I’m Ronald James Morgan Jr. and my wife's name is Celsa (philipina). I have two great boys from a previous marriage living with their mother in LA. I'm an HR major. Currently my schedule is one class at a time because I'm in the Army (SFC). I’m almost complete with school. It don’t stop there though once the degree is finished it will be time to start preparing for my certifications. Once I'm done with that my dream is to run a HR website while on the road. Presently I’m in Germany for my last assignment. It has been an awesome ride when I think about it all the places I’ve traveled to, jobs I’ve done, and people I’ve met. It has been an awesome 18 yrs and counting. I also did four years in the Navy then I got out for awhile then decided to join the Army. While a civilian I started off as a store manager for Little Ceasars then worked for a Swiss company in a factory (Eselte). My job in the Navy was as a Storekeeper it mostly balancing budgets for other departments and acting as a procurement person. In the factory, I worked as a packer. My job was to put folders in a box stacked them five high and send them down the line (what an adrenaline rush that was). While in the army, I held a wide variety of positions. My favorite was as an Army recruiter. I have learned more doing that job than any other. Everyone in the military should fight to get a recruiting job some time in their career. It’s the toughest job I’ve ever had due to the amount of planning and organizing that is required. Now, I'm trying to get as much done for my retirement in the Army as soon as possible so that I focus on becoming a full time RV'er. I'll be a student of the forums here for awhile. I just want to say hello, and if any military brethren, or filipinos out there let me hear from ya.
Terry and Jo said
06:34 PM Aug 19, 2013
RJ,
First of all, thank you for your service, and thanks also to your wife for her sacrifices while you've been in.
As an Army vet (from the '60's), but not retired, I also offer you welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You will find this site to be an good one for your research and planning into RV's and the RV lifestyle. Feel free to ask questions as we all tend to learn from each other, and the folks here are exceptionally friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They are also very encouraging, so even if you are experiencing difficulties, we are here to help with that as well.
Oh, our extended family includes an Air Force veteran who married a Filipino lady, and believe me she is a delight.
Glad to have you as part of the RV Dreams family.
Terry
acehighnoon7676 said
08:00 PM Aug 19, 2013
Thanks Terry, for the warm welcome. Your right about this site it contains a wealth of knowledge.
MarkS said
08:56 PM Aug 19, 2013
I like to see my retired brothers joining the group. There is something to knowing another retired military is out there willing to share stories with. Branch makes no difference, writing the check does. I'm am only waiting for the family issues to come together to make the move to full-time. I can't wait. I am looking forward to full retirement.
sandman121273 said
03:42 AM Aug 20, 2013
welcome to the RV dreams, like you I am almost at 18 years and looking forward to the day I can leave the S&B behind and get on the road, maybe our paths will cross!
gscudder said
11:28 PM Aug 20, 2013
Welcome from another Army Retiree, I punched out after 20 in 2008, I am finishing up my last of 5 years as a D/A civilian. This winter we are gonna start fulltiming and can't wait!!!
acehighnoon7676 said
08:19 AM Aug 21, 2013
I wish I would have thought about this a bit earlier. When Got rid of the vette and got an Avalanche (2011). It's a nice truck but not real versitile for RV lifestyle. It's an LT so has 8100lb capacity and after reading though alot of what has posted on the topic, I'm going to looking for about 28'. ($10000-$15000 range) Which is still pretty good size for a first one. I'm not so much a try it out kind of guy, More ok this what I want Is it going to work?
I'm in Germany so I don't have a good oppertunnity to shop around to much other than online. I'm trying to learn how to set up a U.S. out for my retirement. Also, with that said make sure my VA stuff don't become another horror story. Thinking I'll stay in Germany till VA stuff is straight then head back to the states. Either way I Final out in 19 months.
Anyone else out there using a Avalanche? I plan on using it cause I'll have it paid off soon. But if I must, I'll take a job just to buy another truck and newer RV.
Terry and Jo said
02:54 PM Aug 21, 2013
RJ,
I looked on line at a "general" source for towing information, so keep in mind that these numbers aren't necessarily from GM. However, I did find these numbers for towing capacities for the Avalanche.
Chevrolet
Towing Capacity (lbs.)
