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Tag Archives: Travel Trailer

Coach-Net Camping: Ray At Ray Roberts

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Information, We Love It. We Live It.

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Tags

Airstream, Coach, Coach-Net Camping, Lake Ray Roberts, RV, RV Camping, RV travel, Travel Trailer, Travel Trailer Camping

Camping With Coach-Net

Ray has been a part of Coach-Net’s marketing team for a little over a year and a half. He enjoys being outdoors, camping, and stops to fish anytime he comes across a new pond. He also enjoys drumming and exploring new places to eat. Ray was able to take the RV out last November and loved every second of it! Read on to find out more about his trip!

  1. Where did you go?

My wife and I had the opportunity to take the company Airstream (Rosie) out to Lake Ray Roberts – Johnson Branch in North Texas. It was beautiful. We were surrounded by forested areas and hiking trails, it was pretty much heaven. We were also lucky enough to reserve a campsite right on the water which was awesome. We both love spending time on or near the water so that was a big plus! 

Ray & CB (Wife)

2. How long was your trip?

We took Rosie out for a short and sweet two-day weekend trip heading out on a Friday afternoon and came back on Sunday. Just enough time to have a nice little get away and be back for work the next week! 

3. Was this your 1st time RVing?

This was not my first time RVing! Both of my grandparents have had RV’s in the past. When I was young, they would take us on trips to the Grand Canyon, California, and various Texas lakes. So I’ve had experience RVing, however, this was my first time being in charge of a full rig myself.

Rolling Up Awning

4. What’s the fondest memory of your trip? 

One evening a storm was rolling in and in any other camping circumstance that might be a bummer. However, seeing as we don’t have a covered outdoor patio at our house, we popped open a few of the Airstreams windows and watched from inside as the storm move in. Storm watching is something my wife and I enjoyed doing as kids, but aren’t able to from our home, so it was a sweet little relaxing hour or two that we were able to spend together. And don’t worry, we were safe, it wasn’t a bad storm, just a little rain, and thunder to keep us entertained! 

5. Did you find anything challenging about your RV trip? 

Airstream Behind Truck The most challenging aspect of the trip was pulling the airstream behind the truck. I have pulled a few 10-12ft flatbed trailers in the past to move into my home or help friends move, but hauling a 23ft Airstream down the highway was a new and daunting task. No, it’s no 40ft RV, but it was without a doubt the biggest trailer I’ve ever hauled. However, it was definitely worth the nerves.

6. Would you go again? 

I would absolutely go again! My wife and I go tent camping 4 to 5 times a year, but having the ability to camp any time of the year, with all the amenities Rosie comes with was a game-changer. We loved camping in the RV and will definitely take her out again!

7. Where would you like to go next? 

One place we would love to visit is Caddo Lake in east Texas. I’ve been to plenty of Texas lakes, but I haven’t been to the only natural lake Texas has! It’s definitely a bucket list trip of mine! 

8. Why do you love RVing? 

Airstream MattRVing allows us to bring the comforts of home to the beauty of nature. In my mind, it’s the best of both worlds, one moment you’re out exploring and breathing in the fresh air and the next you’re nice and cozy on the couch in your RV. I can’t really ask for more! 


Tire DiscountsAww Shucks!

Lance C. ~ “My first experience with Coach-Net service, and wow was I ever pleased!”

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Welcome to My World – A Newbie’s Guide to the RV Lifestyle – Part 1

12 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Newbie

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Class A, Class B and B Plus, Class C, Fifth Wheel, Hybrids, Motorhome, Pop-Ups, RV Life, Towable, Towing Vehicle, Travel Trailer, Truck Campers

Welcome to my worldThis two-part series is targeted at those readers who are new to RVing. Part one will cover how to decide what kind of RV to buy, and next week’s article will focus on some basic RV functionality.

So you have decided to join the ranks of RV traveller, congratulations! Both RVs and owners come in many types, so the first step is to decide what type of RVer you are and what kind of RV you want. Owners range from occasional or seasonal users to weekend warriors to full-timers. In many cases, the latter will not be new to RVing, but it is certainly not unheard of for retired folks who have never stepped foot in an RV to take the plunge. If you are graduating from tenting, you are likely familiar with the joys of camping. If not, the entire experience of RV camping (or “glamping”) may be new to you.

In terms of RV types, the basic categories are truck campers, towables (including pop-ups, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and hybrids), as wellclass C as Class A, B, and C motorhomes. Class A motorhomes are the bus-style vehicles that range from roughly 23 – 45 ft. in length. Class B and B-plus motorhomes are van conversions in both regular and wide-body styles. A Class C motorhome is shown at the photo to the left.

The first question is whether you want a trailer or motorhome. Be aware that if you opt for a trailer, it will require a suitable tow vehicle. This is especially true if you decide on a fifth-wheel. My family and I have always opted for a motorhome because we value the comfort and space it affords while traveling. One benefit to a towable is that you have a commuter vehicle once the trailer is setup at the campsite. Our family has compensated for this by walking, biking, towing a vehicle behind the RV, taking the bus, or ride sharing. The type of RV you buy may be dictated by your budget (especially if you already have a suitable tow vehicle), but otherwise put some careful thought into whether you prefer traveling by motorhome or towing a trailer. While safety is paramount while driving, it is possible to safely stretch your legs, or even use the washroom, while riding in a motorhome, which is something you can’t do if towing a trailer.

