don’t have a clue as to where I will put it, I just know that I HAVE to have one. Ha! Ha! I think that it would be best on a table with rollers so that it could be moved. That way, it could be seen no matter where I was sitting. This would be a “special” table made just for the TV with a frame built around the TV so that it couldn’t fall off/over. Of course, the table would have to be secured while towing.
A problem with a table is that I don’t want it any wider than necessary when the TV is not in use. That way, it won’t take as much room. I have thought about having a narrow table with the rollers that slid in/out. Example: 12” sliders on each side/end. If the table is 12” wide, then the sliders would go out to give a base of almost 36” for stability. When not in use, the table could be secured without the sliders being out.
Looking for comments/suggestions from others who have added or thought about adding a large screen HDTV. Also, feel free to comment on my suggestion.
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Beachcomer
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08/11/08 05:39am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Recommendations for a Used TV less than 10 years old

Thanks for the suggestions. Not that it makes much difference, but the GCVW is 10,000# not 11,000.
Older than 10 years is fine.
Dan
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Beachcomer
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08/06/08 02:26am |
Tow Vehicles
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Recommendations for a Used TV less than 10 years old

Background: In the process of buying a used trailer with GVWR of 11,000#. I have NEVER owned a truck before and not mechanically inclined; so, I am looking for recommendations for ones to buy and ones not to buy. From what I have read on the Forums and able to understand, there are some makes/models/engine size that were better in some years. I can look up tow ratings.
The truck that I would prefer would be a 3/4 ton, gas, extended or regular cab, 2WD, and long bed.
If you know of a website for used trucks, please let me know.
Thanks
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Beachcomer
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08/04/08 08:02am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Getting a Used Trailer Ready to Use?

Thanks for all of the comments.
Just want to clarify a couple of things. One is the roof reseal. What they really meant was rechaulking where needed. Some cracking of the caulking was seen on the roof. No signs of water leaks or damage.
Refrigerator was tested on 110, and working.
My impression is that the owners, who are the original owners, weren't big on upkeep and maintenance. It was used for a few months each winter in Florida (they live in Georgia).
As someone suggested, I expect to find other problems once I start using it. However, the price that I am paying is several thousands below low NADA value. So, unless something very major comes up, I am still ahead.
I know that there are different opinions, but overall Holiday Rambler Alumascape seem to have a good reputation, and this one hasn't been used much, and towed very little.
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Beachcomer
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08/04/08 01:23am |
Travel Trailers
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Getting a Used Trailer Ready to Use?

I am trying to figure out the best and cheapest way to get a used trailer ready to fulltime. Here is my situation: Military overseas returning in December. In the process of buying a 2002 Holiday Rambler Alumascape 31CKS from a private individual, but stored at Conibear RV in Lakeland, Fl. I had it inspected with the following results:
1) Water heater will not light. May need cleaning or some parts = need to go further.
2) LP gas pressure is low = adjustment needed.
3) Batteries are bad = need to be replaced.
4) Awning springs need tightened and knobs replaced.
5) Carpet needs cleaning.
6) Roof needs to be resealed.
7) Outside needs washed.
8) Wheel bearings need to be packed.
9) Misc drawer glides.
10) Shower needs caulking.
11) Wheel bearings need repacking.
Note: Tires are original (6 years or so old) and will need replacing.
Although nothing serious or major, the estimate is close to $1,200 plus batteries and tires. Being my first trailer, I am not sure what labor rates are in other States. It is $68/hr at this dealership. Is that about the average?
I checked www.rvservicereviews.com, and Conibear RV wasn’t listed. There were two others in Lakeland, but the reviews were for Class A’s. Plus, if I have the work done somewhere else, I will have to find/hire someone to tow it there.
Of course, I could wait until I return, but I wouldn’t have a place to stay, and this would delay using the trailer.
I would appreciate any comments/suggestions, and I would like to hear from others (sent PM) who bought a used RV on how they got it ready to use.
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Beachcomer
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08/03/08 03:45am |
Travel Trailers
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Getting a Used Trailer Ready to Use

