Carla's Camper

[user 22017]

The trailer is more than half my truck's GVWR. So Tx is right about the Weight Distribution Hitch. Of course.

 

[user 22017]

Yes the frame mount hitch (class 4 most likely) had been covered earlier in the thread.

The entire package of frame mount receiver hitch and weight distributing/sway control unit all need to be compatible and in the same weight capacity range.

It all needs to be setup by someone who KNOWS what they are doing.

Again this is a serious trailer size, and this all needs to be done correctly.

I misunderstood the weight distribution thing. Now etrailer agrees that I need that system and is asking what size receiver I have.
So they are two different things? I need to order the receiver hitch AND the weight distribution thing? Does it matter if I choose 2" or 2 1/2"?

From etrailer:

yes, it does look like you would benefit from a weight distribution system. I do need to know if you have a 2' or 2 1/2' receiver? Also are you having any sway problems when moving.

 

[Happy Camper]

Carla, they are asking the size of the trailer receiver where the ball fits into.

Here is some more information on your year model.

Here is the part on page 8 you're looking for.

 

[user 22017]

Oh dear. I told her I've never towed anything and don't know what I am doing. She sent what she recommends:

https://www.etrailer.com/partlist.aspx?pc=41004,C17499&csrId=3936
But, turns out the mechanic went ahead and ordered a hitch and has it in his shop. She said the hitch he has will work with the distribution hitch.

This is what he is putting on the truck:

 

[user 22017]

Now I need a bike carrier put on the front of the truck. Will the bike carrier need a receiver hitch in the front?

Thank you HC

 

[Camper]

You will also need an electronic brake control, if you don't have one. I use this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P11SCM/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A2D1V4G697JR2&th=1

 

[user 22017]

You will also need an electronic brake control, if you don't have one. I use this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P11SCM/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A2D1V4G697JR2&th=1

Where is that needed? I have trailer brakes or whatever it is called... already in the cab of my truck. Seems to work. When I hit the brakes it turns red. Otherwise the light is green.

I'd take a picture but truck is in the shop.

Thinking I should have had an RV Repair shop or an RV Dealership do all this.

Edit: the brake controller in my truck is super old... based on the receipts found in the glove box. Truck and fifth wheel trailer were both bought new in 1995. Assume that is how old the controller is.

 

[LargeMarge]

If you are near Eugene, Oregon, let me know.
.
Around the corner from us is Hitch Pro.
We can take your truck to them.
They will do everything necessary for you to tow safe.
The benefits include;
* professional hitch crew
* professional installation
* a vast variety of brake controllers
* exactly the equipment you need, nothing extra.
.
I think you might benefit from a one-stop shop.
And after you couple with your trailer, Hitch Pro can go over the trailer's foundation:
* hitch
* frame
* axles suspension
* brakes.
.
I think this solution offers the security and comfort you need.
.
www.hitchproandtow.com

 

[user 22017]

If you are near Eugene, Oregon, let me know....
.
www.hitchproandtow.com

Thank you! If I am out that way, I will stop by and have them check over my towing setup.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I just want to take a moment and compliment everyone here who is helping Carla get thru this confusing and somewhat daunting new adventure.

THIS is the forum at it's best. Or so it seems to me.

 

[user 22017]

I just want to take a moment and compliment everyone here who is helping Carla get thru this confusing and somewhat daunting new adventure.

THIS is the forum at it's best. Or so it seems to me.

Tx, She is recommending a distribution hitch for 800 pound TW. Didn't you say my tongue weight is 900 pounds?

 

[tx2sturgis]

I said it would be 'around' 900, more or less. It could vary a few hundred pounds either way depending on your propane fill levels, loading of cargo in the forward cabinets and a variety of other factors. I always over-estimate these numbers to build in a 'safety cushion'.

But, no one (not even me!) will know the weight exactly until it is measured, but a safe bet is to follow their advise. The 800 pound rating is darn close to what I estimated.

 

[bullfrog !]

