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Topic: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...  (Read 1591 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #25 –
I had a tent trailer for a few years; they do offer a lot of space and function for the money, are generally easy to set up, take down, and tow. The "tow vehicle" I had at the time was a 4-cylinder Datsun pickup that handled the small trailer well. A tent trailer is pretty basic and doesn't offer many amenities, but the cost vs. the amount of space and "towability" may make the choice an attractive one.

A suggestion: If a tent trailer is the choice, wheel size makes a difference; bigger wheels are better than little wheels! Be sure that the wheel bearings are well-packed to start with, and expect to check and repack them pretty often, depending on how much the tent trailer is used.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #26 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
I had a tent trailer for a few years; they do offer a lot of space and function for the money, are generally easy to set up, take down, and tow. The "tow vehicle" I had at the time was a 4-cylinder Datsun pickup that handled the small trailer well. A tent trailer is pretty basic and doesn't offer many amenities, but the cost vs. the amount of space and "towability" may make the choice an attractive one.

A suggestion: If a tent trailer is the choice, wheel size makes a difference; bigger wheels are better than little wheels! Be sure that the wheel bearings are well-packed to start with, and expect to check and repack them pretty often, depending on how much the tent trailer is used.
We started with the same thing....3 kids plus us 2.....pulled with a Mazda van at the time....it worked out great for us....lots of great memories......
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #27 –
I second (third) the idea of a tent trailer for you.  Even some of the smaller travel trailers are too much for your tow vehicle.  We had one for many years, traveled all over the country with 4 small kids with it, pulled by a Ford Country Sedan station wagon.  It was a StarCraft with hard covers on the bunks and 14 inch wheels.  I'd probably still have it today, except once we moved to the Pacific Northwest it became a pain to put it away wet most of the time and have to open it up again to dry it out when the rain stopped.  The one problem you might have in AZ is the heat.  It might be hard to keep it cool enough for you.  Ours didn't have an air conditioner, but we were young and that didn't bother us too much.  For the amount you would spend on a used LD you could by a really nice new one, or as someone noted, buy used and sell it for what you paid once you buy a better tow vehicle.

Rich  -  Birch Bay, WA - Former 2000 MB  Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #28 –
I agree that a pop-up camper is well worth considering as a first step into RVing.

"Also highly considering Hensley Hitch."

Some thoughts based on my experience with the Hensley's successor:

If you go this route, ProPride is a better choice. The ProPride hitch was also designed by Jim Hensley, and uses the same basic principles as the old Hensley Arrow, but with a number of improvements. The company making the Hensley Arrow (under license from Jim) didn't want to make changes to the design, so he licensed his new, improved version to ProPride.

The antisway operating principles behind both hitches are solid--that's why I initially put a ProPride on my 27' Airstream. However, these hitches have a number of drawbacks. They are quite expensive (several thousand dollars). They're heavy (about 220 pounds), which means added tongue weight that your Odyssey may not be able to handle. Tongue weight is very important, and charts that tell you "How much you can tow" often fail to discuss it.

The Hensley and ProPride hitches are complicated to set up. Unless your tow vehicle and trailer are lined up and on level ground, they can be a major pain to hitch and unhitch. Don't try boondocking on uneven ground with one of these hitches. I did, and it was not fun.

I eventually switched to an Equal-i-zer hitch. For less than half the cost of the  ProPride, it has been easy to set up and use, and I haven't experienced any sway problems with my 7,500-pound Airstream, towing with an F-250 pickup. (With my 1,600-pound Trillium fiberglass trailer, which I tow with a Subaru Outback 3.6R, I don't use an antisway or weight-distributing hitch at all--just the normal ball coupler.)

In short, a Hensley or ProPride hitch may be overkill for any small-to-medium-sized trailer that you’re likely to buy. A good strategy is first to find out what your Odyssey can handle, including tongue weight, and choose a trailer based on that. If your tow vehicle is inadequate for your trailer, no hitch will make it safe to use. (I learned this the hard way with my first pickup, an F-150 that handled badly when towing the Airstream, even with weight distribution set to max on my ProPride hitch. I ended up trading in the F-150 for an F-250 a year after I bought it. It was a very expensive mistake.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #29 –
Finding water intrusion and walking away made for an 18 hour day well spent.  Good move.
Do as much research on Travel Trailers,  while keeping an eye out for another LD. A popup in good condition should retain most of its value.
If you see a LD,  say hello.
Safe travels and see you down the road. 
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #30 –
We would go the route of pop up or even hybrid except for the fact my wife is not cool with soft sides and the night time animals. I camped with her once in a tent and, oh boy! Scarred for life!

The Odyssey is good for 3500 in the towing area. I believe 500 lbs tongue weight. There are small trailers out there assuming I watch dry weight versus loaded (and where loaded). Transmission cooler and some other measures should keep me in good shape. Thank you for the Equal-I-Zer recommend. They were starting to pull up in my research and now I have a close testimonial.

Take care everyone!

The hunt continues...
Looking for 2001 or newer 23.5
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #31 –
Quote from: azclinton  - 
We would go the route of pop up or even hybrid except for the fact my wife is not cool with soft sides and the night time animals. I camped with her once in a tent and, oh boy! Scarred for life!

