ideally picking up a 2006 2720 SL on Saturday but NOOB

[kn1ghtus]

okay so I have found a good deal (trying to talk him down to 9,000, and pictures look like it's in great order) on a TM in idaho that he is going to drag down here on Saturday for me to look at/buy. I've been poking around and have found a few good ideas of WHAT to check on, but I have a few questions and maybe if people can just point me in the right direction?

1. I want to get a swaybar/electric braking system installed by then. Should I attempt to do this myself? How hard is it? I have a 2007 dodge durango. Should I get a class 4 hitch then as it will tow it says 7400?

2. in my lurking days I saw a forum that talked about what to look for.

3. Having never TOWED anything before (not even how to hook it up!) should I be scare?

4. Should I try to get someone else to pick it up for me and give me some pointers on towing before I attempt to do this without help?

5. is there a forum entry or website you can recommend for towing 101? I mean I've read quite a bit but like even how to hook up, best way to make sure things are setup correctly. Etc...

Cheers, I hope to join the "family" soon!

 

[LoveToCamp-TMO]

1) I had my wiring installed by Ketelsen Campers, at Ward & I-70. Took an hour, and $70. If you have a controller (I ordered a Prodigy), you can give them the connector, and they will wire it in.

You can also consult with them for the hitch, as they carry many. They can also install quickly, I would imagine.

2) Water damage. I believe I have seen where folks have said 2006 models have wood inside the walls. Check for bulges (wood expanding due to water) near any opening (ceiling, door, wall joints, windows). Structural damage (dinged walls, corners). Cracked plumbing under the trailer (lay on your back and look up). Bent leveler jacks. Put water in the fresh-water tank, and check all plumbing, both feeding the faucets, and the drains. Flush the toilet, and make sure it all works. Make sure it is easy to lift each shell. If not, they may have adjustment left in them, or not. Look at the bolts at the end of the lift bars, and see if there is any room left to tighten the bolts.

3) Nothing to worry about. As said to you before, take it to an empty parking lot, and drive around. Turn into painted lanes, and stop part way through. Look to see where the trailer is making its turn, vs. where you turned your truck. Back into painted parking stalls, and see how you do. Do it again. And again. And again. Pay attention to how the trailer tracks your truck around turns. Posts/trees will take out the side of your TM if you cut it too closely. Don't go down the highway over 65, until you are comfortable you can "feel" the trailer, in your gas pedal, your brakes, and any impact in steering. You will likely not really feel it in any of those situations, as TMs tow wonderfully. But, you need to be one with your truck, feeling the difference between no trailer, and a trailer. Practice.

4) check your pm after 1:30 today

5) can't help you there

ENJOY YOUR TM!

 

[clown9644]

I agree that you should probably have the brake controller installed, may save a few bucks by ordering on line but not all that much more with the added benefit of having the dealer who sold and installed nearby.
Hitch- No matter which one you buy it will have a tongue weight less than a TM unless you use a weight distribution hitch. Most only handle 500 pounds without one.
If you have the dealer do all the installs, etc. I would bet they would take you around the block a couple of times to give you towing 101, which is very easy with a TM. Backing up is the tough part and there are videos on You Tube that will teach that.
Don't panic, we all towed for the first time sometime or another but I have to admit Bear cannot do it, even if he is a wonder dog.

Good LuckDave

 

[MisterP]

Brake controllers should not be described as a "probably should install", with all due respect. Brake controllers, if not supplied by the vehicle manufacturer, are a requirement for all states I can think of if towing a trailer having electric brakes.

It is illegal to tow without it, and also exposes the vehicle owner to liability if an accident occurs and it is proven the vehicle does not have a working brake controller. It should be a considered a critical part of getting ready to tow a Trailmanor or other equivalent trailer.

 

[mjlaupp]

....5. is there a forum entry or website you can recommend for towing 101? I mean I've read quite a bit but like even how to hook up, best way to make sure things are setup correctly. Etc....

There is a wealth of information about towing in the Trailer Life Towing Guides. Here is a link to the 2013 Guide. The general towing information is located at the top and the bottom of the guide. Enjoy: http://dcd96xmek71bc.cloudfront.net/trailerlife.com/2013 Tow Guide_reduced file.pdf

 

[Kidkraz]

I think the class 3 receiver will do the job. Some items you will need.
Ball mount, with a 2" ball. A hitch pin and trailer pin. These keep the ball mount locked into the receiver, and the trailer locked onto the ball. Wal-Mart sells these.
I've attached pictures of what you should have on the back of your Durango and what the trailer should have.
When I picked my 2619 from the dealer, he wouldn't let me leave without a brake controller. That item is an absolute must have before you tow this trailer.
If you really feel that unsure of yourself, it might be worth having someone else tow it for you and then do as LoveToCamp said. Take it to an empty lot and drive it around. Put up some boxes for faux obstacles and test out your turns.
Again, have fun with the trailer.

 

[Kidkraz]

Mike,

That is a wealth of great info. I downloaded the guide just to reeducate myself on some items. Thank you.

