Luxury camping

[JohnX]

Finally decided we have had enough "roughing" it. New mobile hotel includes hot and cold running water, flush toilet, showers (inside and out), fridge and freezer, radio, 3 burner stove, oven, microwave, awning, queen bed, AC, heater, double sink and plenty of storage. Amie said to make sure I mention the lavender interior :D
http://i26.tinypic.com/sg1vv8.jpg

[xjjeeper19]

you need a long bed...and a common rail....

[lamula]

very cool John, I hope my days of roughing it will soon be over!

[JohnX]

you need a long bed...and a common rail....
Funny, my truck didn't blink an eye at it.

[xjjeeper19]

Funny, my truck didn't blink an eye at it.

12 valves run great, if I need to buy a diesel, it will most likely be a 12v, alot less to deal with...I think I would swap an NV5600 in it though.

Justin



EDIT:...I can't spell

[IslanderOffRoad]

Nice camper, I'd love to have a setup like that.

[Skwerly]

Jealous!! Way cool man, nice!

[tcm glx]

Sweeeet setup man!

[Leep]

Finally decided we have had enough "roughing" it. New mobile hotel includes hot and cold running water, flush toilet, showers (inside and out), fridge and freezer, radio, 3 burner stove, oven, microwave, awning, queen bed, AC, heater, double sink and plenty of storage. Amie said to make sure I mention the lavender interior :D
http://i26.tinypic.com/sg1vv8.jpg

Nice digs man. My 29' RV has all the same ammenities including the lavander upholstery...You do really need a longbed if you ever want to tow anything with the camper on the back.

[djblade311]

nice!

[Jump This]

U B Pimpin'!!

[FishPOET]

x3 on the longbed.

Slide in truck campers (TCs) are designed to fit SBs or LBs. When using a LB TC the center of gravity is designed to be a few inches forward of the rear wheels. When you put the LB TC on a SB truck the COG is behind the rear wheels and that will have a negative effect on the front suspension and steering.

Although your trip home from the dealer may have been OK, once you load everything you need for a weekend of camping (close to 1000#) you may have a different experience.

Some very good reading can be found here:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/27.cfm

[JohnX]

x3 on the longbed.

Slide in truck campers (TCs) are designed to fit SBs or LBs. When using a LB TC the center of gravity is designed to be a few inches forward of the rear wheels. When you put the LB TC on a SB truck the COG is behind the rear wheels and that will have a negative effect on the front suspension and steering.

Although your trip home from the dealer may have been OK, once you load everything you need for a weekend of camping (close to 1000#) you may have a different experience.

Some very good reading can be found here:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/27.cfm



Thanks for the link. I plan to get the truck weighed empty, loaded, and loaded w/trailer so I can see what the actual cog is going to be. I also have a front reciever on the truck, so I might load some items up there if I am concerned. I will of course load everything heavy as low and forward as possible.


Thanks for all the comments everyone....especially you guys who want to buy me a new truck ;) ...but I like mine just how it is.

[FishPOET]

.... and loaded w/trailer ....especially you guys who want to buy me a new truck ;) ...but I like mine just how it is.

If you plan on pulling a 6000# trailer behind that rig to NAXJA events PLEASE be sure to post your routes and dates so that the rest of us can be sure to stay as far away from your nightmare as possible.

[waxer]

If you plan on pulling a 6000# trailer behind that rig to NAXJA events PLEASE be sure to post your routes and dates so that the rest of us can be sure to stay as far away from your nightmare as possible.

I don't see any smilies so he must be serious. :)

In all seriousness... You got the wrong Truck Camper for your truck. You can see by the pictures where all the weight is going to be applied, then add the fact that you'l be towing.... that's a recipe for disaster.

Did you buy this TC from a dealer? If so, I'm surprised they actually let you drive off the lot.

I hope that you stay safe and others around you.


I just picked up one of these myself for my 2500HD Long Bed Duramax/Allison. I too share the sentiment that we are done roughing it. The only thing yours has that mine doesn't is A/C. But for the price I paid, I can add it for relatively cheap. Good find!!.