The Odyssey is good for 3500 in the towing area. I believe 500 lbs tongue weight. There are small trailers out there assuming I watch dry weight versus loaded (and where loaded). Transmission cooler and some other measures should keep me in good shape. Thank you for the Equal-I-Zer recommend. They were starting to pull up in my research and now I have a close testimonial.

Take care everyone!

The hunt continues...
Good luck on your search, Clinton. Even though you are moving on to a trailer and not a Lazy Daze, we would be interested in your final selection.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #32 –
Clinton, check the placard on your Odyssey's hitch. What I found online was that Odysseys from at least 2007 to 2020 are rated for 350 pounds maximum tongue weight. Believe me, you do not want to exceed that number unless you enjoy having your vehicle wander and "porpoise" every time you go over a bump. Been there, done that. Not a good feeling.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #33 –
Quote from: azclinton  - 
We would go the route of pop up or even hybrid except for the fact my wife is not cool with soft sides and the night time animals. I camped with her once in a tent and, oh boy! Scarred for life!


The hunt continues...
There are a number of hard-sided pop up trailers out there, like Trail Manor, etc. You might google those and see if one would work for you. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #34 –
If your Odyssey is like my Pilot (they're built on the same platform), 3500lbs is a generous estimate for a full height trailer.  It's a front wheel drive vehicle with unibody construction.  Rear wheel drive and body on frame make for a much better tow vehicle. 

The pilot and the odyssey also share the same engine.  You can tow a heavier boat or pop-up or some other kind of aerodynamic load.  A travel trailer is like pushing a barn door through the wind and the engine isn't comfortably up to the task at highway speeds. 

Many Pilot and Odyssey owners end up adding air bags to the rear because the tongue weight (typically higher for trailers than boats) causes the rear end to squat.  This takes weight off the drive/steering on the front end and can make things feel squirrely.  Many owners also end up upgrading brakes/rotors after the stock rotors warp from towing (I have the receipts!).

I hope you find the combo you're looking for.  I am not one of those people who thinks you need a F-350 to tow anything safely.
 I will caution that I have watched many people jump into towing something at the weight limit of the Pilot/Odyssey platform only to spend a bunch more time and money on aftermarket add-ons in an attempt to make it tow like they wish it would.  The hitch is only the beginning.... 

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #35 –
Looks like you have some ice cream when you get there! I have a RB and wish I had the duel couches.
-Joe
2005 26.5 RB
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #36 –
My son has one pop-up trailer, and one hard-sided trailer with a pop-out bed area at one end.  His wife has a big family, and a few of his workers frequently camp with them, too, so both trailers are usually in use at the same time.  He pulls the larger one with a Toyota Tundra.  He may have someone else tow the pop-up with one of the work vans from the business.

They bring along a huge canvas topped, net-sided pop up dining tent . . . because . . . Florida !!!  This works well for sun shade, unexpected rain showers, and bug deterrent.  Did I mention Florida ???

I'd rather have a Lazy Daze !!!  ;->


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  The Lace Tree
   *********************************

 
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #37 –
Quote from: azclinton  - 
We would go the route of pop up or even hybrid except for the fact my wife is not cool with soft sides and the night time animals. I camped with her once in a tent and, oh boy! Scarred for life!

The Odyssey is good for 3500 in the towing area. I believe 500 lbs tongue weight. There are small trailers out there assuming I watch dry weight versus loaded (and where loaded). Transmission cooler and some other measures should keep me in good shape. Thank you for the Equal-I-Zer recommend. They were starting to pull up in my research and now I have a close testimonial.

Take care everyone!

The hunt continues...

Understand the concerns with a soft-sided trailer. One of the hybrid trailers might work or, as someone suggested, a collapsible trailer such as the TrailManor. I had a Hi-Lo but they are a bit heavier and would probably be too much weight for your tow vehicle. Agree with Andy that a Hensley hitch, or similar, would be overkill for your needs.

I would suggest upgrading your tow vehicle, if possible, to give you more options.
Best of luck and happy hunting!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #38 –
"my wife is not cool with soft sides and the night time animals."

I have to admit that I feel the same way.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #39 –
Quote from: Jon & Loni  - 
There are a number of hard-sided pop up trailers out there, like Trail Manor, etc. You might google those and see if one would work for you. — Jon


We saw two this weekend and one was a Trail Manor. I don't think I took a pic of it.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #40 –
Quote from: Jon & Loni  - 
There are a number of hard-sided pop up trailers out there, like Trail Manor, etc. You might google those and see if one would work for you. — Jon

Appreciate all of the comments and advice. The Trail Manor is not one I had discovered, yet. With just under 2600 lbs dry, I now have another option that should tow much better even though it is a little wider than the other trailers I have been looking at.

The hunt continues...
Looking for 2001 or newer 23.5
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #41 –
"Kudos for wanting to get your family out camping with a little more comfort.  A pop-up is a huge upgrade over a tent. "

If you have two adult drivers, why not have a Lazy Daze and DRIVE the Odyssey from destination to destination?  Everyone will be properly seatbelted, and you will have extra storage space whilst also having the pleasures, treasures, and amenities that the Lazy Daze will provide.

