Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-18-2020, 08:05 AM   #1
All Around Hoser
 
BajaFog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
Posts: 68
Thumbs up Please - Somebody Stop Me!

I'm on the hook for a Rockwood Mini Lite 2511s. Made the deal over the phone with the Colorado RV Center in South Fork Colorado. They gave me a price that was close to what I was finding from the Indiana wholesalers.



Suddenly without warning I saw myself creating a YouTube channel to chronicle my processes and experiences I'm not sure this is a good idea... help?

The rig won't be ready for pickup until who knows when; end of the year they tell me. In the meanwhile I'm finding myself at Amazon buying this that and the other to prepare for the upcoming adventures. Consider:
  • Leveling Blocks
  • Tire Chocks
  • Trailer Hitch
  • Hitch Lock
  • Anti Rattle
  • Generator

I haven't even started on the inside yet, but I do have a growing wish list

I've spent some time on the rv.net forums but have recently come over here and WOW what a difference. I'm finding amazing content and resources. I just downloaded the PDI Checklist (who knew?!) and will try to prepare myself for the impending deliver. I shared with my wife Jan Baby (best wife ever) what I learned here about Dakota Post - I need to look more into that and pronto.

For towing I sold my 2001 F-150 5.4L and picked up a 2017 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost with the 4x4 Off Road and Tow packages. Seriously, a six cylinder engine is going to give me by best towing capabilities? I must have been living under a rock all these years

Looking forward to these forums and the impending adventure - not looking forward to all the money I still need to spend
__________________
--El Hefe

Baja Fog Adventuring
2018 F-250 Lariat SC w/6.75L Diesel
BajaFog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 09:18 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
whirledpeaz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 330
Well, hello and welcome. Not going to stop you. Just going to stand by and watch!
__________________
2020 Rockwood UltraLite 2608BS
2017 F250
whirledpeaz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 09:24 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
rebeltown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 239
Should be an interesting read... Welcome aboard.
__________________
2017 Rockwood 2304DS Ultralite
2012 F-150 4X4 XLT 5.0 V8
rebeltown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 09:26 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 13,810
Welcome from Wisconsin. Enjoy the experience!
Wiscampsin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 09:40 AM   #5
Pickin', Campin', Mason
 
5picker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,509
Wondering why the rig won't be ready for pickup until the end of the year?

Is the unit on order or on their lot?
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2024 Ford F-Series SCREW•7.3L•4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA

Days Camped '19=118 '20=116 '21=123 '22=134 '23=118 '24=101
5picker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 09:47 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,066
23,000 to 28,000 in amarillo and san angelo tx on the lot 2019s . i shop all over. i am in amarillo .got my puma in san angelo. 44,000 paid 28,000. amarillo has travel trailers running out our ears. new and used. SOUTH FORK CO.? really ! that is tourist trap heaven. i need a part when i was there. 15.00 for a 3.00 part. i did with out. you are in Indiana Jeff Couch in Hamliton oh. prod. could have got it for you. Wildcat there i bought 19.000 amarillo price 28.000+.
Thomas ho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 09:47 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,911
Welcome, nice trailer!

What hitch did you buy, or did you not buy the hitch yet? You’ll need a WDH for sure. I’m not sure about the anti-rattle, you might want to hold off and see if it is an issue.

As for the 3.5 eb F150, that engine is a towing beast! You won’t regret it. Did you get the Max tow with the 36 gallon fuel tank?
__________________
2019 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
Jfkmk is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 10:12 AM   #8
All Around Hoser
 
BajaFog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5picker View Post
Wondering why the rig won't be ready for pickup until the end of the year?

Is the unit on order or on their lot?
On order. the sales guy informed me they have an order number or VIN or some such thing letting me know it is in process.
__________________
--El Hefe

Baja Fog Adventuring
2018 F-250 Lariat SC w/6.75L Diesel
BajaFog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 10:18 AM   #9
All Around Hoser
 
BajaFog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jfkmk View Post
Welcome, nice trailer!

What hitch did you buy, or did you not buy the hitch yet? You’ll need a WDH for sure. I’m not sure about the anti-rattle, you might want to hold off and see if it is an issue.

As for the 3.5 eb F150, that engine is a towing beast! You won’t regret it. Did you get the Max tow with the 36 gallon fuel tank?
Bought a hitch. I think, due to ignorance went overboard by purchasing the MaxxTow Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 6-1/4" Drop, 7-7/8" Rise - 12K

I measured my truck hitch height (16") and found the Mini Lite hitch height to be 22" so concluded I would need some rise. I was wrong, but I'm sticking with it so far.



Yes, I have the max tow package. Just experienced the most expensive fill up of my adult life!
__________________
--El Hefe

Baja Fog Adventuring
2018 F-250 Lariat SC w/6.75L Diesel
BajaFog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 10:20 AM   #10
Site Team
 
Flybob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,496
You will need a Weight Distribution hitch. The pictured hitch will not work.
__________________

2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
Flybob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 11:41 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,066
dont want to make you feel bad . 2019 rockwood 25 ft 25,100 in amarillo craigslist under rvs. decked out 1 owner.
Thomas ho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 11:53 AM   #12
Pickin', Campin', Mason
 
5picker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,509
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
You will need a Weight Distribution hitch. The pictured hitch will not work.
Agreed.

At roughly 5500 lbs. and an F-150, you'll need a weight distributing hitch.

That hitch will do you no good you bought. Send it back.

