Milano - Trailer Towing - Rear View Mirrors - MISC

[tazzytazzy]

So as to not hijack another thread...

Right on, yes, Im in a similar boat, I have a Geo Pro 19BH on order which is 3200lb dry so I will need to be conscious of the weight. I told my wife nothing added unless its weighed haha. I had similar thoughts on the batteries, so lithium are you ok to move inside (ie no off gassing)? Even thought about fibreglass propane tanks although that does pretty much nothing. Curious what your unit dry weight is and tongue weight? 52 gallons fresh is a good size tank for sure. Do you use a WDH?

The trailer is in storage while I clean out the sideyard, grade the front and install pavers for the wheels to drive up. Also, have to have some fence work done. I'll get the dry weight for ya later this week.

I ordered a tongue weight scale. Dry was supposed to be just under 400#. With batteries and propane and nothing inside, it's probably just below the 500# limit. Yes, I used a WDH, it's pretty much required at these weights for the Telluride.

Lifepo4 batteries do not need venting. I ordered them for a known supplier from Alibaba. 24v - 280ah @ at around 100-115#. I'll be using a Victron Multiplus 24/3000 to manage the shore power, battery power, and such.

 

[rhouse]

So as to not hijack another thread...


The trailer is in storage while I clean out the sideyard, grade the front and install pavers for the wheels to drive up. Also, have to have some fence work done. I'll get the dry weight for ya later this week.

I ordered a tongue weight scale. Dry was supposed to be just under 400#. With batteries and propane and nothing inside, it's probably just below the 500# limit. Yes, I used a WDH, it's pretty much required at these weights for the Telluride.

Lifepo4 batteries do not need venting. I ordered them for a known supplier from Alibaba. 24v - 280ah @ at around 100-115#. I'll be using a Victron Multiplus 24/3000 to manage the shore power, battery power, and such.

That’s awesome to hear. I was looking at one of those tongue weight scales, what brand did you get? What kind of WDH did you get? Sorry for all the questions, I’ve got a similar set up...
I’m thinking of doing the same thing with my batteries as well.

 

[tazzytazzy]

That’s awesome to hear. I was looking at one of those tongue weight scales, what brand did you get? What kind of WDH did you get? Sorry for all the questions, I’ve got a similar set up...
I’m thinking of doing the same thing with my batteries as well.

I don't remember the tongue scale, the hubby ordered it and comes wednesday. I'll keep you posted. The RV dealer gave us a husky WDH. It was very loud whenever we turned, you also can't backup with it on. We splurged on a blueox swaypro 550. Their customer service is top notch. You can call them or email them with any questions, any they will answer the phone nearly immediately, or respond to email within minutes.

Here's a collection of stuff I use that's required. I'm also using it as a list for replacements when needed.

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.com

Here's a list of things I might buy. I ended up buying the water hose from camping world since they are the only ones that I can find actually selling it. Hint: Get 2 50' hoses cause you never know. :\

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.com

I'm also thinking to purchase one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Chapin-International-HydroFeed-4701-24-Ounce/dp/B07D9T33BC

This would allow me to drop a couple steramine tablets inline from the house water supply to clean the hose, fresh water tanks, water heater, city water inlet, etc. Steramine is super cheap and is very effective, and can even be used in food prep areas. Group camps will use this as a final soak/rinse to steralize everything before tossing on the dry rack/hang from mesh bag. You never know what may be lurking in your tanks after just a few refills.

 

[rhouse]

I don't remember the tongue scale, the hubby ordered it and comes wednesday. I'll keep you posted. The RV dealer gave us a husky WDH. It was very loud whenever we turned, you also can't backup with it on. We splurged on a blueox swaypro 550. Their customer service is top notch. You can call them or email them with any questions, any they will answer the phone nearly immediately, or respond to email within minutes.

Here's a collection of stuff I use that's required. I'm also using it as a list for replacements when needed.

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.com

Here's a list of things I might buy. I ended up buying the water hose from camping world since they are the only ones that I can find actually selling it. Hint: Get 2 50' hoses cause you never know. :\

Check out my list on Amazon

www.amazon.com

I'm also thinking to purchase one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Chapin-International-HydroFeed-4701-24-Ounce/dp/B07D9T33BC

This would allow me to drop a couple steramine tablets inline from the house water supply to clean the hose, fresh water tanks, water heater, city water inlet, etc. Steramine is super cheap and is very effective, and can even be used in food prep areas. Group camps will use this as a final soak/rinse to steralize everything before tossing on the dry rack/hang from mesh bag. You never know what may be lurking in your tanks after just a few refills.