Avalanche 2WD
8,100
Avalanche 4WD
7,900
I've not looked at an Avalanche, so I'm presuming that they have a class III hitch receiver installed on them. If it is a Class III and not a Class IV hitch, it is only rated up to 5000 lbs. A Class IV is rated up to 10,000 lbs. I would also recommend a weight distribution hitch and anti-sway bar, especially if you go with a 24-foot or larger trailer. The Avalanche is supposed to be on the same frame/chassis as the Suburban, so I'm presuming that it is the equivalent of a 3/4 ton truck. We used to pull a 26-foot travel trailer by Salem with a 3/4 ton Ford F250, so I would think the Avalanche was capable for a 24-foot trailer.
Obviously, if you later decide to go with a fifth wheel, the Avalanche would not likely be able to handle that because of the size of the "bed" on an Avalanche. For that, you would have to go to a pickup. Just as a little guide, a fifth wheel usually provides a lot more outside storage than a travel trailer, so if you plan on full-timing, you might keep that in mind. While it will vary greatly, depending on each person's needs, a rule of thumb idea of weight "usually" needed for full-timing is roughly 2500 to 3000 lbs of stuff for a couple.
Have fun with the research. Too bad you don't have access to any RV shows or RV dealers without coming back to the states. I guess you will have to do a lot of your research online.
Terry
acehighnoon7676 said
06:31 PM Aug 21, 2013
I like the 2013 24-foot Freedom Express Travel Trailer 242rbs (coachman) and its in my price range. With the carrying capacity and tow weight it is at 7130 lbs. That lets me pack a few lbs in the back of the pick up (2 WD). That coach man has wider wheelbase for stability and they are spaced apart another few inches. I may not need a sway bar with that one but I'll have to check the hitch class.
I like the dually but I'll have the avalanche paid for. I'll adjust the trailer type for now.
Terry and Jo said
07:15 PM Aug 21, 2013
When all this comes about, give the trailer a few short trips. I'm not so sure that a wider wheelbase makes that much of a difference with anti-sway. While the wider stance would help with a tendency to "tip" in a wind, the swaying is more like a "swinging" back and forth with the hitch as the fulcrum. A few trips may show that the sway bar is needed. Check with the dealers to see for sure.
Terry
acehighnoon7676 said
09:49 PM Aug 21, 2013
Will do. Thanks.
gscudder said
12:58 PM Sep 7, 2013
Again welcome from another Army retiree, I had a couple older avalanches when we first started rving, an 04, 1/2 ton and an 06, 3/4 ton.
They were the first body style av's and were built on suburban frames. Your newer bodystyle is on a tahoe frame and a bit smaller but still capable of towing fine.
We towed about 8500_9000 lbs. with our av's, having no issues with either.
Here are my suggestions, get the highest rated leveling hitch you can find/afford, the reasonng being is you may not need the 12k leveling hitch but why overwork a lighter one when the heavy one used lightly will not be near overstressed. Also make sure you adjust it to tow level and torqued right or your ride will porpose horribly.
Second, get an antisway control no matter what, its like 50 bucks and that av, plus an rv in a crosswind will need it. Trust me!
If you dont have the GM integrated brake control, get the best you can afford, tekonsha makes good ones.
You may need airbags for the rear, our 1/2 ton did, get the integrated pump with pressure gauge and look up trailer leveling with airbags, it's a whole new kettle of worms.
Fluids; have everything in the vehicle changed/flushed and you may want to consider going with synthetics, youll be working that av close to the max and want all that stuff fresh.
Tires, what you have may not be rated for towing, get D or E rated QUALITY tires, those maypops you got on the cheap aint gonna handle fulltiming.
Wanna save on gas? Get a programmer, cold air intake and free flowing exhaust, the money you spend now youll recoup in the first year on gas, also, try and go with the quieter aftermarket mufflers, as the louder, cooler sounding ones get annoying on long all day driving(magnaflow are a bit quieter).
Just my opinion/experience, let the bashing begin!!!
Gregg
Terry and Jo said
04:44 PM Sep 7, 2013
Gregg,
I don't know why anyone would want to bash you in any way. That is all valuable information. I've never owned an Avalanche, so I couldn't speak to the original poster's needs with regard to the tow vehicle. Thanks for coming in with some real-world knowledge of the towing characteristics of the Avalanche. It could be an appreciable amount of knowledge for any others that have Avalanches.
Thanks a lot for clarifying up any questions we may all have had.
