Carla's Camper

[bullfrog !]

^^^Many spring shops install hitches as well.

 

[maki2]

A friend helped me
Install the hitch on my tow vehicle. It was not too bad of a job for DIY, as the hitch was designed for my vehicle. Just some minor issues with aligning bolt holes but a tapered drive pin quickly sorted that out. The holes were located just right, just a bit of shifting was needed to get that heavy metal structured perfectly lined up . We are both used to installing stuff, working as a team on projects and had the tools and the patience for such work. But it would have been a bit much for me to do it all on my own due to the size and weight of the hitch structure.

 

[Malamute]

I need to order the hitch or have U-Haul install it. I'll call U-Haul again tomorrow. I was concerned about using U-Haul after the man there recommended a Class 3 hitch, but I think he did that because that is what the company recommends for my truck. On their website you fill out a form and it tells you which hitch is best. It said Class 3. Three is ok, because my truck is old and so am I. I won't be towing anything heavy and won't be rock climbing.

Hoping I won't need heat. I've been sleeping in the camper and the overnight temps have been in the mid-20's. I don't even feel it with my zero degree sleeping bag. The trailer is cold in the morning, though. I have power here, so I turn on space heater in the morning. I'll probably get a propane heater.

Thanks again

Id still suggest the heaviest type hitch commonly available. This is one case where "overkill" really isnt, and the hitch thats up to the full ability of your truck is good. A lighter duty hitch may be fine, but also may not take stress as well, and stress is cumulative. Just barely enough may not be over time, driving on dirt roads etc, or if you end up wanting to pull something heavier later, even if just temporarily. Being older isnt really an issue with what your truck is capable of.

Do you mean an unvented propane heater? Ive used unvented propane heaters in the past, but am reconsidering after the newer studies indicating propane and gas stoves and appliances emitted more benzene than previously thought. They hadnt checked the benzene output of burned gas previously, only leaking unburned gas. Vented would be OK, unvented, probably best to limit the exposure if possible.

 

[tx2sturgis]

One thing to keep in mind with certain class 4 and class 5 frame-mount hitches: Some of them, depending on the vehicle and the design of the hitch, protrude downward a noticeable amount.

This can affect ground clearance under the rear bumper.

 

[bullfrog !]

Different year models of manufacturers vehicles have different frame thicknesses as well over the years. Not all trucks of a certain series have the same frame thickness. In other words you may find an over built hitch attached to a frame that may not support it or have the axles and brakes to start or stop increased loads that the overbuilt hitch may lead you to believe you can. Just a word of warning as I ran into several unabadged older 1/2 ton Suburbans that had 1 ton axles and hitches that would lead you to believe they had the thicker 1 ton and some 3/4 ton frame when they in fact did not. Just saying! One reason I prefer spring shops to install hitches is they are well aware and able to advise when it comes to determining your load capabilities.

 

[user 22017]

Nothing against uhaul, but you might be better served going to a place that is used to installing permanent hitches on trucks.

Uhaul wouldn't be my first choice, as most hitches they install are for a temporary need (hauling a trailer they just rented).

I hadn't thought about the temporary thing. I just knew that locals were aware that U-Haul put hitches on. My mechanic said he can do it, too.

Something new happened to my truck Big puddle of oil under the engine... not oil, but something golden color and oily. Never a good thing, right?

The only good news regarding my truck is the mechanic is going to make a house call on Friday. Maybe saving me a tow charge.

 

[abnorm]

Never a good thing, right?

"Guess the oil source and win a prize".....

Oil change/Plug/Filter................"Oh God help you".......Check the dipstick

He had that Odometer problem.........is the speedo cable loose at the trans ?

 

[bullfrog !]

Where under the truck is important. Lay a piece of cardboard under the truck with a rock to hold it in place so your mechanic can more easily locate the leak or leaks. Brake fluid and power steering fluid are possibilities as well. Smelling is okay, definitely don’t taste them! Best to check all fluid levels and see if any are low, leaks have to come from somewhere!

 

[towboater]

I hadn't thought about the temporary thing. I just knew that locals were aware that U-Haul put hitches on. My mechanic said he can do it, too.

Something new happened to my truck Big puddle of oil under the engine... not oil, but something golden color and oily. Never a good thing, right?

The only good news regarding my truck is the mechanic is going to make a house call

I hadn't thought about the temporary thing. I just knew that locals were aware that U-Haul put hitches on. My mechanic said he can do it, too.

Something new happened to my truck Big puddle of oil under the engine... not oil, but something golden color and oily. Never a good thing, right?

The only good news regarding my truck is the mechanic is going to make a house call on Friday. Maybe saving me a tow charge.

With the colder weather comes cold coolant leaks. As hoses contract u get leaks at hose clamps. U might just need clamps tightened. I have used both pink and yellow antifreeze keep your fingers crossed.

I hadn't thought about the temporary thing. I just knew that locals were aware that U-Haul put hitches on. My mechanic said he can do it, too.

