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Old 11-18-2020, 08:05 AM   #1
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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
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Old 11-18-2020, 09:18 AM   #2
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Well, hello and welcome. Not going to stop you. Just going to stand by and watch!
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Old 11-18-2020, 09:24 AM   #3
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Should be an interesting read... Welcome aboard.
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Old 11-18-2020, 09:26 AM   #4
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Welcome from Wisconsin. Enjoy the experience!
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Old 11-18-2020, 09:40 AM   #5
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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?
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Old 11-18-2020, 09:47 AM   #6
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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+.
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Old 11-18-2020, 09:47 AM   #7
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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?
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Old 11-18-2020, 10:12 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 11-18-2020, 10:18 AM   #9
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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!
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Old 11-18-2020, 10:20 AM   #10
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You will need a Weight Distribution hitch. The pictured hitch will not work.
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Old 11-18-2020, 11:41 AM   #11
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dont want to make you feel bad . 2019 rockwood 25 ft 25,100 in amarillo craigslist under rvs. decked out 1 owner.
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Old 11-18-2020, 11:53 AM   #12
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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!
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Old 11-18-2020, 12:00 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
You will need a Weight Distribution hitch. The pictured hitch will not work.
Yup, first lesson learned...
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Old 11-18-2020, 01:36 PM   #14
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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'
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Old 11-18-2020, 01:49 PM   #15
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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?
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Old 11-18-2020, 01:58 PM   #16
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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!
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Old 11-18-2020, 02:04 PM   #17
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Quote:
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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.
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Old 11-18-2020, 03:21 PM   #18
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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.
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Old 11-18-2020, 06:09 PM   #19
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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.
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Old 11-18-2020, 06:13 PM   #20
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I have an EAZ Lift, but I have the R3 Recurve. No chains, nothing hanging below the trailer's frame, etc.
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