Generators

[mitch5252]

...I guess we're "Special", huh!

That's one way to put it ...

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Believe me, I have a MUCH BETTER way to put it...
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[Shelly]

Well the shower area sounds like a good place. I know I can handle lifting 75 or so lbs. Heck, I am only putting it outside, I am not going to jog around with it. I should just cowboy up huh?

We are going this Saturday to look at one of those new Retro TT. It is a Riverside 177. Weight wise it is perfect. The floor plan is just what we are looking for. I can only pull 3500 lbs. so our options have been limited, especially for what we want and how it's set up. This has a walk around QB and all the other stuff. I can't wait to see it in person. We still have to wait until after the first of the year, but we are trying to just get all our ducks in a row. I am having a blast checking on this and that on line. The only problem is that with all the pre-preparing, is I want it right now! Patience is not my middle name

Thanks ladies for all you advice. I did go on the RVnet site and yes, it is way to full of testosterone!

[mitch5252]

We are going this Saturday to look at one of those new Retro TT. It is a Riverside 177. Weight wise it is perfect. The floor plan is just what we are looking for. I can only pull 3500 lbs.

What brand is your Riverside 177? I, too, can only haul 3,500# and I am, well, let's just say a precisionist, about weight.

Like, if I got on a trip this winter, and can't take both the kayak and the generator, which do I leave behind? Or just leave Abby behind with lots and lots of food and water? Decisions, decisions.

I had a difficult time finding a TT that would allow my van to pull it.

NEVER MIND - I found it - it's - duh - RIVERSIDE.

[Azusateach]

Well the shower area sounds like a good place. I know I can handle lifting 75 or so lbs. Heck, I am only putting it outside, I am not going to jog around with it. I should just cowboy up huh?

I can only pull 3500 lbs. so our options have been limited, especially for what we want and how it's set up.

Shelly, please be careful with your tow weight. You need think about how much "stuff" you put in the trailer. It adds up very quickly. A good rule of thumb is to find something that doesn't exceed 80% of your towing ability. Figuring in a safety margin makes for a much more pleasant towing experience. And emotions often get in the way of practicality with people biting off more than they can safely tow. And remember, if you go to a dealer they'll tell you anything to get you to buy a trailer. Again, for as much as lots of the folks on RV.net irritate me, there is a ton of experience there, especially when you're trying to figure out what your tow vehicle can handle.

If you don't want to ask much on RV.net, there's a super guy in No. CA who owns his own RV repair business. His name is Joel Harp, and he and his wife Rachel work a LOT with women. If you have any questions about absolutely anything RV-related he'll give you a straight answer. I don't trust anyone nearly as much as I trust him and Rachel when it comes to doing a quality job with my rig.

Laura

[Shelly]

Yes, last weekend we went out looking at some TT's and this guy there was trying to sell us the whole lot. We have found another lot that this guy seems pretty honest. I have been doing my home work so they can't BS me too much. I know I am still learning, but I am trying to learn as much as I can.

The specs on this trailer is 2530 dry weight with extra cargo of 970, which comes to 3500. I should be ok, yes? It is small and light weight. Ad it is too dang cute.

[mitch5252]

Laura is so right about how quickly it adds up. I forgot all those terms, like GVWR and the one that you can't exceed with EVERYTHING, including your bodies and gasoline and onboard water...

Which brings me to my little trailer's specs. What does the phrase mean that is highlighted by the arrow? I THINK I know, but there certainly has to be a better way to phrase it? I take it to mean that my cargo capacity is 1,057# MINUS the weight of water (25 gallons @ ~8# = 200#) plus the dual propane tanks and their contents? And I would guess also minus the weight of the battery sitting on the tongue?

I have ALWAYS been concerned about that one measurement that takes EVERYTHING into account. I know I have come close, and that was without figuring out how to weigh my tongue (SHUT UP, Vickie), which I know added several hundred pounds.