 

[HIKERZ]

I'd say get the controller installed and set(remembering that what they set will differ somewhat with the weight after you load up). It's not the task. But the peace of mind for you as you seem to be a little apprenhisive. A year from now you will not even remember the worried feeling about towing.

 

[LoveToCamp-TMO]

I think Clown was meaning "have the dealer install the controller", vs. installing it himself. I don't think Clown was, in any way, indicating a brake controller was optional.

 

[MisterP]

I think Clown was meaning "have the dealer install the controller", vs. installing it himself. I don't think Clown was, in any way, indicating a brake controller was optional.

If that was the intent, then I misspoke and I apologize. I was confused by the statement, and a lot of readers browse this forum that we never hear from. I just think it is important to be clear in our recommendations for those who may not understand the nuances. My humble opinion, mea culpa.

 

[MisterP]

Another site that discusses the different aspects and equipment for towing:

http://www.hitchinfo.com/index.cfm?event=viewpage&contentpieceid=5143

 

[rvcycleguy]

If towing more than 2000 lbs, electric brake and controller is the law in most states. I would recommend you have the controller installed and allow you to watch and learn what it entails. You may not do it yourself on another vehicle but you get a first hand look of what it involves and how it works and why. Class III hitch is sufficient. More is always better.

In regards to the price of the TM, your asking to negotiate and he is bringing it to you from another state? Give him gas money and call it even.

 

[rumbleweed]

Check the date code on the tires. If over 3-4 yrs old you will need to purchase new tires. Check the battery. If it is the original battery, it will need to be replaced. Ask the seller to start the fridge the day before. The fridge takes time to get cold. You will not be able to start it and immediately know if it works. Check AC.It should cool unless the temp outside is very cold.

 

[moaboy]

That is a very reasonable price for installation based on my experience.
A class III hitch works just fine.
You don't need a sway bar.
Just take it easy and you can tow it yourself. Start with less challenging trips and work your way up to more complex trips and situations as you gain experience.
And welcome!

 

[Mr. Adventure]

Welcome!

I recently read an article about an engineer who is a high profile disaster investigator, specializing in things like the BP oil well in the Gulf and bridge collapses. He was quoted as saying that in the end there is lots of analytical detail, but the actual problems turn out to be about 10% mechanical and 90% human. Towing is like that, in that accidents are almost always caused by carelessness in driving and the use of equipment, not the equipment itself.

- Take it easy. Forget what you know about driving to work, and watch how truck drivers do things. Be obsessive about what you're doing when towing.
- Read and study everything your manufacturers give you about towing. Learn how your vehicle is supposed to work.
- Early in your RV adventures, get axle weights on a truck scale. It's the only way to get the facts. Here's how to do it and a spreadsheet to do the math: http://www.trailmanorowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12552
- Scale weights are also the way to know for sure that you have your Weight Distribututing Hitch set up right.
- Speed is a huge factor in RV accidents. You have twice the safety margins on almost everything at 55 versus 70, and at 70 you have half as much time to learn about adventures while they are happening to you. Generally, RVs and trailer tires are not intended by their manufacturers to go over 65.
- Lots of people do lots of things differently. Treasure actual experience over the opinions of those who haven't actually done it themselves. Blessed are RV people who will share their mistakes so that others can learn from them.

 

[Shadowcats]

Welcome and Go Boldly!

Yup - have a pro install - they will test all the connections - modern veh are a lot different than what we grew up on. Talk to them about the right setting for your TM - don't want it too much or too little. You just have to get in and drive with the tow - remember you have several feet behind you - watch the corners and going over humps and bumps. A distro hitch is a must - gives added stability too. Your first time in adverse weather you'll need to take it slow and get the feel of that TM back there. I've had to lock the brakes a time or two, they work, but its not pretty. Welcome and enjoy!

 

[kn1ghtus]

big thanks to LovesToCamp

okay so I DID get it, and drive it home after 2 hours-- it looks in good order I WAS able to talk to $9,000 as I expected. LoveToCamp met me and looked things over with me and the father in law. It is sitting in our driveway now

We're very excited to get it out and a big thanks again to LovesToCamp-- it was a rough day for us all but mostly for him. Karma will bless ya though my friend :/

 

[FishGal]

Congrats on your new-to-you TM! Feel free to ask about anything, large or small. This is a great forum.

 

[Paco/Manny's Mom]

okay so I DID get it, and drive it home after 2 hours-- it looks in good order I WAS able to talk to $9,000 as I expected. LoveToCamp met me and looked things over with me and the father in law. It is sitting in our driveway now

We're very excited to get it out and a big thanks again to LovesToCamp-- it was a rough day for us all but mostly for him. Karma will bless ya though my friend :/

Congrats on your 2720SL! You will feel "all thumbs" for awhile setting up and figuring out how everything works, but before long, you'll be a pro! Took us almost a year before we set up the toilet. It's no big deal and so handy to have. We're looking forward to heading to Utah, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone next month. We've taken two 3,000 mile midwest loop trips and visited many spots out West too. Great way to travel. Enjoy!