I'm buying a 2014 QS 10.0. I have a Hyundai Entourage minivan that is not equipped for towing. I made an appointment to get a tow hitch installed and the mechanic needs to know:
1. Does the pu have brakes?
2. What style electrical plugs do I need for the light hookups?
Can anyone answer these questions or will the answers be unit specific, requiring me to get the info from the dealer selling the pu?
Thanks! This will be my first camper, so I am super excited, but afraid of making mistakes. :D
I believe that electric brakes are optional on the QS models, so you'd need to check with your dealer to get the answer to #1
For #7 I'd put in a 7-pole no matter what in case you decide to add electric brakes in the future. You may need a 4-pin to 7-pin adapter if the trailer only has the 4-pin, but they're only a couple $.
[font size="3"]Agree with TT on this. If you're getting the Hyundai wired for a trailer make sure the mechanic wires the battery charge line properly. This includes a minimum of #10 AWG wire and a relay to disconnect when the engine is not running. This is very important. I think, if the QS comes with a battery, it will have to have the round 7 pin Bargman connector.
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[quote source="/post/13166/thread" timestamp="1436801640" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]... I think, if the QS comes with a battery, it will have to have the round 7 pin Bargman connector.
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Most come with a battery and 4-pin connector -- i.e. battery only charges when connected to shore power.
I wouldn't pay for a 7-pin connector on the tow vehicle if I'm only going to use 4, but I'm cheap.
Do you live in a hot climate, do you plan on doing a lot of towing in the mountains?? You may want to ask your mechanic about installing a transmission cooler. I could be wrong, But I suspect that your TV don't have one installed as it did not come with a tow package? Also, if you have or decide to get electric brakes, look at the tekonsha p3 brake controller. I have never owned one but they come highly recommended by the forum members. Happy Camping, James
[quote source="/post/13168/thread" timestamp="1436808469" author="@jwesty"]Most come with a battery and 4-pin connector -- i.e. battery only charges when connected to shore power.
I wouldn't pay for a 7-pin connector on the tow vehicle if I'm only going to use 4, but I'm cheap.
[/quote][font size="3"]Very interesting. I didn't know that. I would have done it differently, but it saved LL a few $$ for the larger connector and cable. Just don't leave home without those jumper cables.[/font]
I checked with the dealer--it doesn't have brakes and it has a 4-pin connector. Thanks all for the advice!
[font size="3"]So knowing that I'd recommend letting the dealer install a 4 pin connector. It's easy and cheap (if that's possible at a dealer) and if you ever decide to add brakes you will not have lost much.[/font][font size="3"] By then you may have upgraded to a Ford F-250 :D
[/font][font size="3"]BTW, there are a few states that require brakes on a 1500# GVWR trailer. Probably not a big deal in real life.
[a href="http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws"]http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws[/a]
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No Ford F-250s in my future--I'm certain of that! The main reason I wanted a QS is so I can tow it with almost anything and won't need a truck or SUV. I am going the 4 pin route because I won't have my current tow vehicle for more than another year or two. And thanks for the info on the braking laws--I had never considered that. Fortunately, my state (Florida) doesn't require brakes until 3,000lbs.
James, I'm in South Florida, so it is a very hot climate, practically year round. If I am mainly towing for 2-4 hour trips, do you think I need a transmission cooler? If it matters, my two vehicle has about 80,000 miles on it.
[font size="3"]I would say that since your camper will be fairly light, it doesn't have the front cross sectional ares of a non pop up, and you'll stay in FL or SE you probably don't need the transmission cooler. It's those long mountain climbs that get you. Be sure to turn off overdrive when towing.
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Oops, my bad. I totally missed the fact that your rig is a popup; I had a larger unit in mind. Charlie is 100% correct, under normal towing conditions you shouldn't need a tranny cooler.
The elctric brakes are an option. If you can't get the info from the dealer in regards to whether it has electric brakes or not you can e-mail back to me with the vin# and I can check the original order. Also, when the electric brake option is chosen it comes with the 7pin plug.
Check you gas mileage on your first trip or so. If you are getting in the upper teens or better, then your engine/transmission isn't producing enough power to worry about a transmission cooler. But below 15 mpg, do consider one.
David
I tow my 10.0 with a mini van I think you will be happy. The four pin is a good choice and honestly I would not even worry about getting a battery. Lanterns are much lighter and cheaper. The only thing you might consider is that you might be putting a ton of camping stuff in the back of the van. This might cause your back wheels to toe out causing the tires to wear on the insides. You can decrease wear by making sure the tires are filled to the max. Fill them to the max in the morning before they have a chance to get warm.
I got the 4 pin and picked up the camper last weekend. It towed great with my mini van -- I could barely tell it was back there.
I did, thanks. It does not have electric brakes.