Trying to overcome discouragement

[Travelinman 2018]

I have a 2019, which I just took on a 9000+ mile trip, to the west coast and back to PA. We boondocked most of the time, staying off grid, and avoiding the park Campgrounds. I had a great time, and no real issues. I was pulling with a 17 Silverado, and I use a WDH w/SC, and could hardly tell the camper was back there. As I was worried about the "China Bomb" tires, I checked the pressure regularly, and kept my speed under 70 MPH. I had no issues! The only real issues I had was a few screws coming loose, and a drawer falling out, mostly due to I-70, over the Rockies, at Denver. (I would avoid if possible), and the blinds falling apart, which I glued. Also, I considered getting the off-road package, which raises the camper, and adds 15 " tires. I wish I had, as clearance can be close sometimes.

[Chesley]

Originally Posted by Barry Allen

Truck should be fine. I have the same trailer and I pull it with a Ford Sport Trac (mini-truck like a Ranger) with GVWR 5000 lb and it goes like a champ. No issues at all. And I do a lot of extreme mountain stuff in the Canadian Rockies.




I love the trailer, BTW. No problems of any consequence here...

Thanks for the info.

[Chesley]

Originally Posted by Mrprovy

This guys towing with a similar set up (16BH):
http://youtu.be/whrF-u6Gcg0

The weight specs are almost The same for the 16 BH and your 19; I'll be weighing my Geo Pro 16BH this weekend and I'll post the weight (w/o water, with 2 lead acid batteries, 2 full 30lb propane tanks, and cargo filled up).

After reading earlier posts, I'm nervous about my A/C; it was only 40° last weekend when we picked it up, so didn't get to test out the compressor...next warm day now that I'm hooked into shore power.

Thanks Mrprovy.

[Chesley]

Originally Posted by Mrprovy

This guys towing with a similar set up (16BH):
http://youtu.be/whrF-u6Gcg0

The weight specs are almost The same for the 16 BH and your 19; I'll be weighing my Geo Pro 16BH this weekend and I'll post the weight (w/o water, with 2 lead acid batteries, 2 full 30lb propane tanks, and cargo filled up).

After reading earlier posts, I'm nervous about my A/C; it was only 40° last weekend when we picked it up, so didn't get to test out the compressor...next warm day now that I'm hooked into shore power.

BTW, I know the two units are different, but I would be very interested in knowing your tongue weight when you get it weighed.

[NJKris]

Originally Posted by Mrprovy

This guys towing with a similar set up (16BH):
http://youtu.be/whrF-u6Gcg0

The weight specs are almost The same for the 16 BH and your 19; I'll be weighing my Geo Pro 16BH this weekend and I'll post the weight (w/o water, with 2 lead acid batteries, 2 full 30lb propane tanks, and cargo filled up).

After reading earlier posts, I'm nervous about my A/C; it was only 40° last weekend when we picked it up, so didn't get to test out the compressor...next warm day now that I'm hooked into shore power.

Don't sweat it. You have a year to make sure it works. If it doesn't, it's an easy warranty replacement, I didn't even have to return to dealer which was 3 hours away, just used a shop that AirExcel approves of.

[RobinDella]

You're over analyzing. hook up and go, enjoy!!

[Mrprovy]

My Trailblazer weighted in at about 5300lbs.

The below weights are combined, trailer, and tongue. The tongue is significantly heavier than I expected, weighed at the jack resting on the scale with the tires behind the scale.

Andersen WDH, 2 full 30lb propane tanks and 2 24DC batteries on the tongue; sewer, water, tools, and stackers in the front pass thru.

[Chesley]

Originally Posted by Mrprovy

My Trailblazer weighted in at about 5300lbs.

The below weights are combined, trailer, and tongue. The tongue is significantly heavier than I expected, weighed at the jack resting on the scale with the tires behind the scale.

Andersen WDH, 2 full 30lb propane tanks and 2 24DC batteries on the tongue; sewer, water, tools, and stackers in the front pass thru.Attachment 218060Attachment 218061Attachment 218062

Thanks for posting the weights.

[NJKris]

That 620 lbs is exactly what I expected on the tongue, single axle trailer. Did you also place the hitch head on the scale? I know mine must weigh 35 or 45 lbs alone.

[Mrprovy]

Originally Posted by NJKris

That 620 lbs is exactly what I expected on the tongue, single axle trailer. Did you also place the hitch head on the scale? I know mine must weigh 35 or 45 lbs alone.

