I am not new to towing but I am new to trucks with training wheels and a diesel for power. I am looking for valve extensions or a backyard mechanic way of getting air psi readings or air into the inner wheels and was wandering what everyone suggests? The RV place wants big bucks on there valve extensions and am looking for less expensive stores or alternatives. I want to run 75psi in the rear and 65 in the front, is that about right for 11500 5ver weight? I have E's and they are max at 80psi. Loading the trailer, should I load it slightly heavier in front of the trailers axles(60-40 front to back)? Shoot, it is open forum for the new guy. ANy help, advice suggestions on how to tow, what to watch for, how to pack it, and where to get goodies for trailers(maintenance or habitability) would be deeply appreciated. I pick up my trailer this Monday and want to be prepared for the trip home and then the trip from Texas to Virginia a week later. I have loaded the deck in my favor so far. Got the best truck, the best electric brake controller and hitch. Brand new tires and brakes are less than a year old. I have safety in mind and hope you guys can help me. Thanks in advance! ;D

 

Can't help with the extensions but 75 sounds a bit hard for the rears. I would suspect 65 may be plenty on a dual setup.
With the fver, your load will allmost balance itself when you utilize the storage areas. You can fine tune by the amount of water you carry in the fresh tank. Unless we are dry camping, I won't carry more than 15 or 20 gallons.
The only real important task you have is to enjoy the trailer.

Bill

 

Bill summed up comments pretty good. Make sure you are level, #1. Then, load it up and have it weighed so you know front axle, rear axle and trailer weight. Try it on the road and see how much bucking you get. Then, play with shifting weight and how much water in the tank. I find mine rides smoother with a little more water in the tank - - my tank is quite forward in the trailer. I keep about 40 to 50 gallons in it for best results pending on how the rest of the trailer is loaded. I run 70# in the rears and 60 in the front for shorter hauling. I bump it to 75# for long trips (but I am heavier than you).
Be careful with the valve extensions. I lost two tires on my motorhomes with those things - - pulled them off and quit using them. I use the offset guage and filler - - works easy.
Yep, you got the best controller - - works great on the adjustable pedals, too.
Good luck.

 

slightfoxs3500:

I wanted to reply, so here's my advice: what FiverBob and Bill 1374 said. ;D Seriously, the only thing that I would add is, don't worry about the training wheels too much. They will follow you anywhere you take the truck. Just watch yourself in tight quaters, and tight turns. You might end up scrubbing the outside duals, especially right turns, or when parking at a curb.

DeWain

 

Thanks guys and I will enjoy it as a camper for the first couple of weeks and then it becomes home for awhile. I have sold my house and will be putting all my belongings in storage for a while. I have taken orders to help build and commission the USS San Antonio LPD-17 and it has me on the go for the next 24 months. The wife and I have decided to be gypsy's for that time frame. I hope we have fun with it and can make it through the cramped quarters for that long. Thanks again and God Bless.

James and the Family

 

James, have fun in the Pre-Com world. Its a nice break from the "real Navy", but you'll be wishing for the real Navy soon enough.

Never did it living in a camper, so take extra good care of the better half, keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel, and you'll all have fond memories.

Never forget that you're surrounded by family.

 

Enjoy the new life style. As bulabula said, your surrounded by family...
Big dawg

 

Good luck and smooth sailing.
I did a pre com in Newport News for the USS Scranton (SSN756). It is most diefinitely a different life than the real thing and yes you will be asking for the real thing as you get close to sea trials. The days will get loooooong but don't worry it all comes out in the end. That's the yard period after the sea trials prior to commissioning.
Have a good trip and enjoy the trailer
Fair Winds and Following Seas

 

Hello
I did not have good luck with the hose extension . We where on our way to Mi and heard this noise like road trash hit the truck. Stopped for fuel a few miles down the road and found a flat on the inside dual. The extension along with the valve stem was gone. Some folks like them and so be it. I took the other one off and I use the double headed gauge and inflater.
Hope you enjoy the new 5er, like the above posts suggested weigh it and then take a test drive to see how everything feels.
Most important have FUN pulling it.
See Ya
Chris

 

Thanks again for the morale boosts and trailer advice. I have been busy with packing and cleaning the lasts several nights and haven't had much time for the puter. Family and I are camping in the front yard and must say the 5ver is cool and cozy in my book. Seems like the closeness has brought us to the atbgle playing card games and what not with each other and I am enjoying that a lot. I will be outta of contact with everyone for about a month or so but will be chomping at the bit to get back in touch. Take care and God Bless!

 

When my family (wife, 4 kids and 2 dogs) arrived here at NAS Key West, we had to live in our 29' TT for 3 months waiting for housing to come available. Just a small piece of advice ... take every opportunity to get out of the trailer and go see the sights with the family. It is ok for eating and sleeping but gets pretty small pretty fast.
You, being the old salt that you are, are used to living in cramped quarters on a ship, but the family isn't. Talk about cabin fever !!!

It is gonna make some great memories and a nice close family ... enjoy.

PISTOL

 

I run 75 in the fronts and 65 in the rears. Empty the front weighs about 800 pounds more than the rear and it's only on two tires. The best thing I had done was having steel valve stems installed. Now when I air up or check the pressure the valve stems don't move at all.

 

Tight quarters and cabin fever are what scared me in the beginning and Pistol I figure I'll get the kids out as much as poosible. We have been looking at some of the old Civil War battle fields and what not up in that area. Looks like a great way to see the sights and teach the kids some history. I put the truck and caper on the scales today (empty for ditty move reasons) and 16800 was my total. I will weigh in again loaded before I leave here on wednesday but doubt I have more than a 1000lbs to add. Truck and trailer ran a lot smoother today. Adjusted the air psi and had a full tank of diesel this time. Having fun camping in the front yard for now. The house is comming around and we should be able to get some fishing in before we leave out for good. Again thanks and God Bless you all!
James and his hillbilly crew

 

[quote author=slighfoxs3500 link=board=11;threadid=22432;start=0#msg209702 date=1068848281]
I pick up my trailer this Monday and want to be prepared for the trip home and then the trip from Texas to Virginia a week later.
[/quote]
Where in Virginia are you going to? It sounds like you are coming up my way. If so glad to have you up here and Welcome to Va.

 

billq,
I'll be stationed in Norfolk but will probably saty in Little Creek or the Chesseypeaky area(couldn't spell tonight, so had fun with it instead). I may end up in Virginia Beach if everything dosn't go well in the 1st two areas. I am going to be full time in the 5ver for awhile and will end up at the best, in my price range, place for me and the kids. Thanks for the welcome and I'll be sure to look you up when I get in. I have a terrible memory but hope to get to know the CTD guys in the area quickly. I have so much more to learn and need help when it comes to excuses for whats next on the truck(wife really hates the amount of time I spend with my rig). God Bless and have a happy holidays.