We're Back! in a 2008 Starcraft Homestead 262 RKS

[Gambler]

I'm curious whether anyone else on the forum owns this or a similar model from Starcraft. I'm interested in hearing any tips, idiosyncrasies, or things to watch out for.

 

For those of you who don't know, we have transitioned from being full timers for 8+ years to being weekenders for now. This travel trailer is about the largest that our F-150 could handle, and it has a floor plan that will accommodate kids and grandkids for some of our adventures.

 

This is our first travel trailer. We had never owned an RV when we bought our first motorhome in 2004 and went fulltime. Now that we've moved to a midsize travel trailer it seems that we're living the RV lifestyle in reverse! What next a pop up!? :-)

 

[trailertraveler]

...I'm curious whether anyone else on the forum owns this or a similar model from Starcraft. I'm interested in hearing any tips, idiosyncrasies, or things to watch out for...This is our first travel trailer...

Congratulations on your return to RVing and on your new to you trailer!!

 

Even with the new travel trailer forum, posts on Escapees specifically about travel trailers and especially specific brands may not get many answers. If you search some of the other RV forums for Starcraft you will get a lot of hits on some of them.

 

I don't own and have never owned a Starcraft, but as a travel trailer owner will share a few things. With a fiberglass composite trailer, you need to keep a close eye on the roof caulking and the windows. Water intrusion leads to the dreaded delamination problems. Since the front of your trailer, does not appear to have a stone guard, consider mud flaps or a stone guard on the bumper of your truck to help prevent chips and damage to the fiberglass. Something I learned the hard way about graphics on a fiberglass trailer is that wax and other protectants can actually speed the aging and peeling of some graphics, so try to find the manufacturer's recommendations for caring for the graphics on your trailer.

 

Many travel trailers in the weight range you have, have the EZ lube axles (a zerk grease fitting in the axle where you can add grease). You need to be careful using them not to cause the rear seal to leak and make a mess of the brake shoes. You can find the proper procedure by searching EZ lub hubs. In my opinion it is better to replace the grease than just add to it so I repack the bearings the old fashion way.

 

Your trailer is coming on to 7 years old, so if the tires have not been replaced it is about time to do so. From a quick search, it looks like your trailer came with 15" D load range tires. These should have an adequate safety margin for a 8500# GVWR trailer. However, there is not a great selection of quality tires in 15" ST trailer tires. Maxxis has about the best reputation. I have been pleased with the performance of my Maxxis tires. If you choose to switch to LT tires, pay close attention to the weight ratings. If you choose to go to larger tires, make sure there is adequate room in the wheel well (both height and width) to prevent rubbing and enough space between the front and rear axles.

 

You have likely read at least something about trailer sway. If you do not have a sway control system on the hitch, you really should consider one. Not all sway control systems are equal. The more expensive ones really are better.

 

Again, Welcome back and congrats on the trailer!!!

[bobsallyh]

Gambler, where was that picture taken? Long time since we left the east coast to fulltime to see Sunoco!

[Gambler]

Thanks trailertraveler, we have quite a few things to learn about travel trailers (they're certainly different from motor homes). We have an eaz-lift load distribution hitch and a friction sway bar that bolts onto it. Didn't use it for this trip from the sellers to home but will be installing. I'll read those DOT codes on the tires next time I go visit the trailer. Also will add the other things you mentioned to a to-do / to buy list.

 

Hi bobsallyh, this was in or around Dunellon, FL or maybe Inverness, FL. We stopped to check tire pressure and get some of that $1 air. I forgot to take my scuba tank with me (my favorite way to air up tires).

 

Thanks guys

[TCW]

...I'm interested in hearing any tips, idiosyncrasies, or things to watch out for...This is our first travel trailer. We had never owned an RV when we bought our first motorhome in 2004 and went fulltime...

Haven't been online in a few days and just saw your post. Welcome back to the RVing world and the Escapees forum! I have gotten a lot of good information out of your Casino camper website over the years.

 

If you continue to dry camp/boondock, you will notice that the battery bank and propane supply of your travel trailer are likely considerably smaller than that of your previous motorhome. There is generally only so much room on the tongue of a travel trailer for batteries so it may be difficult to add more capacity above the highest rated ones that will fit unless you go to the new Lithium batteries as some on the forum have done. I'm guessing that your trailer has 2 30# tanks. Switching to 40# tanks is easy. They are just taller. Just be aware that adding bigger propane tanks or larger/heavier batteries will change the tongue weight if you do not change the loading in the rest of the trailer. Another thing about the propane system is that it likely has an automatic switch over. I am not a fan of these as I have ended up with both tanks empty more than once. I prefer to keep one tank valve closed and switch tanks manually. It does mean having to go outside, usually in the middle of the night when the furnace has stopped running, but at least there is propane in the second tank. That's my tips for now.

 

Good Luck with the new rig and hope you have great adventures with it!