Terry
acehighnoon7676 said
10:44 AM Sep 8, 2013
Gregg,
Since, I owned a vette a few years back and I've been a fan of K & N and full synthetics ever since. I have thought about the programmer idea so I went on youtube and watched a few videos I'm not sure which brand to go with yet. I'm currently in Germany so, I'll wait till I get back to stateside. If I have any issues with any brand it'll just be easier getting my money back from a retailer.
Also, thanks for the suggestion for tekonsha, I'll definitely look into that.
RJ
Tim & Robyn said
11:29 AM Sep 8, 2013
RJ, Wecome aboard. I'm not an RVer, my health won't allow it any longer, but at one time it was part of the plan. I'm also not retired military, but I live in Columbus, GA (Ft. Benning) so I'm surrounded by military retirees - great people! When you finally do get on the road one thing you might consider when looking for campsites is military bases. Many of them have RV campgrouds for active duty and retiree personnel at very low rates (unless they get hit by budget cuts and sequestration) and you should have commisary priveleges, both of which should help to keep your costs down.
Good luck.
WestWardHo said
04:33 PM Sep 8, 2013
RJ, Welcome to our forum and thank you for your service. My DH is retired Navy and loved his recruiting duty as well. Tim and Robyn, commisarys in our experience today aren't that great at cost savings as they used to be. But we take advantage of military campgrounds whenever possible. We've stayed at some great ones! Also, don't forget to ask for military discounts at parks, some offer great ones.
When we pulled a trailer DH couldn't believe the difference between a Blue Ox hitch and a Hensley Hitch. The Hensley provided much more anti-sway stability and the factory sells reconditioned ones and buys them back if you change your tow. They are expensive but having put a trailer on its side with the Blue Ox we immediatelly purchased the Hensley.
The research and planning is lots of fun and you'll soon be out there with us.
Sherry
Tim & Robyn said
05:08 PM Sep 11, 2013
I'm sorry to hear that commisarys aren't as good a deal as they used to be. .. sad commentary on how our goverment treats career military these days. I served only one term ('68 to '72) and shopped at commisarys all the time (i didn't get paid much because that was before the all volunteer mililitary). But I do remember getting gas for 27 cents per gallon. Imagine that!
dream reachers said
08:10 AM Sep 14, 2013
My advise is to check on forums for other people that have owned a Coachman or any other type of rv you are interested in before you buy. I had a Coachman trailer in the 70's and wouldn't give you 2 cents for one. There was practically no insulation and the interior was substandard. Now that was decades ago and things change over the years. One thing does not and that is : if you don't do you homework up front , you will probably regret it. That means more than just looking at the brochures. Just a word to the wise. Don't take a salesmans word for anything no matter what you buy. Some will tell you anything to make the sale. I don't want to be all negative. There are many rvs out on the road that are serving peoples needs fine. We have never bought a new one. The depreciation on most all rvs is very high. But all that aside, you can't beat the fulltime lifestyle. We are starting our 7th year with no regrets and going strong. Wishing you the best.
acehighnoon7676 said
11:40 PM Sep 14, 2013
Tim and Robyn,
Sorry about your health, we will all eventually get there sadly. I have thought of the military campsites. That is another great option for us plus they seem to be everywhere.
Sherry,
Your right about the commissary option when dealing with cost. We learned that lesson is especially true here in Germany. I shop more on the economy for groceries than on post. I will keep an eye out for a Hensley hitch once I get back to the states and closer to hitting the road. I'm defiantly not shy about asking if there is military discount. It's not that I feel entitled it's the fact I like to save a buck or two now and then. I'm counting down the days.
Allen, Jeanne and Katie the cat,
I was thinking about using Consumer Reports about the different trailers. I'll do that about a year out then that will give me plenty of time to shop around prior to leaving the military. I have read a good number of post and know not to buy new. Judging by the overwhelming consensus. Since I got the truck already, I just got to make sure buy the right trailer.
I’m Ronald James Morgan Jr. and my wife's name is Celsa (philipina). I have two great boys from a previous marriage living with their mother in LA.
I'm an HR major. Currently my schedule is one class at a time because I'm in the Army (SFC). I’m almost complete with school.
It don’t stop there though once the degree is finished it will be time to start preparing for my certifications. Once I'm done with that my dream is to run a HR website while on the road.
