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08-21-2012, 08:08 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 9
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Newbie from Florida
Hello to all! My name is Carol and I am 57 years old. I work as a nurse here in Tampa, and for the past 2 months have been packing, selling, giving away, donating, trashing everything I own........I put my house on the market Thursday and had a contract by Sunday........I visit Lazy Days RV's once or twice a week and have narrowed my search for a full time RV down to a North Trail, and my favorite.......a SP-295 Surveyor. It is a bit tight, downsizing from a 3 bedroom 2 bath with a Pool to a camper, but my journey to enjoying my good health and traveling have been my focus so it is onwards I go.
Any thoughts on the SP-295? I will be traveling alone with my dog, so extra sleeping space is not a huge priority. I will be removing one set of bunks and putting in 'closet/storage'.....I will keep the bunk and dressers that are on the outdoor kitchen side of the RV.
Any suggestions to easy renovations to make this more liveable long term.......possibly years.........will be welcome.
Many advance thanks!
Carol
Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner double cab with towing package
PS........will have to learn to drive with a camper!!!
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08-21-2012, 08:25 PM
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#2
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,268
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Welcome to the Forum Carol.
You have found "The Bonanza Gold" here. If you can't get your questions answered we will at least get you pointed in the right direction.
Lou
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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08-21-2012, 09:08 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Smyrna, Tennessee
Posts: 445
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Congrats on the move....I know you will enjoy your new life. Been to Tampa a few times, granddaughter was born at University Hospital. They now live close to us...hope to see you in a campground someday..we have some nice places here in Middle TN.
__________________
2009 Palomino Puma 25RS
2007 Chevrolet Silverado
Prodigy P2 Brake Controller
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08-21-2012, 09:13 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,446
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Hi Carol and welcome to the FR Forums! The "Pimp my 19RR" thread is filled lots of great ideas. It's one of my favorite threads and I have a different unit.
Happy reading!
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post240839
__________________
Great choice for "Living within my means" and camping for one...
Formerly owned 2011 Salem Cruise Lite 20RBXL & 2011 Toyota Tundra Dbl Cab
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08-21-2012, 10:15 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Forest Grove, Oregon
Posts: 602
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Hey there Carol
to the forums
__________________
98 Chevy Silverado C3500 crewcab, 454 cu in & 2013 Salem Cruise-Lite 181BHXL
FRF and FROG member
Days camped in 2012 (3), 2013 (3), 2014 (6) Days camped in 2015-18, 0 Days so far
Days camped in 2019, (8)
This Space for Rent
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08-21-2012, 10:40 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: West Central, MO
Posts: 260
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Congrats and Welcome! Search away and if you don't find your answers don't hesitate to ask.
__________________
2017 Dodge 2500 Crew Cab 6.7L Cummins 4X4 38k mls
2010 Forest River Flagstaff 831QBSS - Equal-i-zer Hitch
2011 HD FatboyLo & 2000 Honda Shadow 1100
Nights Camped 2010 (7), 2011 (15), 2012 (35) 2013 (40) 2014 (22) 2015 (12) 2016 (10) 2017 (10) 2018 (10)
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08-22-2012, 10:20 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark and Linda
Congrats on the move....I know you will enjoy your new life. Been to Tampa a few times, granddaughter was born at University Hospital. They now live close to us...hope to see you in a campground someday..we have some nice places here in Middle TN.
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Thanks for the welcome and I look forward to connecting to many folks in my travels.
Would love to 'meet' some full timers!!
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08-22-2012, 10:48 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Out in the sticks, Mississippi
Posts: 57
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Welcome Carol...
I'm from St Pete originally, have been to Lazydays many times as well, but always ended up finding better deals elsewhere. It's been a while since I've shopped there though. Hope they take good care of you.
That seems like a lot of trailer, especially full timing, for your Tacoma. You really have to be careful, and do a lot of research. I've seen RV dealers sell units to folks that had no business whatsoever leaving the lot hooked up like they were. I've done it more than once myself...
Good luck, and happy camping..
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08-22-2012, 10:58 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Summerfield, FL
Posts: 382
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I believe you will soon find you need a 3/4 Ton 6 Spd with tow/haul and 4x4 (Diesel best). Welcome to the forum and camping.
