We ordered a small trailer back in September and are hoping to receive it by the end of March. Might take a little longer as RV'ing seems to be very popular at this most disrupting time. In the meantime we are out getting supplies to make sure we are not without.
I have spent a lot of time on the water in both large and small, both sail and power so am familiar with a lot of things but since getting back on the water is out of the question it's road yachting from here on in.
I had no idea how different this was going to be until I started this journey and I realize I need to ask my fellow, seasoned diy'ers a lot of questions.
Stay tuned.
I have spent a lot of time on the water in both large and small, both sail and power so am familiar with a lot of things but since getting back on the water is out of the question it's road yachting from here on in.
I had no idea how different this was going to be until I started this journey and I realize I need to ask my fellow, seasoned diy'ers a lot of questions.
Stay tuned.
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Can I just calibrate. Are we talking small in global standards or small in North America standards? Texans think anything that doesn't need a pickup with a 5th wheel and doolies to be small 🙂
Yeah, SCD and TheGimp have small trailers that I know of. Your 1st questions are likely to be electrical, at least for this forum. Yes, gas generator, 2nd battery, solar panel are all things to consider. You can buy all the "big" things at Costco, the little bits and pieces at Cdn Tire or Princess Auto.
2021 Jay Flight SLX 7 145RB | Jayco, Inc.
Yes small, not like Scott's teardrop and quite well equipped. My questions will be about operation and maintenance mostly.
Stocking it is well underway even though we are a couple months away. Mrs. Weldon is not happy about how many things are stored in the office room for the time being and I haven't even bought half of it yet. 🙂
Yes small, not like Scott's teardrop and quite well equipped. My questions will be about operation and maintenance mostly.
Stocking it is well underway even though we are a couple months away. Mrs. Weldon is not happy about how many things are stored in the office room for the time being and I haven't even bought half of it yet. 🙂
Less windows than a euro model, but yes that is what we would call a standard caravan. At least your cars generally have the HP to tow them.
Cal, I'm clueless about this Arrrrh-Wee of which you speak.
But in my search for computer cooling solutions, I stumbled across people in your situation that use heat pumps. Because it runs cheaper than propane, even if you're using a generator.
If you want to downscale on the generator to save cash and weight, it pays off to use a softstart unit to reduce the load @ startup, so then this company (or suitable equivalent) comes into play.
Soft Start for RV AC units | SoftStartRV
/Ramblings of an arrrh-wee agnostic
But in my search for computer cooling solutions, I stumbled across people in your situation that use heat pumps. Because it runs cheaper than propane, even if you're using a generator.
If you want to downscale on the generator to save cash and weight, it pays off to use a softstart unit to reduce the load @ startup, so then this company (or suitable equivalent) comes into play.
Soft Start for RV AC units | SoftStartRV
/Ramblings of an arrrh-wee agnostic
Bought a 24' Forest River Class C a few years back. Use seems to be a few month-long, far away trips along with a lot of weekends at nearby (Central NY) state parks .
Unit was pretty well equipped except for the audio system. Added a 100W solar panel which seems to work fine for "off-grid" battery charging. Cheap multispeaker audio/video system (2 TV's of course); speakers in ceiling. Added a Cocktail X12 music player/amp and PSB Alpha 5 speakers. Sounds Very nice. Made up a 12 to 24V DC-DC converter to power the "Tail. Us it every winter's day in the sun room while "Harvey" is hibernating.
Problem in any camper is where to put the speakers - and run wires.
Today, I'm putting in a new coach battery (100AH Gel) - in anticipation of leaving (this godforsaken winter weather) for GA/FL IN 12DAYS!
Unit was pretty well equipped except for the audio system. Added a 100W solar panel which seems to work fine for "off-grid" battery charging. Cheap multispeaker audio/video system (2 TV's of course); speakers in ceiling. Added a Cocktail X12 music player/amp and PSB Alpha 5 speakers. Sounds Very nice. Made up a 12 to 24V DC-DC converter to power the "Tail. Us it every winter's day in the sun room while "Harvey" is hibernating.
Problem in any camper is where to put the speakers - and run wires.
Today, I'm putting in a new coach battery (100AH Gel) - in anticipation of leaving (this godforsaken winter weather) for GA/FL IN 12DAYS!
I just wish it was compulsory to to learn to reverse caravans and RVs on the road...
So many drivers (I suspect a lot have just hired stuff and have no idea...) don't seem to know how to reverse to a passing place, or just plain not to go on a road that's not suitable for the things...
So many drivers (I suspect a lot have just hired stuff and have no idea...) don't seem to know how to reverse to a passing place, or just plain not to go on a road that's not suitable for the things...
Yes, this thing has every option available, solar included. I do not want this to go south because the Mrs. was left wanting.
The A/C unit is a switch on the command center.
I won't be using a generator. It will either be the 30A circuit or off the grid.
There is no inverter.
The sound system is as stellavox says and will remain so until the warranty is up. Speakers are inside and out.
All lighting is LED.
I'll have both a 30lbs and 20lbs propane.
Good sized water tank and gray and black tanks. Black tank has a flush system.
Shower/tub has a shut-off.
