New in michigan

Jsmerecki · 04-20-2016, 05:00 AM

Hello, I am a new to forest river camper owner. My wife and I just purchased a new to us roo 21ss and are in the midst of prepping it for shove off for 2016. I do have some logistical questions that I will post in the "expandables" section
Good luck and safe traveling
Ps has any one come up with any good reason 99percent of all the people that camp or talk about camping (or rv-ing) are the absolute nicest and most helpful people?

Johnny
Roo 21ss
2015 explorer

**bikendan** · 04-20-2016, 05:09 AM

Welcome to the Roo Croo!

but i have a concern.

you have a Explorer with a MAX towing capacity of 5000lbs. and max hitch weight of 500lbs.

the 21SS's factory UVW will be close to 5000lbs., BEFORE you add the weight of the battery, water and cargo.
and the fictional "dry" hitch weight already exceeds 500lbs.

i'm afraid that the 21SS will exceed all the specs of your Explorer.

Jsmerecki · 04-20-2016, 05:19 AM

I was well aware that posting my vehicle would raise some eye brows!
Between the three generations of automotive fabrication employees In my family we beefed up my explorer extensively with engine, transmission, frame and suspension shop fabricated parts including welding up new towing frame work. It's basically a expedition now. I have all the paper work that shows the new suspension and tow ratings. Call it a hobby. But we are rated to just under 7900gvr now

**bikendan** · 04-20-2016, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsmerecki

I was well aware that posting my vehicle would raise some eye brows!
Between the three generations of automotive fabrication employees In my family we beefed up my explorer extensively with engine, transmission, frame and suspension shop fabricated parts including welding up new towing frame work. It's basically a expedition now. I have all the paper work that shows the new suspension and tow ratings. Call it a hobby. But we are rated to just under 7900gvr now

Who rated it for that?

Jsmerecki · 04-20-2016, 06:02 AM

At my local tire shop (they have a scale) after installing new tires,
Coil over springs and shocks around all four, larger break rotors in front and welded new chassis rowing equipment we loaded a thousand pounds in the back seat and measured vehicle drop. We then put 900lbs directly on the tongue and again measured drop. The welding performed with the new towing assembly was performed to manufacturer specs (that were rated much higher its a 9000lbs unit max) the engine dyno-ed out at just under f 400hp and the tranny was all new from ford mo co out of 2015 f-150 4x4. We down graded are perceived rating of 9000 lbs to 7900 max to be on the safe side. Our vehicle insurance consultant sent in all of our equipment install paper work and the concur with our findings. Now the real question. Why all this work to a xplorer? why not buy the f150 or expedition? Neither of them will fit in my garage and my vehicle must go in doors. I even bought a car port for the roo. The sun and weather do excessive damage.

Jsmerecki · 04-20-2016, 06:15 AM

Also in Michigan to aquire a plate we must weigh out the trailer and with battery and lp tanks the trailer weighed in at 3850lbs

itat · 04-20-2016, 06:16 AM

Did you upgrade the axles, too? Your Explorer has a shorter wheelbase and lighter axles than the F150 so it is not as capable a tow vehicle despite your modifications. You did lots of good mods but unless you upgrade everything associated with the weight carrying capacity, you still haven't changed the GVWR.

I upgraded the suspension on my F150 by adding an extra leaf spring on both sides, but that does not increase my GVWR. It did take some bounce out of the back end.

aceinspp · 04-20-2016, 06:18 AM

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new camper

Later RJD

Jsmerecki · 04-20-2016, 06:28 AM

The axles are an upgraded version made by a conversion (emergency conversions Fire rescue police) company in goshen Indiana called supreme cooperation. They come with a different gear ration. The 4 wheel transfer case was purchased from off-road extreme out of Arizona. All these components came with paperwork securing the weight ratings.

strut526 · 04-20-2016, 06:30 AM

Welcome, I am in Michigan also. Went seasonal 3 years ago, in Brooklyn.(Irish Hills area)
Congratulations on your purchase!

geeman53 · 04-20-2016, 07:00 AM

Welcome from SW Ohio ! You Roo !

Kenny kustom · 04-20-2016, 07:01 AM

Explorer is a fwd/awd unibody.

There's no way a rwd transmission from an f150 would fit.

The " transfer case " is a power transfer unit.
Not the same, not interchangeable.

2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

Wiscampsin · 04-20-2016, 07:50 AM

Welcome from Wisconsin and congrats on your Roo 21SS.

Wilco · 04-20-2016, 08:19 AM

Welcome from Pennsylvania. Enjoy your Roo. That is a good size to fit in state and national parks. I still keep my old 19' toy hauler to use when I want to visit the parks (and when I take it places that would be too tight/rough for my 33' TT). I would suggest taking to a campground near you for a week as a shakedown to determine what modifications would make it more comfortable for the two of you.

As to why you meet the nicest people camping, we all have a degree of wanderlust and want to see who or what is over the horizon. We are also curious both in what the "other guy" is camping in (after all we might like it better than our own rig) and we recognize that we may need help occasionally and so are willing to supply help to others.

Enjoy your Roo and I'll see you down the road.

NoviBill · 04-25-2016, 06:14 AM

Welcome from another SE Michigander

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