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Post by vagov on May 5, 2017 9:31:22 GMT -5
Looking at my rear bumper. Seems to have solid welds on both corners so should hold weight. However, I really don't like the fact that I can't see the bikes on the back of the trailer and constantly wondering what's going on back there, , also considered buying the jack it, to ride above the truck bed. But seems like a lot of work getting bikes on and off at that height. Not plan of taking bikes every camping trip, only on occasion, So I went along and ordered a front hitch receiver from etrailer, just seems to be the best fit ,
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Post by vagov on May 2, 2017 19:45:44 GMT -5
Thanks. Tweeter , I will look into the weld and weight. Mine is a 2015. But sure it,s pretty much the same set up, still leaning on mounting a front hitch on my avalanche and haul bikes up front is a thought right now
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Post by vagov on Apr 9, 2017 20:08:04 GMT -5
I was in the area, so decided to look at the new line of KZ, at the dealer. Looked at the connects, show stoppers, and even the spree escapes, same as my 15 model year 196s. Although, some where bigger, had more roon, and lighter and different interior decor, I am still happy with my current 2015. And plan on enjoying it for quite some time yet! 😌
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Post by vagov on Apr 9, 2017 10:20:43 GMT -5
Thanks guys, I also think the price is a little high, it is a local weld shop that the rv dealer. I bought from recommended. Both the dealer and shop itself said that they them all the time, sounded like he was spot on when he was talking about it to me over the phone. I called them back questioning the price, he told me to bring the camper in, and he will take a physical look at it and try giving me a better quote. Taking the camper out in 2 weeks for a break the cabin fever weekend, and then to the weld shop at the end of the month for a better look. Will report back
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Post by vagov on Mar 24, 2017 12:33:29 GMT -5
Thanks, yep, 120 degrees, don't think I will be riding a bicycle. Unless I can strap a air conditioner On it. Hehe.
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Post by vagov on Mar 24, 2017 12:32:08 GMT -5
I don't think you will loose any, bikes don't take up that much an wind will go around them, unless your out were it's 120 degrees in the shade I would no worry. An if it's 120 in the shade you need to be next to the pool drinking a soda pop LOL not driving down the road Chuck
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Post by vagov on Mar 24, 2017 11:59:20 GMT -5
I figured I would take the advice here and not mount a bike rack on the back bumper of my spree escape 196, it MAY hold it, but not willing to take the chance, so I ordered a front receiver For my chevy avalanche 1500 from etrailer, And will mount the bikes on the front of the tv. This way I can actually see the bikes, and won't lose tounge weight as ihear a double receiver extension. Really reduces that. With only a 5.3 ft bed , didn't want to loose half that cargo space , Plus could still use the hard tonnou cover to keep my gear dry. Only concern was how much air intake I may lose trough the front grill, but don't really think the bikes will restrict too much
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Post by vagov on Mar 21, 2017 13:05:48 GMT -5
the reason for asking ,is with the bikes in the back of the truck, it utilizes more bed space than wanting to give up, and the handlebars stand higher than the bed sides, so defeats the pourpose of the hard covers on the avalanche , thus exposing everything to the rain. I also have a double hitch extender, but not sure if I feel any more confortable using that with a WDH hitch head, and adding more tounge weight.
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Post by vagov on Mar 21, 2017 7:54:36 GMT -5
i just recently purchased 2 new bicycles for me and my wife, got two giant brand road bikes , a lot lighter than the old roadmaster mountain bikes a bought at Walmart years ago , I would like to relocate the spare over to the right side of the campers bumper, and put a 2inch receiver plate to install a additional swagman xc2 bike rack on the back bumper of the camper. directions state only mount on a welded bumper. does anybody know if this bumper on my 2015 spree escape 196s could handle the additional weight?
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Post by vagov on Mar 14, 2017 14:25:21 GMT -5
My spree escape takes a 1 1/16 socket. 99% sure. The other 1 % is a 1 inch.
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Post by vagov on Mar 14, 2017 7:39:53 GMT -5
Itow my spree escape with a 4.7 liter grand cherokee. It does pretty good, however I upgraded the schicks, rotors, and brakes to a heavy duty series, even though it works , considering. ,upgrading to bigger tow vechile. For longevity. Looked at a few tahoes, maybe overkill but would buy a suburban or a v10 excursion so I did upgrade my tow vechile, looked at tahoes,suburbans, excursions, and pickup trucks, considered a 3/4 ton but thought it was overkill, so I settled with a 2004 chevy avalance with a 5.3. Haven't towed with it yet, but will be next month
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Post by vagov on Mar 10, 2017 17:38:33 GMT -5
I am probably going to purchase one next month after I bring my spree escape back home from winter storage, leaning towards a outside portable. That plugs into campground pole, since space is rather tight to try try mounting a hardwire, just debating on if I want to dish out $250 for the progressive ind. ems. Or a somewhat cheaper model. not sure if my converter has built in surge protection of any sort already , and. The trailer is not overloaded with expensive electronics , basically 2 way fridge, roof air, and a cheap microwave at most. But figure why not still protect it. My wife,s good friend. Purchased a barely used class c , and she fried her,s and had to rewire the whole coach, a lot of $$ ,by not using one.
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Post by vagov on Mar 8, 2017 23:00:59 GMT -5
Interested as well,,but have to check on. Vacation availabity for both myself and my wife, keeping a close eye on thread, and will respond soon
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Post by vagov on Mar 8, 2017 22:54:26 GMT -5
I did talk to my dealer, I asked them about a axle flip on a Dexter axle, looked at me somewhat dumbfounded, guess not that popular on a small 22 footer, but he did give me a number for a guy they recommended in harmony pa, called and he told me he does them all the time. From small tt to 5vers. Currently working on 3 now, he said he would raise camper. Weld new perches above axle. As the axle itself cannot simply be flipped, he has a way to make them perfectly straight, as this is important ,then re bolt everything back up, rough measurments, I should gain 5 inches. But it,s a little costly. As a good welder doesn't come cheap, quoted over phone roughly 700 bucks, but may be a little less once I bring trailer out for physical. Inspection. In hoping a single axle wouldn't be too much. He said roughly take him 3 days to complete. , seemed pretty long, for basically 20 dollars of new hardware. And weld work. Wife's a little concerned about the additional ride height, and the extra step height that it would create. Would have to remeasure and set WDH. And see how it rides both stock and lifted, as I picked up a new to me chevy avalanche as a tow vechile ,as a sold my old tv. Camper is in winter storage until 2nd week of April. Just weighing out the pros and cons before bringing it home
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Post by vagov on Mar 6, 2017 14:38:20 GMT -5
I bought a matress topper for mine, sleep like a baby!
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Post by vagov on Mar 2, 2017 10:38:51 GMT -5
My main question for asking is too determine. Any height difference I can expect, a few inches I would guess, and how does it affect to ride, and /or stability of the camper in tow? I need to gain several inches to clear my driveway now. And wondering if this option is advisable
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Post by vagov on Feb 28, 2017 20:51:07 GMT -5
Due to unforseen circumstances, I find myself in need of height clearance on my escape 196s. I am thinking a axle flip my give me a few extra inches to raise my undercarriage, and plumbing, just wondering if anybody has flipped a escape before. And how much more clearance. Can be made
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Post by vagov on Feb 25, 2017 19:48:00 GMT -5
I would be interested depending on actual dates.
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Post by vagov on Feb 20, 2017 21:15:10 GMT -5
Congrats on your escape, I have the 196s and totally love it
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Post by vagov on Feb 20, 2017 16:55:14 GMT -5
Watching thread for further details
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