Just bought 1 st trailer

[Molon labe]

Ok thanks guys i think i understand now. I am sure i will post more questions once i pick up the trailer.

[markks2000]

I've owned both the Mckesh and CIPA mirrors. The CIPA's do look good but tend to move around when you shut the door. The Mckesh mirrors are very stable, and I highly recommend the optional convex mirrors too.

Markk

[droolingmess]

I have used both CIPA and Mckesh and the Mckesh mirror is far better. Less vibration much better range of adjustment. Pretty, no but I would much rather be safe making a lane change in traffic than looking cool. A word of advice about buying goodies for your trailer. RV dealerships are like going to the movies. They don't make the big bucks on the movie but rob you on the popcorn and drinks. Shop around. I saw CIPA mirrors at Walmart for $24 and all the local RV dealerships wanted $32 for the same mirror. A couple days ago I replaced the water hose on my trailer. RV dealership next to the park I am at wanted $23 for a 25' hose. Got the exact same brand hose at Walmart for $18. Ever heard the saying that a boat is a hole in the water you throw money into? An RV can be the same but you can reduce the pain.

[Molon labe]

Yeah i was seeing that a trailer could be a money pit just like my old Jeep and all my other hobbies. Any suggestions on good places to shop for my RV supplies that i am sure to need.

[droolingmess]

Most everything you need you can get at Walmart. Camping World has okay prices and always has stuff on sale. Camping World is great for finding goodies that RV dealerships usually don't carry, but enter at your own risk. Camping World is a serious big boy toy store. Kinda like going in Cabellas. Mckesh mirrors you can order online. I did see a brand of mirrors named Eagle that look a lot like Mckesh but did not check for quality. There are check lists floating around that list things to get for your trailer. Get a airtight connector kit for your sewer hose. Never have seen it on a checklist and many places require it. Most of the stuff you need is common sense stuff. If you know any snowbirds or full timers pick their brains for suggestions of what to get and where.

[pilsener]

Check out these articles. Your tongue weight should be about 10-12% of trailer weight. The more you're outside of that range the more miserable your towing experience will be.

Tips for Safe Trailer Towing - Proper Weight and Balance

HowStuffWorks "How Tongue Weight Works"

The dual cam system from Reese is my favourite sway-control addition...

[webwrangler]

If the weight distribution system you got with the trailer is the "Equal-izer" brand, then you have sway control built in. If you're not sure how to set it up, you can download the manual free at Equal-i-zer® Hitch - The “American Original” with 4-Point Sway Control™ and Weight Distribution

I've been using one since October 2004 with my 2005 Rockwood 2105, first with a 2001 Tacoma and now with a 2000 Tundra. It works great, and you don't have to take it off before backing up.

[Molon labe]

OK i just brought the trailer home on Saturday. What a trip. 4 Hrs from Roseville CA to Monterey CA with some good winds. It did great and my truck seemed great with power and braking. I am very happy. My new concerns are that it does not have a sway control only a WDH. Any recommendations on which to buy. I would like to keep the price around 300.00. It also made some creaking and groaning sounds from the hitch area when i was in the parking lot. I even heard a clunk or two. Is this normal? I got out and checked the hitch but all seemed OK.

Here are my specs 2003 Tundra SR5 4X4 with tow package.
2005 Rockwood ultra lite TT Model 2605. It has a listed dry weight of around 4,600. It is a 23.8 foot box, almost 4 feet of hitch, and a WDH.

Any suggestions on Sway control for this setup would be great as it did sway some in the windy ares.

[droolingmess]

I am guessing that your WDH is not a Reese or Equalizer with built in sway control. That leaves a friction sway control. The friction type sway control all pretty much work the same. The Husky I have has over 15k on it, works great and cost all of $65. A drill, a couple of sockets and less that 15 minutes to install. After that its just a couple of spring clips to put it on and take it off. A small investment and you will notice the difference.

[funfinder4]

I second what "droolingmess" said. Shop around on-line. All the friction control sway bars are made the same. I got mine on ebay from a hitch dealer for like $40 delivered. Installed myself and haven't missed a beat yet.

You'll find most RV owners are the do-it-yourself type. I think it's just a common thread amongst those of us that want to be outdoors and travel.