I did not. I think I should have also weighed the truck connected w/WDH then disconnected to get a true hitch weight, but I didn't think of it till after I was home.

Unfortunately, the fresh water tank is forward of the axle (37 gallons should be about 320lb); but, I'll probably throw the generator in the rear compartment (I should be able to just fit it in there) @ 100lb plus an extra 20lb tank, which may offset the front weight slightly. All that added to the weight will probably max out the trailers weight capacity.

[Tundra 2014]

Your great! If everyone put the effort into crunching the numbers you have, I would feel safer on the road. Enjoy. It is a learning experience for all of us, sorry for your previous struggles, it will get better.

[curlysu80]

I am curious how the gladiator is working out for you. We also have a GeoPro (16BH model) which has a dry weight of 3000lbs. I am also considering buying a gladiator sport since our current pathfinder is having trouble towing at higher elevation (we live in CO). Can you tell me how the gladiator is working for you, both towing your rig as well as general everyday driving?

Thank you

Su

[cavie]

Originally Posted by RMFP

I may be in the wrong thread but two comments in this mentioned bad A/C units with the Geo Pro 19FD. I am looking into purchasing the same TT, so am I correct in assuming that the dealerships don't have Shore Power in some instances to check the A/C during the PDI? Should I demand it be checked seeing that I would buy in Florida? Since I am new to Forum can someone direct me how to get to right thread to ask question about House batteries and Solar? Thank You.

Any 15/20 amp circuit is large enough to check out every piece of equipment during a a PDI. Including the A/C. Just not all at the same time. Any RV dealer would also have a 30 amp and 50 amp shore power available.

Ask your questions right here. Just put batteries and solar in the title. OR post in "General Tech and repair." "General Community Discussions" is a good place also.

[Adub]

I am trying to decide what vehicle to get for towing the Geo Pro 19fd as well. We have a tacoma that we pull a rxr 1000 with, and for now that will tow this rig. But, we'll be replacing my Subaru with something that can tow the tt, as well as be an everyday vehicle. any thoughts?

[NJKris]

Make sure tongue weight capacity is at least 700. Most mid sized SUV's have a 500 limit.

[Larry0071]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

Where you run into the problem with the Gladiator, is it has the same motor in my 2011 Chrysler Minivan. 4:11 gears are great and all but you also have big tires so effectively they aren't much better than the 3:16s in my minivan. But hey, I'd tow that camper with my minivan if I had one even though I only have a 3600 pound tow rating in a heartbeat. I just wouldn't be supertrucking it down the interstate at 70 mph.

While I would not consider the 3.6L/3.4L (Cherokee version) Pentastar to be a HD truck engine, it is actually quite a good little power maker. It has it's issues, but what engine doesn't?

The 2013+ 3.6L (updated due to widespread left side cylinder head failure) tends to a be a good and reliable engine for most, some have issues with the oil filter housing cracking ($40 part, can be changed in the home garage), radiators tend to need replaced for seepage/leaking on some(takes a couple hours in a home garage)…. but the entire driveline platform of the Gladiator as well as the overall vehicle design is that of a stretched Wrangler JK/JL using powertrain components that have been being widely abused since 2012 in one FCA vehicle platform or another. The new transmission is less historically tested, but using the 2012+ Wrangler as a gage.... the automatic trans should be just fine. FCA seems to FINALLY be getting these slush boxes figured out.

I would think that if you do not go with larger tires and you drive it like you have a lite duty truck platform, you'll be just fine. Stay away from the lift kits and 35" and 37" tires and I think your going to be A-Okay.

Every few years change out the transmission fluid. At the same time spend $30 and drain and refill the rear differential fluid at home, it is simple to do with just a 3/8" ratchet and short extension to pull the drain and fill plugs. Other than that, camp on!

[Tundra 2014]

Originally Posted by Adub

I am trying to decide what vehicle to get for towing the Geo Pro 19fd as well. We have a tacoma that we pull a rxr 1000 with, and for now that will tow this rig. But, we'll be replacing my Subaru with something that can tow the tt, as well as be an everyday vehicle. any thoughts?

I had two Tundras over the last 17 years, combined 185K miles. Both were excellent, neither required anything but basic maintainance. Best trucks I have owned. All 1/2 tons will do a great job and everyone has their favorite. Just remember to look @ the Payload capacity on the drivers door jam. I only got rid of my Tundra due to need for more payload for a heavier trailer/ 5 th. wheel.