wait a sec. where did the OP ask for turning or any kind of advice? i thought he said, “Can’t wait to take it camping!”.
this dude might have a bonafide a-class license with 30 years of OTR experience and was choosing to share his new rig with the sub. then again, he might not, but that’s beside my point.
so here’s to you OP and your new rig, happy adventuring!
The height looks to be less than 11 feet. Nice. As other(s) have said, be careful when turning, and watch out for steep/sudden grade changes. That rear end is going to wag like a dog’s tail!
Tail swing goes side to side AND up and down. I learned the hard way this summer, but luckily just dragged the hitch while turning onto a road with a high shoulder.
Beautiful coach! I live in a Forest River product full-time. Quality company, I’ve found. Best wishes for many happy adventures. Hopefully more pics down the road!
My wife and I got to take two long weekend trips without our kids in the last year. Highly recommend it. Trips with the whole family are still great but you can’t beat some alone time.
These are unique, super lite and awesome boondocking weekend campers, especially if you are limited on weight. Price point is relative to you’re personal situation if you like it and can afford it, enjoy it. Don’t listen to these jealous asses. The fact that this can be brought into underground parking is a huge plus
I love the engineering, off-road capability, etc. but at that price point hire a damn designer so I don’t have to deal with awkward interior layout choices and cnc plywood everywhere
Just when I think I’m tired of urban sprawl and wanting to get out of this part of the country and go somewhere out west like Wyoming I see something like this and it convinces me to stay put
Ahh. Wyoming. I feel like WY was one of the few states that only has rest areas on the way out. We stayed overnight in WY last year just traveling through in early October. It was freezing, also the closest restaurant did not have friendly people.
Well, take it from me, someone who has been doing this for 30 years Take whatever amount you think you need and double it. That way, you’ll at least come close. There’s always SOMETHING you HAVE to have to make life easier/better/more fun.
Mornin! Nice to see your trip progress on here. I’ve seen your other posts (I suggested the cheeky bumper sticker to match ur tire cover). My trailer is about that size. Since fires here in CA, I’ve had to canx a couple trips due to campground closures. Really itching to get out soon tho. You’re inspiring me!!
Very nice, envious here as well. My wife isn’t much for camping without full hookup. No sewer means no showers and she likes to be clean. Of course the other issue is filling the black tank before the trip is over with my family of 5. Any tips for making it work?
I can’t tell whether the kiddo is eating or playing the harmonica, and that’s just fine by me. This is a great pic! Ideal camp spot, plenty of greenery. Well done!
Get that kid a harmonica tho. Because, camping. And harmonicas while camping. Lol!
That gladiator looks awesome, and I certainly don’t feel that way about all of them. I love trucks, camping, and mountain biking! This is good stuff. 🙂
After about three years of researching and changing my mind over and over we finally pulled the trigger on an Imagine. I could not be happier right now!
+1 for the fan. Cools and keeps the bugs away. Get a good mat, or two, they really help keep down the dust and dirt. Carry a set of tools with you. There’s a 100% chance you’ll have to fix/adjust/tinker with something while you’re away from home. I’ve had more adventures camping than I can count. You’re going to love it. Congratulations!
Please read up on towing with your new truck in the mountains. I’m only saying this because you said it’s your first time towing.
I wish I had saved a somewhat recent post about someone in your shoes who was new to their truck and new to towing downhill. Can anyone else remember this recent post?
They tried to rely just on their brakes going down long mountain roads and nearly had tragic results. Panicking with the pedal to the floor, smoke billowing out of their brakes but the weight of the rig kept them going downhill! They destroyed their brakes but luckily were able to stop somewhere and get it fixed.
Remember that you can (and should) let the engine do a lot of the downhill work by shifting into lower gears. Please save yourself the stress, money and most of all the danger. Your truck’s manual might have enough info.
After about three years of researching and changing my mind over and over we finally pulled the trigger on an Imagine. I could not be happier right now!
+1 for the fan. Cools and keeps the bugs away. Get a good mat, or two, they really help keep down the dust and dirt. Carry a set of tools with you. There’s a 100% chance you’ll have to fix/adjust/tinker with something while you’re away from home. I’ve had more adventures camping than I can count. You’re going to love it. Congratulations!
I choose places without internet for a reason. We’ll download a couple of movies to watch while going to bed. I’m lucky in that my 11 year old loves camping and would rather enjoy the down time then his electronic devices.