Thats awesome, thanks for sharing! I was looking at the blue ox as it gets such good ratings but am opting for the Andersen. Sounds like you are playing it smart with the weight planning which I intend on doing as well.

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[tazzytazzy]

Thats awesome, thanks for sharing! I was looking at the blue ox as it gets such good ratings but am opting for the Andersen. Sounds like you are playing it smart with the weight planning which I intend on doing as well.

Which anderson? This blue ox is heavy and counts towards tongue weight. :/

 

[tazzytazzy]

Which anderson? This blue ox is heavy and counts towards tongue weight. :/

I'm incorrect, the hitch doesn't count toward tongue weight:

https://www.etrailer.com/question-172089.html - "The weight of anything stowed behind the rear axle would need to be deducted from the vehicle's tongue weight capacity, but the weight of the hitch and the weight distribution system used would not."

https://www.etrailer.com/question-345696.html - "The weight of the weight distribution system does not need to be factored in as additional tongue weight. We've checked with our WD manufacturers and they have told us that the system becomes a part of the trailer hitch essentially so it does not need to be considered."

After chatting with Blue OX support today, I'll be keeping the blueox 550, but using the 11th chain link instead of the 10th. This should help transfer a little bit more weight and make things a bit more stable. The front of the Telly comes up about 1/8 to 1/4". It's going to rain the next few days, so won't be able to test using the 10th link.

Also, here's the scale I used:

Sherline (5779) Trailer Tongue Weight Scale Displays Both 0-1000Lb. and 0-460 Kg. Very Stable!: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Sherline (5779) Trailer Tongue Weight Scale Displays Both 0-1000Lb. and 0-460 Kg. Very Stable!: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

After you transfer the weight to the scale, you kind of have to gently rock the trailer a bit for the needle to settle. The manual says you want the target scale weight to the middle of the min/max of the scale. That is, if your tongue is supposed to be 500 pounds, buy the 1000 lb scale.

 

[rhouse]

I'm incorrect, the hitch doesn't count toward tongue weight:

https://www.etrailer.com/question-172089.html - "The weight of anything stowed behind the rear axle would need to be deducted from the vehicle's tongue weight capacity, but the weight of the hitch and the weight distribution system used would not."

https://www.etrailer.com/question-345696.html - "The weight of the weight distribution system does not need to be factored in as additional tongue weight. We've checked with our WD manufacturers and they have told us that the system becomes a part of the trailer hitch essentially so it does not need to be considered."

After chatting with Blue OX support today, I'll be keeping the blueox 550, but using the 11th chain link instead of the 10th. This should help transfer a little bit more weight and make things a bit more stable. The front of the Telly comes up about 1/8 to 1/4". It's going to rain the next few days, so won't be able to test using the 10th link.

Also, here's the scale I used:

Sherline (5779) Trailer Tongue Weight Scale Displays Both 0-1000Lb. and 0-460 Kg. Very Stable!: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Sherline (5779) Trailer Tongue Weight Scale Displays Both 0-1000Lb. and 0-460 Kg. Very Stable!: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

After you transfer the weight to the scale, you kind of have to gently rock the trailer a bit for the needle to settle. The manual says you want the target scale weight to the middle of the min/max of the scale. That is, if your tongue is supposed to be 500 pounds, buy the 1000 lb scale.

Thanks very much for sharing.
I was looking at getting one of these but I think your Sherline will be a better and more accurate bet: BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense Technology (OBD-II)

The Sherline are sold out at the moment so likely alot of people considering these due to all of the small weight trailers out there..

This is the WDH I was looking at: Weight Distribution Hitch | No Sway Trailer Hitch

Its nice and lightweight but not sure how much weight distribution it can do compared to a Blue Ox.

My TT is 3200 dry and 411 tongue weight so im certainly going to need to manage closely. Im looking at fibreglass propane tanks and possibly moving the batteries inside to help things.

 

[tazzytazzy]

Thanks very much for sharing.
I was looking at getting one of these but I think your Sherline will be a better and more accurate bet: BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense Technology (OBD-II)

The Sherline are sold out at the moment so likely alot of people considering these due to all of the small weight trailers out there..

