17FQ Modifications

[thewheelman]

Thanks all! Yeah, we decided against the under table drawers before I pulled the dinette. One breaker! Yeah, it will be a challenge to see what trips it off. I plan on using campground power for my electric heater--1 small ceramic heater will run you out of it.....maybe not at 3 degrees....but in KY, it's plenty! Don't plan on doing any boondocking, but I've been in some commercial campgrounds that weren't far from it. Previous owner had solar panel for trailer, I opted to let him keep it.....


Thanks for the input! I'll keep you posted (and ask a bunch more questions) as the winter and projects progress!

[Homersimpson]

This is by memory, but as I recall the only 20 amp is for the AC, with 15 amp circuits for the microwave, for the converter (battery charger), and for the rest of the outlets. The 30 amp breaker limits them all.

In addition to making use of the AC breaker when it is not hot inside, another way to add power at a campground is to utilize the duplex outlet that is usually found on the pedestal. Plug your trailer into the 30 amp outlet and plug a regular extension cord into the "household" outlet. Then you can use the extra power for anything, like a heated water hose or still more heat. Yes, it is an obsession, but remember where I live. Maybe an outdoor TV and DVD at night, like a drive-in movie. The possibilities!

[bigjoey38]

Greetings- So how is everyone liking there 17FQ?

[Homersimpson]

Originally Posted by bigjoey38

Greetings- So how is everyone liking there 17FQ?

It was -16 degrees F this am, so not getting much use of it. However, we have been to two local RV shows this winter and, after looking at so many other trailers big and small, we are still sure we made the right choice in our 17FQ. Looking forward to summer...

[thewheelman]

Heading to Gulf Shores this weekend--our second outing--looking forward to some warm weather, even if it is raining! Come on Spring!

[BC.campr]

Originally Posted by bigjoey38

Greetings- So how is everyone liking there 17FQ?

We like ours more today then when we first bought it. After modifying things a little and making it our own, right now, we would be hard pressed to swap it for another unit.

[bigjoey38]

Hi everyone:

I think there was a few people that traded there R-pod for a 17FQ... Like to still see if anyone still on this site. Also with those that recently purchased there 17FQ like to hear pros/cons? Anyone pull with a dodge dakota 4.7 V-8

[archerrj]

For what its worth, last summer we pulled our 17FQ - all around Michigan & Ohio using a 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L EB & factory tow package without any issues. That being said, I would not think of attempting any "serious" grades with this rig.

[JKinFLA]

Originally Posted by gwolfe

I hope y'all don't mind me trying to fit in, I don't have a 17FQ but have a 17RD and it seems like I am the only one. Anyway I wanted to add a pic of the sticky backed vinyl tile back splash I did since all of our kitchens are basically the same. It was really easy to do and covered all of those warning stickers I was tired of looking at.



I also peeled the graphics off of the outside for a cleaner look, I left the Coachmen logo though. Upgraded to 205/75 15 wheels and tires too.

Look Great. I just bought a 17RD and being new to all of this camping stuff I'm looking for ideas and trying to figure everything out. Where did you get the backsplash tiles at?

[Wm1s]

Originally Posted by archerrj

For what its worth, last summer we pulled our 17FQ - all around Michigan & Ohio using a 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L EB & factory tow package without any issues. That being said, I would not think of attempting any "serious" grades with this rig.

We love our 2015 17FQ, with many mods to make it more functional for us. I pull it with a 2008 Lincoln MKX 3.5. Been from Nova Scotia to Key West FL without any problems.

[archerrj]

Originally Posted by Wm1s

We love our 2015 17FQ, with many mods to make it more functional for us. I pull it with a 2008 Lincoln MKX 3.5. Been from Nova Scotia to Key West FL without any problems.

Not surprised as the 3.5L is a "bit" larger than the 2.0L Happy Trails

[bigjoey38]

Hope to go camping in 45 days and we will see how the 4.7 V-8 Dakota does... pulling small hills.

[thewheelman]

Headed west (from KY) in May. Mt. Rushmore, Little Bighorn, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Tetons, etc. Looks like some fair size hills we'll see how the 2.7 ecoboost does......

[hoops]

so how many people keep the the 13" rims ??

its time to put new tires on the trailer and i don't really want to lift it to fit taller tires + i like the factory 13" rims lol

[archerrj]

Originally Posted by hoops

so how many people keep the the 13" rims ??

its time to put new tires on the trailer and i don't really want to lift it to fit taller tires + i like the factory 13" rims lol

Eventually I would like to upgrade to a larger rim & tire size, but my current 13" tires are less than a year old, so for the time being I am staying with the OEM rims.

[Fluffywhitedogs]

I haven’t bothered to change them on my BH. I’ve heard conflicting opinions on whether the clearance is adequate without flipping the axle, and I have no desire to do that. Just put on a new set of Carlisles and I’m good to go. Maybe if I was doing more off-road boondocking I’d change my mind...

[hoops]

Ya I can get Carlisle radial trail HD tires for a decent price thinking I will just get them. I know they will fit fine

The original tires are 5 years old and cracking in the tread so it’s time

[Homersimpson]

If you are keeping the 13” wheels, at least be sure to maximize your tire capacity. Like maybe a 185/80R13 8 ply load range D from a name brand. Otherwise, the tires may not be adequate for the load.

The newer ones come with 14” wheels, and I even considered increasing to 15”. But then, I learned that the 215/70R14 had a slightly higher capacity than the 205/70R15. So I replaced the 205/70R14 load range D China bombs with 215/70R14 load range E Goodyear Endurance.

[BC.campr]

Hey Hoops,
I think on the 2015 you would have to increase clearance in the wheel well. I tried 14” on our 2015 and they would touch the fender well after regular use. So I did the flip and went all the way to the 15”s so I’d get some ground clearance on it. Rides like a dream now...also added shocks shortly after I did the flip. Don’t have to worry about ripping the plumbing off anymore, lol.
The flip of the axle leads to needing double stairs or riser, big step up otherwise.
Cheers...BC

[Fluffywhitedogs]

Originally Posted by hoops

Ya I can get Carlisle radial trail HD tires for a decent price thinking I will just get them. I know they will fit fine

The original tires are 5 years old and cracking in the tread so it’s time

Those Carlisles do come in a load range D, with a max load of 1710lb.