My wife and I had that discussion about electronics while camping, never did with our kids, its the outdoors no place for electronics.does good for the kids to stay away from social media and just enjoy the outdoors.however just my opinion.would be interesting to see what other people think on the subject
I recognized that caboose the second I saw it. I’m local to Colbert. If you haven’t already or aren’t local, Watsons Mill Bridge state park is right up the road. A few hiking trails and a nice place to splash around next to the old mill site.
My wife and I did the same thing at your age for four years. We wouldn’t trade the experiences we had for anything. The birth of our daughter is the only reason we stopped and now that she’s old enough to enjoy it we are starting to RV again. We found many people who were willing to lend a hand out there, be kind and most will return the kindness. You’ll meet some amazing people with rich stories. You’ll probably have a mini panic attack in the middle of a Safeway 1000 miles from “home” when it hits you that you are reliant only on yourself, but realize that’s a lot of the point and that your real home is parked down the road. That’s when you feel truly free.
These springs are cheap and readily available. Any automotive shop can change it for you if you have the part. Measure the length of the good spring and select the same size for the weight rating of the axle. Your best bet is to limp to a trailer shop and have them do the repair. They should have the part in stock and charge an hour’s labour or less.
I had a similar thing happen far from home. Cracked 2 wheel hubs. Limped to the closest trailer shop who replaced both hubs right away and presented me with a bill for $48.
So story. We broke a leaf spring on our dual axle trailer. We are 5 hours/1 day away from home on a 12 day road trip across the country. We don’t know when we broke it but we have been driving on it at least three days until we realized it today. We have a TPMS and the tire that doesn’t have a broken leaf spring is running about 5° warmer and 2 psi higher than the other tires, probably from the increased weight. Basically we are asking if we can limp home to get it fixed or is that too big of a risk. Thanks
Change it that’s the hard mount side. That means the axle can move. It’s very unsafe like it is as others said it’s cheap and not hard to do. Looking at the picture you have 3500# springs so the spring is about $40-$45 dollars. When you do it save yourself a lot of trouble and get new u-bolts too. Also remember when you put it all back together the bolts on the hangers and shackles should not be tight the hangers and shackles need to be able to move so run the nuts all the way on them back them off one turn. It’s about a 30-60 min job and basic tools ( Jack, sockets or wrenches and a hammer )
I had a leaf spring break on my pop up several years ago. It was a 3 hour drive to the nearest place that had a new spring. I “fixed” it with a log and ratchet strap. Drove 6 hours home like that. See picture in link below.
I’m seriously contempating buying a 2axle Sterling with a sleeper. DD and Alison trans. Just because I can and I think its unique since Im going to have a custom built 5th wheel built this winter
We have a ’95 model and tow with a 2012 Chevy Silverado and a Reese hitch.
Back up camera helps a lot.
Know that there is a maneuverability setting on the hitch for ease of backing or/tight cornering.
If you are buying your tow vehicle get one that can tow more than you need if you can afford to. Loaded up trailers weigh more than you think and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Known for their jagged peaks, the majestic Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho rival the Tetons in size and beauty, but remain off-the-radar to most travelers in the country. The 756,000 acres that make up the Sawtooth National Recreation Area are home to over 400 lakes, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, historic ghost towns, and rustic hot springs beckoning for a soak. This pristine paradise is the perfect place to find solitude while enjoying world-class outdoor recreation and fascinating history of the Old West.
Trail Creek Rd offers great camping, hiking, and fishing in Sun Valley. @CateBattles
Soak UpSun Valley
Considered the foothills of the Sawtooth Wilderness, Sun Valley is a great starting point where you can load up on supplies while exploring the area for a few days. Located just outside of Ketchum, Sun Valley is a well-known ski resort during the winter and a popular tourist destination in the summer. Its claim to fame is being the home of the world’s first ski lift, but the valley has many other points of interest. For avid readers, you can visit the house, museum, and gravesite of Ernest Hemingway. If photography is your thing, visit the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the country’s first gold-tier international dark sky reserve and capture an ultra-bright Milky Way. Speaking of outer space, in less than an hour and a half, you can be at Craters of the Moon National Monument. There, you can witness the result of Idaho’s violent volcanic past that left 618 square miles of lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes.