[terryg]

This really sucks - u have a very nice rig, & I get to stay in a motel room for a couple weeks trying to find an apt or house!!!! Someday when I pull into a campsite w/ a 50' decked out 5th wheeler towing my cruiser (not) I'll say, come on over & have a beer!!!! Nice set-up

[JohnX]

If you plan on pulling a 6000# trailer behind that rig to NAXJA events PLEASE be sure to post your routes and dates so that the rest of us can be sure to stay as far away from your nightmare as possible.
Thanks for your careful consideration of YOUR wellbeing, but I have done some checking....the COG is 3 inches in front of my wheels. I think you really should research what you're talking about before you tell me about MY rig. You really think i would tow something unsafe to a naxja event (or any other place)? This camper is well within the capacity of my truck and I will be under the rated capacity for total (including trailer) vehicle weight. I tried to be polite earlier....but you're being a prick about a camper and a truck based solely on a picture. You don't know the weight, the cog, the upgrades on the truck or anything else about it.

Thanks again ;)

[Gerr]

I kinda agree with John this time guys it doesnt look any worst than 90% of what i see in the mountains towing toys all the time. Load it smartly and you should be ok. so what routes do you take????







Id be care full towing for a completely differnt reason though .............. theres a blue eyed fat guy following you ready to unhook your trailer at the next stop light so he can have the sweet mj :)

[Leep]

Again, nice digs John. We should all get together and go camping when the weather clears up a bit.

Nothing like being out in the middle of no where sucking on some suds knowing that you have a comfy place to lay your head.

[waxer]

Nothing like being out in the middle of no where sucking on some suds knowing that you have a comfy place to lay your head.

Ain't that the truth!!!

[JohnX]

Again, nice digs John. We should all get together and go camping when the weather clears up a bit.

Nothing like being out in the middle of no where sucking on some suds knowing that you have a comfy place to lay your head.
I'm there guys.

We need to do a trial run soon anyway. Hopefully before Calico. I was thinking a weekend trip to Mitchell caverns?

[FishPOET]

Thanks for your careful consideration of YOUR wellbeing, but I have done some checking....the COG is 3 inches in front of my wheels. I think you really should research what you're talking about before you tell me about MY rig. You really think i would tow something unsafe to a naxja event (or any other place)? This camper is well within the capacity of my truck and I will be under the rated capacity for total (including trailer) vehicle weight. I tried to be polite earlier....but you're being a prick about a camper and a truck based solely on a picture. You don't know the weight, the cog, the upgrades on the truck or anything else about it.

Thanks again ;)

Actually a few of us were trying to be kind earlier in letting you know that you didn't due your due diligence in searching for a truck camper. You made a huge mistake. You are putting peoples lives at risk and I am the prick?

Your picture speaks volumes about the mistake you made. Others may not see it, but those of us with experience with truck campers pulling Jeeps on trailers can see it right away. You have TOO MUCH WEIGHT behind the rear axle. This overloads your rear tires while underloading your front end which affects braking and steering.

Without getting into the weight police debate about whether exceeding GVWR or GCVWR or RAWR is or is not a citeable offense, I will tell you that the weight rating that EVERYONE universally agrees upon is the maximum weight load for tires. Tires are your weak link in your ability to safely carry heavy loads in the bed of your truck. I don't care what other upgrades you have done that you think may have increased your trucks capabilities.

From your picture and from your description of all the amenities you have inside your new TC I know that your TC will weigh in at least 3000 lbs once it is loaded. From your picture I can tell that your single rear wheels and tires are at best "E" rated tires. Once you hitch up your Jeep trailer and add in 800 lbs of tongue weight some 36" behind your hitch you will be at least 1000 lbs overweight on your rear tires no matter what other upgrades you think may have increased your trucks capabilities. You will also be severely underloaded on your front axle. Even the best WD hitch made connot correct this situation.

the COG is 3 inches in front of my wheels

Knowing quite a bit about TCs and their design I know that LB TCs are designed to have their COG a few inches in front of the centerline of the rear axle. That part you got right. The part you are having trouble understanding is that you put this LB TC on a shortbed truck. This mistake moves the COG behind the rear axle. Why are you having so much trouble understanding simple physics? Maybe the salesman told you that the COG was in front of the rear axle and you believed him?

Whatever your reasons for choosing the combination you did...I stand by the fact that I do not want to be anywhere near you on the highway. I, as well as many others on this site, have done our due diligence in selecting safe combinations to get our families back and forth to the NAXJA events.

