17B vs 19 - Page 7

paulk · 02-04-2018, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gelayne

The only problem I have with the 17B is the bed. I can't seem to find a mattress I'm happy with. You are limited to about a 5" deep mattress and I'm having a tough time with one that doesn't cause a little discomfort during a nights sleep.

True, the existing cushions need to be relatively shallow in order to function as seats, but you can always get a 3" foam topper to put on top of the existing 4" foam while sleeping.

hughharden · 02-04-2018, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulk

True, the existing cushions need to be relatively shallow in order to function as seats, but you can always get a 3" foam topper to put on top of the existing 4" foam while sleeping.

"While sleeping" is the operative phrase here. You need to roll up that topper and store it somewhere during the day if you want to make it into a dinette that is actually practical to eat at for two people. Gets tired. One more hassle we didn't need. I have to admit the mattress in the 17B was pretty comfortable with a 2" memory foam topper. Just my opinion people, to each his own.

JimHol58 · 02-08-2018, 05:51 PM

I noticed you tow your 19 with a 2007 FJ which is what I drive. Do you use a sway bar along with the WDH or is that overkill?

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Murry

Do you have the permanent bed option in your 17B, or are you putting a mattress on top of the seat cushions? I would have thought, but could be wrong, if you go with the permanent bed option then the mattress would be similair to the 19.

It's a 4 seat dinette that I have decided to turn into a permanent bed. Currently, I have a custom 5.5" Elation Gel from MattressInsider.com. The problem is, with the 17B, the counter extension table that flips down only allows for about a 5 in mattress. Also, the deeper the mattress, the higher your head and feet are...Issues with windows (emergency exit hardware and shades).

hughharden · 02-08-2018, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

I noticed you tow your 19 with a 2007 FJ which is what I drive. Do you use a sway bar along with the WDH or is that overkill?

I don't have sway control, just the regular Pro Series $350 option WDH from ETI. They installed it when I picked up the trailer, works great, never had any issues with sway. You will find the FJ tows a 19 nicely, I don't have to worry too much about the weight in the truck or the trailer. Even towed with full tanks when no choice without any problems. FJ fuel mileage really sucks when towing so you have to plan your gas stops or carry a jerry can of gas.

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

I noticed you tow your 19 with a 2007 FJ which is what I drive. Do you use a sway bar along with the WDH or is that overkill?

Mine is actually a 17B but I do have the Fastway E2. To me, it's a must. Otherwise, my headlights blind oncoming traffic. I do tow, within a few hours of daylight travel time, without the WDH connected and all seems well. BUT, the stable comfort of the E2 is refreshing. Tows like a dream!

hughharden · 02-08-2018, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

I noticed you tow your 19 with a 2007 FJ which is what I drive. Do you use a sway bar along with the WDH or is that overkill?

How many miles on your FJ?

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughharden

how many miles on your fj?

130,000

hughharden · 02-08-2018, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gelayne

130,000

168,000 miles and going strong

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:27 PM

Looks like we have a couple of FJs towing in this thread. Sorry, responding to posts that weren't to me!

JimHol58 · 02-08-2018, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughharden

How many miles on your FJ?

Hi Hugh, Just turned 99,000. I also added a transmission cooler for extra protection when driving through the mountains. I just wasn't sure if I needed to add a sway bar to my WDH setup. So I take you don't have any issues driving in the mountains? Jim

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughharden

168,000 miles and going strong

They are great vehicles. I wish they would build a limited edition trail model...I would snatch one up.

JimHol58 · 02-08-2018, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gelayne

Looks like we have a couple of FJs towing in this thread. Sorry, responding to posts that weren't to me!

All FJ drivers are welcome to chime in. So sad Toyota stopped making them.

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

All FJ drivers are welcome to chime in. So sad Toyota stopped making them.

Sad indeed. I love being able to tow to mountain locations, unhook, and then off-road to places like this!

JimHol58 · 02-08-2018, 06:46 PM

Where is that picture taken? We are planning a summer trip to Grand Junction Colorado and we're also going to hit all of the National Parks in Utah. I can't wait!

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

Where is that picture taken? We are planning a summer trip to Grand Junction Colorado and we're also going to hit all of the National Parks in Utah. I can't wait!

Imogene Pass between Telluride and Ouray CO. It was a blast. You will white knuckle part of the trip.

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

Where is that picture taken? We are planning a summer trip to Grand Junction Colorado and we're also going to hit all of the National Parks in Utah. I can't wait!

If you make it to Torrey Ut (Capital Reef), stop at the visitor's center. Those folks made sure I had a blast in their state.

JimHol58 · 02-08-2018, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gelayne

If you make it to Torrey Ut (Capital Reef), stop at the visitor's center. Those folks made sure I had a blast in their state.

How close is that to Moab where Arches is located? I'm assuming your white knuckle comment has to do with the steep up and down inclines? lol

gelayne · 02-08-2018, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

How close is that to Moab where Arches is located? I'm assuming your white knuckle comment has to do with the steep up and down inclines? lol

Yes, I much as I love my FJ....it can be difficult to see out of. Especially approaching a large drop off.

Capital Reef is ways away. Highway 12 from Torrey, thru Boulder, to Bryce Canyon is incredible. I was not dragging a camper on that trip so I don't remember if that is advisable or not. Zion is a special place! The southern route from Moab, thru Page, toward Kanab was very nice too.

hughharden · 02-08-2018, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimHol58

Hi Hugh, Just turned 99,000. I also added a transmission cooler for extra protection when driving through the mountains. I just wasn't sure if I needed to add a sway bar to my WDH setup. So I take you don't have any issues driving in the mountains? Jim

Gone over Rogers Pass at least 8 times with the trailer and the Coquihalla 6 times and various other hilly roads in Montana, Alberta and BC and haven't had any problems. I don't have a transmission oil cooler and I don't have the temperature gauge to monitor, but the light has never come on. I get the fluids changed before each tow season just to make sure.

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