You might want to tell them to invest in an answering service or call forwarding. Tried calling them multiple days only to get an answering machine. They finally called back on my way home. I get they were slammed like everyone else, but not optimal.

Appreciate the feedback, I'll let him know.

Number 1 set by far is for changing tires, and doubles as an easy setup tool for the stabilizers.

Get a good battery powered impact, a set of sockets, and a small 2 ton jack. I have changed 3 blowouts in the last month and can do a tire in under 10 min with my setup. If you go value brand you can get it all for under $200.

I keep a battery powered impact in all of my personal vehicles and my work pickup. I feel like they are an investment in time savings. I also keep one in the side box of our ranger for changing pivot tires, but that's only while we are watering. We keep a couple in each shop just so we have enough to go around.

I've gotten tire rotation down to a 30 minute job. 20 if I have help.

texags08 said:

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Number 1 set by far is for changing tires, and doubles as an easy setup tool for the stabilizers.

Get a good battery powered impact, a set of sockets, and a small 2 ton jack. I have changed 3 blowouts in the last month and can do a tire in under 10 min with my setup. If you go value brand you can get it all for under $200.

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Do you mind sharing what jack you have? I always carry an impact and set of sockets with me but have not gotten a jack yet. I was debating between getting a jack, an Anderson rapid jack, or just cutting a 4x6 at a 45 degree angle (I've read that some ppl use this..). Would you recommend the jack over the other two?

A trailer to pull behind your RV for all the extra stuff you need to bring along.

drewbie said:

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texags08 said:

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Number 1 set by far is for changing tires, and doubles as an easy setup tool for the stabilizers.

Get a good battery powered impact, a set of sockets, and a small 2 ton jack. I have changed 3 blowouts in the last month and can do a tire in under 10 min with my setup. If you go value brand you can get it all for under $200.

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Do you mind sharing what jack you have? I always carry an impact and set of sockets with me but have not gotten a jack yet. I was debating between getting a jack, an Anderson rapid jack, or just cutting a 4x6 at a 45 degree angle (I've read that some ppl use this..). Would you recommend the jack over the other two?

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I use this one:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-Jack-2-Ton-Trolley-Jack-with-360-Rotation-Handle-Black-for-Vehicle-Lifting/33348137?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222228022514129&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=40839440072&wl4=pla-78652863392&wl5=9028223&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=33348137&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6575BRCQARIsAMp-ksNE2gx5KXujwyoOfuY-qg8jHNIn63gATMCgLWt_Rjy01yW_PKDwGfsaAoKMEALw_wcB

The rotating handle helps in tight spots. We have a 7500lbs GVWR 32' bumper pull. Have never had a problem lifting it when loaded down.

Small size makes it easy to store in the camper and easy to handle when you need it.

I use the Dewalt 1/2" 20v impact and a set of thin walled impact sockets I got on Amazon for $20. My wheels have inset lug nuts.

Freeze gallon jugs of water to place in your fridge, so it doesn't have to work so hard to cool off. Before we leave, I throw them in, and by the time we get to our spot, the fridge is pretty cold. After an hour later, it's ready to go.

Plus, you can use them in your cooler for the weekend.

My in laws just put down a deposit on a 25' Airstream. As they've been talking about this for the last few weeks I didn't think there was ahy way they were going to actually buy one. But I guess they are looking at potentially not being able to take as many flying vacations in the coming years. I still chuckle at my English FIL now driving a truck pulling a RV.

I'll be interested in seeing how his f150 Can handle it. Looks to be the upper end of his tow rating.

I pulled a 28' travel trailer with my 2016 F150 w/ the 3.5 Ecoboost. It would tow it OK on a flat and level road, but struggled mightily on any type of grade. It was to the point that it would overheat the truck.

I upgraded to a Chevy 2500HD diesel and it's like nothing is back there.

Yeah, not sure which engine he has. Wouldn't surprise me one but if he didn't end up with a bigger truck 6 MO from now.