I suppose it's time someone says STOP!
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2024 Ford F-Series SCREW•7.3L•4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA

Days Camped '19=118 '20=116 '21=123 '22=134 '23=118 '24=101
5picker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 12:00 PM   #13
D W
Senior Member
 
D W's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: ALASKA (World's Biggest Campground)
Posts: 7,349
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
You will need a Weight Distribution hitch. The pictured hitch will not work.
Yup, first lesson learned...
__________________
'07 K3500 Silverado LT Crew Duramax (LBZ)
2016 Salem 27RKSS
1984 CHEV SCOTTSDALE K20 2GCGK24J0E1XXXXXX (Chevrolet Legends-Class of 2019)
"...exhaust fluid? We don't need no stinkin' exhaust fluid"
D W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 01:36 PM   #14
All Around Hoser
 
BajaFog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thomas ho View Post
dont want to make you feel bad . 2019 rockwood 25 ft 25,100 in amarillo craigslist under rvs. decked out 1 owner.
Yeah, I was expecting when the great RV rush of 2020 was over there would be a slew of 2511S's on the auction block. That Amarillo one is about $500.00 cheaper that what I paid for a 2021 with all the goodies - just sayin'
__________________
--El Hefe

Baja Fog Adventuring
2018 F-250 Lariat SC w/6.75L Diesel
BajaFog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 01:49 PM   #15
All Around Hoser
 
BajaFog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by D W View Post
Yup, first lesson learned...
OK, I get it. Just Googled up this:
https://www.amazon.com/EAZ-LIFT-4805.../dp/B005SB6S3Y

I've looked at so many my mind is numb. eTrailer has some great choices too. anybody want to chime in on what one might consider when selecting a weight distribution hitch?
__________________
--El Hefe

Baja Fog Adventuring
2018 F-250 Lariat SC w/6.75L Diesel
BajaFog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 01:58 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
U.S.ArmyVeteran's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,212
Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaFog View Post
OK, I get it. Just Googled up this:
https://www.amazon.com/EAZ-LIFT-4805.../dp/B005SB6S3Y

I've looked at so many my mind is numb. eTrailer has some great choices too. anybody want to chime in on what one might consider when selecting a weight distribution hitch?
An all time favorite. And the one I use.

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/?gcli...4aAtKMEALw_wcB

Your mileage may vary.

Also, my recommendations for ABSOLUTE required upgrades! Safety first.

Tire Pressure Monitor System for your trailer.
Rear View Back Up Camera.

Curious? Why do you think you need a generator?

Ohh and we spent almost $3K on upgrades.
That included New Good Year Tires. So crank up that CC
Good Luck and Have Fun!
U.S.ArmyVeteran is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 02:04 PM   #17
Site Team
 
bikendan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 35,069
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
You will need a Weight Distribution hitch. The pictured hitch will not work.
x3! I own a F150 3.5 Ecoboost with Max Tow package and I would NEVER tow my 26ft TT without my 4 point Equal-i-zer WDH.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
bikendan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 03:21 PM   #18
D W
Senior Member
 
D W's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: ALASKA (World's Biggest Campground)
Posts: 7,349
Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaFog View Post
OK, I get it. Just Googled up this:
https://www.amazon.com/EAZ-LIFT-4805.../dp/B005SB6S3Y

I've looked at so many my mind is numb. eTrailer has some great choices too. anybody want to chime in on what one might consider when selecting a weight distribution hitch?
My friend, that is a loaded question. It's like asking what's the best truck to tow with. You're going to get many, many opinions. You're going to have to make that decision as what's best suits your needs. Just remember this, a WDH is only as good as it's set-up, no matter how much it costs. I will recommend one consideration though, buy one with a shank that is long enough so you can open your tailgate when your hooked-up.
__________________
'07 K3500 Silverado LT Crew Duramax (LBZ)
2016 Salem 27RKSS
1984 CHEV SCOTTSDALE K20 2GCGK24J0E1XXXXXX (Chevrolet Legends-Class of 2019)
"...exhaust fluid? We don't need no stinkin' exhaust fluid"
D W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 06:09 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: North of Seattle, WA
Posts: 17,604
There are many that will disagree but since you are apparently new to towing it might not be a bad idea to have your selling dealer sell the hitch package and install it when you pick up the trailer.

Follow the recommendations here for a good Weight Distribution Hitch, pick one, shop for prices, and then see if Dealer will match it.

Not all Dealers are Schmucks. The Dealer I bought my last trailer from took my truck with hitch I used with my old trailer into the shop. Checked electrical hookup, measured hitch height and tilt of the head. When trailer was connected to my truck they even measured for proper spring bar adjustment.

Mind you, I'd been towing for almost 40 years prior to this purchase but they told me that they just made it a practice to go through this for ALL customers on delivery. Cut down on the number of didgruntled customers that got into trouble just towing the trailer home.

As for all the other "accessories" two words---------START SAVING.

A new trailer can be expensive as you start personalizing it.
__________________
"A wise man can change his mind. A fool never will." (Japanese Proverb)

"You only grow old when you run out of new things to do"

2018 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25BDS
2023 f-150 SCREW XLT 3.5 Ecoboost (The result of a $68,000 oil change)
TitanMike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2020, 06:13 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Johnson City, TX
Posts: 633
I have an EAZ Lift, but I have the R3 Recurve. No chains, nothing hanging below the trailer's frame, etc.
__________________
2018 Rockwood Ultra Light 2304DS, 2018 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins
RobbieH is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:34 PM.