Brand new to rv'ing

[taburgh]

Hello everyone, so good to find a support group when entering a new adventure/culture/experience . . .

I just purchased a 12' Rockwood A-frame pop-up I pull with a Grand Caravan. Christened it with a two day trip last week. Everything is new to me. My main issue which causes concern and, honestly, heart palpitations, is the electric brake timing. I feel a bit "kicked from behind" and at times out of control where I'm breaking smoothly in the car and the camper's tires have locked and skid along the pavement for about a foot -- especially when breaking downhill. The dealer rode with me and assured me it is just a matter of getting used to. I live in the Ozark region of Arkansas where there are many mini hills in and out of the neighborhood. I'm not getting used to it.

I would appreciate any input. So glad you are out there. Tamara

[Bethers]

Welcome, Tamara. I got rid of the duplicate post. You just hadn't been approved yet, so your post didn't show. You are now approved.

I drive a Class C so can't talk about the feel of towing. I'm sure others will be able to help you with that.

Glad to have you with us.

[Forestgal]

Greetings from California, Tamara!

First, I'm glad you've joined us. You'll find an incredible wealth of information AND support here. And you've already jumped in with questions -- good for you.

Now, about your new trailer. It's a beauty! I've pulled trailers -- everything from a 10' pop-up to my little 19' hard-sided travel trailer. And I have to say that I'd shoot the dealer if I were you. First question -- do you have a brake controller? If so, the way to calibrate it is to take it to a flat place, like a parking lot. Put your car in drive take your foot off the gas & let it inch forward. As it inches along, adjust your brake controller. As soon as you feel it begin to resist you're all set. If you're finding that the brakes are still locking up take it back to the dealer & DEMAND that they adjust the brakes on the trailer. There's no reason for them to do that and it's not normal. You'll burn them out & ruin your tires with that happening all the time. That "tail" shouldn't be wagging the dog.

Hopefully your dealer will listen to you and not try to brush you off. The trailer's small enough (and probably light enough) so that you shouldn't feel much of anything behind you as you pull it.

Let us know how things turn out, Tamara. And don't let this deter you from getting out again. That trailer will give you lots of pleasure but not if it's sitting in the driveway.

Again, welcome!

Laura -- and Jed

[rvgrammy1953]

Welcome, Tamara...... We started out, like Laura, small, too, but now full-time in our new 5th wheel....and "ditto" to what she told you....your trailer wheels should NOT be locking up like that.....so try adjusting....most electric brake systems have a button or wheel adjustment on them to do this....and as Laura said, head straight back to the dealer to have them do it for you, if still can't get it to feel right....Glad you found us, too....Jump in anytime....Your A-frame is cute....

Lori

[carold]

Welcome to the forum, Tamara. Have never pulled a trailer, so no help here. But it seems that those who do have or will put in their $$ worth of info Have you checked out the GTG section. You might just have an opportunity to meet some of the gals (that's if you still want to after perusing thru)
That is a cute trailer you're pulling and looking forward to more info and pics-we're a nosy bunch. carold

[VickieP]

Welcome to the forum, Tamara! Cute trailer and like the other ladies said, work with those brakes till they're right, you can do it!

[Travelinana]

Welcome Tamara, Sorry I also can't help you but you'll get lots of info and help here. I do think you need to hold the dealer's feet to the fire, if you're not satisfied. He should help educate you on the product he sold you. I am in AR too, but I'm in what they call the foothills of the Ozarks (Heber Springs)..We love our beautiful lakes, don't we? I am still undecided on the GTG In October. It will be a little more distance for you but a chance to meet the gals. I have a conflict but one I can get out of if I choose. So glad you joined. I'm not too good on posting pictures, keep saying I'm gonna do better but these girls really love pictures, me included.

[BirdbyBird]

welcome.....now that you've found us, don't be a stranger and eventually we will meet up down the road! I drive s small Class C so can't help you on this particular question but, it is a good one to know on general principles!