TKEAg04 said:

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I pulled a 28' travel trailer with my 2016 F150 w/ the 3.5 Ecoboost. It would tow it OK on a flat and level road, but struggled mightily on any type of grade. It was to the point that it would overheat the truck.

I upgraded to a Chevy 2500HD diesel and it's like nothing is back there.

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How heavy was your trailer, and what gears did you have?

I pull a 32' trailer at 7000lbs+ with a 2015 Expedition with EcoBoost. I was able to keep it at 70-75 through the hills on the way to Garner State Park from the Austin area. Just curious because I feel like the Expy could easily handle more weight on long trips.

texags08 said:

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TKEAg04 said:

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I pulled a 28' travel trailer with my 2016 F150 w/ the 3.5 Ecoboost. It would tow it OK on a flat and level road, but struggled mightily on any type of grade. It was to the point that it would overheat the truck.

I upgraded to a Chevy 2500HD diesel and it's like nothing is back there.

---

How heavy was your trailer, and what gears did you have?

I pull a 32' trailer at 7000lbs+ with a 2015 Expedition with EcoBoost. I was able to keep it at 70-75 through the hills on the way to Garner State Park from the Austin area. Just curious because I feel like the Expy could easily handle more weight on long trips.

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I should have phrased it better:

I could pull it no issue in Texas. It wasn't until I moved to Idaho with the trailer and attempted pulling it over mountains that I ran into big issues.

I don't remember which gears I had off the top of my head. The trailer is a Grand Design Imagine 2800BH.

Question for the fifth wheel owners...

My barn door is 12' Is it completely unreasonable to think I could hitch a fifth wheel to my tractor 3-point, raise the front jacks all the way up, and drop the nose just enough to get a 12'-3" camper under the door frame?

texags08 said:

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TKEAg04 said:

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I pulled a 28' travel trailer with my 2016 F150 w/ the 3.5 Ecoboost. It would tow it OK on a flat and level road, but struggled mightily on any type of grade. It was to the point that it would overheat the truck.

I upgraded to a Chevy 2500HD diesel and it's like nothing is back there.

---

How heavy was your trailer, and what gears did you have?

I pull a 32' trailer at 7000lbs+ with a 2015 Expedition with EcoBoost. I was able to keep it at 70-75 through the hills on the way to Garner State Park from the Austin area. Just curious because I feel like the Expy could easily handle more weight on long trips.

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Driving that fast with that big of a trailer behind an expedition

saltydog13 said:

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texags08 said:

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TKEAg04 said:

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I pulled a 28' travel trailer with my 2016 F150 w/ the 3.5 Ecoboost. It would tow it OK on a flat and level road, but struggled mightily on any type of grade. It was to the point that it would overheat the truck.

I upgraded to a Chevy 2500HD diesel and it's like nothing is back there.

---

How heavy was your trailer, and what gears did you have?

I pull a 32' trailer at 7000lbs+ with a 2015 Expedition with EcoBoost. I was able to keep it at 70-75 through the hills on the way to Garner State Park from the Austin area. Just curious because I feel like the Expy could easily handle more weight on long trips.

---

Driving that fast with that big of a trailer behind an expedition

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I am pretty sure those tires are only rated for 65 mph too. Not to call you out, but when I was 15 and just started driving outside the ranch my dad taught me something that applied to way more than hauling trailers. "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

TacosaurusRex said:

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saltydog13 said:

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texags08 said:

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TKEAg04 said:

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I pulled a 28' travel trailer with my 2016 F150 w/ the 3.5 Ecoboost. It would tow it OK on a flat and level road, but struggled mightily on any type of grade. It was to the point that it would overheat the truck.

I upgraded to a Chevy 2500HD diesel and it's like nothing is back there.

---

How heavy was your trailer, and what gears did you have?

I pull a 32' trailer at 7000lbs+ with a 2015 Expedition with EcoBoost. I was able to keep it at 70-75 through the hills on the way to Garner State Park from the Austin area. Just curious because I feel like the Expy could easily handle more weight on long trips.

