Community Forums

schad · 11-27-2020, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck58

I’m thinking about switching to an F1 50 was the aluminum body to reduce the weight of the tow vehicle. I noticed you guys talking about pulling one I thought I would ask any comments or suggestions on the subject?

I recommend taking the truck out of neutral tow mode and disconnecting the umbilical whenever the coach is going to be shut down for more than just a few minutes. It seems that the battery constantly discharges in neutral tow, and when the coach is off, the truck's not getting power over the umbilical. It happens fast enough, in our experience, to drain overnight.

And secondly, even though the F150 isn't supposed to need it, I recommend getting a charging wire anyway. Like I said, the battery seems to drain whenever the transfer case is in neutral. And, more significantly, it seems that if the battery dies completely, the transfer case will pop out of neutral. The consequences of a dead battery are therefore rather dire, and the added difficulty or cost of one little wire is minor.

On the whole, though, it's great. Not as convenient a toad as a Jeep would be, but, on the other hand, it's a heck of a lot nicer (in my opinion) the 99.999% of the time we're not actively messing with toad-related stuff.

brobox · 11-28-2020, 06:26 AM

schad totlally agree about a truck as a toad. I have the Chevy Colorado, on mine it is the battery disconnected. Another step, but so minor for the convinces of the pickup. Throw the fishing gear, beach gear, firewood etc in the back and never worry about it. My truck interior is nicer than than DW Lincoln and rides just as nice. JMO

Hayman · 11-28-2020, 06:45 AM

We have a 2018 GMC Canyon and disconnecting the battery is required as the final step after putting the transfer case in neutral. Roadmaster makes a solenoid disconnect with in cab push button to disconnect/reconnect the battery and 2 years ago cost was about $150 as best I recall. Lazy mans way rather then popping the hood each time !

brobox · 11-28-2020, 07:11 AM

Brian, take the word RV off of it and it's only $40. on Amazon plus a short cable. I love it when they put RV on it and tripper the price.

Use to go thought that with "Marine" too. https://www.amazon.com/WATERWICH-Wir...s%2C213&sr=8-6

Hayman · 11-28-2020, 08:41 AM

Why didn’t you tell me that 2 years ago 🤣😂

J2Jake · 11-29-2020, 09:18 AM

I am very happy with the F150, it has to be a 4x4 to be towed 4 down. Easy set up and tows very easy.

brobox · 11-29-2020, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayman

Why didn’t you tell me that 2 years ago ��

You forgot to ask.

I just ordered a new digital model today.

I was going to order it on Amazon, but it comes from China with a 2 week delivery. Went to China's Amazon, less money, two remote instead of one and all of the connection accessories. I saw this when I got the link off of Amazon yesterday, decided to upgrade. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3303...archweb201603_

buck58 · 11-29-2020, 11:16 AM

I tow a GMC truck now, so I know about all the advantages of a truck. The reason I’m thinking about going to a Ford F150 it’s because of the weight, the aluminum body on the Ford is much lighter. Any comments or feelings about that?

brobox · 11-29-2020, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck58

I tow a GMC truck now, so I know about all the advantages of a truck. The reason I’m thinking about going to a Ford F150 it’s because of the weight, the aluminum body on the Ford is much lighter. Any comments or feelings about that?

With the large diesel engines we are towing with, they can't tell any difference between steel and aluminum.

A contractor friend of mine just went back to a steel body. Said if he looked wrong at his aluminum body, it dented. No personal experience, just that of a good friend.

buddy110 · 11-29-2020, 06:34 PM

Welcome aboard. This forum is a great place for socialization and even greater place to learn and share your experience. I wish you all the best with your new adventures

RandyRich · 11-29-2020, 09:53 PM

What a coincidence, My Wife and I also purchase a Reatta XL 39T2 on July 25th. I hope your enjoying your Reatta as much as we are. Took a bit to get everything in order but worth it.

schad · 11-29-2020, 11:25 PM

Chuck's right. The weight savings are too small to be noticeable.

One nice feature of aluminum is that it doesn't rust. Depending on where you live, that just may be enough to make up for all the ways that aluminum is a complete PITA.