Back from 1st trip with our A122S

[elmonsanto]

We're back from our first trip to the Oregon Coast with our new A122S and it was a success! We had a problem with the chain dragging when we first picked it up from the dealer. The rear of our 2006 Rav4 (V6) was very low to the ground with the new hitch and trailer, and 140 lbs of greyhounds in the back. Adding weight stabilizers took care of it and we drove back home from Eugene OR to San Francisco without any problems. We didn't have a problem going over the Siskiyou pass, but driving under 60 mph took some getting used to. The A122S was cozy with two large dogs, but we had enough space to be comfortable. Having the large windows overlooking the ocean was a big plus. Lynn was able to set up the trailer in under 2 minutes, but it took us over 20 minutes to figure out how to close the storage bin under the bed. Simply pressing down on the bed didn't enter our heads . Now we're planning the next trip.

[sallyforth]

Originally Posted by elmonsanto

We're back from our first trip to the Oregon Coast with our new A122S and it was a success! We had a problem with the chain dragging when we first picked it up from the dealer. The rear of our 2006 Rav4 (V6) was very low to the ground with the new hitch and trailer, and 140 lbs of greyhounds in the back. Adding weight stabilizers took care of it and we drove back home from Eugene OR to San Francisco without any problems. We didn't have a problem going over the Siskiyou pass, but driving under 60 mph took some getting used to. The A122S was cozy with two large dogs, but we had enough space to be comfortable. Having the large windows overlooking the ocean was a big plus. Lynn was able to set up the trailer in under 2 minutes, but it took us over 20 minutes to figure out how to close the storage bin under the bed. Simply pressing down on the bed didn't enter our heads . Now we're planning the next trip.

We also have a RAV 4 V-6 pulling an A124. We had problems with tongue weight until we shifted weight to the back of the trailer. It pulls great now with no problems. We will have to compare notes later in the season.

[Pooneil]

Originally Posted by elmonsanto

Adding weight stabilizers took care of it

Glad everything went well. What "weight stabilizers" did you use?

I am sure those A Frames with the front trunks or decks can get tongue heavy pretty quickly. Relative to my old heavy but badly balanced popup though, I am looking forward to the better towing without a sway bar.

[handbuilder]

Great to hear the trip home went fairly smooth! Looks like you're going to have loads of fun! How did you attach your wind sock?

[elmonsanto]

Originally Posted by handbuilder

How did you attach your wind sock?

We used a kite pole, which my husband usually uses for his ham radio antenna, attached with a bungee cord to the door handle.

[elmonsanto]

Originally Posted by Pooneil

What "weight stabilizers" did you use?

Lynn just told me I'm using the wrong term, it's a weight distributing hitch (600 lb), worked like a charm.

[Pooneil]

The WDH can make a world of difference. It changes an scary ride into a peaceful drive. I used one with my Tundra just to make the rear end less bouncy.