Are the kiddies old enough to take turns sleeping in a tent at your campsite?

There is no rule that says a family cannot travel in separately-driven vehicles.  NOLA Boy and I have been doing exactly that since 1991, when we got our first Lazy Daze.  Our "toad" now is an older (1998) Sportsmobile with a pop top that will sleep four, although neither of us sleeps in there now.  We use it as a very comfortable day trip vehicle, and for overnights away from the Lazy Daze.

You can stash a Porta-Potti of some sort and a good-sized cooler, and possibly sports equipment and games in your Odyssey for day trips, and (I assume you have) children will have "room to roam".

In fairness, we DID get it when we were fulltiming in a 40-foot coach, but the idea is the same, and we have continued the practice with our 26-foot Lazy Daze RB. 

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #42 –
Sorry the LD did not work out. I hate to throw any more water on things but, I have heard Honda van transmissions can be a weak area for that vehicle. I have a odyssey and really like it. I had thought about installing a hitch and changed my mind after learning of this weakness area.
On build list
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #43 –
Look into Scamp trailers. We have one..
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #44 –
Quote from: NovaGuy  - 
Look into Scamp trailers. We have one..

The OP needs an RV that sleeps five, something most fiberglass trailers do not have the room for.
The ones that do (such as the 21' Escape) need a bigger tow vehicle than a Honda.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #45 –
I just find that if you don't have a decent tow vehicle you are asking for troubles. Something like a Suburban or an Expedition then get what ever you want for a trailer. Their gas mileage isn't horrible and you can relax a little while your towing.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #46 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 
"Kudos for wanting to get your family out camping with a little more comfort.  A pop-up is a huge upgrade over a tent. "

If you have two adult drivers, why not have a Lazy Daze and DRIVE the Odyssey from destination to destination?  Everyone will be properly seatbelted, and you will have extra storage space whilst also having the pleasures, treasures, and amenities that the Lazy Daze will provide.

Are the kiddies old enough to take turns sleeping in a tent at your campsite?

There is no rule that says a family cannot travel in separately-driven vehicles.  NOLA Boy and I have been doing exactly that since 1991, when we got our first Lazy Daze.  Our "toad" now is an older (1998) Sportsmobile with a pop top that will sleep four, although neither of us sleeps in there now.  We use it as a very comfortable day trip vehicle, and for overnights away from the Lazy Daze.

You can stash a Porta-Potti of some sort and a good-sized cooler, and possibly sports equipment and games in your Odyssey for day trips, and (I assume you have) children will have "room to roam".

In fairness, we DID get it when we were fulltiming in a 40-foot coach, but the idea is the same, and we have continued the practice with our 26-foot Lazy Daze RB. 

 Virtual hugs,

 Judie

Judie, that is an idea I had not considered. What really drew my family to a Class C was the ability to travel together and the conveniences this brought including mom or my oldest sneaking off to use the potty while "in flight". Now that I have been considering travel trailers, the idea of everyone being buckled up correctly seems to be a direction I would like to stay. However, having me drive the class C and mom drive the minivan with the little kids at a minimum would be a step backwards for us in the experience as we would be separated. As far as soft side tents are concerned, momma won't be able to sleep at night  :) .

To answer your question, children are 1, 4 and 13.

Appreciate the out of box idea I had not considered. THIS is why I posted. Than you, Judie!
Looking for 2001 or newer 23.5
 
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #47 –
Quote from: dave_m  - 
Sorry the LD did not work out. I hate to throw any more water on things but, I have heard Honda van transmissions can be a weak area for that vehicle. I have a odyssey and really like it. I had thought about installing a hitch and changed my mind after learning of this weakness area.

Dave, I think I am back to square one on this. The fact that I see nearly no evidence of anyone successfully towing with an Odyssey gives me great pause. I can find videos of asteroids falling in Russia but much less on Odysseys towing. Thanks for the comment and your thoughts.
Looking for 2001 or newer 23.5
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #48 –
Quote from: JonS  - 
I just find that if you don't have a decent tow vehicle you are asking for troubles. Something like a Suburban or an Expedition then get what ever you want for a trailer. Their gas mileage isn't horrible and you can relax a little while your towing.

Jon

Jon, as you can see from my last post/reply, I am getting this feeling. My brother in law and his family who I camp with most of the time have an Expedition EL good for 8800 lbs. I really wanted to pull it off with the van, but I think only a TrailManor with a ridiculously low dry weight would make me feel comfortable to even attempt it. And if it did not work out, hate to invest in the systems needed on the van just to turn around and have to sell the trailer, possibly for a loss.

Back to the drawing board...
Looking for 2001 or newer 23.5
Re: I think I found my first LD - Your Advice Appreciated...
Reply #49 –
I live in LA, looks great, low mileage, maybe get motor mechanical checked, the rest you can fix your self, burbank is near to me, if you need anything, I would check if the roof is in good condition, 8185406189