The camper thread! Pulling, using, equipment, maintenance!
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,051
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
You are correct on both fronts. EVERYTHING costs more up here, sure we could buy one cheaper in the lower 48 but either shipping or flying down and driving up would end up about the same price as buying it here so it's a moot point. That said I know many people who took two weeks and flew down and got a SMOKING deal on a RV and drove it home still saving money.
At our price point I don't expect to find anything with a slide out. I've been dealing with my 20ft travel trailer so a 30-36ft motorhome will be a huge improvement just for more elbow and storage room alone, IF I can get more sleeping area it will be even better.
At our price point I don't expect to find anything with a slide out. I've been dealing with my 20ft travel trailer so a 30-36ft motorhome will be a huge improvement just for more elbow and storage room alone, IF I can get more sleeping area it will be even better.
Any thoughts to just upgrading to a larger TT with a slide or two? Should be much less expensive than a MH I would think. And I know your EX can tow a decent amount.
We have done lots of thinking on the subject (for ourselves and our situation) and a TT pulled by the EX is our best setup for how we currently do our trips on vacation time off. Once we retire (the sooner, the better!) we feel that a large Class A MH and a trailer for the toys will be our goal.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 495
From: NC
The Surveyor did another great trip behind the Ex to DC this past week. Cherry Hill Park refunded us a day of camping because we left early due to the rain. I would definitely recommend the park, We were in 1402, it was a little tight for the camper but any other sites near 1402 would be great. The bathhouses were super clean.
The Ex pulled like a champ, we came back US29 because of the pouring rain and it held its own through the mountains.
I did make a quick campground repair, my lower hose upper clamp was seeping, taking the air box and plastic intercooler tube loose to access the clamp was not fun with basic tools. I turned the clamp one turn and all is good.
Less than 2 weeks, Carolina Beach State Park, this trip we are going to relax and not go go go.
The Ex pulled like a champ, we came back US29 because of the pouring rain and it held its own through the mountains.
I did make a quick campground repair, my lower hose upper clamp was seeping, taking the air box and plastic intercooler tube loose to access the clamp was not fun with basic tools. I turned the clamp one turn and all is good.
Less than 2 weeks, Carolina Beach State Park, this trip we are going to relax and not go go go.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
Any thoughts to just upgrading to a larger TT with a slide or two? Should be much less expensive than a MH I would think. And I know your EX can tow a decent amount.
We have done lots of thinking on the subject (for ourselves and our situation) and a TT pulled by the EX is our best setup for how we currently do our trips on vacation time off. Once we retire (the sooner, the better!) we feel that a large Class A MH and a trailer for the toys will be our goal.
We have done lots of thinking on the subject (for ourselves and our situation) and a TT pulled by the EX is our best setup for how we currently do our trips on vacation time off. Once we retire (the sooner, the better!) we feel that a large Class A MH and a trailer for the toys will be our goal.
This was our old '94 on a Ford chassis with a 460...funny thing is it's for sale again on CL right now!
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,051
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
Originally that is what this itch started as, a bigger trailer. But I really started missing our old 34' class A. I like the idea of driving one unit as a whole and being able to tow a trailer with the toys behind it. Plus it will save my F-150 or Ex from having to do tow duties. Since I've never had slides I'm not missing anything right now. I know if I ever get them there will be no going back. For as little use as any RV we have will get, I don't need to spend a ton on it.
This was our old '94 on a Ford chassis with a 460...funny thing is it's for sale again on CL right now!
This was our old '94 on a Ford chassis with a 460...funny thing is it's for sale again on CL right now!
Yeah, I guess our camping season (even here in the Mid-Atlantic) is a little longer, so (at least theoretically) we can get out more often. We camped in early Nov to end last season and already have been out for a week in mid March this year.
Good luck with your Class A search Russ!
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,051
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
The Surveyor did another great trip behind the Ex to DC this past week. Cherry Hill Park refunded us a day of camping because we left early due to the rain. I would definitely recommend the park, We were in 1402, it was a little tight for the camper but any other sites near 1402 would be great. The bathhouses were super clean.
