Why I chose a Stacker

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HueyPilotVN

HueyPilotVN

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 5, 2012
Posts
3,299
Location
Lake Havasu City, AZ
I was just reading a post about towing a dingy or carrying it in or on a trailer and it got me thinking.

There are many questions on this Forum about the pros and cons of different decisions that we make about types and configurations of RV?s,  This thread is about what works for me.

It probably would not work for most of us but I thought it might give a rather unique perspective on one possible method of full timing.

I have been on the road for much of the last 35 years, mostly alone.

During that time I designed, built and managed some aspect of more than 100 Ambulatory Surgery Centers and many Mobile Surgery Facilities.

I have always preferred to travel in a Motorhome rather than flying and staying in hotels.

I am much more productive when I have all my resources available.  I liked to work at night without distractions like phone calls and such.

I started with a Class C motorhome pulling an open trailer with a car.  I eventually replaced it with another Class C and then got a Class A Gasser.  About 5 years ago I got a Diesel Pusher and a Stacker Trailer.

The choice of the last Coach was driven by my retirement and by my desire to have most of my toys with me as I traveled.

For years I would have a street legal bracket race care with me as a toad and everyone was going 4 wheeling or I would have a Jeep with me as I found myself at a racetrack.

I have also always liked to have tools, project parts, and workspace to accommodate my enjoyment of projects and helping people.

My Stacker Trailer has allowed me to carry two cars, a workshop, a golf cart, a storage loft full of things and a ?Man Cave? along with me.

Now I am not trying to talk anyone into getting a Stacker.  I am just sharing my experience about how it works for me.

The Stacker is 34 feet long and I am over length with a 40 foot DP, but have never been stopped because of it.  There certainly are restrictions on where I can camp or even where I can go sometimes.  My rule of thumb is that if a Tractor Trailer can go there. So can I.

It also weighs about 20,000 pounds.  Does it have an effect on my fuel economy? Sure it does, but I am not taking any money with me when I leave this world.

Here are some pictures of the Stacker:

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/IMG_0608.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/023_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/006_3.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/018%202.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/DSCN0468.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/111_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/098_1.jpg

Again, I am not trying to talk anyone into anything and I am sure not selling Stackers.

One of the great things about this Forum is that any configuration that works for you is fine with most everyone else.
 
Bill, nice setup. I had a 29 foot Haulmark that was made extra tall. I did not get a stacker, at that time. My son needs one of those trailers to put all his toys in
 
Yep, that sure is a sweet set-up
would be even sweeter if you had a helo in there!  or maybe a gyro

As a private pilot who as always dreamed of flying rotory, that would be a great thing to pull around!
 
I was just thinking more about your set-up....

Not having my stuff with me is one reason that the full time or extended part time RV life never used to appeal to me years ago.....

As I'm getting older though, I'm coming around to the idea that I don't need so much stuff.  In many ways stuff causes stress. Even for you, in a way, because as you said it limits your parking options, etc....

But the thing is, it works for you!

That's why I think a garage trailer set-up, might  in theory make a whole lot of sense for me, too.  It's a nice compromise between a whole lot of stuff with a sticks n bricks and a minimalist approach of coach and bikes!

I my current situation, doing only short casual trips, and carting around stuff for the kids, I have often thought about getting a smaller covered trailer, just large enough for the golf cart, bikes, and whatever odds and ends we might want to toss in...  in some ways it would open options and make things easier....  But so far we are enjoying a more simple approach.


 
Nice set up Bill.  I always thought if I were going to go that way it would be some 45' rig with a garage in it, if it were possible to find.  But the odd of that are slim and none (just ask the DW!) so I don't lose any sleep over it.
 
SargeW said:
Nice set up Bill.  I always thought if I were going to go that way it would be some 45' rig with a garage in it, if it were possible to find.  But the odd of that are slim and none (just ask the DW!) so I don't lose any sleep over it.
Click to expand...

Like this?
http://www.vario-mobil.com/index.html
I'd love to see these over here.... I think they make so much sense.
 
Yeah kind of like that Brad. There was one made here a while back, it would hold a Mini Cooper in it's garage. I don't think it sold well enough to last long though.
 
I will give you my opinion of the stacker trailers.

They very neatly solve a serious problem many RVers have. (how to tow multiple vehicles) and are a great invention PROVIDED you have a motor home capable of properly pulling one.. Which you clearly do.

You may insert additional positive comments here if you wish______.
 
Bill brought that setup to the Quartzsite Forum rally last January.  It's absolutely gorgeous and what I'm getting as soon as I win the Lotto.
 
Thanks for all the positive comments.

Ernie, Thanks and I am sure that your son could find one.

Brad,  Thanks, I also did not want to give up a shop and tools when traveling.

By the way, The least expensive way to get rated for rotary wing aircraft was to take the free lessons given at Ft Wolters, Texas and Ft Rucker, Alabama 45 years ago .  There was however a requirement to go on a senior trip for a year or in my case two.

Marty,  Thanks, I also saw the Coach that can carry a small car.  I wanted to carry two.

