How can you tell something has been obviously used for towing?
I'm an idiot...
- Thread starter Greg Neal
- Start date
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How can you tell something has been obviously used for towing?
Flexpedition
Full Access Members
Bouncing and swaying indicates rear leafs are worn, consistent with towing when age/mileage considered.
Sagging rear of vehicle when unloaded.
An aftermarket brake controller installed.
Repairs made on trailer wiring, connectors.
Uhaul, Reece, etc. hitch installed.
Overload leafs or helper airbags installed.
LT tires on the rear of a vehicle that otherwise normally would have passenger tires.
Aftermarket tow mirrors installed.
Scratches on hitch where safety chains attach.
Stick-on spot mirrors installed.
Damage to rear bumper area consistent with trailer hook-up.
grumpyoleman
Full Access Members
Look inside the receiver hitch for wear...if it was used for occasional towing, there will be light wear, heavy wear will be obvious..freshly painted = concern.
Look at electrical connector - same visual cues but not as obvious sometimes.
Look for an added brake controller. Used to be any brake controller was a tip off, but now they are coming from the factory with brake controllers. but if it has been added = clue
For a pickup - look in bed for mounting hardware for a 5th wheel hitch that has been removed.
I too will not buy a used vehicle with signs of moderate to heavy trailering, or anything with more than minor performance modifications...
Thanks all for the insights and real world experience.
I dumped the Heartland trailer and am taking delivery of a 2018 Grand Design 2800BH - GVW 7495 / Tongue 575.
Same exact layout of my "old" one, but much lighter. I'll just have to be cautious of my load / balance. We typically only go out a couple times a summer, about 150mi round trip, no mountains, no interstate.
Again, appreciate the input and the real world scenarios!!
Greg
I dumped the Heartland trailer and am taking delivery of a 2018 Grand Design 2800BH - GVW 7495 / Tongue 575.
Same exact layout of my "old" one, but much lighter. I'll just have to be cautious of my load / balance. We typically only go out a couple times a summer, about 150mi round trip, no mountains, no interstate.
Again, appreciate the input and the real world scenarios!!
Greg
johnboneske
Full Access Members
A GVWR of 7495 will be nothing for your Expy. You will be just fine...
Where's a good place to camp for a week in Maine?
I guess you gotta get there early (like now) or late in the summer to avoid buggy?
Moosehead Lake area?
I'm getting a Jackson fishing kayak so I can get out on the water.
The blackfly's are HUGE this year..and still going strong. Recommend waiting until 3rd week of June'ish. Balsam Woods in Abbot is nice (closer to Greenville), as well as Moosehead Trail Campground in Newport (closer to I95). I personally have never stayed at either, but have relatives that have and reported good things. Our favorite campground here in NE is Green Meadow Campground just over the border into NH. It's small and close to StoryLand for the kiddo's
retired_chemist
Active Member
The big question is "What do you like to do?" For sightseeing along the coast, Chewonki Campground is expensive but centrally located. Acadia NP campgrounds are less expensive but don't offer many amenities. North Maine Woods campsites are on dirt roads in northern Maine but offer a wilderness experience. Get a AAA Northern New England guide to help you plan. The bugs go away in late August!
JasonH
Full Access Members
I'm near payload limt. Forest River Salem Cruise Lite T282QBXL. We usually travel with 4 - 6. Expedition pulls fine. Rear axle is overweight if not loaded properly.
