Product and towing questions for 2502 S Mini Lite - New Member

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Solo1

Is a power tongue jack worthy investment?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

depends on how much they want for the "investment".
i got mine off of Ebay, with an adjustable foot, for about $110 including shipping. has worked perfectly for the past 4 years.

[Solo1]

OP Update: Hello Folks -

For those who helped me out with my newb questions..thank you!

The five week 24 /7 marathon research and contemplation is coming to a close it seems.

The trailer of choice is a nicely optioned, new 2011 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25DS (the equivalent to the Rockwood Mini Lite 2502S). A dealer 50 miles away accepted my offer which matches the heavily neegotiated RV Wholesalers delivered price for the 2012 little brother 23FB (equivalent to the Rockwood 2304) which usually sells for $1400 less than the 25DS. Very happy with the price, at $500 under dealer cost.

The shipping weight is 4,167 so after battery, propane, a little water and personal affects, I expect to come in with total weight less than 5,100 lbs. with a 6,500 lb max tow weight for TV.

I will have a w/d, brake controller and anti -sway installed as well.

I have vacillated back and forth so much about what unit to get and am ending up with the one I wanted in the first place. I love the floor plan, interior decor and appointments vs. virtually all others, especially the similar sized and weighted Jayco Feather Sport 221 which I came very close to buying out of Mississippi,

Thanks so much for all the input of your knowledge and experience. I expect to take delivery sometime next week!

Thanks again.

David
Winter Park, FL.

[campdohbrew]

Originally Posted by Solo1

OP Update: Hello Folks -

For those who helped me out with my newb questions..thank you!

The five week 24 /7 marathon research and contemplation is coming to a close it seems.

The trailer of choice is a nicely optioned, new 2011 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25DS (the equivalent to the Rockwood Mini Lite 2502S). A dealer 50 miles away accepted my offer which matches the heavily neegotiated RV Wholesalers delivered price for the 2012 little brother 23FB (equivalent to the Rockwood 2304) which usually sells for $1400 less than the 25DS. Very happy with the price, at $500 under dealer cost.

The shipping weight is 4,167 so after battery, propane, a little water and personal affects, I expect to come in with total weight less than 5,100 lbs. with a 6,500 lb max tow weight for TV.

I will have a w/d, brake controller and anti -sway installed as well.

I have vacillated back and forth so much about what unit to get and am ending up with the one I wanted in the first place. I love the floor plan, interior decor and appointments vs. virtually all others, especially the similar sized and weighted Jayco Feather Sport 221 which I came very close to buying out of Mississippi,

Thanks so much for all the input of your knowledge and experience. I expect to take delivery sometime next week!

Thanks again.

David
Winter Park, FL.

That is great! You'll fine on towing too.

[Solo1]

P.S. I realize that the length of trailer is not optimally short but at 25.8" I hope the extra 2 - 3 feet will not be a noticeable difference in towability. I will mostly be traveling around flat roads of Florida.

[rschoono289]

congrats on your choice! I've been also looking at 2502S/25DS and reading this thread with interest. Concerned about the high tongue weight with the Murphy bed option on this TT. Please keep us posted on your initial outings btw, you should be fine in FL

[Solo1]

The 25ds doesn't have the Murphy bed, which may contribute to its lower tongue weight?

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/def...ries=MicroLite

I am springing for air bags and ADDCO sway bar upgrade for the Jeep...every little bit helps!

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Solo1

The 25ds doesn't have the Murphy bed, which may contribute to its lower tongue weight?

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/def...ries=MicroLite

I am springing for air bags and ADDCO sway bar upgrade for the Jeep...every little bit helps!

Please be aware that helper springs and air bags DO NOT increase the GVWR of your tow vehicle. They just help the vehicle ride level and smooths out the bumps when you hit a pot hole.

The GVWR of your tow vehicle is based on many factors including what the vehicle's frame can support without flexing to the point of failure.

[Endersbrab]

Congrats on the new trailer, like you, I was a newbie last year and by all accounts I still am. Trust the advice on this site, these folks now their stuff. They gave me this link Travel Trailer Weight Calculator.

It helped me immensly and I have had a great experience with my setup. Everything that was told to me on here was very accurate, all the way down to my rear axle ratio struggling in the mountains.

Have fun and enjoy yourself

[iowaborn]

The wife and I have selected the 25DS. We have a 2012 on order, taking possession in April.
I think we will be good for local trips, but may wind up having to trade in our TV for something a little beefier for longer trips.

[Solo1]

Originally Posted by Endersbrab

Congrats on the new trailer, like you, I was a newbie last year and by all accounts I still am. Trust the advice on this site, these folks now their stuff. They gave me this link Travel Trailer Weight Calculator.

It helped me immensly and I have had a great experience with my setup. Everything that was told to me on here was very accurate, all the way down to my rear axle ratio struggling in the mountains.

Have fun and enjoy yourself

Thanks much. What are tow ratings of the Trailblazer?

[Solo1]

Originally Posted by reyob

The wife and I have selected the 25DS. We have a 2012 on order, taking possession in April.
I think we will be good for local trips, but may wind up having to trade in our TV for something a little beefier for longer trips.

What is your Tow vehicle?

[Herk7769]

2013 Chevy TrailBlazer a real SUV, but not for USA

New for 2013. The Chevy Trailblazer IS BACK!

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Solo1

Thanks much. What are tow ratings of the Trailblazer?

Solo, why don't you start a new thread with your the year, model, engine, and final drive ratio of your Trailblazer ?? Or call your local Chevy dealer with your VIN.

[Solo1]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Solo, why don't you start a new thread with your the year, model, engine, and final drive ratio of your Trailblazer ?? Or call your local Chevy dealer with your VIN.

Mtnguy.. I was just asking the poster what the ratings on his TrailBlazer were for comparison. I have the Jeep Grand Cherokee mentioned earlier in thread.

Sorry for confusion.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Solo1

Mtnguy.. I was just asking the poster what the ratings on his TrailBlazer were for comparison. I have the Jeep Grand Cherokee mentioned earlier in thread.

Sorry for confusion.

Not a problem.

[Solo1]

UPDATE:

Dropped Jeep off at mechanic to install airbags and some Limited slip additive to the front and rear differentials.

He checked out brakes and suggested upgrades. As I had read that the WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes aren't the greatest in the world, and since my mechanic never says to get stuff in general, I decided to bite the bullet....eight hours of research later got the following all around:

Hawk Performance Metallic LTS Brake Pads
EBC Brakes USR7224 USR Series Sport Slotted Rotors

These are highly regarded in the Jeep Forums.... not cheap, but safety first. Hoping the upgrade list has ended now!

Planning delivery next Thursday..... (Jaws shark sound ensues)

Later all.

[Endersbrab]

Originally Posted by Solo1

Thanks much. What are tow ratings of the Trailblazer?

Here is a link to the thread that I went through. All the gory details are in there.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ime-10447.html

Hope this helps.

[Solo1]

sounds like we did the same kind of gory! lol.

Each with a margin of safety, yet the wise ones warn us....

That's why I am taking every precaution with every possible upgrade....

[Endersbrab]

We all have the same goal, have fun and get home in one piece

[Rugged Brown]

Run from the Trailblazer as fast as you can. lemon alert.