John,  Thanks, I had to beef up the receiver hitch and frame.  We welded gussets and extra steel to increase the hitch rating from 15K.  If there is ever a need to remove the engine someone will be cussing about not being able to unbolt the frame.

Kim, Thanks also,  I do not yet have a video of how to load all the goodies into the Stacker.  However here is a close second to a Video thru the narrative and pictures below
.

First, the Mustang is driven into the stacker and onto the hydraulic lift.

Using the hand held controller the hydraulic lift is raised by pushing the up button.

I usually raise it about 3 feet and then attach the ratchet straps to the frame and to the lift.

I then raise it all the way up to a mark that I have on the front right post.

The Golf Cart goes in the space next to the workbench and fits in front of the Jeep Commander.

It can also be stored in the loft if the top is removed.  The loft could also hold two or more motorcycles if there is enough extra weight allowance.  The loft is 8 feet by 8 feet and about 5 feet high.

The Jeep commander is driven under the Mustang.  I open the back hatch before driving in because I have to crawl out the rear.  There is an option to have a large door on the left wall to allow for opening the driver?s side door, but I wanted the wall storage space.  Anything that stores on the wall and does not protrude beyond the wheel wells can be left on the wall.

The Jeep is strapped down from the frame to the flip up tie downs in the floor.

I hope this makes sense.

Here are the pictures of the entire procedure.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/006_4.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/003_2.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/068_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/011_2.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/111_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/014_2.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/011-18.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/014_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/010-20.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/005_3.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/019_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/021_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/023_2.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/026_1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk121/HueyPilotVN/033_1.jpg
 
blw2 said:
I was just thinking more about your set-up....

Not having my stuff with me is one reason that the full time or extended part time RV life never used to appeal to me years ago.....

As I'm getting older though, I'm coming around to the idea that I don't need so much stuff.  In many ways stuff causes stress. Even for you, in a way, because as you said it limits your parking options, etc....

But the thing is, it works for you!

That's why I think a garage trailer set-up, might  in theory make a whole lot of sense for me, too.  It's a nice compromise between a whole lot of stuff with a sticks n bricks and a minimalist approach of coach and bikes!

I my current situation, doing only short casual trips, and carting around stuff for the kids, I have often thought about getting a smaller covered trailer, just large enough for the golf cart, bikes, and whatever odds and ends we might want to toss in...  in some ways it would open options and make things easier....  But so far we are enjoying a more simple approach.
Click to expand...

Brad,

There is another rather unique full timing solution that is used by "Steve N Sue".

This is the Steven N Sue from MIchigan ( there is another couple with a similar screen name).

Anyway Steve and Sue have a beautiful Essex and they bought a new Newmar for Sue's mother to travel with them.  Steve pulls a Jeep with the Essex and Sue drives her mother's Newmar Gasser while towing a small utility trailer.  The trailer contains several things but one thing it has is rather unusual.  It has a solar array on the roof, batteries and an Invertor inside.  It is a small electric company for their Mothers motor home.

Interestingly, Steve now boasts about his copilot and navagator (Sue) being a couple of hundred feet behind him.

They are long term members of the famous "Ding Bats" of Quartzsite each winter.
 
Good question.  It weighs a little too much.  I am going to put it on a diet.  Empty it weighs just under 10,000 pounds and loaded it weighs right at 20,000 pounds.

It has three 7,000 pound capacity axles.  The tires are rated at very close to the same 3,500 per tire or 7,000 per axle.  There is not a lot of wiggle room.

Some of the things that I should get rid of include a small chest freezer, duplicate power tools ( air and electric ), two spares instead of one, lots of spare parts that I usually end up giving away, a roll around tool chest, 125 feet of 6-3 electrical wire, a welder that I never use, and a few other things.

Thanks for reminding me  :)
 
It did work well for you with the TV.

I have been wary of Craigs List ever since that couple were killed when meeting a fellow about a classic car.

I have lots of people that I can give stuff to.

You rarely get killed or mugged giving stuff to friends.

Edit:  It is a good thing that it did not work out getting that TV from you.  It would have gone into the Stacker,,,LOL

Also some of you may remember that about 4 years ago all my vehicles were stolen and stripped, not a good way to cut down on the weight.
 
HueyPilotVN said:
Good question.  It weighs a little too much.  I am going to put it on a diet.  Empty it weighs just under 10,000 pounds and loaded it weighs right at 20,000 pounds.

It has three 7,000 pound capacity axles.  The tires are rated at very close to the same 3,500 per tire or 7,000 per axle.  There is not a lot of wiggle room.

Some of the things that I should get rid of include a small chest freezer, duplicate power tools ( air and electric ), two spares instead of one, lots of spare parts that I usually end up giving away, a roll around tool chest, 125 feet of 6-3 electrical wire, a welder that I never use, and a few other things.

Thanks for reminding me  :)
Click to expand...

Holy Cow that thing is heavy. Believe it or not it weighs more than my pickup and RV together (16,800# roughly)
 
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