[flash]

cool - i forgot that ford offered those - those must be the dual arm mirrors - sweet



i have to back the trailer into a slip for storage - would be nice to know how close i was to the fence, rather than having to get out 3 times to get it all the way back - a camera would resolve that



am i too lazy or what?

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[Anchorman]

Right - the truck has the dual arm mirrors with the large flat area, the horizontal convex mirror below that, and the PO added round stick-on convex spot mirrors. We might have enough mirror.



If it's raining, you're not just being lazy. I can also see some safety advantage to a camera on the end of the trailer. Again, though, one step at a time.

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[flash]

sounds like it - very good



yes - one step at a time - once you get the brake controller, i think you've got what you need to safely get it home

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[Anchorman]

The truck has a BrakeMaster brake controller installed. I'm trying to get additional information, and/or hoping that the trailer place where the trailer is parked has knowledge of this unit and can set it up and instruct me in its use. (My son tells me that it turns on and there are lights on it that work - other than that, we know nothing about it.) Otherwise I'll have them remove it and install a new one that will come with everything needed to help protect me from myself.

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[flash]

that was the oem installed unit - sounds like you got the big tow package on that truck - i don't know anything about that particular controller though, and how it compares - i'll poke around a bit

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[Carl968]

If it is an OEM unit, a dealer service dept./mgr. should be able to explain/instruct you in its use and limitations. Doesn't hurt to ask.



Carl

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[Anchorman]

Yes, the truck seems to be seriously equipped for doing what we're going to use it for - and more. I've now learned that the engine it has - 6.0L turbocharged diesel - was a mid-model year replacement for the earlier 7.3L diesel, with the smaller displacement engine putting out substantially more hp and torque than the larger engine.



The PO had a fifth wheel in the bed, and the scratches in the bed show that it was undoubtedly used. However, it seems to be in very good shape - but I'll find out for sure when I drive to Maine next week.



Here's a shot of the trailer. http://www.trailershopper.com/index.php?pa...amp;f=17061.jpg



Although not visible in the photo, I'm now believing it has rear halogen lights, a generator, some cabinets, and who knows what else. I'll be finding out pretty soon.

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[flash]

that's it - i've officially gone green - unfortunately, not the politically correct way

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[banditsc]

That trailer ought to be large enough..

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[Anchorman]

Yes - GULP - I think it'll be large enough.



Any suggestions regarding a winch? I figure the maximum car weight will be 3,500 lbs, and the maximum incline will be the tailgate ramp.

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[banditsc]

The length of the cable might also be a concern if your mounting it to the front of the trailer. If your mounting it to the back, it would need to be removable and far enough forward that you can safely release the cable without the car rolling back.

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[Anchorman]

That certainly is something I've started to think about. I'd like to mount it permanently in the front, before the kick-up section. I've decided to wait until I have the trailer so I can measure from the likely mounting location to the end of the ramp (plus a couple of feet). My guess is that I'll want about 50' of cable. I'm pretty sure I was told that the trailer has an I-beam that's designed to be used as a winch mount, but it is not coming with a winch.



The other minor challenge will be to get a remote with enough length - although I guess I can stand in the trailer and operate the winch, so maybe that won't be an issue.

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[banditsc]

The have wireless remotes these days..

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[Anchorman]

Duh - that certainly makes sense. That's one of the features I'll look for, thanks.

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[biotechee]

Impressive trailer my friend!



You're definitely going "all-in"!



Should be exciting and fun and nerve-racking all at the same time! Can't beat that...

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[Anchorman]

You've summed it up right. That trailer is sobering. I'm going to make sure to do some practice turns in an empty parking lot before hitting the road. I don't want to be leaving a trail of destruction behind me.

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[mikeo]

I talked to a guy at Roebling Road (Savannah, GA) who had pulled a triple axle goose down from Richmond with an F250 Power Stroke long bed. He had a new Cayman (the wife's) and his cobra replica on-board. He said the goose was the easiest tow he had done. Claimed he didn't even know that it was back there. He did have air bags on the rear suspension to level the truck chassis when hooked to the tow. Did you say that you tow beast had them? Also the long bed is nice, you should be able to do a full 90 degree jackknife and not have to worry about the trailer hitting the cab.



I have one of the e-bay camera setups. I wind up going solo at least half of the time and its nice to be able to back the rig without worrying about some bozo driving into my path. Or the other bozo (me) backing into a building!



Another thing to consider is an alarm of some sort. I went with the DeWalt Mobilock. It uses a vibration sensor initiate an alert message to you and provides GPS tracking. Unfortunately, trailers and cars are regularly stolen and I would be sick if mine turned up missing one morning.

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[Anchorman]

Some good suggestion, Mike, thanks. I don't think the "beast" has an air bag suspension, but I'm pretty sure it has factory "helper" springs to keep it level when the trailer is on. It has a short bed, so that should make maneuvering even easier. I'm going to look into the camera setup - if you can provide a little more info, that would be most appreciated. I expect that solo trips will be rare (if ever), but the extra safety can't hurt.



I hadn't given any thought to an alarm, thanks for the comment - I'll look at the DeWalt. Another thing I know nothing about yet is the manner in which the trailer is secured to the truck in terms of anti-theft.



Keep 'em coming, guys, this is all new to me and my son.

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[flash]

colt

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[Anchorman]

But that means I have to stay there. Maybe a wired grenade? Nah, don't want to blow the trailer along with the thief.

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