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Hybrid vs. Pop-up...input?
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15 Posts
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April 11, 2014 - 7:50 pm
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More good info, thanks all for the replies. Wow, that video is good evidence, ESPECIALLY since we drive a Pilot! Did you realize that was a Pilot in the video?!?
I had our 7-pin connector and brake controller installed yesterday so now we can get a feel for pulling a trailer, HTT or pup.
I'll keep you all posted!

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April 12, 2014 - 8:37 am
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That camper in the video wasn't that big, actually looked the same size as the tow vehicle. I think that was more of a lack of a sway bar and and a big gust of wind.

Best Regards,
Norm

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April 12, 2014 - 2:19 pm
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i see a number of issues in the video.

the wind is blowing really hard, the trailer is a single axle, no apparent WDH, no apparent anti-sway device and short wheelbase/lightweight tow vehicle.

extreme version of "wagging the dog's tail"

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April 12, 2014 - 8:10 pm
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So, is it the general opinion of the respondents of this thread that smaller, single axle, expandable trailers, capable of being towed by a mid-size SUV or minivan is a recipe for disaster? I'm not against pop-ups, but I like the idea of lessening the wife's solo set-up responsibilities if I have to work late and I'm going to meet the family at the campsite...which happens all too often. I also know my fam/wife, and the they would all appreciate mid-summer beach trips more with better AC and amenities. I've heard the expandables are easier to cool than pups. 

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April 12, 2014 - 8:56 pm
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That is an extreme video, but a wonderful example of what happens to with too small a TV.That guy didn't have a chance.
A full size SUV or PU might have not been flipped, but that doesn't mean the trailer wouldn't have been flipped.

Even though he may have been with the weight limit, that eight foot wall behind you is not forgiving when it come to side winds.
Ford limits the new Explorer which have a 5000 lb towing limit to 40 sq ft of frontal area with a tow package, 20 sq ft without.
Jeep limits the frontage area as well. You don't find out about with Jeep until you look in the owners manual though, it's not in their towing guide.
Honda has limitations on the Pilot as well.

It's not just the recommendation of many members here. Responsible car companies do limit the frontal area on smaller TV's.
FWIW, I've driven a lot of pup/TT and HTT combinations over the past 40+ years  and have driven the too small TV combo. It's something you don't
want  your spouse or your family to experience. Whichever way you go, make sure you have an appropriate sized TV.

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April 13, 2014 - 1:27 pm
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Yes, Jeep has a frontal area of 60 sq ft and lists maximum trailer length at 30 ft., which I think is a little too long. I think my 24 feet is pushing it, but it is only for this season, we are looking into getting a Suburban next year. So far it has towed well.

Best Regards,
Norm

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April 17, 2014 - 7:57 pm
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So, I've gotten so much good info on pup's vs. HTT's, now I have another question.
Does $8250 should like a good deal on a 2007 Fleetwood Arcadia high wall? It's got AC, and all the trimmings.

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April 18, 2014 - 6:56 pm
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That is a very good price for an Arcadia, assuming everything is up to snuff

Martini Glass The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have!
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April 19, 2014 - 6:59 pm
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[quote author=CampingPhil link=topic=2941.msg28627#msg28627 date=1397861790]
That is a very good price for an Arcadia, assuming everything is up to snuff

Thanks Phil. Unfortunately, I think the Arcadia weight is a little high for our Honda Pilot. We did, however find a pretty clean 2004 Fleetwood Hemlock high wall camper for ~$5k. Does that sound reasonable? We saw it today and it had a few small (tiny) holes in the canvas that look easy to patch. The interior was clean, but smelled a little of dryer sheets and mothballs... Are the dryer sheets and mothballs to be expected? The dealer told me people use them to keep out mice....which there was no evidence of.

Thanks for the feedback!
Jason

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April 19, 2014 - 10:10 pm
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Dryer sheets and moth balls are used by some as a deterrent for mice and ants. Dryer sheets worked for us at one CG where the ants started crawling in as we were setting up!

We had mice get into our TrailManor last year and after reading about pine oil being used in some concoction sold on the Internet, I opted for a pine scented essential oil poured into cotton balls and tiny pinecones which all sat in a cleaned out can of chicken breast. No more mice! The owner of the garage where we store our camper (and the "owner" of the mice) parks his big motor home outside the garage and has had mice do some damage a few times. I had told him about the essential oil, but he bought pine cleaner at WalMart and sprayed that under and around his MH. It worked and is cheaper than essential oil. (Or maybe the black snake returned and the mice were the buffet course. Who knows?)

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