[JohnX]

Actually a few of us were trying to be kind earlier in letting you know that you didn't due your due diligence in searching for a truck camper. You made a huge mistake. You are putting peoples lives at risk and I am the prick?

Your picture speaks volumes about the mistake you made. Others may not see it, but those of us with experience with truck campers pulling Jeeps on trailers can see it right away. You have TOO MUCH WEIGHT behind the rear axle. This overloads your rear tires while underloading your front end which affects braking and steering.

Without getting into the weight police debate about whether exceeding GVWR or GCVWR or RAWR is or is not a citeable offense, I will tell you that the weight rating that EVERYONE universally agrees upon is the maximum weight load for tires. Tires are your weak link in your ability to safely carry heavy loads in the bed of your truck. I don't care what other upgrades you have done that you think may have increased your trucks capabilities.

From your picture and from your description of all the amenities you have inside your new TC I know that your TC will weigh in at least 3000 lbs once it is loaded. From your picture I can tell that your single rear wheels and tires are at best "E" rated tires. Once you hitch up your Jeep trailer and add in 800 lbs of tongue weight some 36" behind your hitch you will be at least 1000 lbs overweight on your rear tires no matter what other upgrades you think may have increased your trucks capabilities. You will also be severely underloaded on your front axle. Even the best WD hitch made connot correct this situation.



Knowing quite a bit about TCs and their design I know that LB TCs are designed to have their COG a few inches in front of the centerline of the rear axle. That part you got right. The part you are having trouble understanding is that you put this LB TC on a shortbed truck. This mistake moves the COG behind the rear axle. Why are you having so much trouble understanding simple physics? Maybe the salesman told you that the COG was in front of the rear axle and you believed him?

Whatever your reasons for choosing the combination you did...I stand by the fact that I do not want to be anywhere near you on the highway. I, as well as many others on this site, have done our due diligence in selecting safe combinations to get our families back and forth to the NAXJA events.


Wow....I had no idea. I guess I should have thought about it a little. I think you're still missing something here. I am the one with the camper, the weight ratings, the cog in inches (which doesn't change from a lb to a sb, on a lb the cog would be 18 inches in front of the axle, an inch is an inch), the weight of the camper (which you clearly don't know), my gear, and my tow setup. I also actually remembered to check the weight rating on my tires (which are brand new). I even used the website YOU provided to double check my numbers.

Apparently this isn't good enough for you...because you can see from a picture taken on uneven that I didn't check any of this.

If it would give you some sort or peace of mind....I will post my results after weighing the whole setup.



BTW....your first "warning" was sufficient...I was being an asshole because your second post was just too much.

[FishPOET]

If it would give you some sort or peace of mind....I will post my results after weighing the whole setup.
Post up your known numbers now. Post up all the specs on the truck and tires. What type of hitch do you have? What type of extension will you be using?


BTW....your first "warning" was sufficient...I was being an asshole because your second post was just too much.
You failed to mention in your first post you were planning on putting your Jeep on a trailer and towing it behind the TC. That changed your setup from stupid to dangerous.

[gcurtis]

I'd recommend one of these:

http://www.torklift.com/p.php?w_page=superhitch

I have one and love it.

As for the weight police, take that discussion over to RV.net, willya?!?

[Leep]

I'm there guys.

We need to do a trial run soon anyway. Hopefully before Calico. I was thinking a weekend trip to Mitchell caverns?

I know that entire valley like the back of my hand. I have hunted quail there many times.

[Dawg]

[quote=gcurtis]I'd recommend one of these:

http://www.torklift.com/p.php?w_page=superhitch

I have one and love it.

Now thats a tow hitch @17000 lbs !! that should just about cover it

[JohnX]

I'd recommend one of these:

http://www.torklift.com/p.php?w_page=superhitch

I have one and love it.

As for the weight police, take that discussion over to RV.net, willya?!?
I was looking at those a little earlier this week....with the positive reviews here I think I might just get one.

[JohnX]

I know that entire valley like the back of my hand. I have hunted quail there many times.
Coool! Maybe around the end of febtober?

[gcurtis]

I was looking at those a little earlier this week....with the positive reviews here I think I might just get one.

You ought to see this thing... built like a brick... Let's say it is stout. I use it with my camper and truck. Pulls straight and solid.

[Leep]

Coool! Maybe around the end of febtober?

Also we can take powerline road toward kelso junction. There are also roads that head to cima, need to get the maps out.

