Community Forums

Cactus Red · 04-18-2018, 04:27 PM

Hello!

After beating up two lesser quality TT in the last 5 years, we've joined the Outdoors RV owners family! After months of research, and two trips to Robert Crist RV in Mesa, AZ (250 mile round trip), we finally are proud owners of a Back Country 24KTS with the 16" rim option/suspension upgrade.

First trip out was in February south of Williams, AZ. Ordinarily we'd not have access to the area until late April, but we've had no winter precip. Temps were cool tho with lows in the teens. Since then we've been out several other times in the same area. Both areas are 15 to 16 miles in on Forest Service roads. The trailer tows great via a Blue Ox 1500 SwayPro hitch on our '09 Dodge Power Wagon, AKA Cactus Red.

Regards!

Mark

WinnieView · 04-18-2018, 04:54 PM

Welcome from the Valley! We haven't camped in that area but it still looks awfully familiar.

Mr_D · 04-18-2018, 05:01 PM

from WA State.

Cactus Red · 04-18-2018, 05:06 PM

Thanks!

It's hard to tell one place from another up on the Rim - it's a long stretch of beautiful country from Williams to Eager, AZ.

We had better than 50 head of Elk in the big meadow both Friday nite and Sunday morning over the 7th of April weekend. With no spring melt, the critters are already starting to congregate around water.

WinnieView · 04-18-2018, 05:31 PM

We are going way down south soon to Parker Canyon Lake. We will be in the Flagstaff area by June.
Roosevelt Lake last month.

ModestMonk · 04-18-2018, 05:55 PM

Glad to hear you’ve gotten on with it. We’re heading your way this summer with the same set up. 24KTS off road suspension and the Blue Ox 1500. Please keep in touch with news of your progress.

Cactus Red · 04-18-2018, 11:16 PM

We went with the Blue Ox after using a EazLift 1000 we had. It didn't work...

After using a tongue weight scale and finding that empty it was at 1350 lbs, we got the bigger hitch. So far, it's done well even in 30 mph crosswinds.

ModestMonk · 04-19-2018, 05:54 AM

Did you have any fresh water in the tank? The tank is located right behind the double axles. We have it half filled to counter balance the tongue weight. I also have a tongue scale to assist in this endeavor.

Tongue scale

Cactus Red · 04-19-2018, 09:04 AM

We planned for the worst possible scenario, empty tanks, with cargo stored up front. Our typical load of water is usually about 40 gallons plus the hot water heater pre-filled for a weekend trip. I'm designing my own generator carrier (3100W Champion) for the rear stock location, so once that's on, it will help transfer some weight as well.

So far we've added a NovaForm short queen mattress, a screen door handle and protector to keep the dogs from going thru the door, changed out all the locks to 900 series keys, installed a BlueSeas Below Deck charging panel to the radio cabinet, swapped out the dinky rear taillights for Bargman #84 LED Surface Mount units (staggeringly bright by the way), and a battery disconnect mount on the battery tray. When we bought the unit, they upgraded the toilet to a Dometic 300 series - that was a no brainer...

Still trying to decide on what to do for a wireless rear observation camera.

Mark

ModestMonk · 04-19-2018, 06:17 PM

Make sure the shocks are all double nutted. Mine weren’t and two of them fell off on the way home.

We added a topper to the mattress, and the DW is happy. I removed our mountain storage tray for the generator, felt the need to lighten the load. I’ll store the genny in the truck bed. I didn’t want the options of MW, Storage Tray and A/C but the dealer had a unit with a price I couldn’t refuse.

I will also be installing new tail lights also. I had installed the Blue Seas charging panel today. I’m wiring the solar system this week. I’ll have 480W fixed and 160 portable with 600 amp hours of AGM batteries.

I’m not familiar with the lock/keys 900series? Do you have a link for information?

Cactus Red · 04-19-2018, 10:48 PM

We replaced baggage door and outside shower locks, and the main door lock with these:

Security Upgrades

Cactus Red · 04-19-2018, 10:59 PM

That's a lot of solar power! For years we've used ARB 47L fridges in vehicles and a great now gone StarCraft 10RT (wish we'd kept it...). So we have a Renogy 100W suitcase to add to the factory output. In AZ we rarely park in sun if we can avoid it, so having portable panels makes sense as well.