Recent content by dparker

My wife and I just brought home our first camper -- a "new-to-us" 1999 Coachmen Clipper 1260.? We're very excited and actually plan to use it a couple times this fall, even though New Hampshire nights can get pretty nippy.? I have a couple questions, though: 1)? The camper has a 2" trailer...

As my wife and I continue to struggle with the pop-up/hybrid/travel trailer question, I have another "stupid question."  We have always been tent campers, so I grew up with the understanding that anything touching the side of the tent would be wet in the morning from dew, even worse when it...

This is why I am asking so many questions -- I'm new to all this and am really starting from scratch.  1) My Trailblazer does have 4WD, so that means my Max. Trailer Weight (according to my owner's manual) is actually 5500# and my GCWR is 10500#.  2) I am 6'4" and weigh 290# -- I don't plan...

Just checked the Options Code sticker -- GT4 (3.73 ratio).  This means a Max. Trailer Weight of 5700# and a GCWR of 10500#.  So, following the formula in the Towing Library, and changing to a smaller TT, this is what I came up with -- 2004 Chevy Trailblazer LT (4.2L 6-cyl., 3.73:1 axle ratio...

You are correct.  I had relied on information from product review websites that touted the Trailblazer's 6300# towing capacity -- I see now that that is only with the 4.10:1 axle ratio.  I bought my Trailblazer used, but I'm pretty sure that it has the standard 3.42 axle ratio (Max. Trailer...

Soon-to-be first-time RV owner.? Just want to make sure that I don't buy too much rv for my tow vehicle.? Can somebody who knows better check this for me?? I tried to follow the formula in the Towing and Towables Library. Vehicle (2004 Chevy Trailblazer LT, 4.2L 6-cyl., 3.42:1 axle ratio, 113...

We are going to look at a 1997 Jayco Hawk 24BH today.  Looks okay from the outside (dealership was closed when we walked around the first time, so we couldn't see inside).  Has the layout we want (queen in front, bunks in rear), and the GVWR comes in at about 75% of our vehicle's tow...

My wife and I are getting ready to buy our first RV.  We've done lots of research and have it narrowed down to a couple models.  My question is -- when is the best time to buy an RV, fall or spring?  I've heard conflicting stories from people.  Some say to buy this year's leftover model from the...

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and wisdom!  I think we have decided to go with a hybrid or TT because of our travel plans.  We are not "go to one place and stay there for a few weeks" type people.  We want to use our trailer on 4- or 5-week road trips (the Canadian Maritimes next...

Okay . . . be honest.  How long does it really take to set up (or take down) your pop-up camper?  The salespeople make it sound like you can do it in five minutes while holding a beer in your other hand.  My wife (who would rather get an ultra-lite travel trailer) is convinced that it would be...

Thanks for the help!? There's just so much to learn . . . it can be overwhelming!? Any thoughts on the whole pop-up/hybrid/travel trailer debate?? I've read/heard that ultra-lites, by their very nature, are not as rugged or sturdy as other campers.? Would we be better served by a more solid...

You are correct.  It is 6,300lbs in 2x4 and 6,100lbs in 4x4.  I really wanted to buy a Chevy Avalanche, but the high gas prices scared me away from the 8-cyl. engine.  We are going to start with a Canadian Maritimes trip next summer.  After that, we would like to head west (maybe Utah or...

We got a 2004 Trailblazer LT with the 4.2L I-6 engine, trailer towing package and Class III hitch.  The owner's manual says that it can tow 7,200lbs.  I'm leaning more towards getting a nice pop-up like the Jayco 1206.  My wife wants a travel trailer -- something in the 17-21 foot range.  Maybe...

Hello!? We are soon-to-be RVers from New Hampshire.? We are both teachers who have summers off, so we figured that a camper would be a great way to spend our summers with our two young boys (ages 2 and 7).? We've been to three RV shows in the last six months and recently bought our tow-vehicle...

Two of our favorite campgrounds are Bayley's Camping Resort in Scarborough, Maine (www.bayleys-camping.com/) and Mi-Te-Jo Campground in Milton, New Hampshire (www.mi-te-jo.com/).