Sadler's Creek 2

I spent this weekend getting my Vantage squared away and ready to go for the season.

Went on a shopping trip to get all the things I think I'll need this season - stuff for the kitchen and other misc. stuff.

Got my battery changed out to the Trojan 225. Wanted to put 2 6Vs in, but they wouldn't fit the rack.

I moved the TV it came with back to the bedroom area and hung a new 22" LCD where the original one was - got a new articulating mount so you can actually see the TV from the sofa.

Got all the water systems drained of all the crappy (yellow) water from the dealership, flushed and refilled with my good water from home. 

Reorganized the cabinets and the outside storage area. Did some touch-ups and cleaning.

Unpacked and set up my new Equal-I-Zer hitch. I like this thing. It took me about 3 tries, but I got it set up perfectly. This is a big step up from the EzLift I had. Basically I've got my Suburban level, and the trailer level. With a load on the front axle, and the Timbrens not engaged, it's a much better handling arrangement.

Decided to go to Sadler's Creek State Park for the weekend - the weather is looking to be mild (mid-sixties) and it will be a good opportunity to shake her out. Think I'll not plug in at all and see if I can make it Friday to Sunday. May put my kayak in the lake.

Best Tow Ever - Vantage 19UL

I've had a busy weekend and it's not yet over!

Yesterday I drove from PA to IN pick up my new Vantage 19UL from Walnut Creek RV in New Castle, IN. I purchased this trailer for weekend trips at home - upgrading from an existing tag-long I bought last year - a Surveyor 189. The Surveyor was just too small for me, but otherwise a very nice, economical trailer.

They were very nice folks, were ready for me when I arrived, we did the PDI and I was on my way in about 2 hours. This place is a huge dealership with alot of inventory, a big service center and a campground. If it were closer to me, I'd definitely make use of them, but they are not. If they are near you, I'd recommend you give them a shot at your business.

This Vantage has got to be the best tow I have ever experienced with a TT. It's nearly as nice as my Columbus 320 5th wheel. It even has better road manners than my show car hauler, which has an extremely low center of gravity.

Since this purchase was on such short notice, I decided to pick up this TT with my 2500 with only a ball hitch - no w/d or sway. I didn't want to purchase another since I have an extra at home, and frankly wasn't sure I really needed it. Weight is around 5,000 lbs with a tongue weight around 680. I'll certainly use the WD when I hook up my Suburban, but doubt I'll need the sway control.

I think with the Vantage, it's a testament to the benefits of over-design and aerodynamics. The wind resistance you normally feel with a trailer was just not there. Passing semis and wind gusts were no issue at all - in fact you really don't feel anything.

This trailer has tandem 4400 lbs axles, mor-ryde suspension and 16" wheels. Way more loading capacity than this trailer will ever see. Normally when I've pulled trailers, I've always had this fear something could easily be broken. With the Vantage, it just feels very solid - the suspension absorbs the bumps, there is no bounce or pushing the truck around. So highly recommend the idea of over-size wheels on a trailer.

I cruised most of the way from IN to SC between 68-70 mph (normally I go 60-62 with a trailer). With one hand on the wheel most of the way. Very relaxed tow. Felt I could have easily gone faster without any stress. Got 14 mpg in the flats, 13 mpg in the mountains. I didn't get that kind of mileage towing my Surveyor 189 - and that was over 1000 lbs less!

If anything, I hope that Keystone applies some lessens in aerodynamics from the Vantage line to their other products - it definitely makes a difference.