Frankie the pet goat enjoying the views and the stream next to Boat Box Hot Spring, made from old mining equipment. @CateBattles
A Hot Springs Hotbed
Idaho might be known for its potatoes, but it’s also renowned as a geothermal mecca. In fact, it has more soakable springs than any other state and its capital is the only one in the country that’s heated by geothermal energy. Several of Idaho’s 130 human-friendly hot springs can be found in the Sawtooths and the surrounding area. Just driving down the highway, you’ll notice steam rising from the creeks and mountainside, signaling volcanic activity below. Though many of these natural soaking pools involve a hike, there are several accessible just off the road, or you can venture to a hot springs resort and enjoy a less rustic experience.
Cate’s painted Argosy parked along Highway 75 in Stanley @CateBattles
Stanley, Idaho: Population 70
Heading northwest from Ketchum along State Highway 75, you’ll meander through the Sawtooth National Forest and scale the Galena Summit, which offers panoramic views of multiple mountain ranges. From there, you’ll head down the highway and see the rugged peaks of the Sawtooth range jut up from the valley. As you approach Stanley, you’ll cross the Salmon River several times before reaching the town of 70 full-time residents. Stanley makes a great basecamp for your trip because within minutes you can be boating at Redfish Lake, fishing along the Salmon River, or exploring the extensive trail system in the Sawtooth National Rec Area. With dozens of camping options between Good Sam parks, dispersed sites, and forest service campgrounds, you’ll find Stanley chock full of places to park during your stay.
Take a self-guided tour of Custer City, just a short drive from Stanley @CateBattles
Ghost Towns of the Old West
The spirit of the Wild West is preserved in the Sawtooth Valley’s abandoned ghost towns where miners worked their claims during the 19thcentury Gold Rush. Just a short drive from Stanley along Highway 75, take the turn at Sunbeam and follow the old Yankee Fork toll road to the historic town of Custer and the dilapidated ruins of Bonanza. The area reached its zenith during the turn of the 20th century and boasted a population of around 600 people until its last major mine was discontinued in 1911. Today, you can take a free self-guided tour around the towns and cemeteries. While there, make sure to stop at the impressive Yankee Fork Dredge, one of the best-preserved dredges in the lower 48. This 988-ton piece of machinery was used in the mid 20th century to extract nearly $1 million in gold from the five-mile stretch of land along Yankee Fork.
Further up the road is the Bayhorse ghost town and trail system, a silver mining camp that peaked during the late 19th century. Established in 1877, Bayhorse is credited as being the first major mining camp in central Idaho. While there, walk around the beehive-shaped kilns, stamp mill, Wells Fargo building, and dozens of other structures.
Perfect reflections at Stanley Lake @CateBattles
Land o’ Lakes and Rivers
Without a doubt, one of the most iconic sights of the Sawtooth Valley is the Salmon River that winds its way around the mountains. Its headwaters begin near the Galena Summit and trickle down the mountain through small creeks and streams until finally reaching the river below. What makes the Salmon River unique is the fact that it’s the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48, meaning it’s largely unaffected by human-made changes. The river flows north through the heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness and eventually drops into the Snake River, 7,000 feet lower than its headwaters. The river has been home to people for the past 8,000 years, including the Nez Perce tribe, who considered the area sacred ground and a rich resource for food. Aptly dubbed, the “River of No Return” by early settlers whose return trips were hindered by its Class IV rapids, the Salmon River is an ideal locale for whitewater rafters.
The Sawtooth Mountains are also home to over 300 alpine lakes that can be accessed when the snow melts after the spring. Glacial moraines helped form several spectacular lakes that you can drive to including Redfish, Pettit, and Stanley Lakes. While there, fish for sockeye salmon, walk along the trails and beaches, and take in the stunning views of the jagged mountain range.
Fishhook Creek offers an easy hike with spectacular views of the Sawtooths @CateBattles
Take a Hike!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking for a gentle stroll, the Sawtooth Mountains provide over 700 miles of trails for hiking and biking. With 56 peaks over 10,000 feet, there are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular views of backcountry lakes and panoramic vistas. Unlike most National Parks, the Sawtooth trails are pet-friendly, so make sure to bring Fido or your hooved friends. For an easy hike that’s family-friendly, take the Fishhook Creek Trail that meanders along the water to a meadow with sweeping views of the snow-capped mountains. For a more strenuous hike, take the trail to Goat Lake, a stunning alpine lake that also passes the largest waterfall in the Sawtooth Mountains.
