Those with a Travel trailer, got any tips/tricks??
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bullbreaker
Elite Member
Not knocking it just giving you my Mr Buddie thoughts. My single tank MB eats up 1 $3 propane tank every 5 hrs. I bought it cause its obvious lighter and smaller than twin Buddie model which has built in fan. Single tank version does not. For me its good (single) for shooting houses and very small enclosed areas. If I had to do it all over again I would have bought Big Buddie w/twin tanks and fan (more heat too). Didn't mean or want to get of main topic. Been enjoying this thread. :thumbsup: In process of looking at TT"s and looking at Heartland bunkhouse models since right now can't handle Airstream prices. :laughing:
Boone
Boone, I was looking at the Mr Buddy, the big one (up to 12k btu). I can buy the 12' hose and connect it to my 20# or 100# bottle. Should last a Loooong time set on low. I like the Heartland and I looked a a bunch..
Jayco would be my other choice after reading a ton of reviews and looking at a few. Definitely a tri axle or minimum 15" tires duel, preferred 16". I did see allot of campers that seemed under-rated in the axle department. Tons of complaints on weak, undersized axle and tires, thus blow outs and fender damage.
Jayco would be my other choice after reading a ton of reviews and looking at a few. Definitely a tri axle or minimum 15" tires duel, preferred 16". I did see allot of campers that seemed under-rated in the axle department. Tons of complaints on weak, undersized axle and tires, thus blow outs and fender damage.
bandaidmd
Platinum Member
A lot of campers now have ducted heat and if you have that you most likely have water and waste tanks that are in heated space so cold camping is a non issue. Look under the unit and if you can't see any tanks yours is setup for winter use.I added a second battery for more capacity when boondocking/ drycamping
RoMad
Platinum Member
I have had travel trailers for years and there has been a lot of good advice here. I would add to the comment about the furnace. They will suck the gas out of your bottles quickly. I would rather heat it with an electric heater right before you go to bed and then bundle up under the covers. Just cooking supper on the stove top will help keep you warm too.
RobertN
Super Member
I would:
- Read the manual cover to cover
- Put it on jack stands
- Remove repack inspect the bearings; most manuals say 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first
- Inspect brake shoes, magnets, moving brake parts
- Reinstall, adjust brakes
- Check tire dates, replace as necessary
- Make sure you have jack and lug wrench that works with trailer lugs
- Check the spare tire
- Check interior/exterior lights
- Get extra bulbs for interior/exterior lights
- Service the fridge/water heater/heater. Clean vents, check for bug nests etc
- Make sure propane tanks are full
- Spray with water, make sure no leaks at windows, vents, AC, antenea
- Service the water system
- bleach the tanks, flush
- replace water filter
- make sure you have water regulator for city water
- make sure you have all the fresh water hoses and fittings you need
- make sure you have all the waste water hoses/fittings you need
- spare fuses for the electrical
- Remove and check the batteries
- clean all connections
- check electrolyte level
- Get a broom/dust pan
- get a mat for dirty boots etc to set outside door
- Make sure your brake control is readjusted properly if needed
- Have some extra blocks, chocks etc to set under your jacks when parked in dirt, and to help level
- I added lights to help backing; if we head out Friday after work, it is often dark when we get to camp site
- Read the manual cover to cover
- Put it on jack stands
- Remove repack inspect the bearings; most manuals say 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first
- Inspect brake shoes, magnets, moving brake parts
- Reinstall, adjust brakes
- Check tire dates, replace as necessary
- Make sure you have jack and lug wrench that works with trailer lugs
- Check the spare tire
- Check interior/exterior lights
- Get extra bulbs for interior/exterior lights
- Service the fridge/water heater/heater. Clean vents, check for bug nests etc
- Make sure propane tanks are full
- Spray with water, make sure no leaks at windows, vents, AC, antenea
- Service the water system
- bleach the tanks, flush
- replace water filter
- make sure you have water regulator for city water
- make sure you have all the fresh water hoses and fittings you need
- make sure you have all the waste water hoses/fittings you need
- spare fuses for the electrical
- Remove and check the batteries
- clean all connections
- check electrolyte level
- Get a broom/dust pan
- get a mat for dirty boots etc to set outside door
- Make sure your brake control is readjusted properly if needed
- Have some extra blocks, chocks etc to set under your jacks when parked in dirt, and to help level
- I added lights to help backing; if we head out Friday after work, it is often dark when we get to camp site
I have the enclosed belly and supposedly there is one small 2" line from the furnace that heats that area, but if I dont run the furnace, then that is a moot point. I am leaning towards what you describe , but using the MR buddy heater on large LP bottles. The trailer is a "toy Hauler' so I have plenty of room. Also found out I may need a water pressure regulator, so will find a good one of those soon.
RobertN, That is almost the checklist I have in the owners book..LOL Pretty darn close anyway!
I have a small Bosttich air compressor I will take also, and a flat kit I carry on the job. Never know when you will get a puncture on the truck.
Trailer tires I replace.
I think I will also pull the element on the water heater, (just-in-case)
The original mr heater Buddy heater will run for 4-5 days on low setting off a 20 lb tank. Get the hose but never leave propane in the hose or it will clog the orfice. When you are done just shut the tank off and let it run dry.
I hard piped one TT I had and it worked great with dual
30 lp onboard tanks
Camped with buddy heaters ever since they came out, down to zero in Ohio winters work great.
I hard piped one TT I had and it worked great with dual
30 lp onboard tanks
Camped with buddy heaters ever since they came out, down to zero in Ohio winters work great.
bandaidmd
Platinum Member
Running your furnace at a low thermostat setting will use some gas but it will also allow you to wake up to a lot nicer environment than the not only cold but very damp interior due to condensation, by using buddie heaters you may not wake up at all . You have a great looking camper and you want to use like a tent.lol
My 26' toy hauler's furnace will run all night on my 2 batteries. You should be able to beg/borrow/rent a couple extra lp tanks .
My 26' toy hauler's furnace will run all night on my 2 batteries. You should be able to beg/borrow/rent a couple extra lp tanks .
bullbreaker
Elite Member
Yes Dennis I was aware of dual tank hook-up possibilitys but was trying to steer you towards Big BUDDIE from my experience.
Another idea don't know if its been mentioned is a good electric blanket if temps get real low.
Also one other thing I like about newer Heartlands is how they space their dual axles further apart than lots of other manufacturers .
Another thing that has come to mind is on many/some TT's there are rubber grommets on opposite side of slides to crank in slides if one should have it discounted from a power source and lose batt power. Many times when units are bought new the cranks are never with TT at time of sales. Or salesman themselves don't even know about this feature. Looks like crank set-up on full size pick up trucks to lower or store spare tire.
Boone