Hi (finally) to everyone. I've been reading this site for quite a long time, but I now have an egg and my interest has gone from -happily learning anything- to -this. I need to know specific somethings.
First intros:
behold, in my driveway, this '75
Trillium 1300. No name, yet.
Apologies for condition: it was a less than ideal drive home. My wife and I pulled it half the length of the NY Thruway and over the Green Mts of VT. At night. Snowing and blowing off and on for the whole ride. It could be dirtier(?). Tomorrow it will be 35degrees (F) warm enough so I can wash it (including the frame underneath).
I'm really impressed already. Its a 13' trailer and my 6' self can stand up inside and even stretch a little! My truck got 18.6 mpg driving out and 16.5 mpg dragging the trailer home. When we were on the Thruway with trailer trucks passing and wind blustering she just followed along without swaying or thrashing. Pretty solid for a trailer pushing 40 years old.
1) Was it my driving?
Frost heave season has definitely started in Vermont and the last 50 miles were.. bouncy. I thought I was being careful but on arrival home the stove grates were in the sink. The fire extinguisher was also. The heater face plate was on the floor. Is this normal? Was it my driving? Over inflated
tires? Can a trailer be too empty? Do people bolt on little shock absorbers sized for Smart Cars?
2) Cover it?
I hate to re-ask a question that has been covered (almost) exhaustively in the archives, but the _right_ answer seems to be very dependent on locale. When we got the trailer, it had a tarp over it for the winter, so after I give it a bath I should tarp it? The manual says "the permanent coating is impervious to everything but Kryptonite, don't cover the trailer with plastic, the color might fade". That's not really a direct quote but it's close.
I've read many posts about moisture problems from and for folks on the Olympic peninsula and other rain forests. Do owners in the North-East use tarps, dehumidifiers, heaters, incandescent bulbs, Dry-Maxx (that might not be spelled right) or other magic to keep the ensolite from drooping, puddles forming, and mold and mildew forests at bay?
Supports?
Should I stand a 2x4 on the inside in case of more snow? This trailer has ensolite on the ceiling. will I damage that with a 2x6 (on top of the 2x4) pressing against it until spring?
Thanks for any insights,
Sean