---

Driving that fast with that big of a trailer behind an expedition

---

I am pretty sure those tires are only rated for 65 mph too. Not to call you out, but when I was 15 and just started driving outside the ranch my dad taught me something that applied to way more than hauling trailers. "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

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To both:

I hear you, and see your concern. However, I have tires rated for 86mph all around. I also have a very good weight distribution/anti-sway hitch setup. On the expedition I have Michelin LTXs. There is integrated trailer brake/ani-sway on the expedition. If I wanted to I CAN go 85 power/tire wise. But 70-75 is stable and I get about 8.5mpg vs only about 9.5 at 65.

Also, I have been pulling trailers my entire life, all the way back to 12 years old pulling single bale hay trailers on the dirt roads of Nacogdoches. I know when it's too much or too fast. If there is any wind over 10mph we are back down to 65-70.

I say all that because I fully expected to be held down to 60-65mph when we got the trailer. I was VERY surprised I could maintain 70-75 safely, and I found that sweet spot over the course of 1000 miles when we first got it.


EDIT:
These are the tires I have all the way around.

https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/hartland-st-radial#

Rated at 87mph.

cohibasymas said:

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Reading this from RV site in Ouray, CO. Last night, two families in rental RVs from TX pull in next door. Immediate, big electrical Problems. Amazing park owner was in their RV diagnosing electrical issues until at least 9:30 last night when I went to bed.

-Full set of tools, sockets, etc.
-Drill/bits including square screw driver set
-Multipack of fuses that fit your RV; find all the little obscure ones you didn't even know existed in your trailer and make sure you're covered
-Multimeter
-ViAir RV air compressor (biggest one you can afford, no scrimping on this one, will save your ass)
-While you're at it, get the ViAir attachment kit to blow out your lines/winterize
-Air pressure monitoring system for all trailer tires; monitor your pressure like an obsession
-Progressive Industries surge protector with full protection; note, not just surge protection/cheap model, but the one that actually monitors for incorrect voltage, etc. Will run you $300-500 depending on 30 or 50 amp. Worth every penny and can save you thousands of dollars. You'd be amazed the high dollar RV parks and even camping world where the lines aren't set up correctly and could have fried my electronics
-Spare water pump - these go out at the most inconvenient possible time
-Extended warranty protection from Good Sam or similar. Ask me how I know
-RV Travel Assist from Good Sam or similar
-Roadside assistance specifically for RVs; need a tow? your regular insurance isn't going to be much help here
-Decent set of walkie talkies for parking, etc. with your wife. Phone won't always work. Parking your new big RV Is a recipe for divorce best be able to communicate clearly and quickly
-Good attitude, patience, and realize that things will break.
-Rhinoflex sewer hose; longer than you think you need. Don't scrimp; get the good orange and black one
-Wilson 4GX cell booster and antennas
-Umbrella insurance policy. Kicking myself here as I haven't done this yet, and it's stupid that I haven't.
-heavy duty Command Strips and industrial grade Velcro roll. We use these all the time. Don't drill into your walls. Hang electronics, jacket hooks, you name it.
-Your water heater Likely has a special fuse that you've never seen before, won't come in any kit, and can't be found in any hardware store. Go look find out what it is (look at model, call Camping World for fuse model, and get a 2 pack)
-Decent headlamp and good flashlights. Guess who's going to be outside fixing some random thing in the middle of the night?...you'll need both hands and good visibility
-Those refillable humidity sucker uppers; put one in bath, closet, elsewhere. Your wife will know.
-Camco water filters that attach to your hose
-Brass water pressure regulator
-Decent set of tire covers (and use them)

I'll post more if I think of anything else.

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I hadn't even thought about getting an RV, and this confirms it.

Good luck with all of that maintenance.

What are you all using for Satellite TV? Anyone using Dish Network pay as you go with the KING VQ4550 and Wally HD Receiver? It seems to have the highest marks from my research at least.