New pop-up camper

[Ryan S.]

Picked up a Starcraft 2411 this weekend. Good floorplan and storage. Never thought I'd own a trailer, but kids change everything. The little one loves it.
It maxes out the tow limits of the cruiser, but with the electric brakes it actually stops quicker. Notice my springs. Is this dangerous? An OME heavy is a few months away, but we'll be using the trailer before then. Also will be doing a SOA on the trailer within a week or two, will post pics then.

 

[NorCalDoug]

Congrats on the new trailer. I know what you mean about never planning on owning one...then kids come into the picture -- I was the same way

Can't speak to the springs -- I'm considering a pair of Airlift bags for myself on the 80...haven't decided yet though.

 

[Ryan S.]

I'm going to look into the airbags also, especailly since I just paid bills this morning, and the OME heavys may be more than a few months off. Other than being concerned about the springs, the trailer pulls nice. No swaying and the 60 does much better than I thought it would. No problem getting to and maintaining speed. I'm sure the passes will be a different story though.

 

[dogboy2]

you're looking a little flat there chief....I'd be careful adding much more weight over those rear springs with that trailer hitched (read adding a lot of gear). Also might want to make sure that you're not exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating, but what do I know......

-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[Ryan S.]

you're looking a little flat there chief....I'd be careful adding much more weight over those rear springs with that trailer hitched (read adding a lot of gear). Also might want to make sure that you're not exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating, but what do I know......

-dogboy- '87 FJ60

I'm afraid that loaded up I will be over the GVW of 7000 lbs, I bet I'm close to it empty. I may be a little naive but I'm not to worried about the 60 (except for the springs) and a few hundred pounds over GVW. The one thing that does worry me is insurance if I were to get in an accident. Don't know exactly where it is until I get it on a scale. BTW does anybody know what determines GVW? If upgraded springs and/or airbags are installed would raise the rating some?

 

[Brentbba]

Well.....I just had OME 850/863's put on this morning at MAF. Had the airbags put back in the rear coils. Don't know if I'll need them now with heavies or not. May have to do some experimenting this weekend on the scout trip. Since I have the ability to 'air up' the bags from the CO2 tank, I may see how the cruiser sits w/o more than the minimum in the air bags and see how she sits. If she still sags, I can take the weight off the hitch and air up the bags. Will let you know. The heavies certainly are stiffer ride wise than the 861/862 no lift medium's that I took off. Cruiser was empty except me tho.

Ryan - I certainly wouldn't drive far sagging like that for too long. Have you looked into add-a-leaf for your springs? I'd think that may be a good option to stiffen what you've got w/o replacement.

 

[tfdcruiser]

You may also want to consider a load ditributing hitch. They have torsion bars which allow you to take a significant amount of weight off the bumper and redistribute it forward. They also help alot with the swaying of the trailer. They can be pretty spendy new but I just picked one up used for 30.00 off the craigslist.

 

[Brentbba]

Would agree about the physics of the weight distribution hitch. Check in your 60's owner's manual tho. Mr. Yota does not recommend them for the 80 series. Don't know about yours tho.

If it'll work, I've got one I'll sell you cheaply. They are expensive new. Given that you are in the Inland Empire, pick up is possible.

 

[Ryan S.]

[
Ryan - I certainly wouldn't drive far sagging like that for too long. Have you looked into add-a-leaf for your springs? I'd think that may be a good option to stiffen what you've got w/o replacement.[/QUOTE]

I have been looking into add-a-leafs, and started searching threads yesterday. I am trying to decide if it is worth it--seems like only a band-aid for the real problem. Looking into add-a-leaf with a re-arch also with Heckethorn shocks, new shackles/pins, new bushings and I just got done running the numbers. On the low side it is about 1/2 price of the OME heavy kit.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Weight distribution hitches work well. This product also helps a lot.

If you are new to RV'ing you might want to check Woodalls. It's the IH8Mud of the RV world.

 

[Ryan S.]

Rusty_tlc, thanks for the hitch info. I'll do some more research on them throughout the day. My F-I-L has one on his big trailer pulled by a 1/2T dodge. Do you know if the weight distribution hitch causes trouble off road? I'm not taliking wheeling here, just forest service/logging roads.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Rusty_tlc, thanks for the hitch info. I'll do some more research on them throughout the day. My F-I-L has one on his big trailer pulled by a 1/2T dodge. Do you know if the weight distribution hitch causes trouble off road? I'm not taliking wheeling here, just forest service/logging roads.

I towed my 22' Travel trailer down quite a few miles of graded gravel roads with no problems.

My set up was a little different; 5000# trailer behind a 3/4 ton 4WD GMC with a 454, 700r4, corprate 14 bolt rear, IFS. We sold the trailer last week but I still have the truck, that would solve your problems fast. It's an extended cab so plenty of room for little ones in the back seat, long bed with a cap so plenty of room for bikes, boats, fire wood, dogs, whatever.

 

[Brentbba]

Ryan - you shouldn't have any problems with dirt roads, etc.

If a weight distribution hitch will work, PM me. I'll make you a VERY GOOD deal on one my scout troop used on my 80 series. IIRC it was about $400 new. Make the check to the troop and you can get a tax deduction as well.

 

[Ryan S.]

Ryan - you shouldn't have any problems with dirt roads, etc.

If a weight distribution hitch will work, PM me. I'll make you a VERY GOOD deal on one my scout troop used on my 80 series. IIRC it was about $400 new. Make the check to the troop and you can get a tax deduction as well.

Thanks for the offer. First I need to get my springs fixed and then we will see how it looks. If I still need the hitch and you still have it I would be glad to make a deal with you.

 

[Brentbba]

Thanks for the offer. First I need to get my springs fixed and then we will see how it looks. If I still need the hitch and you still have it I would be glad to make a deal with you.

I think I mentioned it earlier - research add-a-leaf There probably is an application for you. With coils, us 80 owners don't have that option.

 

[uberhahn]

how about a brake upgrade? search for the 4runner upgrade for front brakes. should make it more comfortable in stopping.

 

[rusty_tlc]

how about a brake upgrade? search for the 4runner upgrade for front brakes. should make it more comfortable in stopping.

The trailer has electric brakes, no need to upgrade the tow vehicle brakes.

 

[ginericLC]

The add a leafs are about $60 for the 60 series. I wouldn't bother with them though if you plan on going OME in your future because if you do the add a leafs you should also do new U bolts. They are kind of spendy and then you'd need them again when you did the OMEs.

Be careful doing a SOA on the trailer. I did it to my pop up last year and now my tires are wearing really funny. It changed the toe in on the axle by going SOA.

 

[Ryan S.]

Be careful doing a SOA on the trailer. I did it to my pop up last year and now my tires are wearing really funny. It changed the toe in on the axle by going SOA.[/QUOTE

]

The dealership sold me two new saddles to weld on. The axle on this trailer has a built in camber-never seen that before-so I can't just rotate the axle. I'll be extra careful with alignment of the saddles and hope for the best.