Maintenance & Restoration

Bernese Bunch · 09-18-2017, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roguebooks

After veering off for the summer and looking at T@B's, the LGMax, and then a 16' Airstream Sport we are back with the 18.5' Oliver. Seems the only trailer that will perform to our needs. We watched a youtube video starring the couple with the LEII and George was complaining a little bit about the Andersen No-Sway Hitch system. He says it is very hard to hook up to if the TV and trailer are not perfectly aligned. He does not think he even needs it now that they have logged so many miles. Anyone have any advice to share?

Also, what about the inverter? I understand they are very important to have. True?

What about the factory solar package vs a mobile one? Some sales consultants believe having a mobile solar suitcase is better so you can park your trailer in the shade.

My brother wants me to get a Netgear WiFi extender N600 in lieu of Oliver's WiFi booster. What do you think?

Any other helpful experiences you can share with us would be appreciated. Getting ready to pull the trigger.

I'm glad I'm not the only one having difficulties with the big decision! It seems that every fiberglass trailer I like would necessitate my making some mods in my garage door. I live in a neighborhood with a HOA so can't leave a trailer in the driveway. The door is only 7' tall and I'd have to spend that much more money to increase the height! Don't mean to get off the topic but...I saw a Safari Alto, with a roof that can be raised and lowered, yesterday. It's not fiberglass but it will fit in my garage and it seems perfect for me. I'll take a few more weeks to think about it but the Alto may be the one.

Mr Lynn · 09-18-2017, 04:46 PM

That 'Alto' is pretty cool. Can you get in and use it when the roof is down? We've found that awfully handy for stops on the road, just for lunch or a nap.

/Mr Lynn

Bernese Bunch · 09-18-2017, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Lynn

That 'Alto' is pretty cool. Can you get in and use it when the roof is down? We've found that awfully handy for stops on the road, just for lunch or a nap.

/Mr Lynn

Yes, as long as you can either stand up or stoop. You can sleep, have coffee, take a little break! However, it's as easy as a car's convertible top to raise. It's a cross between a teardrop and a small Airstream (but no rivets!). Really nice.

Raspy · 09-18-2017, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roguebooks

If I can add an Andersen no-sway hitch later then perhaps I will try first without one. You are a big help. Thanks.

The Anderson hitch can be added anytime. No modifications are needed.
What is your tow vehicle?

roguebooks · 09-19-2017, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspy

The Anderson hitch can be added anytime. No modifications are needed.
What is your tow vehicle?

Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4

FishingBob · 09-19-2017, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernese Bunch

I'm glad I'm not the only one having difficulties with the big decision! It seems that every fiberglass trailer I like would necessitate my making some mods in my garage door. I live in a neighborhood with a HOA so can't leave a trailer in the driveway. The door is only 7' tall and I'd have to spend that much more money to increase the height!

You've probably already checked on yours, but my first reaction on hearing that someone can't park a trailer in their driveway because of an HOA and instead will raise the height of their garage door is to wonder if that modification to the exterior of the house would be permitted in that HOA. When they start writing "appearance code" they can get fussy.

rbryan · 09-19-2017, 06:45 PM

We use an Andersen hitch towing our Escape 19. It doesn't require you to be exactly lined up when hitching up. You can be as much as 10-15 degrees off with no issues.

We use the hook up - jack up - attach plate - jack down method. Reverse the process when unhooking, jacking up high so you can drop the plate first. Makes it easy and no need to adjust the threads on the chains.

As for the friction material around the ball pin, we've had zero issues since the hitch was installed in March of 2015.

Having said that, it's a WDH. No matter the type, you may need weight distribution, and you may not. Try towing without it first.

Wyowill · 09-20-2017, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Oh poo, the floor in my 1988 16' Scamp is in perfect condition. All trailers require maintenance and it doesn't matter what the floor is made out of if maintenance is ignored. There's better reasons for buying a particular trailer, or not buying a particular brand, other than the floor.

Ditto for the floor in our '79 Scamp 16!

Bernese Bunch · 09-20-2017, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishingBob

You've probably already checked on yours, but my first reaction on hearing that someone can't park a trailer in their driveway because of an HOA and instead will raise the height of their garage door is to wonder if that modification to the exterior of the house would be permitted in that HOA. When they start writing "appearance code" they can get fussy.

Already checked that and we can have a garage door anywhere between 7-9 feet. i didn't do an upgrade when I built so it's my bad!

FishingBob · 09-20-2017, 05:25 PM

Nine feet should work with most, but I suspect roof A/C can cause a problem. My 2014 Parkliner is shown as 8'9" on the website. It has A/C in a lower wall, but the new models are supposed to have roof A/C, and I don't think they're changing the cabin dimensions.

Bernese Bunch · 09-20-2017, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishingBob

Nine feet should work with most, but I suspect roof A/C can cause a problem. My 2014 Parkliner is shown as 8'9" on the website. It has A/C in a lower wall, but the new models are supposed to have roof A/C, and I don't think they're changing the cabin dimensions.

I did speak with Parkliner recently and, you are correct. The AC will now be on the roof. Either way I look at it, I'd need to do some construction and the dollars keep adding up!!!! But....I do love the Parkliner and the new one would be 4 season but closer to Oliver prices. That's why the Alto is looking more and more like my choice.

thrifty bill · 09-20-2017, 06:56 PM

9 foot high door rarely provides 9 feet of clearance. First, you have the hardware on the door itself. Secondly, you have the route of the door's track. Check closely, if you are counting on 9 feet of clearance out of a nine foot door.

You also have the routing of the door in the ceiling of the garage. Often there are clearance issues there, so the door track dips down a bit.

And our Escape 19, with roof air, needs more than 9 feet of clearance. I just went through this exercise, and had to buy a taller carport to gain enough clearance.

Bernese Bunch · 09-20-2017, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thrifty bill

9 foot high door rarely provides 9 feet of clearance. First, you have the hardware on the door itself. Secondly, you have the route of the door's track. Check closely, if you are counting on 9 feet of clearance out of a nine foot door.

You also have the routing of the door in the ceiling of the garage. Often there are clearance issues there, so the door track dips down a bit.

And our Escape 19, with roof air, needs more than 9 feet of clearance. I just went through this exercise, and had to buy a taller carport to gain enough clearance.

I am painfully undersized in the garage door department...only 7 ft. The garage ceiling is 15 feet! Go figure. I would have thought the builder would have sized the door to scale. But, nooooooo.

Mike Magee · 09-21-2017, 09:41 PM

My ideal solar setup would include a 60 to 100 watt panel on the roof and a portable panel of similar wattage. That way the battery may be getting charged while I'm driving, and I can set up the portable at the right angle and location while I'm camping. And I'd probably run one of those efficient 12V (danfoss-secop compressor) fridges.