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Old 02-08-2018, 01:32 PM   #41
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Originally Posted by s1njin View Post
Well for my 'figuring' I'm taking the GVWR of the trailer and multiplying it by .15. However, looking at the floor plan the majority of the useful storage (2 fridges, back beds to put duffels, OHC in kitchen, 1/2 the OHC in the dinette) of this unit looks to be right over the rear axle and behind. I wouldn't be surprised if these units are .14 or .13 rolling down the road.


I tow a flagstaff 25bh(is the same trailer) with a 17 f-150. The sticker in my drivers door for payload is 1910. The trailer only drops the rear 1” loaded .I use the equalizer 4 point hitch (1200lbs) very stable with no sway. The wd hitch will take care of weight balance
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Old 02-08-2018, 02:30 PM   #42
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Thank you; we're in the same ballpark so I think I'll be ok.
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Old 02-08-2018, 02:50 PM   #43
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Since I'm not getting any luck w/ the tongue weight, what truck are you guys pulling these things with? Specifically what's your payload capacity on the truck? I'm 95% sure my truck can pull this comfortably, but I'm wondering what you guys are using.
I pull a similar TT that has almost the same specs.
My 2014 F150 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost CC SB has a payload capacity of 1828lbs and towing capacity of 11,200lbs.
But I'll run out of payload way before I get to that 11,200 number.

I bought the truck specifically to easily tow the trailer.
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Old 02-08-2018, 02:57 PM   #44
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That's what I like to hear. That the camper I have my eyes on is a good fit for the truck I already own. How often does THAT happen?
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Old 02-09-2018, 05:07 AM   #45
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Another tip I’ve picked up from those who tow a lot. Most typically find they’re most comfortable between 15 and 20% of GCWR loaded up. I have a 2016 RAM 1500 with the naturally aspirated V6. My tow capacity is 7200. As I will have, at times, my 2 grandsons or a full size motorcycle in the bed, I chose a light trailer (FR Flagstaff 23LB) at 3900lbs empty to accommodate the occasions I’ll have the added weight in the truck. My GCWR is 12,800, on the drive home with the trailer empty I stopped at a scale and found I was at 9800lbs GCWR with my wife and I in the truck. While gas mileage fell off dramatically (about 50%) I feel confident I have enough tow vehicle to accommodate the extra occasional weight.

Hope this helps.
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:40 PM   #46
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My wife and I saw a used 2017 today. I liked what I saw and she really loved it ! I think we found the trailer we’ll likely buy towards the end of this year or early next.
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Old 03-17-2018, 05:01 PM   #47
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Greetings All,
We're waiting on a dealer to receive shipment of our 2509S in a few weeks. I need to know the height of the top of the hitch ball when the trailer is level. I've measured a similar model on the dealer's lot at 20.5" but it might not have been completely level. The top of the receiver tube on my truck measures 23.5". From what I can tell, the stock eaz-lift hitch shank puts the ball at 3/4" above the top of the tube at its lowest adjustment. Camco support had no clue how to determine if I needed a drop shank; surprising, I know. Does anyone pull w/ a 3/4" truck and did you get by with the stock shank?

As far as hitches go, is there a general consensus as to whether the R6 or the chain WDH makes for a better ride? Trying to decide if it's worth the extra $200-something for the R6.

Last one for this post... Does the wifi ranger only do wireless for the camper or does it have cat5 ports like I've seen on some models? My searching so far hasn't turned up much info.

Thanks.
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Old 03-18-2018, 04:37 AM   #48
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Charles, the OEM WiFi Ranger doesn’t have Cat 5 ports. With that said, I love mine and it works great. Congratulations!
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Old 03-18-2018, 06:18 AM   #49
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Greetings All,
We're waiting on a dealer to receive shipment of our 2509S in a few weeks. I need to know the height of the top of the hitch ball when the trailer is level. I've measured a similar model on the dealer's lot at 20.5" but it might not have been completely level. The top of the receiver tube on my truck measures 23.5". From what I can tell, the stock eaz-lift hitch shank puts the ball at 3/4" above the top of the tube at its lowest adjustment. Camco support had no clue how to determine if I needed a drop shank; surprising, I know. Does anyone pull w/ a 3/4" truck and did you get by with the stock shank?

As far as hitches go, is there a general consensus as to whether the R6 or the chain WDH makes for a better ride? Trying to decide if it's worth the extra $200-something for the R6.

Last one for this post... Does the wifi ranger only do wireless for the camper or does it have cat5 ports like I've seen on some models? My searching so far hasn't turned up much info.

Thanks.
Charles,in regards to the R6 hitch there seems to be several "Special Bolts/Parts" with this hitch,they even list several "Repair Kits" in their Info! There has not been much "Talk/Input" from Members about this hitch! If you Go with this Hitch please reply back on a Separate Thread,about your outcome usage! Thanks,Youroo!!
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Old 03-18-2018, 11:50 AM   #50
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After some more 'research' this morning and seeing that it's recommended on here I've decided to go with the Equal-i-zer. Finally managed to dig up the info on drop calculations. It shouldn't have been this hard to find "top of hitch tube to base of ball is the starting point and figure 3" for the ball." So with that in mind... 23.5" receiver height + 3" ball height - 20.5" to top of tongue = 6" drop shank. I read somewhere to allow 1/8" per 100lbs tongue weight, but the tilt adjustment should handle that or I can go up a hole.