No matter what kind of adventure you choose, the Sawtooth Mountains are an outdoor lover’s paradise, with its awe-inspiring nature and crowd-free backcountry.
Rented a throw back version of Shasta’s popular 60’s model trailer. Updated with modern appliances and bathroom. Still plenty of old tech to sort through trying to get it set up. Thinking of buying a similar model but wanted to try it out. So far so good.
I just couldn’t understand it. That this woman, who looked as fertile as the Tennessee Valley, could not bear children. But the doctor explained that her insides were a rocky place where my seed could find no purchase.
Serious question. At night when it’s dark do you worry about some crackhead wandering out there and robbing you. I can’t imagine there’s any cell service or any support.
Beautiful! What are your favorite places to stay on the OR coast? We went a few years ago to a few places but definitely want to come spend more time there.
We took our first trip in our 2020 Kodiak Ultra-Lite this weekend. The destination was Icicle River RV park in Leavenworth, WA.
The trip started off a little rocky, but finished well. After fueling up, I wanted to put a few miles on the tires to do a thorough test of my TPMS. After a half mile going Westbound on I-90, I heard a horn honking, and I rolled down my window. Another driver said, “You’re wheels are smoking!” I immediately pulled over, and, yup, I was.
It turns out the breakaway cable had come out by about 1cm. It was difficult to even see that it had come unseated. I shoved it back in, and felt it click into place.
TPMS registered 79 degrees on the two front tires. I sat on the side of the road for about 30 minutes to let everything cool down, and slowly started rolling again. I tested the brakes, and everything seemed fine.
Lesson learned: pay very close attention to my DIC (driver information center, you pervs).
No bald spots on the tires, which is good. With the road test over, I went back home for a more thorough inspection. Everything looked good, save for a millimeter of drum brake pad turning into slag.
Feeling comfortable with the rig, we finished loading, and pressed on. I drove very conservatively, never exceeding 65mph. The Colorado’s little diesel had no problems maintaining speed going up Blewett Pass. A steady 1,800 (flat) and 2,200 rpm (uphill) and pretty good mileage. Flat, I’m getting a out 17mpg. Uphill, about 12. The whole trip averaged 16.6mpg. Not too shabby.
We pulled into the resort, and set up the site. Lots of other campers were set up and many of the other guests stopped by to welcome us and comment on our shiny new trailer.
We head out to Idaho this coming Saturday to spend a week at the famcamp at Mountain Home AFB.
Hey! I have been living in a 1989 Fleetwood Southwind for about three years now. Unfortunately I don’t have any technical advice for you, I am Just now starting to learn about how to work on it myself. I was wondering if you would tell me how much you purchased this RV for, because I am planning on selling mine, I haven’t seen a lot of them out there (this brand / year). I’m just trying to gauge how much I can sell mine for. Also, I will be doing a lot of research about how to operate this thing, how to fix a couple things that need fixing. Maybe we can keep in touch and help each other out. 🙂
I’m so stoked about purchasing my first RV, however I did buy it used (obvi) and I have no experience yet.
My main concern is the generator. When I click the switch to start the generator it sounds like it wants to start and then it sputters out. The guy I purchased from said it might be the fuel pump. Should I try to tackle this project myself, or would it be beneficial to have a specialist come out and take a look at it?
I would suggest fixing it yourself. This has a few benefits. First, you might save some money, and not have to get rid of a repairable generator. Second, there is a feeling of satisfaction like none other when you fix something that is broken. It is also good to know how these types of things work, just in case you need to make an emergency repair, or when the time to find someone to fix it would be inconvenient.
YouTube/Google the model number and a general symptom. Don’t worry if you cant find the EXACT model. Many of these are made by the same company, and just branded differently.
If ita not working, and you work safely, you have nothing to lose. Good luck. You can totally do this.
We(dogs and the Siamese) are heading to the backcountry tomorrow in the Sequoias. I bought that same setup. The excursion is getting out of the trans shop today. My other ride is a SMART car. I need to buy a couple of 10ft 1″ PVC pipes and connectors.
I’m curious to see if we can get a signal at 7500 ft this trip.
Same here, we only fill in the states where we both slept overnight and did something interesting. We have hurt Mississippi’s feelings twice due to our rules.
Just a tip from a truckers family. When you pull into these kind of spaces stay to the back of them rather than pulling all the way forward. The next truck that pulls in can’t see you up there and may try to pull in behind you thinking the space is empty.
