Community Forums

Bob Wilson · 09-07-2007, 10:34 AM

Just curious ... are there other folks interested in a boondocker option package for the Excel RT?

Per the Excel website, "RV Trekking is all about taking your fifth wheel where it's never been taken before. Back roads, rough roads, deep in the middle of nowhere – you can get there in your Excel RT."

Sounds appealing to us ... the wife and I would like to be able to spend time inside many of the national and state parks, but our 36RDO is much too large. And since many of these parks are on a first-come, first-serve basis, it would be nice to be more independent from conventional hookups.

What I'm thinking about is an 'RT Extreme', with the following options:
- four or more batteries,
- inverter,
- multiple solar panels,
- small USFS approved propane generator with spark arrestor muffler (2-3KW),
- 100+ gal fresh water capacity,
- 75+ gal grey water,
- 50+ gal blackwater,
- dual 40 lb propane bottles,
- oversize tires,
- additional ground clearance,
- dual bumper-mount spare tires,
- skid plates protecting the underside, and
- high efficiency air that will run on generator or inverter.

Am I missing anything? What do you think?

Bob

Bob Wilson · 09-07-2007, 10:34 AM

Just curious ... are there other folks interested in a boondocker option package for the Excel RT?

Per the Excel website, "RV Trekking is all about taking your fifth wheel where it's never been taken before. Back roads, rough roads, deep in the middle of nowhere – you can get there in your Excel RT."

Sounds appealing to us ... the wife and I would like to be able to spend time inside many of the national and state parks, but our 36RDO is much too large. And since many of these parks are on a first-come, first-serve basis, it would be nice to be more independent from conventional hookups.

What I'm thinking about is an 'RT Extreme', with the following options:
- four or more batteries,
- inverter,
- multiple solar panels,
- small USFS approved propane generator with spark arrestor muffler (2-3KW),
- 100+ gal fresh water capacity,
- 75+ gal grey water,
- 50+ gal blackwater,
- dual 40 lb propane bottles,
- oversize tires,
- additional ground clearance,
- dual bumper-mount spare tires,
- skid plates protecting the underside, and
- high efficiency air that will run on generator or inverter.

Am I missing anything? What do you think?

Bob

camperguy · 09-08-2007, 06:07 AM

What is an RT Extreme? Skid plates on a fifth wheel trailer?? Exactly how far out in the boondocks are you planning to drag your trailer? I think you might need to look at a manufacturer who would custom build a trailer for you.

Bob Wilson · 09-08-2007, 06:31 AM

Hi camperguy,

I probably do need to have New Horizons build me a trailer; but it seems to me that there is a gap in the current offerings of all fifth wheel manufacturers when it comes to boondocking. Many of the toyhaulers have larger water tanks (although not the new Excel), and some of the manufacturers design for people hauling their toys into the desert. Just thought I'd see if any other Excel owners were interested in boondocker-targeted upgrades. So far, it appears not.

As for the skid plates, gravel roads to mountain lakes are pretty unpredictable in terms of grade, pot holes, rocks, etc., and the Excels have fabric on the bottom (at least my 36RDO does)... catch one rock or stick and you'll have a hole I think. What I'd like is to have the underside protected.

Bob

LindaH · 09-08-2007, 07:30 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bob Wilson:
- four or more batteries,
- inverter,
- multiple solar panels, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
We have this stuff, although we had to add it ourselves!

*4 100-watt solar panels (from AM Solar)
*4 12-volt AGM batteries
*2000-watt Prosine inverter/charger
*Heliotrope HPV-22B solar charge controller (also from AM Solar)

With this setup, we can run everything in the rig just as though we were hooked up to electricity at an RV park, except A/C.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">- small USFS approved propane generator with spark arrestor muffler (2-3KW), </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Propane generators are notorious fuel hogs. You'd be better off with one of the quiet inverter gas generators made by Honda or Yamaha.

We have 2 Honda 2000's which we can either run individually or hook together to run our 15K A/C if necessary. They are very quiet, too.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">- 100+ gal fresh water capacity,
- 75+ gal grey water,
- 50+ gal blackwater, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Now this would be GREAT!!!

Although, even with our small tanks, we've gone 12 days without filling the gray or black tanks, or using all of our fresh water. Just think how long we could go with tanks of these sizes!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">- dual 40 lb propane bottles,
- oversize tires,
- additional ground clearance,
- dual bumper-mount spare tires,
- skid plates protecting the underside, </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Yea, the 40# propane bottles would be nice, but wouldn't be a deal breaker for us.

