I want a tent trailer

Rocketdork · Post by **Rocketdork** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:49 pm

I am looking for a tent trailer, it must be in great condition, weigh less than 3000 lbs and be less than $5000, anybody know where one is at? It would be really nice if it was within about 60 miles of Spokane.

Reply in a PM if you do.

ironpants · Post by **ironpants** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 7:43 pm

I'll take a look around Seattle, I drive back and forth enough that I could deliver if you find the right one.

ROh

Eve · Post by **Eve** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 2:43 am

Which leads me to think of Warren (my friend the Linux God), who, when goes camping, does so in style.

I call his tent setup "the Mason Hilton" because his tent not only has fold-up beds, but a fully functional 'fridge, tv, stereo, wardrobes, couch and wait for it... air conditioner!

All the stuff bought for cheap at yard sales etc, but there it is!

Rocketdork · Post by **Rocketdork** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 7:58 am

I've developed a serious liking to this one.

You'll notice that it has AC, a full on bathroom, refrigerator, stove, stereo and sleeps 6 (as long as they are GOOODDD friends).

I am going to go look at it tomorrow, if they still have it (they should we checked yesterday, and they aren't open today) and its in good shape, I think I'll buy it...

Of course, this means giving up the Motorcycles for this year, next year is looking good.

Pigman · Post by **Pigman** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 8:22 am

I have owned several different types of camping trailers, even held a membership in the Royal Caravan and Camping Club when I lived in the UK. I liked the type of camping trailer that allowed you to get it all set up during the week with whatever you needed to just hook up and leave for somewhere Friday after work.

It would appear that the camper in your post is not a fold up? It looks like a nice double axle, with a fold out sleeping quarters.. is that right?

We went to the camping trailer show a few weeks ago at the fairgrounds.. Plenty of nice stuff and very resonable rates. Did you go, RD?

We were VERY busy yesterday, took our boat "The Dixie Wrecked" to the Marina for summerizing and to have a mount point added for a new electric motor to move the boat around while still fishing.

I sure am looking forward to summer!

Rocketdork · Post by **Rocketdork** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 8:44 am

You are correct Pigman, it is not a fold up, but does have tip out sleeping quarters...

I haven't actually seen it, other than on the net, but the guy I talked to said it has been very well taken care of, he did point out one flaw.

It appears that this trailer will allow for loading up during the week and then just leave on Friday for the weekend adventure (usually rockets).

I didn't make it to the show you mentioned, I wasn't even in the market for one until this past week. The one shown seems to be a very good deal, I haven't been able to match it thus far...we'll see for sure when I take a look at it on Monday. Not in a rush to buy, but this looks like it would be worth it.

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 10:32 am

Just remember that this is a fold out and is much heavier then a pop-up. When figuring out the weight add around 1000# or more for the gear, food, and water that you will take with you. Don't over load your truck as it will do serious damage to the rear end. Remember that the veichle rating is for braking and not for how much it will pull. If too heavy you will get going but the trailer will push the truck when trying to stop. Very scary on hills.

Also look at how big the waste tank is in this. Is the tank for both grey(dish water) and black(poop)? how much water will the fresh tank hold and is there enuff room to hold all the waste? My fresh water is around 30 gals and I still have to take extra with. I usally dump the grey water at least once in a bush away from camp(read that berry bushes love soap) when half full. This is about 2 quick showers and 2 loads of dishes. If it has combined tanks you will not be able to do this.

The fridge in that trailer is just like mine and are known for dying early. This can be a $700-$1000 repair job with the dometic fridges.

Lady J didn't want this type of trailer as every sound from inside(Cha-Cha!) and outside can be heard very clearly.

Look at Parkway Chevy in deerpark http://www.parkwayrv.com/companies/pre.html this links right to thier used page. Our trailer is identical to the 1994 Terry Travel Trailer just a few years older and diff colors. They are one of the best dealerships I found when I bought my truck. No B/S, just quick easy dealing.

One last piece of advise. Start looking now for a equalizer hitch. Your small truck would be much improved by using one. It uses levrage bars to lift the sag at the rear end of the truck and keeps your front tires on the ground for the turns and such.

If you have any questions feel free to give me a call anytime. I have been through this kind of stuff many times through out the years.

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 10:38 am

If any one is looking foe a fifth-wheel hitch I have one in my garage that I need to get rid of. I think it is good for 15k or 18k. Will sell cheap (around $100 or less). This hitch came with my truck.

Post by **bio** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:16 pm

I know someone who's selling a fifth-wheel trailor.

Buy ZIPPER's hitch and my friends trailer... you'll be set.

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 2:25 pm

For his small truck it could be possible, but it would have to be under 18ft.

Rocketdork · Post by **Rocketdork** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 2:38 pm

OH, btw I am planning on pulling it with the VAN. 5th wheels are out with that configuration.

The van is rated to pull 3500lbs, in talking with the mechanics at Mazda, they say go for it...its a solid vehicle. The trailer is 2500 lbs empty...

as for brakes? I'll just push till my foot touches the ground. No electric brakes on the trailer, not that I have them installed in the van...

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 2:54 pm

Just remember this YABA-DABA-DOO!

If you find one with elec brakes, let me know, I can help install them. Makes a big difference stopping. I may even have a unit here at home. I remember taking it out of the old truck as a backup.

Rocketdork · Post by **Rocketdork** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 8:57 am

ZIPPER wrote:Lady J didn't want this type of trailer as every sound from inside(Cha-Cha!) and outside can be heard very clearly.

Yeah, but you guys are young...you have reasons to keep the noises inside. I am old and gray, we don't do anything that makes noise anymore.

Anyway, sex for us usually involves a lot of screaming, but that's usually over by the time we get busy...

Post by **bio** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 10:03 am

Rocketdork wrote:Anyway, sex for us usually involves a lot of screaming...

Sounds more like rape.

Rocketdork · Post by **Rocketdork** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 10:13 am

bio wrote:Sounds more like rape.

Nope, not rape, the screaming is the argument before hand...PLEASE? its been a month...NO way, last time you missed, and that hole is exit only...

You get the picture...I hope!