So, keep on doing all the research you can. I can't recall what your tow vehicle is, but try and find a User Forum for that vehicle (does it have a towing package installed?). My Toyota Sienna Forum was invaluable to me in setting up my rig.

And I'm a huge believer in hitch overkill - weight distribution and anti sway.



Another thing I learned was that MY tow capacity of 3,500 is different than YOUR tow capacity of 3,500 - it's kind of vehicle dependent.

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[Shelly]

Oh my so many numbers!!!! First I can answer, I have a 2014 Kia Serento, and I haven't put the tow package on yet. When we go Saturday, I will take all the specs on the TT, my car and the hitch. Hopefully, our guy will be honest enough with us.

I will also see if I can lift the genny up into the outside storage....that's another thought of storage.

Thanks ladies!

[Shelly]

Well the shower area sounds like a good place. I know I can handle lifting 75 or so lbs. Heck, I am only putting it outside, I am not going to jog around with it. I should just cowboy up huh?

I can only pull 3500 lbs. so our options have been limited, especially for what we want and how it's set up.

Shelly, please be careful with your tow weight. You need think about how much "stuff" you put in the trailer. It adds up very quickly. A good rule of thumb is to find something that doesn't exceed 80% of your towing ability. Figuring in a safety margin makes for a much more pleasant towing experience. And emotions often get in the way of practicality with people biting off more than they can safely tow. And remember, if you go to a dealer they'll tell you anything to get you to buy a trailer. Again, for as much as lots of the folks on RV.net irritate me, there is a ton of experience there, especially when you're trying to figure out what your tow vehicle can handle.

If you don't want to ask much on RV.net, there's a super guy in No. CA who owns his own RV repair business. His name is Joel Harp, and he and his wife Rachel work a LOT with women. If you have any questions about absolutely anything RV-related he'll give you a straight answer. I don't trust anyone nearly as much as I trust him and Rachel when it comes to doing a quality job with my rig.

Laura

Laura,
How do I get Joel's number?

[mitch5252]

...Hopefully, our guy will be honest enough with us.

Please just remember - YOU are responsible for YOU. You need to do the research both before and after talking with your "honest" guy!
Lots of research, because with towing, you life, and others around you, is on the line.

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[Azusateach]

Google Harp's RV. You should get it that way.

I'm in my iPad, so it's a little too cumbersome for me to try to do all the gyrations to get the link for you. Plus, I'm whipped and going to bed. Then I'm getting up and flying to New England tomorrow!

[mitch5252]

I'm in my iPad, so it's a little too cumbersome for me to try to do all the gyrations to get the link for you..

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Please tell me the name of the app that put you in your iPad...I sometimes wanna just crawl in a hole, too...iPad would be a good substitute for said hole.

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[Bethers]

Karen commented that she wouldn't be without a generator. I just want to add... we all are different, so you have to look at how YOU travel and what YOUR needs are. Personally, I'll possibly get a generator again someday. But I got rid of mine and went totally solar. Went to 4 batteries, etc etc. But I knew what I was doing and knew that if for some reason I need the power, I could get a portable generator (like the Honda, for example) to augment. So far, 1 1/2 years later and much boondocking later, I'm fine. But if I was going to be in a really hot climate, I'd need hookups to run my ac. I try to avoid those extreme temps.

In the range and weight restrictions you're looking, I think you'd really be best off carrying the generator in the vehicle. You are going to quickly be getting close to the weight allowed. Remember, you have to include your weight and any passengers weight. Water you carry, etc. It all adds up.

Good luck in your search - and I hope you can find just what will work for you.

[Shelly]

Good news! I spoke with a guy I work with, who camps and tows his TT. I gave him the specs in my TV and TT. I obviously had a ton of questions for him. He said that I will have no problem towing the TT we are looking at. I think we will get the Honda genny you were telling me about Mitch, thanks. I think that will be great and take care of of our needs. Not to mention it will be light enough to schlep.

So again girls, thanks for all your advise and help.