The BIG wait!

CygnusSailor · 01-13-2011, 01:11 AM

Talk about anticipation! I have a Dodge 3500 pickup on order that will be delivered early February and a CF305SKP on order that will be delivered around mid-February! I have never owned anything bigger than a small pop-up camper in the past so my wife and I are on pins and needles waiting for our new rig. I'm not sure what we are going to do with all that room, but we'll figure it out. I have been a lurker on this forum for a few years now and am looking forward to asking some questions and maybe even being able to contribute from time to time.

Stan · 01-13-2011, 01:15 AM

It's about time!!!!

A new truck AND a new rig....when you jump in you go all out! Feb is just around the corner....Congrats.

salda01 · 01-13-2011, 02:01 AM

That's great .. Welcome to the CR family and ask away.

mwebber78 · 01-13-2011, 02:49 AM

Congrats. You are really jumping into the lifestyle! Ask away, we are happy to answer or offer opinions!

cwit · 01-13-2011, 03:00 AM

Wow what a way to go.

jeb · 01-13-2011, 05:16 AM

You might wish to start looking for a hitch so it can be installed prior to your trailer coming in. The trailer dealer can then set up the pair to ride properly. Do you have short or long bed truck ordered?

CygnusSailor · 01-13-2011, 05:34 AM

It's a crew cab short bed. I already have made arrangements for RVW to install the hitch at the same time I take delivery on the 5er. I decided to go with the Pull-Rite that adjusts itself based on the amount of turn. Heck, it's only money!!!

danyshula · 01-13-2011, 06:10 AM

I like the attitude "If you want to do it and you can afford it than do it".
All the best with your new toys.

cowboy_71 · 01-13-2011, 09:31 AM

Congratulations on the new purchases...send us a pic in feb...

papa2 · 01-13-2011, 09:53 AM

Exciting times. I remember the anticipation ... and the best part ... seeing our new Sunset Trail when it came into the dealership. Congratulations.

Ridgeman · 01-13-2011, 11:27 AM

Congrats Gary, You have already been an active contributor and without a rig. I'm sure you'll have some insightful questions and inputto test us all when you get all set up with the new toys.You've certainly done yourresearch and homework. Now's the time to start enjoying it!

lenny · 01-13-2011, 11:34 AM

Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing pics of the new rig and hearing about your experiences!

CygnusSailor · 01-13-2011, 01:20 PM

Thanks Kurt. The only reason I have been able to contribute what little I have is that boats and campers share many common problems and solutions. The nice thing is that I feel like I will have a leg up on most people who get into camping because of my experience with the boat.

jeb · 01-14-2011, 04:31 AM

You're going to like that hitch. It's very solid and the hook up is positive. One thing to remember though..... do not high hitch it (have the pin too high when backing under the trailer to hook up.) as it will damage the hitch. You will find success if you have your pin about 2-3 inches below the top (flat part) of the hitch when it makes contact. That will lift the front end of the trailer and it will slide up into the hitch and give you a good positive lock up. You will hear the hitch slam shut onto the pin and that will let you know it's hooked up correctly, do yourself a favor and give it a test tug anyway...just for the hell of it. You might also take a peek up into the hitch itself and see the clamps are around the pin. It's easy to do and some people even paint them white to be able to see them better.

Do you know if you are getting the newest iteration of the hitch? The new ones have a plastic friction surface instead of either grease or Quick Plate spray lubricant. If so, that's a nice clean set up. I changed mine from grease to the Quick Plate and it's also nice and clean.

Make sure the hitch is installed per the instructions - an inch or two ahead of the axle. It's important.

Good luck.

CygnusSailor · 01-14-2011, 06:38 AM

Thanks for the info Jeb. That sounds like something to be really aware of (the high hitching thing). I don't want to damage something that is brand new!!! I'm having RVW install the hitch. I assume they do a lot of hitches and will do it correctly. Has anyone heard of RVW messing up a hitch installation? The hitch is huge...what part should be an inch of two ahead of the axle?

Thanks,

Stan · 01-14-2011, 10:40 AM

It will state the recommended placement in the instructions and I am pretty sure RVW will do you right. Generally, the pin (when hitched up) is centered a measured distance in front of the rear axle. My Reese was 3/4" or so.

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