At the top of the pass on powerline there are a ton of mine and building foundations. It is really fun in the wet weather.

Lets chat later and maybe come up with somthing

Leep

[waxer]

You ought to see this thing... built like a brick... Let's say it is stout. I use it with my camper and truck. Pulls straight and solid.

How much did that puppy run?

This weekend when I pick up my TC, I will be building my own version of the Torklift tie downs front and back to support the TC.

My OEM hitch on the Duramax pulls my trailer just fine, but I was curious as to how much the torklift one ran.


Thanks

[gcurtis]

How much did that puppy run?

This weekend when I pick up my TC, I will be building my own version of the Torklift tie downs front and back to support the TC.

My OEM hitch on the Duramax pulls my trailer just fine, but I was curious as to how much the torklift one ran.


Thanks

IIRC, it was $235-ish.

[Gerr]

Actually a few of us were trying to be kind earlier in letting you know that you didn't due your due diligence in searching for a truck camper. You made a huge mistake. You are putting peoples lives at risk and I am the prick?

Your picture speaks volumes about the mistake you made. Others may not see it, but those of us with experience with truck campers pulling Jeeps on trailers can see it right away. You have TOO MUCH WEIGHT behind the rear axle. This overloads your rear tires while underloading your front end which affects braking and steering.

Without getting into the weight police debate about whether exceeding GVWR or GCVWR or RAWR is or is not a citeable offense, I will tell you that the weight rating that EVERYONE universally agrees upon is the maximum weight load for tires. Tires are your weak link in your ability to safely carry heavy loads in the bed of your truck. I don't care what other upgrades you have done that you think may have increased your trucks capabilities.

From your picture and from your description of all the amenities you have inside your new TC I know that your TC will weigh in at least 3000 lbs once it is loaded. From your picture I can tell that your single rear wheels and tires are at best "E" rated tires. Once you hitch up your Jeep trailer and add in 800 lbs of tongue weight some 36" behind your hitch you will be at least 1000 lbs overweight on your rear tires no matter what other upgrades you think may have increased your trucks capabilities. You will also be severely underloaded on your front axle. Even the best WD hitch made connot correct this situation.



Knowing quite a bit about TCs and their design I know that LB TCs are designed to have their COG a few inches in front of the centerline of the rear axle. That part you got right. The part you are having trouble understanding is that you put this LB TC on a shortbed truck. This mistake moves the COG behind the rear axle. Why are you having so much trouble understanding simple physics? Maybe the salesman told you that the COG was in front of the rear axle and you believed him?

Whatever your reasons for choosing the combination you did...I stand by the fact that I do not want to be anywhere near you on the highway. I, as well as many others on this site, have done our due diligence in selecting safe combinations to get our families back and forth to the NAXJA events.
holy crap dude I didnt like you before because of your attitude now I really don't like your self righteous ass. I trust John's judgment having known him a while and seeing his care and consideration in how he builds drives and camps.

[waxer]

holy crap dude I didnt like you before because of your attitude now I really don't like your self righteous ass. I trust John's judgment having known him a while and seeing his care and consideration in how he builds drives and camps.

I agree he did come off a little arrogant, but he does have some merit with some of his statements regarding the truck camper.

I'd atleast take it somewhere to be looked at. Better to be safe than sorry.

I would take a guess that the excess weight in the back would lighten up the front end of the truck. Not sure on how much, I'm not a mathmatical genius, but it's easy enough to check. Load things up as you would for a run and go get the stuff weighed.

In any event. I like the TC and can't wait to use mine out there. Perhaps we will meet up for a run one day. That'd be great to relax in front of the camp fire with some cold brews... knowing we get to sleep in a comfy, heated camper. Oh the excitement!! :)

[JohnX]

I'd atleast take it somewhere to be looked at. Better to be safe than sorry.

I would take a guess that the excess weight in the back would lighten up the front end of the truck. Not sure on how much, I'm not a mathmatical genius, but it's easy enough to check. Load things up as you would for a run and go get the stuff weighed.

Thats exactly what I said I will do, and I will not comment further on the matter until I have. The truck is 4x4 and diesel, so I bet the front is already a little portly....but I will post details after te weigh in :D


I never imagined a picture of a truck and camper would make for so much entertaining reading ;) Thanks for all the posts everyone.

