Recent content by robdrew7

Thank you all very much!  Especially for the suggestions on how to test the brakes standing still and when underway.  I learn something useful and clever every time I come to the forum.

Back in September I pulled my 7,200 pound TT on West I-80 down from Donner Pass to Auburn, CA.  It's about 40 miles of constant downgrade, with some 5% and 6% sections.  I stopped halfway to cool the brakes on the TT and my F-150, and thought to play with a newly acquired infrared thermometer...

Gotta chime in!  ;D  While gassing up the TV I went inside to buy a Snickers bar.  They wanted 99 cents!  So it looks like the dollar is the new dime, which would mean gas is only 40 or 50 cents a gallon - when measured in Snickers bars.  (Yes, I am that old)

Thank you all!  The pin hole is set back on the 18" shank, so the ball would stick out further .  I appreciate your points about the downside of extra length, and will stick with the 12" shank.  Don't want to be wagged by the dog!

I'm sorry for my poor description.  I'm at the maximum height on the shank I have, (it's already turned over and pointing up).  There are two "taller" shanks available.  They have the same "height", but one has a 12" horizontal length and the other has an 18" horizontal length, and I had no...

On our first trip, I noticed the trailer isn't riding level.  The rear looks higher than the front.  My hitch is an Equalizer.  I'm guessing either the ball should be mounted higher on the shank, or the shank doesn't have enough rise.  If I have to get a taller shank, there are two length...

Thank you all!  I found a long "truckers" pressure gauge, got the tire pressure to 65 (the tires are Goodyear Marathons),  and cranked the lug nuts to 80.  Several were "loose". Then proceeded to the CAT scale, where I got an education.  Had to exit the truck, and stand on my toes to reach the...

I picked up my first TT 2 weeks ago.  I'm planning to weigh it on a CAT scale this week, out of curiosity as much as anything - and also an excuse to practice pulling it around.  In checking the tires, I find on the side of the trailer a sticker that says:  cold inflation 65 psi.  It doesn't say...

Thank you all very much!  The trailer looks a lot bigger in my driveway than it did on the dealer's lot - next to much larger units.  As you all suspected, it doesn't seem to mind being tilted and we have no reason to run the fridge.  Next time I take it out and back, I'll put a board under the...

I've backed our new 28' trailer into my driveway which slants upward toward the garage, and inserted chocks under all four wheels.  Having viewed the Equal-i-zer hitch YouTube video several times, I successfully disconnected the tow vehicle, and moved it out of harm's way.  Then ... ... well...

If you're looking for other sites to visit along US 101, Solvang is enjoyable, a "Danish village".  I remember good bakeries.  Santa Barbara has nice restaurants.  South of LA, the mission at San Juan Capistrano is worth a look.

Thank you all for the excellent advice!  I will enjoy some time looking, and learning how to inspect a trailer. Rob

The trick near San Francisco (as in much of California) is getting access to public transportation.  There are four ways to get into the city:  BART trains from the Oakland,  Berkeley or Walnut Creek areas; CalTrain from the San Jose and Palo Alto peninsula area; various public buses; and the...

Thanks, Stu, Phil and Mopar Man.  I'll be towing with a Ford F150 w/ Ecoboost engine, 143" wb and 3.55 rear axle.  The maximum tow capacity is rated at 9,800 pounds with a WD hitch.  Conservative by nature, I would like to keep GVWR to 80% or about 7,800, so I'm looking at units with dry weight...

Just reviewed the post on towing in Canada, and found two interesting concepts: 1) "...  the trailer brakes must be capable of being applied by the driver independently of the towing vehicle's brakes". 2) "A breakaway brake is also required". Does the average "built in the USA" trailer come...