I believe your TV is a 4.0 L V6 5 spd. My former F150 V8 5.4 L was too light for your TT (even tho the published data said it would handle a TT up to 8,500 Lbs - it could on the flat at sea level with no head wind).
.
__________________
2018 Flagstaff 29KSWS
2008 Ram Laramie 3500 Megacab 4x4 Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel
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08-23-2012, 08:34 AM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PawPawJim
Welcome Carol...
I'm from St Pete originally, have been to Lazydays many times as well, but always ended up finding better deals elsewhere. It's been a while since I've shopped there though. Hope they take good care of you.
That seems like a lot of trailer, especially full timing, for your Tacoma. You really have to be careful, and do a lot of research. I've seen RV dealers sell units to folks that had no business whatsoever leaving the lot hooked up like they were. I've done it more than once myself...
Good luck, and happy camping..
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Hey PawPawJim!
Thanks for your reply. I have done what felt like a ton of research and heaven only knows that I have probably only skimmed the surface.
My Toyota has the towing package allowing me a towing capacity of 6500 pounds.
The shipping weight of the SP-295 was 5,034# and with all the options added on (10th anniversary edition, interior luxury package and the exterior luxury package) tops out at 5600. Lazy days will not let me buy the ones I really wanted (BIGGER) as they have a rule that there must be a weight buffer zone of 750#. So it appears I will be 'in the zone' on this one.
I originally wanted the PASSPORT 3050BH, however decked out that weighed in at 6100.......not in my buffer zone.
I actually thought that the 295 was a bit small for full timing, however, I will make it work. I will be pulling the bunks on the passenger side and putting in storage there...mostly for clothing and a few miscellaneous, 'can't live without' items.
I thought that their list price for this model( $32,500) was a bit high, but we haven't begun the negotiations as of yet . In thinking about it, I paid just a bit south of that for my truck.
Any and all info you provide will be treasured.
This is a new adventure for me, and the downsizing from a 3/2 x30 years has been tedious and challenging!!
I am almost there, though!
Worse scenario as I see it, is that I buy/rent another home down the road, but somehow, don't see that happening any time soon.
Can't wait to hit the road!!
my best to you
Carol
__________________
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Attributed to Mark Twain
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08-23-2012, 08:38 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuckinca
I believe you will soon find you need a 3/4 Ton 6 Spd with tow/haul and 4x4 (Diesel best). Welcome to the forum and camping.
I believe your TV is a 4.0 L V6 5 spd. My former F150 V8 5.4 L was too light for your TT (even tho the published data said it would handle a TT up to 8,500 Lbs - it could on the flat at sea level with no head wind).
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My Toyota has the towing package allowing me a towing capacity of 6500 pounds.
The shipping weight of the SP-295 was 5,034# and with all the options added on (10th anniversary edition, interior luxury package and the exterior luxury package) tops out at 5600. Lazy days will not let me buy the ones I really wanted (BIGGER) as they have a rule that there must be a weight buffer zone of 750#. So it appears I will be 'in the zone' on this one.
I originally wanted the PASSPORT 3050BH, however decked out that weighed in at 6100.......not in my buffer zone.
I sure an trying to avoid buying another TV as I just bought this one a year ago!!
YIKES!!
That would be a bite in the butt, hey?
Carol
__________________
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Attributed to Mark Twain
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08-23-2012, 08:49 AM
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#12
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tipp City, OH
Posts: 7,154
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When negotiating, I think most dealers work with a 25-35% margin, depending on model. Shop around and get a good price from a good dealer. You might also want to stay close to your dealer for the first couple weeks, as things always need fixed or adjusted on a new purchase. Good luck in your journies.
__________________
2016 Georgetown 364TS
2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon toad
Nights Camped 2019 - 17
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08-23-2012, 09:08 AM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 9
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Great advice!!! He is asking 32'and right before your posr, I had decided to offer him 25K just for the heck of it! Great minds and all that jazz!!
__________________
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Attributed to Mark Twain
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08-23-2012, 12:03 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 260
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Welcome Carol. You sound like my wife Kris and me. We are both retired 57 and 59 respectively. We live in Orlando. Congrats on the new adventure.
For reservations we use https://www.reserveamerica.com/ Reserve America a lot. It works great for us.
I can offer a suggestion on internet connection if you have a unlimited data plan and an Android Smartphone. Email me for that.