[Leep]

holy crap dude I didnt like you before because of your attitude now I really don't like your self righteous ass. I trust John's judgment having known him a while and seeing his care and consideration in how he builds drives and camps.

Ok, I Just did the dilligance on my RV, It is a 1994 Tioga Class C measuring 29'7" from end to end. It Unlaiden GVW is 11700 and from center of rear axle to end point of coach is 11'7" so that leaves me 18' from center of rear axle to front most point of coach. I would guess that 35% of the total coach is setting behind the rear wheels. I also pull a 21' enclosed trailer with a 2100 lb racecar and gear. I would say the entire weight of the thailer is close to 7k. So putting me at a total weight of around 19.5k for the coach and the trailer.

Ohh, my coach has loadrange E tires and the recomendation for that is "D".

Oh yes, I do have a weight distribution hitch for the trailer and supplemental braking for the trailer. Am I weight legal, prob not. Is my coach setup to to pull the weight, yes. Am I safely setup to pull the trailer, yes. Do I speed when towing, no!. Do I pay attention to others around me when towing, YES.

See, we do the research before we would adversely put anyone else much less ourselvs in danger.

I beleive that JohnX has done the same, or he prob not have done it. I have only known him a very short time but others that I have known a while and know john trust his judgement.

So, wheel on John and we'll see you at the trails...

Leep :peace:

[TackerT]

Well said Leep!!!!

[FishPOET]

I'll say it one more time and then I am done with this thread. I know a bit about the design and engineering of TCs. The TCs are designed not only to be used on the truck, but off the truck as well. If what John believes to be true about his TC is in fact true....that the CoG is in front of his rear wheels..then GRAVITY would dictate that when the camper was on 4 corner jacks it would lean forward and fall over due to the weight and height and distance of the front overhang. The CoG is engineered and built into all TCs to be both stable on the ground and on the truck. They SPECIFICALLY design and engineer TCs to fit shortbeds and longbeds. By putting a LB TC on a SB truck you are putting the CoG of the TC behind the rear axle, no matter what the salesman says.

What happens when he hitches up his 6000 lbs trailer (800 lbs tongue weight) some 60" behind his rear axle and then has to stop suddenly? The brakes on the trailer will magnify the 800 lbs pushing down on the fulcrum point 60" behind his rear axle and it will unload the front axle...where 75% of the trucks braking and 100% of the trucks steering occurs. Shouldn't be all that difficult to understand for most of you gearheads. Add that in to the already overloaded rear axle and underloaded front axle and you have a recipe for disaster.

And Gerr, I am proud to not have you like my self righteous ass. That puts me in good company with many others here on NAXJA.

[karstic]

FishPOET and Gerr

Talk your personal flaming bullshit backchannel.

[Calamity]

"And Gerr, I am proud to not have you like my self righteous ass. That puts me in good company with many others here on NAXJA"

You sure like to speak for the others here on NAXJA a lot.

[silverslk]

"And Gerr, I am proud to not have you like my self righteous ass. That puts me in good company with many others here on NAXJA"

You sure like to speak for the others here on NAXJA a lot.


I thought Karstic made it clear........please drop all the "non-thread" related BS.

[Leep]

I thought Karstic made it clear........please drop all the "non-thread" related BS.

I'll drink to that. Then again I will drink to just about anything, however I am a alcoholic with a jeeping problem.

:cheers:

[Calamity]

My apologies....I was just trying to stick up for Dan.

P.S. Leep: (This is Mrs. JohnX) from one alcoholic with a jeeping problem to another, I am super excited about some good wheeling and camping in the new camper...andf some good drinking. We should definitely make some plans!

[Leep]

My apologies....I was just trying to stick up for Dan.

P.S. Leep: (This is Mrs. JohnX) from one alcoholic with a jeeping problem to another, I am super excited about some good wheeling and camping in the new camper...and some good drinking. We should definitely make some plans!

Will do, hey PM LADY_LEEP, she is excited that I just her YJ done. If you are a horse lover then you two will get along good.

Leep

[Gerr]

And Gerr, I am proud to not have you like my self righteous ass. That puts me in good company with many others here on NAXJA.
Now thats funny right there theres what 3 people on her I can say I don't like but still wheel with and am cordial to and then theres maybe 2 others who I just don't like wont deal with at all, how ever there are a few other people whom Ive had arguments and disagreements with but that doesn't mean I don't like them it's part of being friends...........your not in a boat with many others on Naxja or any other group for that matter

My apologies....I was just trying to stick up for Dan.

