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Old 08-08-2014, 11:20 AM   #1
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Smile 2006 Rockwood Roo 233

Excited to be trading up to a 2006 Rockwood Roo 233 from our current 2001 Coleman Grand Tour Mesa popup tonight!!

We felt this was a great opportunity that we couldn't pass on. We camp 20-25 days a year and travel out of state frequently for marathons and such. We have two children (girl-11yrs & boy-9yrs) that are growing UP fast and just need MORE space. That's where the Roo comes in!

A couple of questions to those who may own this Roo 233, or a similar, model...

- Guessing we should seriously look into a WDH and are wondering which type would be best. We presently have a 2011 Grand Cherokee, 6cyl 5.3 w/tow pkg and trailer brake. Would a 1000lb be alright, or should I opt for the 1200lb set? Until I get this installed, would smaller trips in the vicinity be alright?

- Any MODS/upgrades you would suggest or could provide notes on? I've seen a couple on the forum already and am excited to possibly convert our wardrobe into a shelved storage for duffel bags for each family member!

Looking forward to doing some camping up along Lake Superior/Grand Marais area in MN soon...on to the next great adventure!!

Thanks ~
Mike
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Old 08-08-2014, 11:52 AM   #2
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Congrats on the new camper!

As for your question on the WDH - I wouldn't tow that 233 without one given your tow vehicle. Any basic setup like a ProSeries will do the job and give you sway control, which you will absolutely want. If you want to go higher end, there are lots of happy Equalizer owners on this forum, or the Blue-Ox is a nice setup. Your Jeep GC should have plenty of power, but SUV's are more setup for ride comfort than towing. P tires vs LT's and softer suspension, plus a little shorter wheel base than a pickup. The tongue weight is going to put a heavy load on your rear axle and lighten your steer axle. You won't know exactly how much until you hookup and try it, but my advice would be get a WDH and sway control from the start.

A basic hitch and friction sway setup isn't going to setyou back too much, and they are readily availalbe / quick to install.
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Old 08-08-2014, 01:40 PM   #3
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Thanks for the info. I'll be checking into a setup right away!


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Old 08-08-2014, 01:51 PM   #4
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2006 Rockwood Roo 233

Mike,
Congrats on your new Roo!

I like the integrated hitches and currently use and recommend a four-point 1,000/10,000lb Equal-i-zer WDH. Other good ones would include Reese Dual Cam, Andersen and Blue Ox.
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Old 08-09-2014, 04:24 AM   #5
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can't be a 5.3 and a 6 cylinder!
and you'll definitely need a WDH.
go with the 1000 pound one.

if it's the inline 6 cylinder engine, it maybe under powered.
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Old 08-09-2014, 06:30 AM   #6
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I use the 1K/10K pound Equalizer set up with my pop up. I think that weight WDH would be appropriate for your Roo. It really is just your preference as there are different designs out there or WDH.

Enjoy your Roo. They are really nice. I would love to have one if I was just not so scared to pull one.

Vin.
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Old 08-09-2014, 05:08 PM   #7
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I use a equalizer 1000/10000 wdh on my 233s works great have used it on saab 97x with the 6 cup 4.3 and on my new Silverado 1500 with a 5.3 you will need a wdh the 233s has tounge weight of 623lbs empty
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Old 08-10-2014, 08:36 PM   #8
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Smile Greetings!

Congrats on your Roo! We recently purchased an '07 Roo 233 and love it!! We are very careful about tucking in the canvas on the bunk ends to prevent leakage. That's my only fear with the hybrid. We too went from a pop up to this. I love sleeping in the tent ends with the sounds of the outdoors!! Looking forward to future posts! Enjoy and happy camping!
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Old 08-11-2014, 08:01 PM   #9
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Congrats!!
We use an equalizer hitch 12k. I think the 10k would be fine.
As far as towing w/out WDH we tow our Roo to and from storage (15miles one way) without the WDH. The camper tows fine but we use back country roads and never go over 60mph. I'm actually surprise at how well it tows w/out the WDH. BUT we have a larger TV then what you will be using. If your going to tow w/out I would look for back streets and very short distance to be safe.
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