Something new happened to my truck Big puddle of oil under the engine... not oil, but something golden color and oily. Never a good thing, right?

The only good news regarding my truck is the mechanic is going to make a house call on Friday. Maybe saving me a tow charge.

 

[Happy Camper]

Be thankful you have a leak today. It could have been in the road. Now it'll be fixed up and it's one less worry later.

 

[user 22017]

"Guess the oil source and win a prize".....

Oil change/Plug/Filter................"Oh God help you".......Check the dipstick

He had that Odometer problem.........is the speedo cable loose at the trans ?

That is what prompted him to do a house call. We were texting... I sent him photos which didn't help anything. Then I said, "Could this be related to the hard shifting thing?" (aka the odometer module). He replied, 'At this point we are just speculating. I will come to your house on Friday. Happy Thanksgiving.'

I didn't bring it to his shop on Monday as I intended to, but he said it wouldn't hurt to drive it with the odometer/speedometer issue. Hope I didn' t cause any serious damage.

It's a Ford truck... hard to kill them. Right?

 

[bullfrog !]

It’s sorta the same with humans, if you lose a pint you will probably make it to the hospital. Lol!!! Never ask an old Chevy person about Ford reliability!

 

[abnorm]

I drive a FORD........FixOrRepairDaily...............FoundOntheRoadDead

 

[user 22017]

Where under the truck is important. Lay a piece of cardboard under the truck with a rock to hold it in place so your mechanic can more easily locate the leak or leaks. Brake fluid and power steering fluid are possibilities as well. Smelling is okay, definitely don’t taste them! Best to check all fluid levels and see if any are low, leaks have to come from somewhere!

I will place cardboard under it. I dabbed paper towel on it and saw that it was light gold. Mechanic told me to check all fluid levels to figure out which is low. Also said to press the brake to the floor.

These are the pics I sent to him. One pic is of my dog, Jenny, in the window. We were about to go for a ride when I saw the leak. I had just gotten her booster seat from Amazon. She won't have to stand on her hind legs to look out the window anymore.

In the pic showing the leak next to the tire, that is the left front tire (driver's side). But any mechanic would know that, I guess.

 

[user 22017]

Be thankful you have a leak today. It could have been in the road. Now it'll be fixed up and it's one less worry later.

Yup. I just told my son that this morning. He is in Washington state. I have adult kids here, but they are always busy. Like I was when my parents were in need. They think I am to blame for driving an old truck. See... they are always busy because they have $600 car payments on top of their mortgages

 

[bullfrog !]

So did I you do as your mechanic suggested and push on the brake pedal? Did it go to the floor or make a hissing sound while you pressed on it? Your brake master cylinder is on the driver’s side under the hood mounted to the firewall. It has a fluid reservoir built into or on top that holds brake fluid. Open the hood and take a picture so we can take a look.

 

[user 22017]

So did I you do as your mechanic suggested and push on the brake pedal? Did it go to the floor or make a hissing sound while you pressed on it? Your brake master cylinder is on the driver’s side under the hood mounted to the firewall. It has a fluid reservoir built into or on top that holds brake fluid. Open the hood and take a picture so we can take a look.

I just did it. Pedal goes easily to the floor. Almost no resistance. But I can't remember what it felt like before. I do remember being at his shop with the hood up and noticing that the brake fluid reservoir was only 3/4 full. I figured it was ok since he didn't say anything. Now it is at half or lower.

Edit: Is that the brake fluid reservoir? The white thing with the big black cap on top? Nevermind. I zoomed in and it says brake fluid. Also see what appears to be a leak where it attaches to that ... whatever. I don't know what these things are called. (The giant black half dome thing that is connected to the firewall).

 

[user 22017]

Do you mean an unvented propane heater? Ive used unvented propane heaters in the past, but am reconsidering after the newer studies indicating propane and gas stoves and appliances emitted more benzene than previously thought. They hadnt checked the benzene output of burned gas previously, only leaking unburned gas. Vented would be OK, unvented, probably best to limit the exposure if possible.

I'll rethink propane. Is kerosene just as bad? What about jet fuel? lol... kidding. My brother heated with that, because he got it free. I have used kerosene heaters before, but the heaters were pretty big.... in a house. To supplement the boiler.

What about a mini-split? The compressor (or whatever the big unit is) would be outside the trailer.

 

[NctryBen]

Yep… that has brake fluid written all over it!!! Brake lines are very common.
My mechanic used to complain about fords. I told him we keep you in business. He’s like yeah, but they also keep me from fishing!!!

 

[user 22017]

Yep… that has brake fluid written all over it!!! Brake lines are very common.
My mechanic used to complain about fords. I told him we keep you in business. He’s like yeah, but they also keep me from fishing!!!

All joking aside, I bought the truck after Googling for days (weeks) which vehicles are on the road the longest. The Ford F250 came out number one at almost every source. I wanted something that would last, because I was going on disability and knew money would be scarce. I should have factored in the13 MPG, lol.