P.S. Leep: (This is Mrs. JohnX) from one alcoholic with a jeeping problem to another, I am super excited about some good wheeling and camping in the new camper...andf some good drinking. We should definitely make some plans!

Hey whats with all the wives getting on here next thing you know we will have doilies on the picnic tables LOL Thanks for sticking up for me Im a big boy with my big boy pants on and I kinda like causing a ruckus once in a while keeps me on my toes, and makes for some fun reading once in a while. Any one that truly knows me and my wife knows I can be a asshole but I know how to take care of my friends and if your one of them you know it.

[waxer]

Well I ended up getting our TC home today. I checked out the price of the tork-lift mounting and said to hell with it. Made my own. I only got the fronts done now, I'll get the rears done in a week or two. Definitely before I take it out.

I went through everything and everything works (stove, oven, water pump, water heater, heater, shower, toilet, lights. The fridge took forever to get the freezer part cold running off of propane, the fridge portion didn't get that cold at all. However, it does get cold off of AC. So I might need to get the fridge serviced or replaced.

http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8387-2/DSC06038.JPG

http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8389-2/DSC06039.JPG

http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8393-2/DSC06040.JPG

Does anyone know what the hell this thing is for? My only guess if for light @ night so you don't drain the batteries??
http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8405-2/DSC06043.JPG


I can't wait to take this thing out and camp in comfort for a change. Perhaps we'll see you around JohnX.

[4xSanta]

I had one of these in a trailer I had years ago it's a combination heater and light and they work great (keep a window cracked for air though)....SANTA

[waxer]

Yah not much heat comes from it, but I can see the light being useful.

The trailer is a 1979 Lance, so it makes sense that it is there.


Thanks

[karstic]

Does anyone know what the hell this thing is for? My only guess if for light @ night so you don't drain the batteries??
http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8405-2/DSC06043.JPG


I can't wait to take this thing out and camp in comfort for a change. Perhaps we'll see you around JohnX.

Old Skool, baby

[Gerr]

Old Skool, baby
our tent trailer has one and the light is actually pretty good and surprisingly the heat it gives off does seem to make a differnce when its like 30 out side

[Rawbrown]

love it john...
I have probably the scariest setup. so bag on me fishpoet...
I have a 96' ram lb 4x4 extracab.
I have a lance that weights in at around 2500# empty.
my jeep weights 3100# and I load it onto my 1800# trailer..
I have the 12v CTD pushing about 311hp.
airbrakes and a manual lockup for my TC clutch.

Its not my tires that I'm worried about, its my wheels. But how i load the camper and trailer is the real key.
load the heaviest items on the floor at the front of the camper and go up from there. load stuff onto the bed. put your trashcan in the bathroom and leave the back end of the camper empty. The best is to just pile everything on the floor against the cab. use those two cabinets to load stuff inside the bed in front of the wheel wells.
for the trailer, use a weight distribution hitch and load the jeep heavy on the trailer and light on the tongue. with the camper you have enough presence on the rear axle to do the job and you are not going to get pushed around by the trailer.
Make your own hitch for the trailer. I used sections of 2" .187" wall tube. my problem is, that there isn't enough vertical separation between the center main hitch tube and the two side tubes. So for added strength I am going to use a pair of turnbuckles coming from the bed of the truck to help pull up on hitch. I load the jeep at the back of the trailer with the tail hanging off to keep weight off the tongue. thats at about 500# and the truck and trailer stay pretty level. I've had to jump on the brakes hard and I have not ever felt myself out of control.
exhaust brakes are very helpful. I can hold a 10% grade at 45mph while being loaded in exess of 17k total weight.
on those torque mounts you made. I suggest doubling up that piece of angled tube.

[Rawbrown]

oh and don't every tell me I don't know what the hell I'm doing.
you can call my crazy but leave it at that.
my truck weights 7000#'s. with the camper its over 11k. I have a dana 70 axle thats rated for 7500#. I have airbags that do an awsome job of pushing it level.