This is where it becomes important to get an experienced person with the appropriate tools and understanding to check your actual weights. You can buy an expensive professional tongue weight hitch with scale or find a shop that has one. You can watch videos on how to measure tongue weights which show you how to use a tape measure, length of 4”x 4” wood, two pieces of pipe and bathroom scales to get a good idea. You can check with local Excapees Club to see when and where they do “Smart Weigh” events if they still do. You will appreciate the electric tongue jack when it comes time to hook up the weight distribution set up as it in most cases makes it much easier. You really need a resource like Escapes boot camp or an experienced RVer to walk you through hitching and unhitching the first few times. Just saying virtual experience and advice is not the same as being there in person. Excapees Club can provide that kind n many cases. You need fo find a local you can trust in my opinion so they can make sure you get closer to what you really need. It is possible to get too much as well as too little. I would call Excapees and get a contact number for the nearest local chapter. There are some really knowledgeable and nice people among them.

 

[user 22017]

I said it would be 'around' 900, more or less. It could vary a few hundred pounds either way depending on your propane fill levels, loading of cargo in the forward cabinets and a variety of other factors. I always over-estimate these numbers to build in a 'safety cushion'.

But, no one (not even me!) will know the weight exactly until it is measured, but a safe bet is to follow their advise. The 800 pound rating is darn close to what I estimated.

Thanks Tx

 

[user 22017]

Excapees Club can provide that kind n many cases. You need fo find a local you can trust in my opinion so they can make sure you get closer to what you really need. It is possible to get too much as well as too little.

The Escapees in Missouri is 6.5 hours drive from here. Next closest location in Tennessee is even further. There is a large RV Repair shop in my town. I'll call them to see if they do house calls (when I get my truck back). If not, I know a couple ppl who can hook it up and tow the trailer to the RV Repair shop. Thanks for suggesting Escapees, Bullfrog.

When I bought my popup I asked about prices at the RV Repair shop. It is $100 (or $150) to look over a unit and offer feedback regarding any issues they see. So I'm guessing they'll charge about that for an hour long lesson.

 

[bullfrog !]

Most major cities have Escapes Chapters that meet informally at monthly lunches. You don’t have to go to a park. It’s less than $100 to join for a year. They are listed in their bimonthly magazine I believe with contacts, time and locations. Just look at their sight and call. They also have forums as well on the internet listing events now I believe. Last count there were over 100,000 active members I believe, hard to imagine not having a chapter within a few hours of you. When we were living in Kentucky there were 3 within a few hours drive and that was when there were only 50,000 active members.

 

[towboater]

I misunderstood the weight distribution thing. Now etrailer agrees that I need that system and is asking what size receiver I have.
So they are two different things? I need to order the receiver hitch AND the weight distribution thing? Does it matter if I choose 2" or 2 1/2"?

From etrailer:

yes, it does look like you would benefit from a weight distribution system. I do need to know if you have a 2' or 2 1/2' receiver? Also are you having any sway problems when moving.

Now I need a bike carrier put on the front of the truck. Will the bike carrier need a receiver hitch in the front?

Thank you HC

Is it possible to put the bike carrier on the rear of trailer?Those mounts bolt around the square bumper and would b cheaper and not block your headlights. We carried 2 bikes to Alaska and back on rear with no issues. Also, I have seen several weight distributing hitches on marketplace and they run about 1/4 to 1/2 the price of new. Might b one near u for sale. Best Wishes

 

[user 22017]

Is it possible to put the bike carrier on the rear of trailer?Those mounts bolt around the square bumper and would b cheaper and not block your headlights. We carried 2 bikes to Alaska and back on rear with no issues. Also, I have seen several weight distributing hitches on marketplace and they run about 1/4 to 1/2 the price of new. Might b one near u for sale. Best Wishes

Thanks towboater Good idea about the bike. When I decided on mounting it to the front, I thought I'd be getting another truck camper.

I'll check marketplace for distribution hitch.

 

[bullfrog !]

They make one that has a section of square tubing that fits over the hitch which is welded to a vertical post which holds the bike rack. They also make them to hold a spare tire.

 

[rruff]

Thanks towboater Good idea about the bike.

Strap that bike anyplace you like! In the front they kinda get in the way of seeing where you are going. In the back they might get destroyed. If it was a valueable bike, on the rear of the truck or or front of the camper would be better. Best is inside, which is where mine resides.