Hello to all from New Mexico

[rcpoole57]

Just bought a 2005 Gulf Stream Independence 35.5' w/ 3 slides and a 2014 Honda CR-V AWD as a tow vehicle. Currently enjoying reading different threads regarding towed vehicle breaking/towing systems. Still trying to decide on which type/brand to buy. Lots to digest.
I'm a retired Naval Aviation Electronics tech turned Naval Avionics/Maintenance Officer. My 28 years in the Navy has taught me how to work around/through all obstacles. With that said I am planning on installing my own base plate, braking system, breakaway switch and lighting diodes/wiring.
This is not our first rv. Our first was a late 80's vintage 40' Bounder. The second was a 34' 5th wheel with a 14' slide. Third was a 22' Eco. We bought this last summer and spent 6 weeks travelling west coast, during which the shower drain failed. This required me to remove entire shower stall/pan, re-plumb the drain then reinstall. Was a pain doing during a travel portion rather than while parked for a while but got it done in a few days.
So you can see I've had a little experience with different rv's, but this will be my first time with a towed vehicle. Any particular info anyone has regarding my specific MH or towed vehicle is greatly appreciated.

[Petro]

Rodney;



We are pleased you joined us. Congratulations on the recent purchase of your Gulf Stream Independence. You certainly have lots of experience in repairing RVs. We have been towing 4 down for many years. The only advice I have for you is I highly recommend the installation of a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) that can monitor the tire pressures of your towed vehicle.

I did not have that feature at first and a motorist passed me and flagged me down. He told me I had lost the right front tire on my toad. I have a rear view camera monitor and I did not notice anything unusual. I did not feel anything unusual on the steering wheel. I thanked the gentleman for stopping me. I went back and all that was left of the tire was 2 beads still on the rim. The tire had disintegrated and I caught in time before it destroyed the wheel.

It was then that I became determined to install a TPMS system before I took another trip. Twice in the past years the TPMS has warned me that there was a tire problem on the toad and both times it saved the wheel. I have never had a blowout or flat tire on our MH.

Post often and share your RV adventures with us. Enjoy the forums.

Don

[Pappystoy]

Welcome from Florida.

[rcpoole57]

Thanks! I'm looking at the RVI2 braking system as it has an all integrated wireless remote in the cockpit and came with the TPMS for the towed vehicle. Now they have the RVI3. Trying to find if the RVI3 also includes the TPMS or if it has to be purchased separate.

[MSHappyCampers]

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

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[TonyDi]

Glad to have you here in the forum with us.

Best of luck with your new Gulfstream. I wish you many happy adventures with it.

Happy Trails!!!