[Gerr]

oh and don't every tell me I don't know what the hell I'm doing.
you can call my crazy but leave it at that.
my truck weights 7000#'s. with the camper its over 11k. I have a dana 70 axle thats rated for 7500#. I have airbags that do an awsome job of pushing it level.
holy crap man I would have never guessed your setup weighed in at that much. your truck looks to handle it very well

[Rawbrown]

wait, now that its morning time I have to look up my notes... I think I am of by 1000#'s. crap where did I put them... I first weighted it with the truck camper and trailer empty and it was I think around 11700 or something. then I pulled forward and weighted just the trailer that was 1800 ish. and I've weighted the truck empty before when recycling steel. which was right about 7k. and I've weighted the jeep seperate which was 3100# with only 1100# on the rear axle.
then when I load all the supplies, welder, generator, beer, beer, beer, beer...

I keep telling people this, I want a super cheap 5th wheel trailer with a 26' deck so that I can mount the camper up front and have a flatbed for the jeep on back.

[shelbyluvv]

Wow, YOu Calihomos are a danger to yourselves and everyone else on the roads. Do us southern folk a favor and stay over there on the wrong coast!













Just playing fellas, nice rig John!

[JohnX]

For all of you who were just dying to know...

Gross combined weight fully loaded for Calico with all tanks full (water and fuel) ready to roll.....drumroll please....



16,340 lbs.

FYI Gross vehicle combined weight rating for my truck is 18K.

I am 400 lbs heavy on the rear axle, and a few hundred over on the total truck weight, but all other numbers are good. Someone better call the cops on me :D

Drove it to the scales and she handles pretty nice. The airbags provide the stable, level ride I hoped they would. The new injectors bring me to around 330 horse and 750 lb ft and seem to move the beast along faster than I want to go. No trouble doing 60mph in overdrive at a leasurely 1800 rpm on level ground. Going up cajon should be a breeze, coming down I think I'll keep it around 45 just to be safe. Truck brakes and trailer brakes work well....but why risk it.

[scottmcneal]

[quote=waxerDoes anyone know what the hell this thing is for? My only guess if for light @ night so you don't drain the batteries??
http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8405-2/DSC06043.JPG


You need the white bag that ties too the lamp, just like the one's in the lantern's Just make sure you have fresh air coming in when you use the light..... It will heat you rig up nice.... ( mantles ) i think thats what you call them

[Monkey55]

For all of you who were just dying to know...

Gross combined weight fully loaded for Calico with all tanks full (water and fuel) ready to roll.....drumroll please....



16,340 lbs.

FYI Gross vehicle combined weight rating for my truck is 18K.

I am 400 lbs heavy on the rear axle, and a few hundred over on the total truck weight, but all other numbers are good. Someone better call the cops on me :D

Drove it to the scales and she handles pretty nice. The airbags provide the stable, level ride I hoped they would. The new injectors bring me to around 330 horse and 750 lb ft and seem to move the beast along faster than I want to go. No trouble doing 60mph in overdrive at a leasurely 1800 rpm on level ground. Going up cajon should be a breeze, coming down I think I'll keep it around 45 just to be safe. Truck brakes and trailer brakes work well....but why risk it.

John,

:lecture: I heard that they've been cracking down on "over-weight" vehicles up there in Calico. They weigh you before they let you "unload" your stuff.. You may want to fill your tires with helium or don't eat b-fast.... :gag:











:D





E

[Dawg]

For all of you who were just dying to know...

Gross combined weight fully loaded for Calico with all tanks full (water and fuel) ready to roll.....drumroll please....



16,340 lbs.

FYI Gross vehicle combined weight rating for my truck is 18K.

I am 400 lbs heavy on the rear axle, and a few hundred over on the total truck weight, but all other numbers are good. Someone better call the cops on me :D

Drove it to the scales and she handles pretty nice. The airbags provide the stable, level ride I hoped they would. The new injectors bring me to around 330 horse and 750 lb ft and seem to move the beast along faster than I want to go. No trouble doing 60mph in overdrive at a leasurely 1800 rpm on level ground. Going up cajon should be a breeze, coming down I think I'll keep it around 45 just to be safe. Truck brakes and trailer brakes work well....but why risk it. Couldnt you move that 400lbs with a load leveling hitch set up ? Nice rig buy the way

[Gerr]

Couldnt you move that 400lbs with a load leveling hitch set up ? Nice rig buy the way
I was just thinking the same thing. We use one on a trailer at my work that hauls a bobcat and without it the rear axel was about 500# over and with it is about 100# under. Im not sure how it would help the situation for moving weight around thats actually on the truck though

