Picked this lil guy up Friday


Cougar 334RDB 37'8"


7.3 loved it. Shifted into 6th n let er run


Nasty weather, but towed real well

 

Nice looking combo. trailer looks very nice.

 

She's a beauty Wesley...congrats!!

 

 

It was as "empty" as it will be for a loong time at 10,600, loaded will be 12,400

Kingpin was around 48", squatted the truck less than 1"

 

 

Yes it is. Feel your pain, had to move axles from above springs to below on the last 5th also. This one was perfect height. Hitched up 1st time, measured the frame front n rear, 27 1/2" at each end

 

 

I've been busy getting our "new to us" 2000 Gulfstream Yellowstone 34 ft ready for long term camping. I retired in June and wife this April.
We purchased this twice-used rig from my Father and drove it from MN to WA state. We're now selling our house and plan to Fulltime it for possible up to a year.

I removed the winter cover off the RV and staged it in the RV garage with slides out in preparation for our permanent departure in 7 weeks from now.
I've been making a few upgrades.
First, a 22" TV in the bedroom with an articulated arm to move it out of the way when we need to.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto...8_145639-L.jpg

I put the black oak computer desk that I built into the RV with the chair and drilled a hole through the cabinet to the right so that I can have the computer and printer inside the cabinet and a 24" monitor on the oak desk.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto...8_145543-L.jpg

Added a flight of Mor-Ryde steps with hand rail.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto..._133947-XL.jpg

Purchased two X-Chock units that lock the wheels in place to prevent shift forward and back. More stablization.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto...sdefault-L.jpg

Purchased two Slide Extension jacks to support the Kitchen slide when full timing.
Just a little pressure when adjusting and it stabilizes the bounce.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto...8_145422-L.jpg

Purchased (and installed into basement) a 16000 Soft Water tank that will last up to 2 months on a box of regular table salt. This will be inline on the water line with the filter.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto..._104704-XL.jpg

Removed the old couch bed and replaced it with Rec Pro duel recliners. The inflatible shown is for my College student athlete when he visits us at Flathead Lake this summer (We'll be campground hosts at West Shore State Park)
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto..._144144-XL.jpg

Replacing that ugly recliner with this chair.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto...SL1500_-XL.jpg

Adding little things, like a place for my hats, mail.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto..._163648-XL.jpg

Other things: Installed a 2" reciever onto bumper that will hold 200 lbs. I have a rack that I'll attach to the back and add a 110 qt RTIC cooler that should hold ice for a week or more in the summer. These are normally $500 but I stole this one for $203 on a clearance sale RTIC cooler.. This will be empty when traveling, but full of ice and frozen food when stationary.
OD Green baby!
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto...55666878-S.jpg

Bought a couple of lightly used "Old Fart Bikes", these will come in handy this winter while we are camping on the pacific coastline in Oceanview, California (Paradise by the Beach RV) and Corpus Christi.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Yellowsto...1_142717-L.jpg

Added a Mini Fridge too. So we got refrigeration and freezer space all covered for 9-12 months of full time living.
We are also purchasing a portable ice maker (26 lbs in 24 hours) that will keep our cooler full of ice.
We are purchasing a Germ Guardian True HEPA filter air cleaner to keep the RV air clean of pet dander and daddy farts.
I have a large portable exercise fence barrier for the Labrador when we're are outdoors and not hiking so she can spend the afternoons in the shade of the trees.
Purchased two new 30 lb Propane tanks as the RV tanks are 19 years old, they won't refill them if they're over 12 years old! So, updated them them some good Costco tanks.

 

Awesome list of achievements dude.
I've seen a few RV techs say not to use the slide jacks as the ydon't "float" with the trailer and can bind the slide.
I don't know enough to comment beyond that, but I would investigate a lot.
Griz

 

I'll toss in my two cents worth here and it may not be worth more than that. I have seen slide openings torqued when the slide is supported and the camper still has some level of movement. I know it happens first hand as I have seen the damage, but it is rare and to the best of my knowledge has happened only in extreme wind. Now there are a lot of variables here including the obvious which are the variations in the quality of construction. I believe how firmly the main body of the camper is supported also plays a role as does the strength of the wind.

I have never seen it often enough to offer more. As I said at the start, my two cents for what it's worth.

 

Thanks fellas!
Here is the tow vehicle, a 2000 F350 XLT with HD springs, camper package, tow package, 2WD 7.3L turbo diesel, 3.73 rear end, now 70,000 miles on it.
New tires, new critter guard, changed the fuel filter, flushed the coolant, replaced the serpentine belt, oil changed every 4,000 miles by Dad, and now me.

 

​​​​​​​The owners manual for my Grand Design says not to use slide supports, because damage could happen to the slide.

 

Slide supports have been debated since the late 90's when slides first appeared on the market.
I've owned 2 previous RVs with slides and supports and nary a problem.

The trick is....
Use them for long term only.
Then let the RV 'settle' for a couple days if not on pavement or concrete.
Use a support like 2x4 section on the ground beneath them.
Raise up only to touch the slide, no tension beyond.
Check them once a week, make sure there is not additional tension. After a few weeks, no checking necessary.
Never use them on rigs with airbags. Airbags on RVs can lose air, and could potentially mess up your slide rails.

Nothing worse than dozing off in a nap and someone gets up and walks thru the RV! With a Mor-Ryde step, slide supports, and bumper jacks, things are as stable as my 30 year marriage!

 

We brought this home last Friday...March 1st. First ever 5ver, first time I've ever towed a 5ver. Things went well on our 400+ mile drive home from Southaven, MS back to the Knoxville, TN area....
Both family members approve of the new digs.....
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