Congrats! We almost got the 16bhs last month from Cheyenne. Ended up journeying even further to Missouri for a different one 🙂 I honestly think the 16bhs is the ultimate compromise as far as size, utility and features go. Great choice!!!
It’s a great trailer you will love it. Your tow vehicle on the other hand will be challenging. We tried towing with our highlander and it seemed okay at first. However hills really put a ton of stress on it and me. Went and got a 2500 diesel as I plan to upgrade to a slightly bigger trailer one day plus a boat. Made trailering a dream.
So I bought the ROO 21SS last year and it has an slide awning. I really like this but I just noticed this clip like attachment by the slide. I have no idea what it used for. I originally thought when the slide is in and awning closed, it supports the awning. But it doesn’t touch it. Any thoughts?
I really like how the couch and TV are on opposite sides than the most common lay outs. When we were shopping I really didn’t like how the entire right wall was closed off with no light coming in.
It’s a 2020 Jayco Eagle 336FBOK (Front Bath, Outdoor Kitchen.) It’s a pretty unique layout with 1 1/2 baths, and a loft in the bedroom. My fiancée and I are both super excited to be spending time in this one !
That is beautiful! I would be able to live out my days in this! It’s nicer than my apartment! Dumb question, but did you design what you wanted in it, or buy it stock? The only thing I have that I’d bring are my adjustable base Sleep Number bed. I keep looking at people’s posts, and none have mentioned having that type bed system (the adjustable base part).
Ground – it’s likely any of the stranded thicker white wires will work
12V+ Power – most likely the same thickness as the white stranded wires, but a different color, could be the blue, yellow or black? Like NEHOG said, check the Furnace fuse if you aren’t getting 12v+ If they are ALL 12V+ see which one stops working when the Furnace Fuse is pulled.
A pair of (usually thinner) wires from the thermostat, to determine those, disconnect the thermostat from the wall and see what the wires coming out of it look like and find the matching end in that mess. You could also see if they have continuity across both when thermostat is turned on high and lose continuity when thermostat is turned off.
Your new furnace will have 3-4 wires that connect like:
I sometimes miss the rural Nebraska life. Drive around and not see anything but windmills and power poles for miles in any direction. Sky that seems to stretch forever like if you were in the middle of the ocean (without sea sickness).
Oh man, that brings back memories of my traverse across Nebraska. That WIND!! Beautiful area, but man did I ever fight to stay on course. I wasn’t even towing anything; it was just my old campervan.
I recall driving through that part of the country a few years ago. I was driving and had to pee. No shoulder to pull off on. Just stopped the rv in the middle of a road just like that and did what i needed to do and stretched the legs for a few min then went on our way. Hours without seeing any vehicles. ScottsBluff (pop 14,874) felt like NYC after seeing nothing for so long.
It may be too late to get a spot this year, but the Albuquerque Balloon Festival can accommodate lots of RVers. The Boomer group of Escapees RV Club, which we belong to, reserves sites and some help balloonists. Make a reservation early if this event is on your bucket list!
It may be too late to get a spot this year, but the Albuquerque Balloon Festival can accommodate lots of RVers. The Boomer group of Escapees RV Club, which we belong to, reserves sites and some help balloonists. Make a reservation early if this event is on your bucket list!
It may be too late to get a spot this year, but the Albuquerque Balloon Festival can accommodate lots of RVers. The Boomer group of Escapees RV Club, which we belong to, reserves sites and some help balloonists. Make a reservation early if this event is on your bucket list!
It may be too late to get a spot this year, but the Albuquerque Balloon Festival can accommodate lots of RVers. The Boomer group of Escapees RV Club, which we belong to, reserves sites and some help balloonists. Make a reservation early if this event is on your bucket list!
It may be too late to get a spot this year, but the Albuquerque Balloon Festival can accommodate lots of RVers. The Boomer group of Escapees RV Club, which we belong to, reserves sites and some help balloonists. Make a reservation early if this event is on your bucket list!
It may be too late to get a spot this year, but the Albuquerque Balloon Festival can accommodate lots of RVers. The Boomer group of Escapees RV Club, which we belong to, reserves sites and some help balloonists. Make a reservation early if this event is on your bucket list!
It may be too late to get a spot this year, but the Albuquerque Balloon Festival can accommodate lots of RVers. The Boomer group of Escapees RV Club, which we belong to, reserves sites and some help balloonists. Make a reservation early if this event is on your bucket list!
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