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Old 02-14-2014, 01:53 PM   #1
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Introducing Myself

Greetings everybody,

Just bought my first RV from Camping World of Buffalo! Bought an 05 Shamrock 23SS, and we couldn't be happier! Been looking at buying an RV for some time now, we had an idea in mind for what we were looking for but had to wait till it was a better time, financially, and we had to get a tow vehicle. Wife had a Ford Edge that we loved, but the problem is that the Edge (even with a tow package) couldn't tow enough for the type of RV we wanted. This summer, we traded the edge in for an 08 Toyota Sequoia. That will tow what we want! I have 2 small children (ages 3 and 1), and we can't wait for all this white crap to go away and things to turn green again!
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Old 02-14-2014, 01:58 PM   #2
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Congratulation and welcome to the forums.
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Old 02-14-2014, 02:05 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brian19889 View Post
Greetings everybody,

Just bought my first RV from Camping World of Buffalo! Bought an 05 Shamrock 23SS, and we couldn't be happier! Been looking at buying an RV for some time now, we had an idea in mind for what we were looking for but had to wait till it was a better time, financially, and we had to get a tow vehicle. Wife had a Ford Edge that we loved, but the problem is that the Edge (even with a tow package) couldn't tow enough for the type of RV we wanted. This summer, we traded the edge in for an 08 Toyota Sequoia. That will tow what we want! I have 2 small children (ages 3 and 1), and we can't wait for all this white crap to go away and things to turn green again!
Congratulations on the Shamrock! Should be a great way to camp with the 2 little ones. That 23SS is a really nice layout, and your new tow vehicle should handle it no problem. We too are waiting for some camping weather. Cleared another foot of snow out of the driveway this morning...
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Old 02-14-2014, 02:10 PM   #4
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Welcome and congrats on the new trailer from a fellow Pennsylvanian. Even in the south eastern part of the state, we've also been dumped on by the snow this year. We already have six camping trips planned for this year. Can't wait. Your kids will love it.
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Old 02-14-2014, 02:29 PM   #5
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Thanks DisDad. Ever ventured to the western half of the Keystone State?
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Old 02-14-2014, 02:31 PM   #6
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Haven't yet, but we are taking our first trip to upstate NY with a daytrip to Niagara Falls. Kids can't wait.
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Old 02-14-2014, 05:20 PM   #7
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welcome to FRF and the exclusive 23SS Owner's Club!!!

glad you saw the light regarding using the Edge as a tow vehicle.

i own a 23SS and there's NO way i would've told you that the Edge would be capable. you will have a much better towing experience with the Sequoia.
many newbies are just not aware of the real world needs for a capable tow vehicle. especially for a full-height trailer, vs. something low profile, like a popup or TrailManor trailer.
it takes a much more capable tow vehicle to tow that square frontal area through the air.
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Old 02-14-2014, 06:23 PM   #8
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from frozen Minnesota. Can't wait for Spring! Only 6 more months!?!? (Just Kidding----I hope.)
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Old 02-14-2014, 06:24 PM   #9
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Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the forum!
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Old 02-14-2014, 06:29 PM   #10
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Welcome from Wisconsin and congrats on your '05 Shamrock 23SS! You picked a great floorplan and made a wise choice with the Sequoia. Here's a link to a forum I spent alot of time on when we had our hybrid. Hybrid Explorer
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Old 02-14-2014, 06:33 PM   #11
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Bikendan, do you use a weight distribution hitch for your 23ss?
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Old 02-14-2014, 06:41 PM   #12
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Bikendan, do you use a weight distribution hitch for your 23ss?
HECK, YEA!
if you read your Sequoia's owners manual's towing section, it should state what minimum hitch/trailer weight REQUIRES using a WDH.
there's no way any 1/2 ton vehicle, especially a soft-suspension SUV, should not use a WDH, to tow a trailer the size of the 23SS.
only if you've got a 3/4 ton or bigger, could you get by not using a WDH.
and get one with built-in sway control, such as the Equal-i-zer or Reese Dual-Cam WDH's.
you're also going to need a brake controller. i recommend the Prodigy P2 or P3.
most recommended BC on the internet.
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Old 02-14-2014, 07:53 PM   #13
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Welcome to the forum, and yes, please get the WDH!
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Old 02-15-2014, 08:22 AM   #14
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Thanks for the input, I was pretty much decided on the weight distribution hitch, I just wanted to see what some people with much more experience had to say. Going to get one of these

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-48058-El...h+sway+control
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Old 02-15-2014, 08:35 AM   #15
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You might want to research more on a W/D (WITH) S/Control! Price is not a factor in Sway Control! Youroo!!
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Old 02-15-2014, 09:19 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by brian19889 View Post
Thanks for the input, I was pretty much decided on the weight distribution hitch, I just wanted to see what some people with much more experience had to say. Going to get one of these

Amazon.com: Camco 48058 Elite Weight Distributing Hitch Kit for RV - 1,000 lbs Capacity: Automotive
Welcome and congrats on your new to you Shamrock. Visit our hybrid forums for more specific information.

I like the Equal-I-zer or Reese Dual Cam for your rig as Bikendan recommended. Either of those two WDH would be better than the Eaz lift that you linked to on Amazon because of the integrated sway control. Blue Ox also makes a good one. Check out RV Wholesalers or a number of other RV parts store for good pricing and free shipping.

Don't forget that brake controller Dan also recommends (plug & play with the right harness for your Sequoia).

We have the manuals for those WDHs and BCs in our library. You will want to familiarize yourself with the installation of the hitch if you are doing it yourself.

Feel free to ask more questions and have fun getting ready for spring!
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Old 02-15-2014, 09:31 AM   #17
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Welcome aboard

Having been on this forum for quite some time now, I can honestly say, it has been the best experience that anyone new to camping and rv'ing could ever have. Good place to ask questions, no matter what it involves, also a good place to find some good camp sites all over the USA and Canada. Stick around, ask some questions, get some good answers:
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Old 02-15-2014, 10:42 AM   #18
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Are you keeping the unit at your house? As soon as it warms up a little more, set it up and use it in the driveway for a night. Make sure on how to set it up and that all of the parts are there and in good working order. Check the canvass all over and look into water proofing it while at home if needed. Check the furnace, stove, burners, water heater, pumps, shower as if you were out camping. Any little tweak that needs to be done, it is easier with your tools in the garage vs from the camp ground...oh yes, the tools are at home in the garage . You and your family will love camping beyond measure in the years to come. Take your time and understand that part of the adventure is getting there and back.

Welcome to a whole new world of the outdoors and this forum.
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Old 02-15-2014, 11:30 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by brian19889 View Post
Thanks for the input, I was pretty much decided on the weight distribution hitch, I just wanted to see what some people with much more experience had to say. Going to get one of these

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-48058-El...h+sway+control

I had the same WDH/sway control set up that you're looking at on my previous TV/TT... A Nissan Armada (like your TV, a big engine but a shorter wheel base than a truck) with a 20' TT. Sway control was just ok... But not what I had hoped. Lots of push/pull from big rigs on the highway. I went with the 4-point Equal-i-zer for my new TT (Rockwood 2306, 24'). For me, difference was night and day. Zero sway and only an occasional "wiggle," and no push/pull from big rigs. I highly recommend you spend the little extra for an Equal-i-zer or it's equivelant. Also, the Equal-i-zer set-ups have no turning restrictions... With the friction bar, I was always having to get out and remove it before backing into a campsite.
Just my two pennies.
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Old 02-15-2014, 12:56 PM   #20
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Congrats and welcome!
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