I am confused by the water system. If it has tanks and a city hook up, how does it know which to draw from? There are separate hook ups so I am guessing they are separate systems.
The A/C unit is a switch on the command center.
I won't be using a generator. It will either be the 30A circuit or off the grid.
There is no inverter.
The sound system is as stellavox says and will remain so until the warranty is up. Speakers are inside and out.
All lighting is LED.
I'll have both a 30lbs and 20lbs propane.
Good sized water tank and gray and black tanks. Black tank has a flush system.
Shower/tub has a shut-off.
I am confused by the water system. If it has tanks and a city hook up, how does it know which to draw from? There are separate hook ups so I am guessing they are separate systems.
Backing a trailer is not new to me.
I am careful to know the roads before traveling them with a trailer.
Thanks for the input so far.
I am careful to know the roads before traveling them with a trailer.
Thanks for the input so far.
Cal,
Typically, the "output" of the on-board water system (tank/pump) is "T'd" to the higher pressure line that can be connected to "shore" water. HOWEVER the pump-side of this T connection has a ONE WAY valve so that the shore water can't back-feed water to the pump/tank.
Are you in a situation where you should "winterize" the system? The first year I used potable antifreeze. This past year I tried compressed air - will see if I blew out all the "standing" water.
Gas hot water heater?
Coach Battery recharging can be tricky because you can recharge from the "shore" when connected; The vehicle engine; a generator AND maybe a solar panel(s). Each may have it's own "charge controller".
Typically, the "output" of the on-board water system (tank/pump) is "T'd" to the higher pressure line that can be connected to "shore" water. HOWEVER the pump-side of this T connection has a ONE WAY valve so that the shore water can't back-feed water to the pump/tank.
Are you in a situation where you should "winterize" the system? The first year I used potable antifreeze. This past year I tried compressed air - will see if I blew out all the "standing" water.
Gas hot water heater?
Coach Battery recharging can be tricky because you can recharge from the "shore" when connected; The vehicle engine; a generator AND maybe a solar panel(s). Each may have it's own "charge controller".
I cut down a large Ash tree in the front yard last spring and made the oldest kid age 20 haul the slash and wood to the back with a pickup truck trailer.
Kid got to do about 10 trips backing up the trailer to dump the pile each time.
He should be good for next camping trip if backing is needed.
Pic of trailer, kid and pulling vehicle.
Edit: Funny thing is the preview is upside down and full size is right.
Kid got to do about 10 trips backing up the trailer to dump the pile each time.
He should be good for next camping trip if backing is needed.
Pic of trailer, kid and pulling vehicle.
Edit: Funny thing is the preview is upside down and full size is right.
In my mind, that's how it had to happen. Great to hear you say it.
Yes and that will be done by the dealer each year before I bring it home.
Propane, 12V and 120V
Yes and that's automatic. When the car engine is running it takes over, when you plug into shore power it trumps and while off grid, the solar wins the prize. For now at least, there will be no genset.
Thanks for this input. I know it will all come together but for now I am super happy to listen to other's experience.
Keep it coming. 🙂
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(figures off the top of my head, not looked up recently)
Pull vehicle:
Weight 4000 lbs.
245 HP, 275 ft/lbs torque
3500 lbs. towing capacity
Trailer tare: 2500 lbs.
Trailer laden: 3300 lbs.
Brakes are required when trailer is 50% of the of licensed vehicle weight or 3000 lbs., which ever is less.
As mentioned, not my first kick at the can. My three previous trucks were all tow vehicles.
Pull vehicle:
Weight 4000 lbs.
245 HP, 275 ft/lbs torque
3500 lbs. towing capacity
Trailer tare: 2500 lbs.
Trailer laden: 3300 lbs.
Brakes are required when trailer is 50% of the of licensed vehicle weight or 3000 lbs., which ever is less.
As mentioned, not my first kick at the can. My three previous trucks were all tow vehicles.
I'm assuming the 800lbs difference between empty and laden is going to be mostly water?
How much potable water can the trailer carry?
My friend StellaVox has a very nice camper. I'm hoping he'll eventually do a New England tour and stop by for a visit in the not too immediate future. It's been a few years.
I think around here I would want trailor brakes even below 3000lbs or 50% of tow vehicle weight. Based on what you've said you have them.
How much potable water can the trailer carry?
My friend StellaVox has a very nice camper. I'm hoping he'll eventually do a New England tour and stop by for a visit in the not too immediate future. It's been a few years.
I think around here I would want trailor brakes even below 3000lbs or 50% of tow vehicle weight. Based on what you've said you have them.
Elkharht Indiana is the home of the US RV industry and they are going absolutely bonkers out there.
Good luck with the RV. BTW, have you seen National Lampoon "Christmas Vacation" recently?
Good luck with the RV. BTW, have you seen National Lampoon "Christmas Vacation" recently?
Tare weight includes full water and propane tanks and empty black and gray tanks. 800 lbs. is our gear.
20 US gal. + 6 gal hot water.
Yes, they are standard on the trailer.
This is the Baja version so it comes from the Idaho plant and what usually takes 6-8 weeks will be 6-8 months.
Thank you and yes, I saw it at Christmas.