For those that use your trucks for towing campers, what are your plans for this year?

Dr1ft3r · May 21, 2023

3 hours ago, UWSkier said:

I replaced both front marker lights with cameras looking down the sides of mine too. I have a display screen that straps to the rear view mirror. I usually just drive with only the rear camera displaying, but if I'm in heavy multi-lane traffic, I'll switch to triple-view. That's great for seeing what's alongside your trailer, and is a godsend for backing into tight spaces. Mine's the Haloview RD7.

I used the Haloview system on my last trailer. If the side cameras work for you then that's great. For me, I found them to be kind of useless overall. I was hoping they would help me when backing the trailer into a spot while alone and they mostly only seemed to help for checking my blind spots while driving. But the sideview cameras on my truck which come on when I use a turn signal work just fine for that. However, I found the rear camera from Haloview to be helpful.

On my new trailer I prefer the transparent trailer option from GM.

the8rotor · May 21, 2023

6 hours ago, Dr1ft3r said:

I use this in conjunction with Google Maps (I'm also a subscriber which unlocks more features):
https://www.rvlife.com/app/

I used to only use Google Maps, but my new trailer is over 13' tall. I really don't want to take out my air conditioner on a low overpass if I'm not paying attention. I also don't want to have to turn around in a tight spot if I am paying attention. So an RV GPS is essential for traveling off of the Interstate.

From what I gather, no RV app is completely perfect in every way. But I hear that Garmin is a very good GPS. It also costs several hundred dollars.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/automotive/rv-camper-motorhome-gps/

Great info. I'll look into rvlife.

UWSkier · May 21, 2023

19 hours ago, the8rotor said:

Good idea on the lights! Any pics of how they look on the marker lights?

UWSkier · May 21, 2023

16 hours ago, Dr1ft3r said:

I used the Haloview system on my last trailer. If the side cameras work for you then that's great. For me, I found them to be kind of useless overall. I was hoping they would help me when backing the trailer into a spot while alone and they mostly only seemed to help for checking my blind spots while driving. But the sideview cameras on my truck which come on when I use a turn signal work just fine for that. However, I found the rear camera from Haloview to be helpful.

On my new trailer I prefer the transparent trailer option from GM.

I find them really helpful for seeing down the side of the trailer when you're backing in a turn. I have a light pole and an RV gate to navigate parking at my house and while my truck is angled and I'd usually be blind down that side of the trailer, I can flip that camera into fullscreen view and see right down the side. They're not perfect, but they work pretty well for that on my 26 foot TT. YMMV of course!

Dr1ft3r · May 22, 2023

59 minutes ago, UWSkier said:

I find them really helpful for seeing down the side of the trailer when you're backing in a turn. I have a light pole and an RV gate to navigate parking at my house and while my truck is angled and I'd usually be blind down that side of the trailer, I can flip that camera into fullscreen view and see right down the side. They're not perfect, but they work pretty well for that on my 26 foot TT. YMMV of course!

That's awesome for you then. I'm happy that they are working the way you want them to.

I found myself still having to get out of the truck to look at the blind side of the trailer when backing up while turning into somewhere. I had hoped that the cameras would prevent me from having to get out of the truck to do that. Part of the issue may have been the small viewing window on the Haloview monitor, it is pretty small when looking at more than 1 camera at a time.

I also had to get out of the truck to check overhead clearances. Sure, the cameras helped in some situations, but not as well as I would have liked. They are definitely not a replacement for a good spotter.

Maybe I set my expectations too high? In any case, I'm happy with the GM setup.

Major Tom · May 22, 2023

If you have a big RV, (heavy, wide, or tall) GPS is the way to go. The GPS will take into consideration you RV’s dimensions, weight and propane, and route you down appropriate roads. It will also continue to work without a cell signal, the maps are onboard.

Sonders · May 31, 2023

We have several trips lined up for the year, mostly all within an 1to 2 hrs away from home, so nothing big. Our first trip of the year was with several friends over the long Easter weekend. We just got back from 5 day trip over Memorial Day weekend to Patoka Lake in Southern IN, which is right at an hour from home. We're heading to Indiana Dunes for 4th of July. Our biggest trip of the year will be Fall break down to Gulf State Park @ Gulf Shores. We love it down there. We usually stay at Oak Mountain State Park outside of Montgomery AL on the way down and stay a few days as it's a good stopping point to break up the trip. We've got 8 other small trips already booked as well.

As far as items to have for towing, our camper came with a Furrion rear view camera already installed when we bought it. Our previous camper didn't have anything on it and we managed just fine. My wife is good at giving directions as she's bossed me around for the past 15 yrs haha. When we pull up to our site, she gets out and calls me on speaker phone and directs me as I back into the site. Has worked for the 3 yrs that we've been camping so far. We've only been on 2 trips with the new camper so far and I didn't even think to glance at the monitor for rear view camera while backing in to either site. I guess I'm not used to having it yet. It was nice having it while traveling though to see vehicles behind us and to keep an eye on the bikes on our back rack.

