First time 21' observations……and emergency cable discussion

[cpaharley2008]

Took BlackJack for a walk today, we went about 100 miles from home to make sure things are operational. I cooled the refer on 120v and switched to 12v after hooking up, the output remained 13v. Temperature remained level. Will try on propane the trip home.
Towing averaged 12-13 mpg thru the mountains of Pennsylvania. Upon arrival got the propane tanks filled, turned on the stove and oven and finally the furnace.
I'm amazed as to how quiet the Atwood 8012 is as compared to the unit in my Escape 19. It can not be heard from the bed! No smell either. I wonder if it is the location or install that has changed?
The dogs are loving the wide aisle for sleeping. So they took a nap and so did I, turned on the mattress heater and snuggled in.
Have to figure out how to keep the converter door shut, it pops open really easily from sitting, so will address that.
The emergency cable is way too long, will need to switch it for a coil unit. I lowered my hitch 1" from the 19 and it seems to have helped in keeping the unit level. While towing, everything remained in place, all drawers and cabinets remained shut.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

The emergency cable is way too long, will need to switch it for a coil unit.

If you're talking about the cable to the breakaway switch, Reace showed me how to hookup and he just looped it through itself. Allows you to easily adjust it, but in an emergency it will tighten to a knot.

[cpaharley2008]

Glenn,
Can you post a picture of what you are saying, thanks

[gbaglo]

I'll try tomorrow. Currently, my iPhoto and all my pix are on a drive in Time Machine. Still putting this Mac back after Apple replaced the OS.
I'll shoot it when the sun comes out Tuesday.

[paulw]

Hi Jim,
Were you towing with your FJ & Anderson WDH?
How was the ride?

[cpaharley2008]

No, this trip was with the Dodge Ram, next one will be with FJ and Andersen.
One more item, the handle on the lower cabinet bed frame protrude more than the drawers which are recessed, will look into finding a less obtrusive handle, easy fix.

[dbailey]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I'm amazed as to how quiet the Atwood 8012 is as compared to the unit in my Escape 19. It can not be heard from the bed! No smell either. I wonder if it is the location or install that has changed?

I wonder if there's any hope of retrofitting a quiet furnace into a 19... I really hate the noisy furnace.

[Don W.]

Glad you got Blackjack out to play. Still tweeking my options, My mom plans to come up in February and would like to take a look at your rig. Will let you know the dates as soon as we do.

So now are you ready to camp and cook in that oven for the superbowl?

[Vermilye]

Jim - Here is a photo of how Reace twisted my cable. I've also seen them with figure "8"s tied in them...

[gbaglo]

Jon,
Next time you hook up, can you also shoot pix of how the breakaway cable should be connected to the tow vehicle?
Reace inserted the loop at the end of the cable through the pin clip and placed the loop around the hitch pin itself and then fastened the clip to the hitch pin.
Meantime, I'll be reloading, iPhoto, PhotoShop, my Mail addresses . . .

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

.... my Mail addresses . . .

Use a gmail account, that way you never have to reload contact info again, either on a smart phone, or a computer.

[gbaglo]

I have one ( or is it three? ) already. Daughter set it up, but I have a feeling that she's done it at least twice and I can't remember what my gmail address is.

[techfan]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Jon,
Next time you hook up, can you also shoot pix of how the breakaway cable should be connected to the tow vehicle?
Reace inserted the loop at the end of the cable through the pin clip and placed the loop around the hitch pin itself and then fastened the clip to the hitch pin.
Meantime, I'll be reloading, iPhoto, PhotoShop, my Mail addresses . . .

I always attach my break away cable to the same place as my chains on the hitch. If attached to the hitch pin and the pin comes out then the cable falls off defeating the purpose of the cable. Just the way I've always connected it.

[gbaglo]

It's not connected to the clip. It goes through the clip and is hooked over the hitch pin. The clip is fastened and it keeps the hitch pin from going anywhere.
Even without the clip, I think it is unlikely that the pin would come out, what with the friction and weight of the tongue.
I'll have to ask Reace the reason for using the hitch pin rather than hooking it on with the chains.

[thoer]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

It's not connected to the clip. It goes through the clip and is hooked over the hitch pin. The clip is fastened and it keeps the hitch pin from going anywhere.
Even without the clip, I think it is unlikely that the pin would come out, what with the friction and weight of the tongue.
I'll have to ask Reace the reason for using the hitch pin rather than hooking it on with the chains.

When Reace hooked ours up he connected it along with chain, so I have always done it that way too.

[Ray N]

So you think a hitch height of 18" is about right? Mine is 19" and when I asked about the proper height for the 21' they told me 20". (All measured to the top of the ball.)

[PGDriver]

Remember that the cable should be shorter then the safety chains so if the worst happens the pin will be pulled, the brakes will be applied and the trailer will still be attached to the vehicle by the safety chains and you will be able to bring everything to a safe stop.

I have seen a lot of trailers with the brake cable longer then the safety chains, if the trailer hitch were to let go in that situation the trailer would be attached to the tow vehicle and the emergency brakes would not activate... could be bad.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by thoer

When Reace hooked ours up he connected it along with chain, so I have always done it that way too.

Well, it would be a lot easier. I think I'll do the same.

[paulw]

I will replace the stock break away cable with one of these & not worry about tangles or knots:
Fastway Trailer Products - Fastway Zip Breakaway Cable & Switch

I connect the cable to the receiver where I attach the safety chains.
Its longer than the safety chains so if the tongue comes off the ball, it will be cradled by the chains and I'll still have brake control through the umbilical. I don't want the brakes locking up while I'm trying to get off to the side of the highway.

[gbaglo]

I've had no tangles or knots in six years.
Looks like a solution in search of a problem to me.