This is the WDH I was looking at: Weight Distribution Hitch | No Sway Trailer Hitch

Its nice and lightweight but not sure how much weight distribution it can do compared to a Blue Ox.

My TT is 3200 dry and 411 tongue weight so im certainly going to need to manage closely. Im looking at fibreglass propane tanks and possibly moving the batteries inside to help things.

I was looking at the anderson hitches. They even admit their hitches don't transfer much weight. With a dry weight of 411, you'll want something more substantial for sure! There's many options out there. I wanted something that doesn't get grease all over, isn't loud, and I can backup with. The blueox fits the bill, it's exensive, but so was the Telluride + Trailer.

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[rhouse]

I was looking at the anderson hitches. They even admit their hitches don't transfer much weight. With a dry weight of 411, you'll want something more substantial for sure! There's many options out there. I wanted something that doesn't get grease all over, isn't loud, and I can backup with. The blueox fits the bill, it's exensive, but so was the Telluride + Trailer.

Yes, I have read the same, it seems like such as simple set up but as you say likely better to have something that can move the weight around. Blue Ox is certainly on my radar!

 

[tazzytazzy]

Yes, I have read the same, it seems like such as simple set up but as you say likely better to have something that can move the weight around. Blue Ox is certainly on my radar!

Just remember, you don't want to move weight to the rear of your trailer to take weight off the tongue. You'll create a condition that's not stable and can lead to making the trailer sway so much that it's un-recoverable. Wishing our Tellys could have a 600-750# tongue weight. :\ Even the light weight trailers put about 400# when empty on the tongue.

 

[ColinZealKnows]

Just remember, you don't want to move weight to the rear of your trailer to take weight off the tongue. You'll create a condition that's not stable and can lead to making the trailer sway so much that it's un-recoverable. Wishing our Tellys could have a 600-750# tongue weight. :\ Even the light weight trailers put about 400# when empty on the tongue.

Can I ask you what is your current setup? In terms of brakes/brake controller, what is your actual WDH (that you keep referring as “Blue Ox”)? Also how much does everything weigh when you’re ready to tow? I looked at the specs of your TT and it is pretty light dry but it has a huge cargo capacity.

Edit: found your WDH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DMFO6...olid=33Q6W0BTOUAKF&psc=0&ref_=lv_vv_lig_dp_it

 

[tazzytazzy]

Can I ask you what is your current setup? In terms of brakes/brake controller, what is your actual WDH (that you keep referring as “Blue Ox”)? Also how much does everything weigh when you’re ready to tow? I looked at the specs of your TT and it is pretty light dry but it has a huge cargo capacity.

Edit: found your WDH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DMFO6...olid=33Q6W0BTOUAKF&psc=0&ref_=lv_vv_lig_dp_it

Yes. The blue ox sway pro 550. They said the 750 would give a more rough ride and the 550 is perfect for this suv/trailer combo.

However. They have you screw the saddles onto the talrailer with a single bolt. That bolt dimples the trailer frame and at the required 40lbs torque, will dent your trailer frame. I stopped at 25lbs pressure. At that, it stripped the paint and left a dimple. I removed the saddle after a single rain storm and there's already rust!! Ive metal brushed the rust away, cleaned, and prining/painting now (rattle can + blue tape). What a mess! I called them, and they said I could use a peice of metal to distribute the weight. Soo. That's what I'm in the process of doing. Going to use a primed/painted steel plate thats 1/8" thick that I got from home depot.

I bought a Tekonsha p3 brake controller. It was on sale and ended up cheaper than a p2. I really like the p3 over the p2 that used years ago. I mounted it using heavy duty 'velcro'. Each strip is rated for 10 pounds, I used 2 strips. I wanted this as solid as possible. This way I can remove it and not have an ugly bracket hanging down.

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[ColinZealKnows]

Yes. The blue ox sway pro 550. They said the 750 would give a more rough ride and the 550 is perfect for this suv/trailer combo.

However. They have you screw the saddles onto the talrailer with a single bolt. That bolt dimples the trailer frame and at the required 40lbs torque, will dent your trailer frame. I stopped at 25lbs pressure. At that, it stripped the paint and left a dimple. I removed the saddle after a single rain storm and there's already rust!! Ive metal brushed the rust away, cleaned, and prining/painting now (rattle can + blue tape). What a mess! I called them, and they said I could use a peice of metal to distribute the weight. Soo. That's what I'm in the process of doing. Going to use a primed/painted steel plate thats 1/8" thick that I got from home depot.