Jettech1 · May 31, 2023

1 hour ago, Sonders said:

We have several trips lined up for the year, mostly all within an 1to 2 hrs away from home, so nothing big. Our first trip of the year was with several friends over the long Easter weekend. We just got back from 5 day trip over Memorial Day weekend to Patoka Lake in Southern IN, which is right at an hour from home. We're heading to Indiana Dunes for 4th of July. Our biggest trip of the year will be Fall break down to Gulf State Park @ Gulf Shores. We love it down there. We usually stay at Oak Mountain State Park outside of Montgomery AL on the way down and stay a few days as it's a good stopping point to break up the trip. We've got 8 other small trips already booked as well.

As far as items to have for towing, our camper came with a Furrion rear view camera already installed when we bought it. Our previous camper didn't have anything on it and we managed just fine. My wife is good at giving directions as she's bossed me around for the past 15 yrs haha. When we pull up to our site, she gets out and calls me on speaker phone and directs me as I back into the site. Has worked for the 3 yrs that we've been camping so far. We've only been on 2 trips with the new camper so far and I didn't even think to glance at the monitor for rear view camera while backing in to either site. I guess I'm not used to having it yet. It was nice having it while traveling though to see vehicles behind us and to keep an eye on the bikes on our back rack.

I don't know if my wife will ever learn that whole hand signal thing...she's trying though...in the mean time I'm on my own which can be a little frustrating but she's trying.

Cnick · June 2, 2023

We like our back up camera! We have the furion . We have the side marker cameras as well, to monitor blind side tail swing in tight situations on the road. As far as a helper goes for backing up, just get on speaker phone with her, have her reference you to turn towards “driver” or “passenger” similar to why boats use port and starboard. Only go as fast as you would want to hit something .

as far as RV plans, things are up in the air still this year.. we will most likely end up in Prince Edward Island, we’re currently on Sebago (not far from where you will be in Naples) . After that we will make our way west, maybe come down through Canada into Michigans UP (glacier/Yellowstone/Utah) then possibly the PNW before making it back down to Florida for winter. That festival sounds fun! I Went to A school down in Pensacola but other than that we haven’t explored the gulf shores in our RV very much. We have Family in Rome outside of Atlanta so we’re in that area pretty often.

IDBrett · June 5, 2023

I can contribute with an actual trip on the calendar. Sad to admit, but it’s going to be our first in 2 years!

Just 75 miles from home for 5 days starting on Father’s Day. Right by the Snake River.

Getting all new tires tomorrow. So I got to do a dry run today. Setting up the WD hitch for this rig. And taking it for a spin to set the gain on the trailer brake controller. Took me a bunch of time. A bit rusty.

The mirrors on the new truck are AWESOME! That is comparing them to the add on mirrors we had on the suburban though.

Tows the TT nice. A different feel than the 8.1L. Can’t put my finger on it. Seat of the pants feel says the big block pulls better off the line when stomping on the go pedal.

Not sure if I was “looking” for it but at 45-50 hitting bumps/dips I think I feel what @Jettech1 was talking about. A bit of a bounce or porposing. If I feel it on the trip I’lll look into those Bilstein 5100’s he mentioned.

Cheers alll.

Jettech1 · June 5, 2023

10 minutes ago, IDBrett said:

I can contribute with an actual trip on the calendar. Sad to admit, but it’s going to be our first in 2 years!

Just 75 miles from home for 5 days starting on Father’s Day. Right by the Snake River.

Getting all new tires tomorrow. So I got to do a dry run today. Setting up the WD hitch for this rig. And taking it for a spin to set the gain on the trailer brake controller. Took me a bunch of time. A bit rusty.

The mirrors on the new truck are AWESOME! That is comparing them to the add on mirrors we had on the suburban though.

Tows the TT nice. A different feel than the 8.1L. Can’t put my finger on it. Seat of the pants feel says the big block pulls better off the line when stomping on the go pedal.

Not sure if I was “looking” for it but at 45-50 hitting bumps/dips I think I feel what @Jettech1 was talking about. A bit of a bounce or porposing. If I feel it on the trip I’lll look into those Bilstein 5100’s he mentioned.

Cheers alll.

Yes please. Spend 200 bucks on Amazon for two 5100 bilsteins. They will totally take that bounce stress away. I promise you, best 200 bucks you will ever spend...I was given that knowledge from this forum. Best advice ever!!

Jettech1 · June 5, 2023

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DQC2Z6P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Flatus · June 10, 2023

On 6/4/2023 at 7:41 PM, Jettech1 said:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DQC2Z6P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Did ya'll make it down this way. I rode through the campground earlier (Cajun RV) but I didn't see your truck anywhere. It was about 1345 or so. I work right up the road from there at the VA. It's my on call weekend so I was in the area.

Jettech1 · June 11, 2023

On 6/10/2023 at 6:21 PM, Flatus said:

Did ya'll make it down this way. I rode through the campground earlier (Cajun RV) but I didn't see your truck anywhere. It was about 1345 or so. I work right up the road from there at the VA. It's my on call weekend so I was in the area.

No so sorry, I got sick and had to cancel the reservation. We were able to get a new reservation for July 6th through the 9th. Sorry I didn't let you all know. I will put you on my calendar to let know when we go there on July 6th...I really am sorry...

Flatus · June 13, 2023

On 6/11/2023 at 6:20 PM, Jettech1 said:

No so sorry, I got sick and had to cancel the reservation. We were able to get a new reservation for July 6th through the 9th. Sorry I didn't let you all know. I will put you on my calendar to let know when we go there on July 6th...I really am sorry...

I hope you are better. No big deal, I work minutes from there.