Picked up our new Rockwood HW296.

[vinmaker]

I use an equalizer WDH with mine. I like the safety of it. It also helps when I load up the back of the SUV.

Tactical is right in that the tongue weight is less than those pop ups with front storage. You might not need one. I wanted anti sway and the WDH is an added bonus in case I load it up.

Vin.

[Rj5620]

Another subject, but does any one use 2 BAL levelers on the HW296, is there enough room. I listen to people use trial and error and the plastic lego blocks to level their pop ups. The BALs would seem quick and have the benefit of leveling if you don't have a helper.

[papasmurff1]

I use 2 bal levelers and have not had any problems so far.

[Popupbenji]

Wow that's a sweet pup I'm looking at upgrading to that unit is your silverado a 1500 with a 5.3 how did that pull and track down the road

[vinmaker]

Originally Posted by papasmurff1

I use 2 bal levelers and have not had any problems so far.

You do?

I own two BAL levelers and have never really used them. I got one to try it out but the weight of my HW256 broke off a plate. Needed to have it welded back on. BAL replaced it but I have just decided to use a board instead.

You have no problem cranking it up? When I had used it, it was hard. Lifting all that weight was tough.

Vin.

[kinma13]

vin

i have one and use it everytime on my hw276. the only complaint i have is if the ground it grassy or soft the BAL is hard to put under and take out. my tire JUST fits so im thinking next season i might use some vaseline on the plates to help it under. no really problens cranking but i use a 13" ratchet bar not the toool they send you.

[vinmaker]

Hi Kinma,

I think a 13" ratchet bar is a great idea. I think I am gonna think about this.

I was gonna buy two BAL wheel chocks to lock them in place but I realize that the BAL levelers accomplish that task as well. Since I already have them, I might as well use them if I can get them to work.

[kinma13]

i am going to put 1/4 plywood under both sides before i unhook that way the BAL should stay up on a hard surface. ill be getting my pup back tonight and doing the cleaning n washing this weekend cause im putting it in storage next week. wish i could have done more camping this year but in the north you are limited, but now that we have it my season can start late march early april instead of late may.

[vinmaker]

Mine is winterized and covered also.

[W4NT3D]

Richard,

I do use a electric brake controller, as is has nothing to do with tongue weight I think it helps with slowing us down and I feel no push.


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[pgandw]

Originally Posted by Rj5620

Another subject, but does any one use 2 BAL levelers on the HW296, is there enough room. I listen to people use trial and error and the plastic lego blocks to level their pop ups. The BALs would seem quick and have the benefit of leveling if you don't have a helper.

I use the Leveler blocks instead of a BAL because of the simplicity, lower costs, and lighter weight of the blocks. I do not use trial and error, though.

At the RV dealer, I came across curved bubble levels that were calibrated in inches. I leveled the trailer, and installed one cross-wise on the front lower section of our A122. When we arrive at the campsite, I back or pull into position and look at the level to see how many blocks I need (1" = 1 block). I stack the correct number of blocks right behind the low tire (I also carry piece of 1x10 wood for less than 1" situations or fine tuning the stack), and back onto the stack. Comes out level every time, no help needed. Chock the wheels with the plastic chocks and I'm done. Takes longer to type than to do.

I do not have dual wheels, so the stack is simpler. I'm not knocking the BAL; it just seems like overkill for our situation. For dual wheels close together, I have seen an X-shaped device to level and chock.

The Leveler blocks are also useful under the stabilizers or the tongue jack post (I use a round piece of 3/4" ply under the jack post on top of a block or two). Wal-Mart has a nylon carrying case of 10 blocks for around $30.

Fred W
2014 Rockwoood A122
2008 Hyundai Entourage (minivan)

[TPP]

Newbie here....What is difference between the Rockwood Popup line and the Flagstaff Popup line of Forest River popups? Specifically, the HW296 (Rockwood) and the HW29SC (Flagstaff). Also, the diagrams on the Forest River website do not clearly show which Popups have two axles and which only have one axle.

[GalsofEscape]

Pretty much the only difference is the color scheme. I understand that they are even made on the same line.

The 16 foot box campers have the double axles, all the others are single axles.

[TPP]

Do pop ups require weight distributing hitches?? I have a two inch ball on my truck...is that the standard for pop up trailers?

[kinma13]

TPP it just depends on the pup. I dont use a wdh and my pup uses a 2" ball. Pup is 3800lbs FL

[GalsofEscape]

The 2 inch ball seems to be pretty standard, my hw277 has a 2 inch ball.

There are weight distributing hitchs for pups but whether you need one would depend on your tow vehicle and camper weight. Your tow vehicle owners manual should state when one is recommended.

[marsh]

Thanks for the info Pgandw...didn't ask the question but learned something!

[travel canus]

Hi that sure is nice I have a rockwood 23iks 2014 . I am thinking of trading it in on a 2016 296hw. Does it tow nice and not to bad on fuel?

[W4NT3D]

Originally Posted by travel canus

Hi that sure is nice I have a rockwood 23iks 2014 . I am thinking of trading it in on a 2016 296hw. Does it tow nice and not to bad on fuel?

It tows very nice and not too bad on fuel.

[Pill Billy]

Originally Posted by travel canus

Hi that sure is nice I have a rockwood 23iks 2014 . I am thinking of trading it in on a 2016 296hw. Does it tow nice and not to bad on fuel?

Haha I'm looking to trade my HW277 for a Roo 233DS.


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