I bought a Tekonsha p3 brake controller. It was on sale and ended up cheaper than a p2. I really like the p3 over the p2 that used years ago. I mounted it using heavy duty 'velcro'. Each strip is rated for 10 pounds, I used 2 strips. I wanted this as solid as possible. This way I can remove it and not have an ugly bracket hanging down.
View attachment 15769

I see these brake controllers mounted there, aren't people hitting their knees on that? Also isn't it in front of the airbag?

I assume that's where they leave the connector for you to plug your brake controller when you got your 7-pin harness installed, right?

 

[qwikhit]

Yeah the knee airbags could be a problem

 

[tazzytazzy]

I see these brake controllers mounted there, aren't people hitting their knees on that? Also isn't it in front of the airbag?

I assume that's where they leave the connector for you to plug your brake controller when you got your 7-pin harness installed, right?

I installed this myself. The tow package included a 4 wire hardness in the glove box. I simply soldered this to the teknonsha included harness to it and plugged it in. The wire is routed behind/above the knee air bag. When this controller is plugged in, it shouldn't block the knee airbag.

Regarding the rear 7 pin, the Kia directions said to remove the rear panel underneath the suv and connect some wires. When I went to do that, it was already done. Everything is pretty easy.

 

[ColinZealKnows]

I installed this myself. The tow package included a 4 wire hardness in the glove box. I simply soldered this to the teknonsha included harness to it and plugged it in. The wire is routed behind/above the knee air bag. When this controller is plugged in, it shouldn't block the knee airbag.

Regarding the rear 7 pin, the Kia directions said to remove the rear panel underneath the suv and connect some wires. When I went to do that, it was already done. Everything is pretty easy.

Thanks for this, this interests me a lot because that's what I want to do with mine. However the dealer installs the 4-pin harness for Canadian cars, for some reason, and mine doesn't know how to install the 7-pin one. What directions are those to connect the additional wires? Is it in the manual? I could share it with them.

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[tazzytazzy]

Thanks for this, this interests me a lot because that's what I want to do with mine. However the dealer installs the 4-pin harness for Canadian cars, for some reason, and mine doesn't know how to install the 7-pin one. What directions are those to connect the additional wires? Is it in the manual? I could share it with them.

Our 2021 came pre-wired for 7 pin. The directions were for the trailer brake wire, which was just to connect a single wire up under the driver's side rear quarter panel from under it. I don't have the single page directions anymore.

If you dont a have 7 pin, that's more than just one wire thats already existing. Your local trailer shop or rv dealer will be able to complete this. They did for my Murano, which had nothing. Can you try a different KIa dealer or a different service advisor? If they can't figure it out, they need to call Kia support.

 

[ColinZealKnows]

Our 2021 came pre-wired for 7 pin. The directions were for the trailer brake wire, which was just to connect a single wire up under the driver's side rear quarter panel from under it. I don't have the single page directions anymore.

If you dont a have 7 pin, that's more than just one wire thats already existing. Your local trailer shop or rv dealer will be able to complete this. They did for my Murano, which had nothing. Can you try a different KIa dealer or a different service advisor? If they can't figure it out, they need to call Kia support.

I called some other Kia dealers here and none of them do it. They recommended a place to get it done though, so I guess I'll bring the car there. Thanks for the guidance.

 

[tazzytazzy]

I called some other Kia dealers here and none of them do it. They recommended a place to get it done though, so I guess I'll bring the car there. Thanks for the guidance.

You might want to call Kia corporate customer service direct and get guidance. They can guide the local dealerships. Just push them, that's not acceptable in my opinion.

 

[ColinZealKnows]

Was just on a call with Kia Canada... dude on the phone came up with "the 5000lb towing can be misleading, that weight is all the cargo it can carry including the car itself". I told him to tell me how much the car itself weighs (hint: it's almost 5K lbs, therefore the towing capacity would then mean it can carry 500lb) and he put me on hold for 15 minutes and I had to drop. Will try it again later, but it doesn't bode well...

Edit: called again but now "all systems are down". ugh.