Best options to order on a TT

FlyingAroundRV · 10-17-2017, 06:17 PM

G'Day all:

We are heading to the US next year to purchase a TT and a pickup truck to pull it. Our initial intentions are to buy:
A Keystone Outback 272UFL and
A Ford F-150 XLT (probably 2012-2014 year)
From what I've read, I'm thinking of having these changes and additions installed
-50 Amp service
-Wired for a second A/C
-Solar prep
-Better tires (eg Maxxis or similar)
-Linoleum throughout vs carpet in the bedroom and under the dinette

So, what are we missing here? What other changes/additions do you think would be good to consider adding to the trailer from new?

We plan to travel quite widely through the US and so the climate we will be exposed to will vary. We plan to travel mostly during the summer months, but may do some winter touring. We will definitely not be touring in the north (where they salt the roads) during winter.

Your thoughts are most welcome.

ptooti · 10-17-2017, 07:28 PM

there were not many options when I custom ordered. I only got to pick my colour I'm guessing the rest would be upgrades on my dime

FlyingAroundRV · 10-17-2017, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptooti

there were not many options when I custom ordered. I only got to pick my colour I'm guessing the rest would be upgrades on my dime

Yes, quite right. I should have said "upgrades", or "modifications" rather than "options". And I do expect to have to pay for them.

Ken / Claudia · 10-17-2017, 10:19 PM

Not a answer to your question, just advice from been there done that. If it was me, I would look at stepping up to a bigger truck with a diesel engine. WHY? the 150 may work, you may be happy with it. The bigger truck will work and you will like it. Buy one truck not two. For the trailer are you always going to have shore power at night, if not a generator would be on top of the list.

earlzach · 10-18-2017, 02:48 AM

If your looking at Keystone and might need extended season +. Then I would look into the WE line. They are made out WEST and targets the colder temperatures of oragan and Washington campers seasons.

notanlines · 10-18-2017, 03:02 AM

"They are made out WEST and target the colder temperatures of Oregon and Washington camper's seasons.'' Maybe you could expound on that a little for the rest of us. I hadn't heard about that program.

earlzach · 10-18-2017, 03:40 AM

Just to be clear I know for sure that the passport for one offers a "WE" Edition which represents trailers made out west in a western facility to cut down on transit cost and delivery costs as well as they offer a couple different features that satisfy the needs of people in the Oregon and Washington area for their extended camping seasons

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**flybouy** · 10-18-2017, 04:46 AM

I would suggest tank heaters if you plan on cold temps.

Javi · 10-18-2017, 04:49 AM

As a note... the OP is in either Australia or Montana... not sure which

Lee · 10-18-2017, 08:20 AM

Hi,

Awnings for the slide outs.... these will help when camping in hot direct sunlight to help cool the TT.

FlyingAroundRV · 10-18-2017, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javi

As a note... the OP is in either Australia or Montana... not sure which

You know the song "An Englishman in New York"? Well, I'm an American in Australia.

The confusion arises because the forum software setup for this forum didn't allow for a "Country" field. This is odd, because I signed up to another RV forum that uses the same software, that did have the extra field enabled.

So, because our RV will be registered in MT, I just chose that.

6Five · 10-21-2017, 06:21 PM

I 2nd the "you need a bigger truck" statement above, to pull that 32 foot trailer. An F150 is barely adequate.

gearhead · 10-22-2017, 07:54 AM

Yeah, I'd get a 3/4 ton truck. You say "wired for 2nd AC", will the dealer install the AC or the factory? I would get a 2000watt generator; you never know when or if you will need it. Unless you get a great deal, I would just wait until after delivery to get the tires you want.

Desert185 · 10-22-2017, 08:08 AM

Along with the proposed tire upgrade I would do a wet bolt kit, two 6v golf cart batteries and LED bulbs. Tow it with a 3/4 ton.

**JRTJH** · 10-22-2017, 08:18 AM

Something that hasn't been suggested is the consideration of what you're going to do with the truck and trailer after your "saga". If you plan on selling it at the end of your journey, then buy what you want and enjoy it. If you're planning to keep it in the US for future years, then consider it an investment and spend a little more on the things you believe you'll need.

If, however, you're planning to ship it to Australia when you've completed your journey, then you might want to touch base with someone at an RV import center there. Learn about the rules for importation, the restrictions (both legal and practical) with the specific rig you're considering. Things like converting the 110 VAC system to 220 VAC, how the appliances (air conditioners <two>) will interface with the different voltage systems, availability of parts to convert the trailer to meet Australian requirements. It may be (and then again, it may not be) that you can't import that particular model because of something as simple as it's 6" too long and not allowed.....

Without knowing your plans, this is not a "don't do it" but a "be sure you can do it" kind of suggestion.....

FlyingAroundRV · 04-11-2018, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Something that hasn't been suggested is the consideration of what you're going to do with the truck and trailer after your "saga". If you plan on selling it at the end of your journey, then buy what you want and enjoy it. If you're planning to keep it in the US for future years, then consider it an investment and spend a little more on the things you believe you'll need.

If, however, you're planning to ship it to Australia when you've completed your journey, then you might want to touch base with someone at an RV import center there. Learn about the rules for importation, the restrictions (both legal and practical) with the specific rig you're considering. Things like converting the 110 VAC system to 220 VAC, how the appliances (air conditioners <two>) will interface with the different voltage systems, availability of parts to convert the trailer to meet Australian requirements. It may be (and then again, it may not be) that you can't import that particular model because of something as simple as it's 6" too long and not allowed.....

Without knowing your plans, this is not a "don't do it" but a "be sure you can do it" kind of suggestion.....

Just an update on progress so far.

We have decided to go with a 250 (most likely a Ford) sized truck as per advice here. We've had to up the budget a bit to get a good one with not too many miles on it and an engine that is not so likely to let us down.

There are no plans to transport this setup back to Oz. It is purely for exploring the US. We will keep it 5-7 years and then sell it all.
As a result of reading the posts in the forums here, I think we're pretty realistic about the quality of the trailer to expect and the level of service provided by the dealers. I'm pretty sure we will have issues and that I will have to solve most of them. Hopefully, we won't have major issues that I can't resolve on my own. And hopefully we won't make too many newbie blunders.

Pull Toy · 04-12-2018, 05:29 AM

Just a thought here... but if you make your camper too "one off custom" it might be harder to resell when you're done your walkabout.

I would stay with carpeting in the normally carpeted areas. They are easier on the feet, and help insulating the floors. If your model is available with a A/C & Heat-pump combo, this is a must have as far as I'm concerned. Also an electric fireplace adds warmth and ambiance on chilly days.

As already mentioned a 3/4 ton, or 1 ton truck is strongly advised. For a few extra dollars up front, you will have more options if you decide to upgrade your trailer, or pack more gear.

Good Luck,

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