Community Forums

hoki12 · 12-11-2018, 12:39 AM

Hi! I’m new to RV’ing and new on this forum. Just purchased a 2017 North Trail Caliber by Heartland. Planning on a long-term endeavor. A few questions:
1. At approx. 9500-10,000 lbs loaded, what size truck should I be shopping for, that will give me the best gas mileage and give me enough power to travel wherever I want, mountains, etc.?
2. I’ve heard varied opinions on slideout stabilizer jacks. My slide outs are fully enclosed. How does one put jacks under with an enclosure?
3. Hot water issue: hot enough water but only lasting approx 3 mins. Is this normal?

momdoc · 12-11-2018, 03:04 AM

Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. I am a MH guy so can't really help on TT questions. However I am sure someone will be along with info to share.

Enjoy the adventure.

MSHappyCampers · 12-11-2018, 07:55 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! I can't help with the towing questions. Your water heater is probably a 6 gallon unit, which won't last long if you like hot showers. You can turn on the AC and LPG at the same time to heat the water faster and make it last longer. Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

katielee · 12-11-2018, 05:22 PM

Welcome aboard. Good questions. The water for showering may be a use issue. 6 gallons of hot water does not last long. If you are running it full on for three minutes, yeah, it could be running out.

As for the other 2 questions, go to the specific forums dealing with travel trailers and tow vehicles. Post the questions there and you will get some quick responses. Those users are infinitely more knowledgeable than I will ever be.

A lot of folks do not come into this particular sub forum.

Take care and enjoy your new rig.

See you on the road.

**TonyDi** · 12-11-2018, 08:35 PM

jelag · 12-12-2018, 04:07 AM

When we bought last time we looked for a unit with a 12 gallon hot water heater.. both the wife and I can shower when the tank is full.... it seems to be hotter when powered by 120vac instead of propane but I assume that's just me...

You might want to check what size yours is..

My 5er is close to 15K wet... I tow with a 1 ton with a great suspension.. I would suggest you remember that selling weight is normally a wet weight.... you fill the tanks, the wife fills the shelves and than add stuff you can't leave home without and I bet you add almost 1800 lbs...

Best you don't listen to the car/truck salesmen or the RV salesmen and read the stories here and venture out for at least a 3/4 ton truck

**Spdracr39** · 12-12-2018, 05:41 AM

You will want at a minimum a 3/4 ton truck for the best towing experience. Gas or Diesel either will get the job done. When pulling a 10,000 lb load gas mileage will suck and if it concerns you you probably want to limit your travelling days.

You can run the electric and gas on the HW heater at the same time to help recovery time on the heating but run time will take water conservation techniques like turning the flow off when not actively rinsing. This will also extend the time before your grey tank fills up if not on full hook ups.

Slide out stabilizers are not required and usually suggested not to use by the manufacturers but to each his own on that one.

Welcome to the forum. Notice there are many sub categories to the forums. This one is for fifth wheel questions and although we have probably all had a bumper pull at one time you would get your best and most numerous responses in the travel trailer section. Personally with multiple questions I would suggest the general section for this particular thread.