Another consideration is space; how much do you need? If you are a family with children, travel trailers and Class C motorhomes tend to have the most sleeping capacity, inside RValthough this is starting to change with new floorplans being offered on some motorhomes. Class B vans are only suitable for two people, but are an efficient way to travel, mostly because they are highly maneuverable and easy to park. But you must be aware that they are small and spending too much time in them with your significant other can cause frayed nerves, even for the hardiest of relationships! Nevertheless, van conversions are becoming increasingly popular for couples, mostly due to the array of amenities available in them. They do include the same basic features that large fifth-wheels and motorhomes have, including microwave, bathroom, full kitchen, and even entertainment centers.

Spend some time with your RV sales rep, research on the internet, and talk to family and friends to help you decide what type of RV suits you. Most RV owners trade over or up throughout their RV experience, so don’t be afraid to start small.

Next week I will discuss some basics of RV operation.

About the Author: 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

 

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Bob L. TX~ “I want to thank the entire Coach-Net Team for their attention and assistance in providing service to us. When the first tech could not fix the issue and I contacted your group and they immediately replaced the first tech with a new company, S.O.S. Truck & Trailer- ‘Pat’ flew in like superman and even had the correct replacement parts for our air ride system. Short time later he announced proudly that all was well. Started the engine and up came the coach. One of my neighbors stopped by with an issue on his motor coach and I referred both Coach-Net and S.O.S.  With our family – you are number ONE. “

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Trailer-Towing Tips

03 Wednesday Feb 2016

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Fifth Wheel, hitching, RV Safety, RV Tips, Trailer Towing, Travel Safety, Travel Trailer

Trailer-Towing Tips
For the trailer owners out there, it’s critical that you know how to properly hitch your trailer before you hit the road.  This week I will be discussing trailer towing and presenting some tips & tricks that will help you ensure your towed RV is following properly and safely.

Fifth-Wheel                                                                              

Let’s start by discussing the hitch itself. It’s important that the hitch be properly installed by a qualified RV dealership or hitch shop. The installer will ensure the rails and fifth-wheel are properly installed and positioned for correct weight distribution over the truck axles. I don’t recommend that RV owners try to install their own hitches.

Trailer Towing TipsEnsure that the towing vehicle has the appropriate weight rating and power for the fifth-wheel trailer. Dealerships are obligated to ensure your towing vehicle is adequately rated, but it is always a good idea to do your homework.

Prior to hitching the trailer to the truck, ensure the hitch is in the unlock position and the trailer is positioned at the proper height to prevent excessive bumping when the truck is backed under the trailer. Make sure the brakes on the trailer are fully engaged to prevent it from rolling back during hookup. The easiest way to do this is to pull the breakaway key or connect the 7-way plug and manually apply the trailer brakes at the brake controller. Once the trailer is connected to the towing vehicle, perform a “tug test” to ensure the hitch is fully and properly locked. This is done by slightly driving forward with the towing vehicle while the trailer brakes are still applied. Make sure the truck does not become decoupled from the fifth-wheel but instead is held back by the trailer brakes. After a successful tug test, you should raise the landing gear.  If you pulled the breakaway key for the tug test, be sure to plug it back in.

When de-coupling, lower the landing gear just enough to take the weight off the fifth-wheel hitch, set the trailer brakes, release the hitch lock, and gently and slowly pull the truck forward until it is clear of the trailer.

Travel Trailer

For standard hitches, be sure the hitch shank is fully inserted and locked into the tow vehicle receiver.  Also make sure the hitch ball is set at the correct height for your trailer.

travel-trailerWhen hitching a travel trailer, it is best to have a spotter assist with lining up the trailer hitch with the tow vehicle hitch ball. Make sure the trailer tongue is raised enough so the hitch just clears the hitch ball. Establish clear hand signals and/or voice commands with the spotter and have them guide the towing vehicle slowly and carefully to position the hitch ball under the trailer hitch. Lower the trailer fully onto the tow vehicle and lock the hitch onto the ball. Raise the trailer tongue again to ensure the hitch is properly locked onto the ball. Fully raise the tongue jack and connect the safety chains.

I also recommend anti-sway bars and equalizer hitches. These devices make trailer towing much safer and easier to handle. If you have such devices, ensure they are properly connected before driving.

Common

Check all lights for proper operation and perform a final inspection of doors, steps, awnings, etc., as well as the interior fixtures, to make sure everything is stowed and locked.

Be sure to have trailer brakes, tire pressures, lug nuts, bearings, and other wheel components checked and serviced annually by a certified RV repair center.

Although many of these tips may seem obvious to some readers, I offer them up as simple reminders. If you have any questions regarding proper hitching practices, contact your local RV dealership.


About the Author: 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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