Thanks for the report! It looks like a decent CG. We are going with a group of four rigs but they won't provide us with the actual sites until we check in, I'm not a fan of that policy. They will give you site numbers upon reservation if you book a "Premium site", we said OK, give us 4 of those and they replied that they were all booked already. Hopefully it will work out and they do keep us all together as they promised. I am just much more comfortable heading to a place knowing that site "X" is empty and waiting for me and I like having some input (based on their online CG map and GoogleEarth) on which site I like the looks of for our setup.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 495
From: NC
Thanks for the report! It looks like a decent CG. We are going with a group of four rigs but they won't provide us with the actual sites until we check in, I'm not a fan of that policy. They will give you site numbers upon reservation if you book a "Premium site", we said OK, give us 4 of those and they replied that they were all booked already. Hopefully it will work out and they do keep us all together as they promised. I am just much more comfortable heading to a place knowing that site "X" is empty and waiting for me and I like having some input (based on their online CG map and GoogleEarth) on which site I like the looks of for our setup.
Speaking of which, an Ex is a fish out of water in DC, finding a parking place or parking deck for it is tough. Do yourself a favor, park at a Metro station or take the bus, we parked at the Metro.
The premium sited only had a patio table and brick patio extra than the standard sites. The wifi in the park actually let the Roku hook up and run Netflix. The park also has good security and a camp store with a bunch of RV stuff and repair parts.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
Yeah, I guess our camping season (even here in the Mid-Atlantic) is a little longer, so (at least theoretically) we can get out more often. We camped in early Nov to end last season and already have been out for a week in mid March this year.
Good luck with your Class A search Russ!
Good luck with your Class A search Russ!
My trailer is still socked in, took this photo tonight after dinner.
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville NC
Some questions
First of all thanks to everyone that has shared their knowledge here on this thread. I made it a point to read (Ok, maybe not word for word) every post in this thread and it was very helpful to say the least. I have a ton of questions I would like to ask but I'll refrain from going crazy all at once.
George Mason
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mods Edit: George, I copied this post to its own thread in the 7.3L forum, which can be found here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17087997
I did so (and edited this post too) because your question is better asked in the 7.3L tech forum where we cover the engine and trans really well, and also because it doesn't fit with the purpose of this thread.
When it comes to your other questions regarding your Ex, please start a new thread with your concerns so we can specifically address your problems there, in the thread you create.
Thanks!
George Mason
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mods Edit: George, I copied this post to its own thread in the 7.3L forum, which can be found here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17087997
I did so (and edited this post too) because your question is better asked in the 7.3L tech forum where we cover the engine and trans really well, and also because it doesn't fit with the purpose of this thread.
When it comes to your other questions regarding your Ex, please start a new thread with your concerns so we can specifically address your problems there, in the thread you create.
Thanks!
Last edited by Stewart_H; Apr 4, 2017 at 11:46 AM.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
Likes: 149
From: In the field...
Boondocking/Dry Camping Suggestions
Sit Rep:
I am taking my TT to an event that does not have hook ups. Three people spending two days/two nights, 48 gallons fresh water should be plenty.
Weather could be hot (90°) during the day and cool (40°) at night.
I have a 3250 W genset that I have used to operate my previous TT with 13500 BTU A/C, according to specs my current TT also has 13500 BTU.
I already have an adapter for 30 AMP RV to 20 AMP usable on my current genset.
Question:
If I get a Honda EU2000 and EU2000i companion (run in parallel) which has a 26.6 AMP outlet. Will I need a different adapter or should my standard 30 AMP to 20 AMP adapter work?
Thanks, I hate dealing with electricity.
I am taking my TT to an event that does not have hook ups. Three people spending two days/two nights, 48 gallons fresh water should be plenty.
Weather could be hot (90°) during the day and cool (40°) at night.
I have a 3250 W genset that I have used to operate my previous TT with 13500 BTU A/C, according to specs my current TT also has 13500 BTU.
