Louisiana Representing

[mtbkendall]

[p]New 8.5 x 24 Quicksilver owner.[/p][p]Queen TO[/p][p]Std TO[/p][p]Couch[/p][p]Two Windows[/p][p]
[/p][p]Picked it up yesterday in Aberdeen, MS (long story)  Drove it home in the worst weather imaginable.  I pulled it with a Ford expedition 5.4 V8, no HD package.  Truck is rated for 600 HW and 6000 pulling weight.  The camper is 5010 pounds empty and not sure what the TW actually is.  It lowered the back of my truck about 3".  Everyone told me that wasn't a big deal.  I felt it in the hills but was able to get 80 mph on the flats.  I averaged 7.5 mpg.  The front end of truck felt lighter obviously and hydroplaned a few times which was a little scary![/p][p]
[/p][p]Initial issues found so far:[/p][p]
[/p][p]*some sharp edges on floor molding that I will need to hammer down a little. (or cover floor)[/p][p]*the front seam on the front forward facing logo let water penetrate last night.  I will call factory about this tomorrow.[/p][p]*I have not figured out how to run trailer off the battery.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Plans:[/p][p]*cable the door to hold level[/p][p]*cable across the back for curtains (color)[/p][p]*flooring..partial[/p][p]*thinking about a couple big lovesacs to lay around on and can easily be moved around[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]I have researched the things for a while and feel like I made the best selection and feel good about this lasting me for quite a while.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I will be hauling 4yo toys, mountain bikes, and super tenere![/p][p]
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[vrvinmo]

[quote source="/post/199/thread" timestamp="1394998957" author="@mtbkendall"][p]New 8.5 x 24 Quicksilver owner.[/p][p]Queen TO[/p][p]Std TO[/p][p]Couch[/p][p]Two Windows[/p][p]
[/p][p]Picked it up yesterday in Aberdeen, MS (long story)  Drove it home in the worst weather imaginable.  I pulled it with a Ford expedition 5.4 V8, no HD package.  Truck is rated for 600 HW and 6000 pulling weight.  The camper is 5010 pounds empty and not sure what the TW actually is.  It lowered the back of my truck about 3".  Everyone told me that wasn't a big deal.  I felt it in the hills but was able to get 80 mph on the flats.  I averaged 7.5 mpg.  The front end of truck felt lighter obviously and hydroplaned a few times which was a little scary![/p][p]
[/p][p]Initial issues found so far:[/p][p]
[/p][p]*some sharp edges on floor molding that I will need to hammer down a little. (or cover floor)[/p][p]*the front seam on the front forward facing logo let water penetrate last night.  I will call factory about this tomorrow.[/p][p]*I have not figured out how to run trailer off the battery.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Plans:[/p][p]*cable the door to hold level[/p][p]*cable across the back for curtains (color)[/p][p]*flooring..partial[/p][p]*thinking about a couple big lovesacs to lay around on and can easily be moved around[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]I have researched the things for a while and feel like I made the best selection and feel good about this lasting me for quite a while.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I will be hauling 4yo toys, mountain bikes, and super tenere![/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][/quote][p]Congrats on your new VRV it sounds very nice.  After reading your post I have some concerns. You, and others, may say I am over reacting or being The Weight Police, and that's okay.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Firstly, whomever told you lowering the back by 3" is okay doesn't have your best interests at heart.  It's not okay.  At the very least I would recommend a new tow vehicle, but it not, at minimum a Weight Distribution hitch.  The tongue weight on your dry trailer is #650 which is dry without anything in the trailer. That's #50 over the rating for your Expedition which is why it sank 3". That's also why the front felt light which is very dangerous.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Going 80 mph towing with a the wrong vehicle is unsafe!!!  You are endangering not only yourself, but anyone on the road with you. Heck, it's unsafe even with the correct vehicle.  You really need to keep your speed at less than 70 mph.[/p][p]
[/p][p]The GVWR of your new VRV is #8,000.  That is #2,000 over your tow vehicle's max tow rating.  Not sure what your payload is for your car, but do yourself a favor and look at the little yellow sticker in the driver's side doorjamb.  That sticker will tell you your payload rating.  My guess is that after you put 600 to 800 lbs. in tongue weight onto your expedition plus people, pets, and stuff, you are over that weight.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I wish you the best.[/p][p]
[/p]

[mtbkendall]

Thanks for the concern.

I will not put much in the trailer until I do get a new vehicle.  I should have one in the next couple of years.  I know I am pushing the envelope with the weight but I talked to my local Ford dealer and didn't want to buy based on what I am driving now.  My next truck will be bigger and I also have quite a few trucks I can borrow for any longish trips.  The majority of my camping will be with-in a 60 mile circle.

I was thinking if when I load a few hundred pounds worth of gear that if I put it toward the back that it may actually help my TW..is that hopeful thinking?

When I called the factory they told me they did not recommend a WDH due to the aluminum frame.  The dealer told me that they install them all the time for aluminum frames.  Clamp on type, not screw-in type. Still a little confused if I should do that against the factory recommendation.

[vrvinmo]

[quote source="/post/226/thread" timestamp="1395191903" author="@mtbkendall"]Thanks for the concern.

I will not put much in the trailer until I do get a new vehicle.  I should have one in the next couple of years.  I know I am pushing the envelope with the weight but I talked to my local Ford dealer and didn't want to buy based on what I am driving now.  My next truck will be bigger and I also have quite a few trucks I can borrow for any longish trips.  The majority of my camping will be with-in a 60 mile circle.

I was thinking if when I load a few hundred pounds worth of gear that if I put it toward the back that it may actually help my TW..is that hopeful thinking?

When I called the factory they told me they did not recommend a WDH due to the aluminum frame.  The dealer told me that they install them all the time for aluminum frames.  Clamp on type, not screw-in type. Still a little confused if I should do that against the factory recommendation.

[/quote][p]Yes, putting weight in the back will lower the TW, but it also can increase trailer sway.  You wan to keep the TW @ 10 to 15% of trailer weight.  So, if Trailer is 7k loaded, you'll wait at least #700 TW which is #100 over your vehicles limit.  Sounds like you will be struggling like I do to get the weights right.  It really can be a battle.[/p][p]
[/p][p]When you say "called the factory," who is the "factory?"  LivinLite?  Maybe someone from LivinLite can chime in here.  I'm no expert, but if you shouldn't be using a WDH, that's news to me....  I use a WDH on mine, so I'm really interested in why I should or shouldn't use one especially since If I can't use one, I'll need a new truck.  No freakin' way could I tow my fully loaded VRV without a WDH safely. 
[/p]

[djsamuel]

LivinLite does not recommend a WDH that requires holes in the frame. I have an Andersen WDH on my Camplite 21BHS and it works great. The Andersen hitch clamps on; requiring no holes.