[AlmostThere]

Laura wrote: "Now, about your new trailer. It's a beauty! I've pulled trailers -- everything from a 10' pop-up to my little 19' hard-sided travel trailer. And I have to say that I'd shoot the dealer if I were you. First question -- do you have a brake controller? If so, the way to calibrate it is to take it to a flat place, like a parking lot. Put your car in drive take your foot off the gas & let it inch forward. As it inches along, adjust your brake controller. As soon as you feel it begin to resist you're all set. If you're finding that the brakes are still locking up take it back to the dealer & DEMAND that they adjust the brakes on the trailer. There's no reason for them to do that and it's not normal. You'll burn them out & ruin your tires with that happening all the time. That "tail" shouldn't be wagging"

Great advice from Laura. That's exactly what we did with our 5th wheel.

Welcome!

[mitch5252]

..

Welcome to a great forum, Tamara! Hope you'll like it here and jump in whenever you like.

Those brakes sure don't sound normal...what Laura said x 2.

Good luck, and hope to meet you down the road someday.

..

[taburgh]

Wow and golly! didn't expect such a welcome and caring response. Really glad I found you's-guys!

My trailer is in the garage for now as I prepare for a trip in September. I will hitch up a week before departure date to get those brakes figured out. Laura: will take the suggestion for the parking lot test -- will definitely do that. I have yet to receive such practical advice from the dealer. Also believed if I kept all as is, I'd wear the tires out post haste. I gave the dealer a strident comment about being "taught" (too quickly) by mechanics on how to operate the system. I said he needs a teacher not a mechanic to run through the works with a buyer!

I have a feeling I'll be re-connecting with y'all about this problem.

I also wonder about the small drain on the battery for the radio/cd player. I am parked, unhitched, while preparing for a trip in a couple weeks. The power button light is on. Should I "unplug" the (cabin?) battery until I'm ready to go? If it's suggested I unplug, next question is, "where?". I know about keeping the water levels up in the battery.

I also have a sway bar that, when attached, makes some serious creaking noise. The dealer/mechanic also told me I'd get used to that. Am I getting dismissive attitude or what? Or was it, "That will go away after awhile." I have a feeling the mechanic had it cranked too tight. I was also told it was okay to leave the wheel on the hitch when traveling, but my subsequent research indicates one should NEVER leave on the hitch wheel while traveling.

Did you expect such a novice? You are all so welcoming and responsive to my cry for help, I simply have to take advantage.

Need to take some pictures and add an avatar.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, all. Tamara

[Forestgal]

Hi again, Tamara!

If you know someone who's handy with car-related see if you can talk them into putting a kill switch on your battery. It'll be deader than a doornail in no time with that "parasitic" draw on it from the radio, CO2 detector, and who knows what else. If you don't know anyone then disconnect the battery cables -- but make sure you pay attention to which one goes where. Taking a picture with your cell phone is a nice little trick I found -- you usually have it with you & can easily refer to the picture for help in a pinch.

Sway bars do make noise. But they can be cranked too hard. You want to tighten it so that it's parallel to the bar for starters. And then you want it to be hard to get it another half-turn, but not so hard that you need someone stronger than you to undo it.

All good questions, Tamara. Better to ask now so that when you're out on the road again and don't have anyone to ask.

Have fun!

Laura

[taburgh]

Forest Gal,
Yeah! for cell phones. Great suggestion. Wish I had taken a video of all the fly-by tutoring I received at the RV lot before I drove off with it.

Hopefully, this time next year, I'll be helping the next newbie with my expertise. Now, must go undo a battery cable. Tamara

[Acadianmom]

I have a motorhome so no help with your trailer. Just wanted to tell you about a Yahoo group called RVBuddies around the campfire. A few of those ladies have the A-Frame trailers. I think it started out as an A-Frame group but now has motorhome owners and other trailers. It's a woman's only group too. Maybe they can help you too.

Martha

[Irmi]

Tamara, welcome to the group! Laura gave you lots of good information so I hope you're able to get your problems solved. I really like your camper!