I already have an adapter for 30 AMP RV to 20 AMP usable on my current genset.
Question:
If I get a Honda EU2000 and EU2000i companion (run in parallel) which has a 26.6 AMP outlet. Will I need a different adapter or should my standard 30 AMP to 20 AMP adapter work?
Thanks, I hate dealing with electricity.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 60
From: Central NH
Sit Rep:
I am taking my TT to an event that does not have hook ups. Three people spending two days/two nights, 48 gallons fresh water should be plenty.
Weather could be hot (90°) during the day and cool (40°) at night.
I have a 3250 W genset that I have used to operate my previous TT with 13500 BTU A/C, according to specs my current TT also has 13500 BTU.
I already have an adapter for 30 AMP RV to 20 AMP usable on my current genset.
Question:
If I get a Honda EU2000 and EU2000i companion (run in parallel) which has a 26.6 AMP outlet. Will I need a different adapter or should my standard 30 AMP to 20 AMP adapter work?
Thanks, I hate dealing with electricity.
I am taking my TT to an event that does not have hook ups. Three people spending two days/two nights, 48 gallons fresh water should be plenty.
Weather could be hot (90°) during the day and cool (40°) at night.
I have a 3250 W genset that I have used to operate my previous TT with 13500 BTU A/C, according to specs my current TT also has 13500 BTU.
I already have an adapter for 30 AMP RV to 20 AMP usable on my current genset.
Question:
If I get a Honda EU2000 and EU2000i companion (run in parallel) which has a 26.6 AMP outlet. Will I need a different adapter or should my standard 30 AMP to 20 AMP adapter work?
Thanks, I hate dealing with electricity.
Does your camper have an EMS installed to protect the electrical system? If not, you should be all set. If so, you may need to make or buy a plug with a bonded neutral so the EMS doesn't detect a fault running on the gens.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 60
From: Central NH
Sorry, I think I spoke too soon. Just looked at a companion on Amazon and it has a twist lock style 30A plug, and not RV style.
You will want one of these....
In theory, you can use your current 15a style adapter, but I think your RV will probably draw enough to trip the breaker on the generator, especially if you run the A/C.
You will want one of these....
In theory, you can use your current 15a style adapter, but I think your RV will probably draw enough to trip the breaker on the generator, especially if you run the A/C.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
Likes: 149
From: In the field...
Mark, the Companion should already have a 30 amp RV style plug in it. No adapter should be needed.
Does your camper have an EMS installed to protect the electrical system? If not, you should be all set. If so, you may need to make or buy a plug with a bonded neutral so the EMS doesn't detect a fault running on the gens.
Does your camper have an EMS installed to protect the electrical system? If not, you should be all set. If so, you may need to make or buy a plug with a bonded neutral so the EMS doesn't detect a fault running on the gens.
Sorry, I think I spoke too soon. Just looked at a companion on Amazon and it has a twist lock style 30A plug, and not RV style.
You will want one of these....
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-55272-R...+to+rv+adapter
You will want one of these....
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-55272-R...+to+rv+adapter
Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 60
From: Central NH
EMS is electrical management system, commonly referred to as a surge protector. I assume you would probably know if one was installed prior to your purchase. I only mention it because I installed one in our camper and discovered the hard way I would have to bypass it to run the camper off my EU2000i. I guess what I'm saying is be sure and try the camper on generator power before your trip ( even though I know you would anyway).
See? Something else you need now !
See? Something else you need now !
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,051
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
EMS = Electric Management System, basically a high end surge suppressor and voltage monitor that will cut out the power if it gets crappy. We have a 50 Amp EMS hardwired in our TT.
We have a set of the little Hondas with the connector cables and use the 3 prong twist-lock to standard 30 Amp RV adapter, they were able to run the 15k AC on the old toyhauler. You may also be able to buy and install the "soft start" kit for the AC, it lets it start slower so the power spike at startup doesn't go as high, supposedly works well with smaller gensets.
And Scott types faster than me.......everybody types faster than me!