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MNRon

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  1. I have a Westinghouse i4500 that’s worked well for me for coming up on 3yrs, under similar requirements that you mention
  2. Twenty years ago, we purchased a 30ft travel trailer and soon took it on a trip from Minnesota to Washington DC. My YukonXL didn’t miss many gas stations on the way. Not the best trip planning, but we drove *through* Chicago after passing a couple gas stations. Traffic backed up and we were stop and go for nearly an hour and the “empty tank ‘idiot’ light” had been flashing for a while when my nerves finally told me I had to pull off the stopped freeway to find gas. Unfortunately this was by a downtown exit. I pulled off and found a gas station on a pie corner, had to stop traffic to maneuver in and out. I got the tank filled up, lost lots of sweat, and learned that you can get in and out of anything if you just take your time. That experience built a LOT of towing confidence. It also taught me to start thinking about gassing up when the indicator gets to about half
  3. I had a HitchHiker 5er, ~15k lb, that I put IS on 6-7yrs ago. It made a huge difference in smooth towing. At the time i oversized the brakes but didn’t go for disc. Three years ago we bought a new Vilano, ~16k lb 5er. Given the history of VanLeigh running gear issues we’d decided to replace with IS within the first year of ownership. Very happy we did for ride, AND peace of mind. The IS suspension is not only more robust than traditional springs, but if it were to fail the failure mode is much more graceful. Absolutely an IS fan. On our Vilano we also elected to put on Kodiak disc brakes at MORryde. HUGE, noticeable difference. Prior to that, and with HH with oversized brakes, I would have at least one or two stressful stops each year where someone cut you off, of light change issue where someone stopped short, etc. With drum brakes these we’re always standing on the peddle and *hoping* I’d stop in time. With disc brakes, I just stop! Best I can explain it would be that disc brakes versus drums for stopping are what diesel is versus gas for pulling. They just put a smile on your face and give you confidence. Only you can decide if it’s worth it for you. But the fact you intend to keep your rig for a while, and have the $ to put Lithium batteries in, suggest that MORryde IS and disc brakes would be a worthwhile investment for you. Only bad part right now is that I’ve heard MORryde is booked out a year or so. Good luck with your decision, and safe travels.
  4. 1 - I learned the lesson about wrenches around batteries at a young age when I welded a socket to a battery post accidentally in my teens. I’m VERY careful around high currents, even with low voltages, since. 2 - Some electronics require the negative cable to be connected *prior* to positive cable. I’ve seen the technical reason for this when involved in semiconductor manufacturing in the 1980’s. As a result I recommend others to be careful if in the practice of opening ground first…you may fry your $2k inverter or some other sensitive circuitry. 3 - A shut off switch wired in on the positive cable is always a good idea
  5. We have a Pullrite Superglide, it automatically moves the trailer back from the cab while turning. It’s automatic. I highly recommend it.
  6. We’ve been traveling since early May and unfortunately just missed the opportunity to sign up for the Escapade while we “thought about it” in April. It turns out we are in the area around the Escapade time and I just thought I’d ask if anyone knows if there are any last minute openings. Is there any chance we can get in on the fun? Thanks Ron
  7. 1. If the fuse is pulled, nothing happens...even if you hit the button I took advantage of this and put a hidden switch inline with the fuse as a security measure so no one could nefariously mess with leveling. 2. No safety pins. 3. Leveling jacks will raise wheels off of ground. This happens sometimes during normal leveling. If you have standard leaf springs this might be concerning as it could invert the equilizer. We had MORryde IS installed so not a concern. In fact, for two days while cutting off previous suspension, MORryde tech used leveling system to support coach - I would NOT crawl under there without backup support, but he did. I have changed tires and greased bearings etc using leveling system, but always put jack or blocking in place before I get under.
  8. You can get some pretty good electric pianos with weighted keys etc that mimic a piano well except have the benefits of less weight and size, no tuning, and ability to play with headphones should you desire. The Yamaha we had also had a few other voices (electric piano, organ, and a couple piano versions) for fun. Can’t imagine any benefits from carrying a real upright unless you just need lots of ballast.
  9. Not sure your make, but I know that Vilano 5ers have heat pumps typically on just the front AC and therefore only listed on “front.” It still will provide some heat to the back via the racetrack ducting. The forced air heat supplies heat to the whole coach. Additionally the fireplace can be used to heat the rear. Nit sure if yours is the same, but that’s how VanLeighs work
  10. Lifeline AGM batteries are top-of-the-line AGMs. If you have technical questions, they also have wonderful customer service. Best prices I found on these a couple years ago, including free shipping, was from batteryguys.com
  11. Second the suggestion to look at Costco or Sams for two 6v batteries. Those are best capacity/price for decent batteries.
  12. A couple years ago we had also narrowed our search to Montana, Solitude, and VanLeigh Vilano...the solid wood cabinetry made the VL much more attractive than the other two. After a year and a half, and ~15k miles we’re very happy with our decision. Unfortunately all new rigs have bugs, but VanLeigh should be on your short list.
  13. Mark, You’re getting good advice on payload. Pin weighs spec’d are empty and without options. A good example is my situation: 35ft Vilano (nice 5er) has 2600lb “pin weight spec” and about 12,500 overall weight. After adding a few options, and stuff we carry to travel our 35ft 5er weights about 15,500lbs and has a true pin weight of 3500lb. With a 3/4T I suspect you’ll need to look at 5ers in the 9,000-10,000 range empty and no more than 12,000lb fully loaded...even that might be iffy if you want to stay within weights... Good luck, Ron
  14. I have a half-inch socket with weld marks on it from when I was a teenager (40+yrs ago) and crossed terminals when removing a battery from a car. That *shocking* experience has stayed with me and is front and center in my mind whenever working with high amperage DC current. This 5 second real-life experience is much more immediate to me than my 4yr EE degree :)
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