Our Excel has plenty of ground clearance already...although, granted, we don't do any "off roading" in it! Just remember...more ground clearance would mean more height. One of the reasons we bought the Excel over the other 2 brands we were considering is that it was almost one foot shorter. This was important to us since we do so much boondocking.

As far as the dual spare tires and skid plate, I guess these would be nice if you did do some off roading. I can certainly see where the dual spare tires would come in handy if you drove one of the haul roads, like the Dempster Highway from Dawson City, YT to Inuvik, NWT or the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks, AK to Deadhorse, AK.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">- high efficiency air that will run on generator or inverter. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
How about a swamp cooler that works on 12-volts? Of course, these are only efficient in areas that don't have high humidity (like the Southwest). The only problem I can see is that they use water to cool.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Am I missing anything? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
How about an efficient propane heater...maybe a catalytic heater, a blue flame heater, or an infrared heater?

wrongway · 09-08-2007, 08:59 AM

There is a way to develope the product that you are thinking about. Invest and develope your own manufacturing company. Combine all the products on the market to develope the the unit that is just perfect for you. I can see the "Hummer Fifth Wheel" being a service nightmare, twisting and bouncing thru what some consider rough terrian. Great Ideas, long production.

Bob Wilson · 09-08-2007, 10:04 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">There is a way to develope the product that you are thinking about. Invest and develope your own manufacturing company. Combine all the products on the market to develope the the unit that is just perfect for you. I can see the "Hummer Fifth Wheel" being a service nightmare, twisting and bouncing thru what some consider rough terrian. Great Ideas, long production. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi wrongway ... why the attitude? I was just asking if any other Excel owners were interested in some of the same things I am. If not, no problem. If so, then Excel might be interested in adding boondocker options.

Some things on any wish list can be pretty impractical ... involving too many tradeoffs. But, I've heard it said that the only stupid question is the one not asked. So I asked.

Suggesting I develop my own manufacturing company sounds like you are suggesting I go elsewhere rather than asking the question here. Hope the forum is open to all Excel owner questions.

Bob

Bob Wilson · 09-08-2007, 10:09 AM

Thanks for the nice response Linda. Sounds like you have a great rig for boondocking.

Good advice on the generators ... I've heard good things about the hondas.

The tradeoff between height and ground clearance is a hard one. The 3" riser added between my frame and axles gives my 36RDO additional ground clearance ... seems like this might be a pretty easy option to offer. Even folks who don't boondock, but tow with a 4x4 can benefit from the additional height ... my trailer no longer tows nose up.

Best wishes,
Bob

wrongway · 09-08-2007, 10:18 AM

Bob,No attitude, just a sideline option. Take it as you will.

Bob Wilson · 09-08-2007, 10:39 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">There is a way to develope the product that you are thinking about. Invest and develope your own manufacturing company. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">just a sideline option </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

A multi-million dollar option isn't very helpful wrongway ... but thanks for sharing.

ChiefJohn · 09-08-2007, 12:00 PM

Bob,
All the options you list are certainly doable with deep enough pockets. My concern would be the weight of this 'RT Extreme' 5th wheel fully loaded/configured and what you're going to use for a tow vehicle.

Bob Wilson · 09-08-2007, 12:12 PM

Good points John. It certainly would be heavy on a lbs-per-foot basis; but the RTs start out shorter and lighter.

For maximum maneuverability, an overall length of 28' would be best. And the base weight for the RT 26TRW (overall length of 27' 11") is under 10,000 lbs with a 5,000 load carrying capacity.

So if extra water and options added another 2,000 lbs, I'd still be comfortably under the GVWR and able to pull with a 1 ton dually.

Bob

MakinSmoke · 09-08-2007, 01:04 PM

When we want to get deep into the woods, we backpack. You can carry everything you need for a week in your pack.

Meanwhile, if that is a bit extreme for you, here is a trailer you can drag pretty deep into the backwoods.
http://www.adventurecampers.com.au/gallery/index.php

Bob Wilson · 09-08-2007, 02:36 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">When we want to get deep into the woods, we backpack. You can carry everything you need for a week in your pack. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Happy for you MakinSmoke ... my wife has serious arthritis, so backpacking IS too extreme for us.

What's up here ... I ask a simple question to see if any other Excel owners are interested in boondocker options, and one regular poster suggests I go start my own company while another suggests I go backpacking.

It's fine if you're not interested, but please don't imply I'm looking for something akin to a flying pig.

After all, Excel says about the RT: "RV Trekking is all about taking your fifth wheel where it's never been taken before. Back roads, rough roads, deep in the middle of nowhere – you can get there in your Excel RT."

Oh, MakinSmoke, it looks like you are trying to sell something in your signature ... thought Chief posted that was a no-no.