Another new CR owner

TrainSafe · 04-15-2012, 12:50 PM

Dealer called, our 2013 ST31BH arrived. We're picking it up Friday. This weekend will be camping in the driveway with the kids, then a summer filled with outings. We are super excited. We're upgrading from a pop-up tent trailer.

anaro · 04-15-2012, 12:59 PM

Welcom and congrats on the new TT. Remember to bring a video camera to your PDI and try to leave the kids home with a babysitter if you can or bring something to entertain them during the PDI so you aren't distracted. May your new trailer bring you many happy camping trips.

mnsunset · 04-15-2012, 02:42 PM

Wow, from a pop up to a 31 BH....that is a jump!
Wait, that is what we did several years ago...lol

.
Now we are waiting delivery on our next unit.

You will love the bunkhouse options. That was the #1 thing on our list of must haves on the new unit.
My kids have already asked that I add corner shelves into the bunk areas. I thought that would be a quick mod and a good idea too. They wanted the bunks to be like mom and dads bed up front.

Ruck · 04-15-2012, 10:26 PM

Congratulations! Welcome! Have FUN!

Travel Safe ...

TrainSafe · 04-15-2012, 10:29 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I've been reading so much here the last couple of weeks. I probably have the longest checklist for my PDI ever!

Chz hed campers · 04-15-2012, 10:38 PM

From one cheezehead family to another...Welcome aboard! Happy campin!

CruiserJoe · 04-15-2012, 10:57 PM

Welcome to the Crossroads family, have a great time as you travel with your new rig.

tator447 · 04-16-2012, 05:54 AM

TrainSafe, welcome aboard (pun intended LOL) as a retired railroader your choice of names intrigues me. Whereabouts in WI are you from? I'm in Beaver Dam, just north of Madison 45 miles. Hope to see you out and about or at the Rally in July.

Safe travel,
Jim

jgray · 04-16-2012, 09:50 AM

Another Cheesehead, yay! You're going to love it. Lots of great places to go here.

Sirsea · 04-16-2012, 11:43 AM

Congratulations on the new camper and welcome!! This is a great forum for sharing information and getting answers to all your questions. Travel safe and enjoy!

thefabbros · 04-16-2012, 12:36 PM

Welcome to the CrossRoads Family. My wife and I just picked up our ST31BH and we luv it. Great floor plan and just an all round great trailer. Have fun and enjoy it

TrainSafe · 04-16-2012, 01:38 PM

Tator - the trainsafe moniker is one that I've used for quite some time. It is not railraod related, but close. When I'm not camping, I'ma safety professional in the construction industry, and am passionate about training. I've done training for some railroad folks, but not too often.

As for the other question, I live in the Neenah area. This coming weekend we are going to shake things out with the new unit by camping in the driveway. We have a couple young kids and we can get them acclimated to the new sleeping arrangements while we are close to home. The first trip out will be in two weeks.

Hummer · 04-17-2012, 02:07 AM

Welcome to the CrossRoads group and happy camping, you will love it

tator447 · 04-17-2012, 03:26 AM

TrainSafe,
Thanks for the reply, and good luck with the shake out. I wish I would have done it but my driveway wasn't big enough to hold my unit and both cars...my wife still works so she needed to get in and out of the driveway. The only thing that would have changed was the realization that the hot water was not being "sent" throughout the whole unit. Quickly remedied, but after a cold shower LOL.

I have a daughter and2 grandchildren that live in Oshkosh and they both worked in the Paper Valley area...her for Pechiney, and her husband for Kimberly-Clark. He spent 22 years with them until 2 months ago when they outsourced his job.

I hope your first trip is uneventful and you have a wonderful time. Linda and I had contemplated going to DeForest to a KOA from Wed to Sat as I have to take my unit back for the 200 mile brake inspection...but from the looks of the weather I don't think so. I don't enjoy fishing in the rain LOL

Best of luck on the first shakedown...good to see so many Wisconsinites on this site

Hope to see you down the road.

Walkingstick · 04-17-2012, 03:52 AM

best wishes with the new rig. Cannot think of a better way for a family to have fun together.

sle1995 · 04-17-2012, 04:55 AM

Congrats! Ours came in last Tuesday, picked it up at the dealer Thursday, drove it straight to the campground for the weekend. Everything worked perfect(except minor problem with hot water heater valve not being all the way open). Other then that, great trailer. Heading out again this weekend. I am sure you will enjoy yours as much as we enjoyed ours!

TrainSafe · 04-17-2012, 07:21 AM

Steve,

It looks like you have nearly the same setup as I do. I also am getting the Equalizer hitch installed to use with my 05 GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab. How does that tow for you? I'm going into this knowing that I'll be right up against by max GCWR for my truck. I've read and heard some really positive things, but it is a concern of mine.

sle1995 · 04-17-2012, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrainSafe

Steve,

It looks like you have nearly the same setup as I do. I also am getting the Equalizer hitch installed to use with my 05 GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab. How does that tow for you? I'm going into this knowing that I'll be right up against by max GCWR for my truck. I've read and heard some really positive things, but it is a concern of mine.

I was towing a North Trail 28BHS before this ST. It was about 2,000 lbs less then the 31BH. Had the weight distribution bars, chains, and two sway control bars. I will never go back to that setup. I did not like how the old trailer pulled down the Interstate. Truckers had a huge effect on that old system. When I pulled the Sunset Trail to the campground last week after picking up at the dealer with the new Equalizer, I pulled it about 40 miles down the Interstate and there were a lot of trucks passing me (I was going 60-65mph). The trucks had no effect on the trailer and truck like I had before. I absolutely love the Equalizer and it is a lot easier to set up then what I had before. If anyone does not have it, get it, you will not be disappointed.

TrainSafe · 04-18-2012, 02:02 AM

That is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thanks for the feedback.

tator447 · 04-18-2012, 02:16 AM

After reading all the posts on here...month's before i purchased my Cruiser...I read all the posts I could, much like this one. I then got a CD on the Equal-I-Zer and studied it and other types. I talked to friends who have campers and then my dealer, whom I do trust. I too decided on the Equal-I-Zer and had a friend who has had many campers come with me and drive my unit home from the dealers, on the Interstate. He was impressed with the hook-up...the handling...and how there was no affect from trailers passing us. We too did between 62-65...and his comment to me was "I don't even know it's back there." The posts on here, when studied and analyzed, meaning the pros and the cons, will normally steer you in the right direction. When I have harder questions I have contacted people through PM or directly on here and have always gotten a response. This forum gives me much comfort and ease of mind. I am so anxious to meet some of these people at the Crossroads Rally in July. Thanks to all of you for your help.

Jim

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