Pricing the EQ and the R6 via Amazon turned up the same to-the-door cost, but w/ the R6 I'll have an extra shank laying around on which to stub my toes. The EQ shank claims to give a 6" drop which lines up with my calcs; Camco would require their 9" drop-only shank to get level. I'd rather be a tad high than having that extra 3-4" hanging down to drag on who knows what.

I have an ARE bed cover so there will be stuff stored in the bed as well . I'm thinking things will still work out even if I'm off slightly on the drop.

Edit: On 2nd blush... once the TT is loaded, it may sit an inch or 2 lower at the tongue when level (up to 1500lb CCC). Maybe I should go with the 9" drop just in case. The jack foot hangs down below the frame a few inches anyway right?
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Old 03-18-2018, 01:52 PM   #51
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Nothing wrong with trying to figure all of this stuff out ahead of time. However, you might want to first check out the Equalizer manual. It has a fairly comprehensive set-up guide. You may find that the theoretical setup you are calculating may not be necessary if you follow the instructions.

I went with the Equalizer hitch with 1000 lb bars. I think I paid $500 including the hitch ball, installation, and setup. There are myriad posts about poor dealer setups, but mine sits nice and level. I was impressed with the stability and anti-sway. I just need to lubricate mine.

You may have the option of a dealer install. This would at least get you started in the right direction. Then, you could fine tune it on your own.

Good luck.
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Old 03-18-2018, 02:17 PM   #52
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Yeah, been through all the manuals for the 3 types I looked at the last few weeks. The problem is most hitches assume the TV is either even or lower than the TT tongue. My TV being 4wd is several inches above "normal." The dealer where we bought pushes either a chain type or the R6, mostly the R6. If they had the option of the EQ, their prices aren't close to what I can do myself. I'm fairly mechincally inclined too.
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Old 03-27-2018, 03:58 PM   #53
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THANKS to all who have contributed to this thread. Lots of positive reviews/info here. We have narrowed down our next trailer to the 2509S. We have a few questions our reading/research could not answer:

1. The 2018 2509S has two different exterior front shells. One has a front window, more aerodynamic. The other one has no window, less aerodynamic.

-Is there any advantage of one over the other besides the front window and aerodynamics?

-Does the front window open?

2. Will either shell’s battery tray accept two 6 volt batteries?
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Old 03-27-2018, 06:53 PM   #54
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The rounded front with the window is the newest 2018 mode. The window is made like a car windshield and doesn’t open. It has a shade on the inside. The other difference is the rounded front has a nice rack in the front that will hold more than one battery. Our unit is the flat front with the angle pieces to put the batteries in. Ours would hold 2 group 24 plastic battery boxes, but not 2 group 27 plastic battery boxes. I ended up using wood to shim our angle pieces and a plastic heavy duty tote with hinges that holds my 3 group 31 batteries.
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Old 03-27-2018, 07:51 PM   #55
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Thank you Jay. We are leaning to the 2018 2509S without the front window (like yours). We have no 2018-19 2509S trailers in our area right now to look at. If you can get two 24 Group batteries (end to end) in your tray then it seems two 6 volt batteries in my box will also fit. My 6 volt batteries box measures 22-1/2”wide x 7-3/4” deep. Photo is w/o lid.

Would be super helpful if you or anyone could confirm the 2018 no front window 2509S battery tray will fit my battery box as measured above.
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Old 03-27-2018, 08:50 PM   #56
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Camp4two, the width between the uprights of the angle pieces is 8” as near as I can measure. There are also 2 short pieces of angle that run front to back that make a rectangle “tray” that is open at he bottom. That distance is 24” as near as I can measure. As you can see from the picture it’s pretty hard for me to be super accurate but I am close. Maybe someone who just has 1 battery can chime in with a better measurement. Jay
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Old 03-28-2018, 10:54 AM   #57
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Thank you for measuring Jay. It now appears my two 6 volt batteries box will fit in the tray okay. Now I just need to find one of these 2018 trailers nearby to put my box in for a test.
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Old 03-28-2018, 05:52 PM   #58
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Camp4two.....I feel like I might need to clear something up here. Forest River changed the front cap of their mini lites midyear 2017, including the 2509s. Every 2509s made from the beginning of this year will have the front end with the window. If you are looking for one with the "older" style front end, you will have to find one on a dealers lot, online, or a used one. I'm sure you can still find some 2018 2509s's out there, but all that are made from here on will have the window. Just wasn't sure if that was clear.

I personally like the new look. We ordered one at the beginning of January, and should take delivery of it soon. Regardless of the look between the two, I think your'e making a great choice with that model.
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Old 03-28-2018, 07:19 PM   #59
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Thank you TJ. Yes, we are aware the 2509S front caps changed to the front window and more aerodynamic shape. The new trailer does have a much better look. We would go with either one, new or used if the price is right. This trailer certainly has the best floorplan for us.
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Old 04-05-2018, 09:15 PM   #60
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I like this floorplan as well. I looked at a 2018 that had no window on the front, but it had the murphy bed sofa recliners and side tables. The dealer said they just got some 2019s in with the front windshield window. The outside kitchen looks great. And I think since my kids are 11 and 15 they would prefer the larger bunks and dinette. It does seem that some storage is smaller? I'm sure I'd find places to for things, but some cabinets looks short in the kitchen and lacking in the bathroom. But we are coming from a pop up camper, so it will be a great upgrade for us. I'm looking forward to going to look at the 2019 this weekend.
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