RV Camping; Tips, tricks & repairs

[topher91]

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Just going to throw this in here... beware your factory trailer wiring!

Was relocating the trailer brake controller in my 4runner today, when I noticed that although the brake controller has nice beefy 12 gauge wires, my factory wiring beyond the connector, is only 14-gauge (for brake and power). I'm pretty sure this is not enough for a trailer with 4 brakes. So it looks like I'll be running some new wires through my car sometime before spring.

I'm no expert here, but I'm pretty sure the brake controller doesn't actually power your brakes. It just sends a signal to them. The power they get is from your 7pin I think.

Can anyone confirm? Would like to know becuz I got a Toyota too!

[topher91]

Ooops nvm, I know for a fact the brakes don't get power via the brake controller as I had a Prodigy RF wireless brake controller on our old tow vehicle.

So I think we are safe.

[Tik-Tok]

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Brake wiring is often somewhat undersized compared to amperage because in normal use it's only drawing load for shorter periods. I was told each brake draws 3 amp, so a four brake system is 12 amps, but usually for 5-10 seconds at a time, so heat is less of an issue.

I know, but at least once a year I'll be going down the Coquillhala. I also prefer over-engineering when it comes to braking. I would hate to blow a fuse going down that highway.

[ExtraSlow]

Anyone have suggestions for where to find a 36" or wider toolbox that is reasonably weatherproof and is thin-ish?

Looking to fit in on my trailer tongue between the batteries and the trailer body, and was thinking something 8-16" would be perfect. Need to hold a relatively small amount of tools, an axe, that sort of thing.

Was looking at getting a custom combination battery and tool box, but simpler to use regular battery boxes.

[ExtraSlow]

Would consider something like this, but don't want one that looks like a gun case because that's just going to cause more problems than it solves when it's hanging on the front of my trailer out in public . . . .

https://www.princessauto.com/en/deta...ox/A-p8725384e

[redline]

What is everyone using for a WD hitch with sway control? I am looking getting a blue ox or an equalizer can decide which but I am leaning towards the blue ox...

[ExtraSlow]

I don't run any hitch based sway control. I'm incredibly anal about adjusting my loads and my wd hitch at the cat scales and that's worked great for me. The last several trucks have had that Ford trailer stability program built into the trucks abs and the factory trailer brakes, but I am not convinced that's ever kicked in. It's supposed to be quite obvious too.

Have heard great things about propride and Andersen hitches. Never used either.

[Thaco]

i have an equalizer truunion, i cant say i am overly impressed by it, but i really dont think its any better or worse than the alternatives.

The only ones i have heard of that are truly rock solid are the hensleys... but thats way out of my budget

[ExtraSlow]

Hensley, that what I meant, not Andersen. Propride is the same system, also very expensive and heavy.

[Thaco]

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Hensley, that what I meant, not Andersen. Propride is the same system, also very expensive and heavy.

i've heard good things about the andersen, just not sure i can wrap my head around how it works.

[redline]

I have used the same basic Reese wd for over 10yrs with the same trailer. I can’t say that I have had a lot of issues but looking to make some improvements, but my wife HATES it when the trailer moves around, so trying to find a solution that does not involve a f350...

[redline]

Does anyone have a tongue weight scale ?

[Tik-Tok]

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What is everyone using for a WD hitch with sway control? I am looking getting a blue ox or an equalizer can decide which but I am leaning towards the blue ox...

I use a friction sway control bar, but only use it on the highway when in windy conditions. Only takes 1 minute to put on, or take off. noisy as fuck when you pull into a gas station though

[ExtraSlow]

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Does anyone have a tongue weight scale ?

I use can scale to calculate tongue weight. You can make a simple. Tongue weight scale out of a 4x4 beam and a bathroom scale too if you want.

[SOAB]

i use the Reese Strait-line WD system with the Dual-cam anti sway. it does take some time to get it set up properly, and will need to be adjusted if your tongue weight changes dramatically.

if i had to do it all over again, i would probably end up with the Blue-ox Sway-Pro. for the price and simple set-up, it can't be beat.

if money was no object, pro-pride or hensley would be the way to go. i never see them on Kijiji or anywhere local.

[redline]

Wtf 2500 us for a hitch... I thought blue ox was expensive ... for that much it should park the trailer for you then blow you...

[Brent.ff]

Decided gonna be more proactive this year and just book campsites as they come open and then make an effort to get out there... First one booked for May 25 @ Lower Lake

[ExtraSlow]

Good Call, make the bookings and it sort of forces you to get out and not fill your summer with other things.

[Brent.ff]

And fight for sites.. we’ll see how it goes for long weekends but at least now it’s booked.. prob give it to friends if I can’t make it anyway

gonna go cut firewood this weekend, any areas extra 'prime'?

[Brent.ff]

3 weekends booked at Lower Lake now..