[JohnX]

Couldnt you move that 400lbs with a load leveling hitch set up ? Nice rig buy the way


I was just thinking the same thing. We use one on a trailer at my work that hauls a bobcat and without it the rear axel was about 500# over and with it is about 100# under. Im not sure how it would help the situation for moving weight around thats actually on the truck though


Yep...I considered doing that if I needed to shift some weight. But honestly....400 lbs ? I really don't give an eff :D I figure that the air bags that I added (rated for a couple thousand pounds) are good enought to cover my extra 400? So that just leaves the tires. I would really love to be under on all counts...but if my only worry is that the rear tires are a few hundred over????

Anyway, there are a few more options for the next trip.

1. Don't bring as much crap!!!!!
2. Reload some of the extra stuff into the Jeep or on the trailer.
3. Drain the water tank...fill it at the last good location before my destination.
4. Load trailer with less tongue weight and add a sway control bar to it.
5. Cry about it and quit jeeping.
6. Buy a bigger truck (yeah thats about as likely as number 5)

[Rawbrown]

I had tires rated at 3000# per tire on the trip out to truckhaven. I lost 2 of them. Now I run tires rated at 3750#. they are good.

[JohnX]

I had tires rated at 3000# per tire on the trip out to truckhaven. I lost 2 of them. Now I run tires rated at 3750#. they are good.

Due to weight only? Old tires? worn out maybe? road debris?

Do tell.

[Gerr]

move the jeep back about 6 inches on the trailer that should move some weight off the rear axle too. I know when I tow my YJ theres a sweet spot on the trailer where it is balanced and a inch or two in either direction lets me shift the weight around easily

[Rawbrown]

Due to weight only? Old tires? worn out maybe? road debris?

Do tell.
My rigs fawking heavy with the camper on it and the jeep on the trailer. I think a combo of both older tires of questionable condition. I bought them used thinking they would be ok... I was wrong. lost the front tire in borrego springs and I felt it going, then lost the rear in oceanside. The tires i have now... not a question. awsome. Hancook mud terrains. #3750 per tire. I have a Dana 70 rear and its good for 7500# as well. I am redesigning my hitch for the rear. As it was, I had a big heavy hitch extension. Even modified it to hold more stable. But it still put the tongue way out from the rear axle. load equalizing and sway control were strugling. I'm redoing it for the summer though. I found that there is enough clearance under the camper for the trailer. so I'm going to take down the side rails in the front of the trailer and basically eliminate the hitch extension. only place I will have to watch it is driveways and deep dips. jackknifing isn't the worry but smacking the blackwater tank on the trailer deck is.
Tomorrow however I am going to check out a pair of heavy duty axles. can't pass up $100 each. I'm just gonna make my own damn trailer.
Then I'll have to go get either a non commercial class A license or endorsments for my class C that let me tow over 10k

[Gerr]

There are some regs about how long tongues and stuff can be on trailers so before you start your build look in to it, my work got nailed for a illegal trailer by dot a couple weeks ago

[altierior]

If you plan on pulling a 6000# trailer behind that rig to NAXJA events PLEASE be sure to post your routes and dates so that the rest of us can be sure to stay as far away from your nightmare as possible.
http://smileys.yuskonet.com/2/215701800100.gif

[altierior]

nice rig. http://smileys.yuskonet.com/4/icon_thumleft.gif
i'd love one of those! (but only if i could still tow the XJ!)

[Rawbrown]

There are some regs about how long tongues and stuff can be on trailers so before you start your build look in to it, my work got nailed for a illegal trailer by dot a couple weeks ago
Not changing the tongue. just moving the hitch closer to the rear axle. right now, its a bit out there and I don't like it. Just sucking it under the camper.

[Dawg]

Not changing the tongue. just moving the hitch closer to the rear axle. right now, its a bit out there and I don't like it. Just sucking it under the camper. Do you have any pics of the current set up ?

[Gerr]

Not changing the tongue. just moving the hitch closer to the rear axle. right now, its a bit out there and I don't like it. Just sucking it under the camper.
when i get to work monday Ill get a pic of the hitches we are installing on the new chevy 3500's it mounts about a inch in front of the axle and has a built in extender to get to the rear of the bumper kinda like a 5th wheel or goose neck but under the bed