Hi, everyone!
Well, we just got back home from taking out 26BH on it's first trip (other than Camp Driveway). We went for a short trip to the Jellystone Campground at Luray, VA. It's only about 60 miles from home and we figured it'd be a good destination for our 8 year old to get make him like this 'camping thing.' Success! The folks there were VERY helpful and friendly, the pools and water slides were great and the site was great. A little pricey, sure, but we opted for a pull-through "Red Carpet" spot with full hookup and a golf cart for the week.
Then...
Backing up into my driveway, I got a little rushed as someone pulled up and was waiting for me to unblock the street. I got a bit wide backing in, and dug the right rear stabilizing jack into a hard dirt hill, bending it forward. I tried to bend it back, but the screw was bent, too, so it's toast. The good news is that it looks like the mount to the frame was not bent, and the better news is that a replacement jack was only $25 online (of course, shipping doubled the price, but I'd like to have it on before we leave for a 2-day trip to Hershey Park next week.
So, no the question. "Questions" actually, as I thought of another one just now.
I know that the jacks are just for stabilizing the TT and aren't supposed to be used for leveling. But I'm wondering why not? They're rated for 7500# each, and the TT itself grosses out at 7500# so why can't they hold the trailer's weight? I'm sure it probably has something to do with static load vs dynamic load, but I thought I'd ask.
And now the bonus question... My WD hitch is the Reese Pro series, with friction bar. After removing the friction bar, as I backed up and turned the trailer towards the driveway (pretty much a 90* turn I have to make, with a fairly narrow street to a narrower driveway) something metallic starts to protest. I'm assuming it's the WD bars, or more likely their chains. Not liking this sound, I stop, pull forward to straighten out a little, and back some more. Repeat as needed until I'm straight enough into the driveway to just back on up. So... my question is, how much of this 'protesting' is okay? I don't like having to go back and forth half a dozen times to get backed in, but on the other hand, I really don't want to break anything else.
Especially something more expensive than a stabilizing jack. Please don't reply with "replace that lousy WD hitch with XXXX" although in a year or so I may be asking for suggestions.
Anyway, I mainly wanted to report on our otherwise very successful first trip. With my wife, me, our 8 yr old, our 2 month old (and all the "stuff" that goes along with an infant) as well as our German Shepard, things got rather cozy in there with no slides or anything, but I think smarter packing and use of storage will help a lot. Besides, it's still FAR roomier than our tent, and the AC rocks!
Thanks!
Bruce