Build sheet - completed (I think!)

[Loren & Cathy]

I would have to agree with everyone else. Get the dual six volt batteries. It is so much cheaper to do things on the initial build than to change things later. Yes, we did get the U-shaped dinette. Loren

[NW Cat Owner]

Thanks for all the comments on the batteries. Will discuss with Dirk when he gets home *next year* (seems strange to say that).

Also, just found out it'll cost $200 for ETI to install a hitch that we provide. Not the $75 that someone else thought. So, um, yeah, might go with one of the ones they offer. Still need to do lots of research in that area.

Today was spent deciding on and ordering custom graphics that were 30% off at VinylDisorder.com - whew!

[padlin]

$200? sounds like they don't want the job.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Also, just found out it'll cost $200 for ETI to install a hitch that we provide. Not the $75 that someone else thought. So, um, yeah, might go with one of the ones they offer. Still need to do lots of research in that area.

Or go without it, then when - and if - you decide you want one get it anywhere you want. There's nothing exotic about the installation.

[gbaglo]

Hitch or hitch receiver install?
Makes a difference.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Loren & Cathy

I would have to agree with everyone else. Get the dual six volt batteries. It is so much cheaper to do things on the initial build than to change things later.

Not everyone. Laura's current build list includes an upgrade to the larger (but still single) Group 29 battery, which I understand provides the larger battery box that dual 6V GC2-size batteries would require... so nearly all the preparation would be done on the initial build, even with this single battery.

If the trailer is initially equipped with the single battery and that one is tossed to make room for dual batteries initially, it wouldn't have turned out to be the greatest choice, but still wouldn't be bad.

If the single battery is suitable for a few years and is then replaced by dual batteries when solar panels are added and camping changes from serviced sites to boondocking, then the single Group 29 choice would be ideally matched to requirements.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Hitch or hitch receiver install?
Makes a difference.

I agree. I'm assuming - based on this discussion and Need some hitch info/help - that Laura means the weight-distributing hitch system (WDH), not the receiver on the tow vehicle.

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

We plan to purchase a 2015 or 2016 (most likely) Toyota Tundra TRD Crewmax with the towing package

I believe that this truck would come from the factory with a very suitable receiver.

Escape Trailer Industries does sell WDHs, but not receivers.

[gbaglo]

Well, I'm thinking of bringing my own fibreglass if I get another trailer.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Well, I'm thinking of bringing my own fibreglass if I get another trailer.

I agree, if I understand the intent...

I wouldn't expect the manufacturer of a trailer to install my WD hitch system on it, and if they're willing to do it then I would expect them to charge enough to make it worth their while.

I'm sure just about any WDH can be purchased in the Chilliwack area, from a dealer who would install it on the Escape after pickup, if something other than Escape's offerings is desired.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I agree. I'm assuming - based on this discussion and Need some hitch info/help - that Laura means the weight-distributing hitch system (WDH), not the receiver on the tow vehicle.

I believe that this truck would come from the factory with a very suitable receiver.

Ding, ding, ding! Correct on both counts.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

(snip) If the single battery is suitable for a few years and is then replaced by dual batteries when solar panels are added and camping changes from serviced sites to boondocking, then the single Group 29 choice would be ideally matched to requirements.

Thanks Brian.

Hey, tried to send you a PM to this effect, with more details, but it says your box is full and not accepting any more msgs! Empty it out!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

aluminum rims, 4

Not five, so you will not be rotating the spare in with the rest of the tires.

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Also just did 4 fancy wheels , no point covering up a fancy wheel which may never use . If I got a flat I would fix it asp anyway .

That's valid, but it means that if you discard tires based on age - which is now a popular approach - you will be either throwing away an unused spare tire when you replace the ones that have been on the road, or you accept an old spare.

This has been discussed in detail before, so there's no need to rehash it, as long as you understand the implications of mismatched spare wheel, you're good to go with four alloys.

• Questions on upgrades
• Build sheet - one week until due date!

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Not five, so you will not be rotating the spare in with the rest of the tires.


That's valid, but it means that if you discard tires based on age - which is now a popular approach - you will be either throwing away an unused spare tire when you replace the ones that have been on the road, or you accept an old spare.

This has been discussed in detail before, so there's no need to rehash it, as long as you understand the implications of mismatched spare wheel, you're good to go with four alloys.

• Questions on upgrades
• Build sheet - one week until due date!

I know Brian . Probably will not rotate tires . Find because lifespan on all tires are so short just replace the 4,and if spare still looks pretty good not replace that one. I use to run tires in old days almost bald . Now if you get 5-7 years that is great , going by years and not tread . The spare is covered , no weight , never run on the ground ,so I will chance at least one new set and not change it. Already had a flat on these tires . Was home and got it fixed right away . Didn't use spare and rarely do on anything I have . Pat

[Rossue]

Ordered four aluminum rims and should have bought the fifth. Had I known I would be replacing tires after one year due to heavy travel I would have just stuck with the stock wheels then bought new ones here. The rims ETI uses couldn't be found by at least one tire store.

Also- the weights are on the outside of the ETI aluminum rims. The tire dealer asked if I wanted them outside or inside(they were going to be replaced anyway). You can still see where they were previously mounted on the outside.

[JaneM.]

Ross - if you can wait until the end of June, we can bring a rim back for you. :-) Jane

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Ordered four aluminum rims and should have bought the fifth. Had I known I would be replacing tires after one year due to heavy travel I would have just stuck with the stock wheels then bought new ones here. The rims ETI uses couldn't be found by at least one tire store.

Also- the weights are on the outside of the ETI aluminum rims. The tire dealer asked if I wanted them outside or inside(they were going to be replaced anyway). You can still see where they were previously mounted on the outside.

Guy Rossue how many miles did you get ? What kind did you replace with ? I know they rebalanced the tire and put the weight on the inside without asking me after tire fix . Haven't tired to clean off yet . Pat

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by JaneM.

Ross - if you can wait until the end of June, we can bring a rim back for you. :-) Jane

Thanks Jane for the ETI Express offer Plans for now are to go up sometime this Spring for some TLC & upgrades

Guy Rossue how many miles did you get ? What kind did you replace with ? I know they rebalanced the tire and put the weight on the inside without asking me after tire fix . Haven't tired to clean off yet . Pat

The OEM Carlisle 4-plys had around 22K, and could have gone awhile longer, but like car tires I don't believe in fully depreciating them. For the same price as Carlisle D range I bought 6-ply Maxxis ST C Range.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Not five, so you will not be rotating the spare in with the rest of the tires.

Hee - forgot about the spare. Thanks for this.

[padlin]

A asked Reace about rotating the tires, was told NOT to move them from side to side, just front to back and vice versa. Kind of defeats the need to include the spare in the rotation, but to each his own.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Thanks Jane for the ETI Express offer Plans for now are to go up sometime this Spring for some TLC & upgrades



The OEM Carlisle 4-plys had around 22K, and could have gone awhile longer, but like car tires I don't believe in fully depreciating them. For the same price as Carlisle D range I bought 6-ply Maxxis ST C Range.

I have been looking at the Maxxis st too . How do you like them so far ?I was also looking at Michelin's truck tires but I am thinking of sticking with the st's . Pat