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Old 06-29-2017, 01:16 PM   #1
Kellysingleton
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Just Upgraded from Pop-up to 34' Travel Trailer

Hello all,
I am Kelly Singleton. I am an avid camper swearing up to 5 years ago that I would be a tent camper for life...well all that changed as I got older and it was harder to pack, load, set up, break down and unload by myself. So I bought a 1991 Coleman pop-up and loved it, bit As more and more grandchildren came along, it was obvious that the pop up was no longer a viable option. So I went shopping one day and bought a 2017 34' Keystone Hideout Bunkhouse and the pop-up is now used by any of my children who need it.

I only had a GMC 1500 pickup to toe the camper and my husband (the truck driver/diesel mechanic) stated we would need a bigger truck to pull this new RV, so he stopped around and got a deal on a 2000 Chev 3500 duelly.

My husband does not camp with us, so I drive/tow the RV. I had no idea how hard it is to drive. Everyone makes it look so easy, but towing a huge kite is scary business. The first time I took it out, I just jumped in and drove. I thought it would be just like the pop-up. NOOOO isn't. I got on the highway and when the first semi past me and practically blew me off of the road, I pulled off at the next exit determined to sell the RV because I wasn't going to be able to drive it. Thank goodness my son-in-law was towing the pop-up and switched with me. He saved the maiden voyage Memorial Day trip. We went on to have a great time, until my husband the truck driver, came out on check out day and made me drive (with his assistance). We made it home, but it wasn't pleasant.

After a couple of practice sessions, I am happy to say that I alone drove the RV to our second trip of the year (2 hours from home). I didn't drive the interstate, but I drove it over a couple of state highways and didn't go over 45 meh but we arrived safely. Now I hate the thought of the ride home and the stress it causes, but it too shall pass with time and practice.

That is my story....happy camping!
Sincerely,
Hideout-Honey
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Old 06-29-2017, 01:56 PM   #2
sourdough
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Hi Kelly! Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new rig. Sounds like you have a nice trailer and a good tow truck. That Hideout shouldn't really be pushing your dually around like that. What kind of hitch do you have on the truck/trailer? Maybe something isn't set up just right but I'm thinking you should have a pretty solid towing experience with that combo.

Note: I just looked at the Keystone website and they have 2 34' bunkhouse models; one is a bumper pull and the other a 5th wheel. Which one did you get?
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Old 06-29-2017, 02:19 PM   #3
Pull Toy
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Hi Kelly,

Welcome from Southeastern Connecticut!

If your new rig is a bumper hitch, a simple and proven fix is an anti sway bar. Cheap and easy. Even with a dually, the length of a 34 footer can induce some sway with a cross wind or passing tractor trailer. I used to tow a 36er with a dually, and can personally attest to this! It also helps to be sure all of your tire pressures are dialed in.

You'll be fine with a little practice, and road time. You'll also find the 34 footer a lot easier to back up than the pop-up. I can back the long trailers with ease. My little dump trailer behind the lawn mower, not so much! The short ones are too sensitive to steering corrections, so I unhook it, move it by hand, and reconnect the tractor LOL!

Good Luck,
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Old 06-29-2017, 03:06 PM   #4
ctbruce
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Welcome to the forum from Kansas City, MO! Glad you're here!

What kind of hitch are you using? With a 3500 dually you should not have any sway or wind problems from semi's.

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Old 06-29-2017, 03:18 PM   #5
Kellysingleton
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I have a blue ox hitch. It is just me. Had a bad high speed accident that was a result of over correcting my car. The blow by just brought back memories. I will get over it. Thanks
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Old 06-29-2017, 03:21 PM   #6
Kellysingleton
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I have a blue ox hitch. I had a bad accident due to over correction of my car on the interstate on wet ground and the blow by that the semi caused just brought back memories. I will get over it. I have the bumper pull.
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Old 06-29-2017, 03:23 PM   #7
Kellysingleton
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Pull Toy - thanks for the confidence! I will get there. I have had so much fun. As for backing the rig up, you are correct. My first time in was a blindside back in and nailed it on first try!
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Old 06-29-2017, 03:25 PM   #8
Kellysingleton
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Sorry for the duplicate posts. I thought I was replying individually.
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Old 06-29-2017, 03:34 PM   #9
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to The Forum From Western PA

Congrats on your upgrade?? You have a TV that should do it may need some tweaking. Stick with it !!

Be Safe and Happy Camping
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Old 06-29-2017, 04:02 PM   #10
Ken / Claudia
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Kelly, most Rvs will feel a slight push/pull as a 18 wheeler passes. As the front of the 18 wheeler passes it is pushing a massive amount of air to each side. That will give most a slight push only. After it the trailer passes you, you may feel a slight pull as the air is sucked around behind the 18 wheeler trailer. The higher the speed difference between you and the 18 wheeler usually means more of that is felt. Just asking did the dealer set up the hitch system. What you describe is not normal. As others have said maybe recheck the hitch or have another dealer look at it and give you his advice.
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Old 06-29-2017, 04:13 PM   #11
Kellysingleton
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Ken/Claudia - yes the dealer installed the hitch and it has sway bars. My husband described the wind thing to me in the exact same way you did. Once I understood thE after the push comes, the air would essentially suck me back it became a little better. Once I get over the urge to fight it, I will be fine. I am just going to keep practicing. In the meantime, a few good thoughts would be appreciated as I am pulling out tomorrow for our trip home and it is supposed to rain...
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Old 06-29-2017, 04:24 PM   #12
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Kelly,

Just remember to keep it slow, keep lots of distance between you and others. Stopping quickly in rain is bad enough in just a car, with a bigger rig it is even worse. Nothing will happen quickly in a panic stop when loaded. Just keep the eyes open and watch the "other" guy at all times. Don't make any sudden directional changes - your rig won't like it. And yes, we will be thinking good thoughts for you
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Old 06-29-2017, 04:58 PM   #13
captcolour
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Hi Kelly,

Welcome from Northern Kentucky! We just bought a 5th wheel and a dually. Two trips under our belt. So far so good. When the kids were younger, we had a pop-up as well. Good luck tomorrow. Keep it slow and you will be fine.
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Old 06-30-2017, 08:56 AM   #14
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Kelly, let us know if the trip goes better for you this time, I hope it does.
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Old 07-05-2017, 03:35 AM   #15
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welcome to the forum enjoy
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Old 07-05-2017, 03:45 PM   #16
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Welcome to the forum from Southern MD. Hope you can get everything set up so the passing trucks don't cause such an issue.


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