I am trying to figure out the best and cheapest way to get a used trailer ready to fulltime. Here is my situation: Military overseas returning in December. In the process of buying a 2002 Holiday Rambler Alumascape 31CKS from a private individual, but stored at Conibear RV in Lakeland, Fl. I had it inspected with the following results:
1) Water heater will not light. May need cleaning or some parts = need to go further.
2) LP gas pressure is low = adjustment needed.
3) Batteries are bad = need to be replaced.
4) Awning springs need tightened and knobs replaced.
5) Carpet needs cleaning.
6) Roof needs to be resealed.
7) Outside needs washed.
8) Wheel bearings need to be packed.
9) Misc drawer glides.
10) Shower needs caulking.
11) Wheel bearings need repacking.
Note: Tires are original (6 years or so old) and will need replacing.
Although nothing serious or major, the estimate is close to $1,200 plus batteries and tires. Being my first trailer, I am not sure what labor rates are in other States. It is $68/hr at this dealership. Is that about the average?
I checked www.rvservicereviews.com, and Conibear RV wasn’t listed. There were two others in Lakeland, but the reviews were for Class A’s. Plus, if I have the work done somewhere else, I will have to find/hire someone to tow it there.
Of course, I could wait until I return, but I wouldn’t have a place to stay, and this would delay using the trailer.
I would appreciate any comments/suggestions, and I would like to hear from others who bought a used RV on how they got it ready to use.
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Beachcomer
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08/01/08 06:10am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: rv service plans

I would like to know more about your Service Plan. I am in the process of buying a used trailer, and I am NOT handy at all.
Thanks
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Beachcomer
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07/23/08 05:03am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Inspection

Unless you are very knowledgeable about trailers, I would recommend having it inspected. I am in the process of buying a 2002 Holiday Rambler Alumascape in Florida, and I am in the military overseas.
I looked up RV Dealers and Mobile RV Technicians where the trailer was located, and then emailed them to see if they could do it and their price. I then selected one to do the inspection for a price of $300-400. I will get a report of any problems and an estimate for repairs.
If the trailer is in very bad condition, I have saved thousands, and if it is in good condition, I will know what needs repairing or replacing.
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Beachcomer
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07/23/08 04:53am |
Beginning RVing
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Higher Hitch Weight--Does it matter?

Looking at trailers with front kitchens, and someone pointed out that they have higher hitch weights. One of the ones that I am looking at, a Jayco Eagle 282FKS, has an unloaded hitch weight of 1125.
Besides making sure that the tow vehicle, which I haven't bought yet, can handle the weight, does a higher hitch weight make any other difference? Does it effect handling or anything else?
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Beachcomer
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05/27/08 03:52am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 2005 Jayco Eagle 282FKS vs 2004 Sunnybrook Titan 27FKS

I appreciate the recommendations. I forgot to add one thing, and that is that I am in the military overseas and won't be returning for a few months when I plan to retire and travel. Consequently, I can not physically inspect either trailer. I could probably find and pay an RV Technician to inspect each one for me. BTW they are at two different dealerships in different states.
All I know about them is from pics and what the salesmen have told me. Both "supposely" have been used very little by older couples who traded them in, and that they are like new in excellent condition.
I also know that the Jayco Eagle is $3,000 below low NADA, and the Sunnybrook Titan is $800 below low NADA. I have also done a search on the same year and model for each, and found that others of each are selling for $4,000 or more than these. If there were some minor problems, I was hoping that the money I am saving would cover them.
Someone mentioned a higher hitch weight with the front kitchens. I checked and the unloaded hitch weight for the Jayco is 1125. Besides making sure that the tow vehicle can handle this, does a higher hitch weight mean anything? BTW I don't have a tow vehicle. I will buy that when I return, and yes, I will insure that it enough to handle whichever trailer I buy.
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Beachcomer
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05/27/08 03:42am |
Travel Trailers
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2005 Jayco Eagle 282FKS vs 2004 Sunnybrook Titan 27FKS

I am looking at two used trailers--2005 Jayco Eagle 282FKS and 2004 Sunnybrook Titan 27FKS. The floor plans are identical as well as the looks. They are also virtually in the same condition--excellent, since neither was used very much. To make the decision harder, their prices are about the same--$12,400 for the Jayco Eagle and $13,250 for the Sunnybrook Titan, but it includes an Equalizer hitch and an electric tongue jack. The only real difference is that the Jayco Eagle is one year newer.
I have heard good things about the Sunnybrook Titan, but I am not that familiar with the Jayco Eagle. Any comments or recommendations would be appreciated.
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Beachcomer
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05/26/08 04:30am |
Travel Trailers
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