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Old 06-11-2012, 01:33 PM   #1
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Freedom Express LTZ 230BH

Took the 2nd trip with our '12 230BH. The first trip was with a Toyota Tacoma that I traded in for a larger tow vehicle. I'd consider the 1st trip a wash since we didn't have a clue what we were doing.

2nd trip was way less stressful since we went to the same facility but with a bit more experience.

We have several longer trips planned including out of state, so these practice runs have been invaluable.

The trailer has been great, minus the water pump that failed on the first voyage. Quick fix and we've been back in business ever since.

Likes:
- Perfect starter trailer since my girls are young and love the bunks
- Tows well with my half-ton and is short enough to not be a challenge maneuvering
- Manual jacks, tongue and awning for less maintenance? (maybe ok now while I'm still young)
- Love the decor
- Small enough to clean quickly
- Feels like a camper - some are more like corporate jets
- Mobile bathroom as the kids will always need to go after we've left home or the campground. Then again there is nothing like using your own bathroom at a Rest Area!

Dislikes:
- I need a step ladder to reach the awning strap (maybe the manual awning isn't so good )
- The standard mattress is horrible, and it's been bear finding an inexpensive topper. May resort to cutting a memory foam King from Wal Mart.

The most important thing is that my wife and kids had a great time. It would have made for a really expensive experiment had they not enjoyed it.

It's tough sitting here on Monday and wanting to get back on the road for another trip.

Cheers,

Peter

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Old 06-11-2012, 01:37 PM   #2
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You should have received a metal hook to pull the awning strap. go back to your dealer and ask for it, or look around in the storage areas if you haven't already done so.
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Old 06-11-2012, 01:40 PM   #3
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Awning pull cane is the proper name I believe.

A&E Awning Pull Rod Pole Cane 830152102 | eBay
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Old 06-11-2012, 01:42 PM   #4
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Thanks! I'll go back and ask for one. I'm currently using a pole and a coathook held by carriage bolts.

Peter
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Old 06-11-2012, 01:44 PM   #5
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Did you check in all your storage areas. it may just be there. Under the bed storage. basement storage, etc.
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Old 06-11-2012, 02:56 PM   #6
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Congrats on the new TT! We, too, are new TT owners. Mine's a little more nerve racking to pull as it's over 33 feet long! lol Figure go big or go home! lol Seriously though, we got 3 kids and are we are not small people! Anyway, enjoy your new TT and hope the summer goes well for you.
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Old 06-11-2012, 02:56 PM   #7
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BTW, I love your truck!!
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Old 06-11-2012, 04:52 PM   #8
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Thank you very much. I really love the heavy-half ton.

I got the Toyota Tacoma before ever thinking that I was going to get into a camper. The 230 was a pretty good match for the Tacoma, but we wanted room to grow. Had we had the F150 to start with, I'm sure that we would have ended up with something larger. Maybe we'll outgrow it in several years.

Growing up my parents would take a week off, pack the family up Clark Griswald-style in the station wagon and go see the country. I want to make sure that my girls have a similar experience.

Even just the Western 1/3 of the US is amazing. I hope I can offer the same to my girls.

I want to leave right now!

Peter
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Old 06-11-2012, 06:33 PM   #9
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Hi milw156
to the forum! Great pic of the trailer & truck - nice setup. I agree that you should had received the hook pole for the awning. It also can come in handy for pulling items forward when you can't reach them in the storage bin. Very smart to camp close to home and getting to know your trailer.

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Old 06-11-2012, 07:07 PM   #10
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Congrats on your new rig and making it through your first outing. It is a steep learning curve for someone that has never done this before. I am glad your family is enjoying it.
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Old 06-27-2012, 10:56 AM   #11
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Welcome to the forum Congratulations on your new trailer & truck!
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Old 07-10-2012, 04:41 PM   #12
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Was your Tacoma a V6? We are currently looking at this camper. It fits the criteria for the size trailer we can pull. Our SUV is rated at 5400 lbs. It's a Chevy Trailblazer.

It's has the private bedroom, bunks (we have a 4 yr old) and also it's not a hybrid. The dealer has a 2013 for $16,900. It's got what he called a spring package which includes some upgrades. I do wish it had a ducted a/c and a tv in the bedroom and tv hookups outside.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be helpful.
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Old 07-11-2012, 12:12 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clane5687 View Post
Was your Tacoma a V6? We are currently looking at this camper. It fits the criteria for the size trailer we can pull. Our SUV is rated at 5400 lbs. It's a Chevy Trailblazer.

It's has the private bedroom, bunks (we have a 4 yr old) and also it's not a hybrid. The dealer has a 2013 for $16,900. It's got what he called a spring package which includes some upgrades. I do wish it had a ducted a/c and a tv in the bedroom and tv hookups outside.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be helpful.
The Tacoma was a V6 with the TRD Sport Package which gave it a 6500 lb tow capacity. The vehicle was fine pulling the trailer, but you definitely needed to make sure the trailer was properly loaded. I'm sure your Trailblazer can handle it, but it's sure close to the edge of its envelope.

After looking for a while, our remaining choices were either a Keystone Passport 238ML, or our 230BH. The bedroom, U-shaped dinette, and the better decor sealed it for us.

Good luck with the search, and I'm curiou what you end up with.

Cheers,

Peter
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Old 08-30-2012, 07:05 PM   #14
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We just purchased a 2013 FE 230BH-LTZ and love it! Our shakedown cruise is this weekend. We'll let you know how it goes. I too have a 2010 Tacoma DC/SB 4x4 V6 and she handled towing in the mountains of PA OK. Kept her in 4th, and speed no higher than 60 (no lower than 50 on the climbs) with RPMs holding less than 3k. I have the Equal-i-zer WDH with a P2 TBC.

Gordon
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Old 09-01-2012, 01:40 AM   #15
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Congratulations on your new trailer! Would love to see some outside and inside pics of her if you get time. Just curious if there are any major differences between the '12 and '13 models.

Congrats again!

Cheers,

Peter
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Old 09-13-2012, 03:28 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by milw156
Congratulations on your new trailer! Would love to see some outside and inside pics of her if you get time. Just curious if there are any major differences between the '12 and '13 models.

Congrats again!

Cheers,

Peter
No real differences. I'll get some photos up here from our labor day weekend trip to Yogi Bear's campground, Jellystone, in Quarryville, PA.
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