Presently I’m in Germany for my last assignment. It has been an awesome ride when I think about it all the places I’ve traveled to, jobs I’ve done, and people I’ve met. It has been an awesome 18 yrs and counting. I also did four years in the Navy then I got out for awhile then decided to join the Army. While a civilian I started off as a store manager for Little Ceasars then worked for a Swiss company in a factory (Eselte). My job in the Navy was as a Storekeeper it mostly balancing budgets for other departments and acting as a procurement person. In the factory, I worked as a packer. My job was to put folders in a box stacked them five high and send them down the line (what an adrenaline rush that was). While in the army, I held a wide variety of positions. My favorite was as an Army recruiter. I have learned more doing that job than any other. Everyone in the military should fight to get a recruiting job some time in their career. It’s the toughest job I’ve ever had due to the amount of planning and organizing that is required.
Now, I'm trying to get as much done for my retirement in the Army as soon as possible so that I focus on becoming a full time RV'er. I'll be a student of the forums here for awhile. I just want to say hello, and if any military brethren, or filipinos out there let me hear from ya.
RJ,
First of all, thank you for your service, and thanks also to your wife for her sacrifices while you've been in.
As an Army vet (from the '60's), but not retired, I also offer you welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You will find this site to be an good one for your research and planning into RV's and the RV lifestyle. Feel free to ask questions as we all tend to learn from each other, and the folks here are exceptionally friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They are also very encouraging, so even if you are experiencing difficulties, we are here to help with that as well.
Oh, our extended family includes an Air Force veteran who married a Filipino lady, and believe me she is a delight.
Glad to have you as part of the RV Dreams family.
Terry
Thanks Terry, for the warm welcome. Your right about this site it contains a wealth of knowledge.
I wish I would have thought about this a bit earlier. When Got rid of the vette and got an Avalanche (2011). It's a nice truck but not real versitile for RV lifestyle. It's an LT so has 8100lb capacity and after reading though alot of what has posted on the topic, I'm going to looking for about 28'. ($10000-$15000 range) Which is still pretty good size for a first one. I'm not so much a try it out kind of guy, More ok this what I want Is it going to work?
I'm in Germany so I don't have a good oppertunnity to shop around to much other than online. I'm trying to learn how to set up a U.S. out for my retirement. Also, with that said make sure my VA stuff don't become another horror story. Thinking I'll stay in Germany till VA stuff is straight then head back to the states. Either way I Final out in 19 months.
Anyone else out there using a Avalanche? I plan on using it cause I'll have it paid off soon. But if I must, I'll take a job just to buy another truck and newer RV.
RJ,
I looked on line at a "general" source for towing information, so keep in mind that these numbers aren't necessarily from GM. However, I did find these numbers for towing capacities for the Avalanche.
I've not looked at an Avalanche, so I'm presuming that they have a class III hitch receiver installed on them. If it is a Class III and not a Class IV hitch, it is only rated up to 5000 lbs. A Class IV is rated up to 10,000 lbs. I would also recommend a weight distribution hitch and anti-sway bar, especially if you go with a 24-foot or larger trailer. The Avalanche is supposed to be on the same frame/chassis as the Suburban, so I'm presuming that it is the equivalent of a 3/4 ton truck. We used to pull a 26-foot travel trailer by Salem with a 3/4 ton Ford F250, so I would think the Avalanche was capable for a 24-foot trailer.
Obviously, if you later decide to go with a fifth wheel, the Avalanche would not likely be able to handle that because of the size of the "bed" on an Avalanche. For that, you would have to go to a pickup. Just as a little guide, a fifth wheel usually provides a lot more outside storage than a travel trailer, so if you plan on full-timing, you might keep that in mind. While it will vary greatly, depending on each person's needs, a rule of thumb idea of weight "usually" needed for full-timing is roughly 2500 to 3000 lbs of stuff for a couple.
Have fun with the research. Too bad you don't have access to any RV shows or RV dealers without coming back to the states. I guess you will have to do a lot of your research online.
Terry
I like the dually but I'll have the avalanche paid for. I'll adjust the trailer type for now.
When all this comes about, give the trailer a few short trips. I'm not so sure that a wider wheelbase makes that much of a difference with anti-sway. While the wider stance would help with a tendency to "tip" in a wind, the swaying is more like a "swinging" back and forth with the hitch as the fulcrum. A few trips may show that the sway bar is needed. Check with the dealers to see for sure.