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08-23-2012, 12:39 PM
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#15
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 9
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Mike and Kris....retiring today is a dream as I don't have quite enough moola to pull it off! Will be living in the camper for a while and still working, then will throw the proverbial towel into the ring! Currently have a Blackberry phone but will be going the android route at upgrade date!
Good hearing from you!
Carol
__________________
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Attributed to Mark Twain
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08-23-2012, 01:40 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Clayton, NC
Posts: 695
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Congratulations on your big life style change.
You will not need a 3/4 Ton 4X4 to tow that Surveyor. However, your Tacoma will have its hands full. I had a Tacoma PreRunner with the tow package; long bed double cab.
I towed a 22' Jayco TT that actually weighed 5100#. It was a lot to tow for my Tacoma. On flat land, I could cruise at 65, but any incline or mountain, it had to downshift and keep the engine RPM high to keep it going. I'm not saying you can't do it, but be aware that your Tacoma will be working hard. I also had the 4 leaf HD rear springs installed which really helped the ride. Careful on how much you load your trailer and place in the truck bed.
Be sure you have a quality hitch set up. i.e. Hensley or Equal-i-zer. Same goes for towing mirrors and brake controller. i.e. Prodigy. That's a mightly long trailer for your Tacoma.
Best of luck and keep the forum updated on your travels.
__________________
2013 Palomino Columbus 320RS
2007 Dodge RAM 2500 6.7 Cummins
Reese 15K manual slider
Prodigy
M.I.L. in Florida for good!!
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08-23-2012, 01:58 PM
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#17
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Mod free 5er
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
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Welcome to the forum and good luck on your new adventure. We will be in the Orlando area in late Nov. Just take your time and get use to towing in the flatlands of FL. Where will you "home base" or are you going on the road full time?
__________________
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08-23-2012, 02:01 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 260
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Carol do you have any trips planned yet? We are going to Long Point Park in Melbourne Beach 2-5 Nov and are looking at a trip to Cedar Key in Dec or Jan. We have been going to the Fla. state and county parks for the last couple of years and all have been great. Only thing is that State Parks only have electric and water and you have to use the dump station. We got a "blue boy" for that. We are going to Ashvillle Area in Oct for the fall colors. Keep in touch and if you are going some place we are or someplace we haveent been let us know. We can try and meet you there.
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08-23-2012, 02:02 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 260
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DunnNC where in Orlando in Nov? We live in Orlando and I'm originally from Durham.
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08-23-2012, 02:56 PM
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#20
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Out in the sticks, Mississippi
Posts: 57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by caroljg
Hey PawPawJim!
Thanks for your reply. I have done what felt like a ton of research and heaven only knows that I have probably only skimmed the surface.
My Toyota has the towing package allowing me a towing capacity of 6500 pounds.
The shipping weight of the SP-295 was 5,034# and with all the options added on (10th anniversary edition, interior luxury package and the exterior luxury package) tops out at 5600.
Any and all info you provide will be treasured.
Can't wait to hit the road!!
my best to you
Carol
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Just a few notes, as I see others are helping out too. First of all there is a huge difference between 6500 lbs in a low, narrow weight, and a TT weighing less than that. Your Tacoma doesn't punch as big of a hole in the wind if front of the trailer which will increase the wind resistance on the TT. You'll have a much greater appreciation of this the first time you experience a head/cross wind while towing with a small truck. Especially once you've pulled a TT with a bigger truck.
Your shipping weight figure doesn't include the hitch weight, battery, gas bottles filled, any of your full time belongings, clothes, water, etc, etc, etc, you'll be surprised what the actual trailer weight is when you are ready to pull it to your first destination.
I disagree with the notion you NEED a 3/4 ton, but you really do need at least a full size 1/2 ton rated for 8K towing capacity, and even more would benefit you, and your TV.
Don't feel too bad if you do have to trade your truck in. I just got home from trading in my 3 month old pickup with just over 3K miles on it. It won't hurt my feelings, or wallet, nearly as much as it would have having an incident out on the road overloaded though. My bad, lesson learned, and this time I mean it...
If I had known my wife would want a TT I'd have got the truck I just brought home in the first place. Then I could have got her the TT she really wanted as well. Fortunately she loves the one we did buy so I don't have to trade it right now, we haven't even made our first trip with it yet...
We wish you all the best in your endeavors....
Happy trails!
Jim
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