Terry
They were the first body style av's and were built on suburban frames. Your newer bodystyle is on a tahoe frame and a bit smaller but still capable of towing fine.
We towed about 8500_9000 lbs. with our av's, having no issues with either.
Here are my suggestions, get the highest rated leveling hitch you can find/afford, the reasonng being is you may not need the 12k leveling hitch but why overwork a lighter one when the heavy one used lightly will not be near overstressed. Also make sure you adjust it to tow level and torqued right or your ride will porpose horribly.
Second, get an antisway control no matter what, its like 50 bucks and that av, plus an rv in a crosswind will need it. Trust me!
If you dont have the GM integrated brake control, get the best you can afford, tekonsha makes good ones.
You may need airbags for the rear, our 1/2 ton did, get the integrated pump with pressure gauge and look up trailer leveling with airbags, it's a whole new kettle of worms.
Fluids; have everything in the vehicle changed/flushed and you may want to consider going with synthetics, youll be working that av close to the max and want all that stuff fresh.
Tires, what you have may not be rated for towing, get D or E rated QUALITY tires, those maypops you got on the cheap aint gonna handle fulltiming.
Wanna save on gas? Get a programmer, cold air intake and free flowing exhaust, the money you spend now youll recoup in the first year on gas, also, try and go with the quieter aftermarket mufflers, as the louder, cooler sounding ones get annoying on long all day driving(magnaflow are a bit quieter).
Just my opinion/experience, let the bashing begin!!!
Gregg
Gregg,
I don't know why anyone would want to bash you in any way. That is all valuable information. I've never owned an Avalanche, so I couldn't speak to the original poster's needs with regard to the tow vehicle. Thanks for coming in with some real-world knowledge of the towing characteristics of the Avalanche. It could be an appreciable amount of knowledge for any others that have Avalanches.
Thanks a lot for clarifying up any questions we may all have had.
Terry
Since, I owned a vette a few years back and I've been a fan of K & N and full synthetics ever since. I have thought about the programmer idea so I went on youtube and watched a few videos I'm not sure which brand to go with yet. I'm currently in Germany so, I'll wait till I get back to stateside. If I have any issues with any brand it'll just be easier getting my money back from a retailer.
Also, thanks for the suggestion for tekonsha, I'll definitely look into that.
RJ
RJ, Wecome aboard. I'm not an RVer, my health won't allow it any longer, but at one time it was part of the plan. I'm also not retired military, but I live in Columbus, GA (Ft. Benning) so I'm surrounded by military retirees - great people! When you finally do get on the road one thing you might consider when looking for campsites is military bases. Many of them have RV campgrouds for active duty and retiree personnel at very low rates (unless they get hit by budget cuts and sequestration) and you should have commisary priveleges, both of which should help to keep your costs down.
Good luck.
When we pulled a trailer DH couldn't believe the difference between a Blue Ox hitch and a Hensley Hitch. The Hensley provided much more anti-sway stability and the factory sells reconditioned ones and buys them back if you change your tow. They are expensive but having put a trailer on its side with the Blue Ox we immediatelly purchased the Hensley.
The research and planning is lots of fun and you'll soon be out there with us.
Sherry
I'm sorry to hear that commisarys aren't as good a deal as they used to be. .. sad commentary on how our goverment treats career military these days. I served only one term ('68 to '72) and shopped at commisarys all the time (i didn't get paid much because that was before the all volunteer mililitary). But I do remember getting gas for 27 cents per gallon. Imagine that!
Sorry about your health, we will all eventually get there sadly. I have thought of the military campsites. That is another great option for us plus they seem to be everywhere.
Sherry,
Your right about the commissary option when dealing with cost. We learned that lesson is especially true here in Germany. I shop more on the economy for groceries than on post. I will keep an eye out for a Hensley hitch once I get back to the states and closer to hitting the road. I'm defiantly not shy about asking if there is military discount. It's not that I feel entitled it's the fact I like to save a buck or two now and then. I'm counting down the days.
Allen, Jeanne and Katie the cat,
I was thinking about using Consumer Reports about the different trailers. I'll do that about a year out then that will give me plenty of time to shop around prior to leaving the military. I have read a good number of post and know not to buy new. Judging by the overwhelming consensus. Since I got the truck already, I just got to make sure buy the right trailer.