May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions

acwat
Newbie RV’er

Posts: 2

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 27, 2018 12:08:33 GMT -5

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Post by acwat on Sept 27, 2018 12:08:33 GMT -5

I have just started looking but know NOTHING about travel trailers and have a few questions.

1. I drive a 2006 Tundra with a towing capacity of 7,000 lbs. From what I have read the GVWR of the 231BH is 4,800 lbs. Is it safe to tow with my truck?

2. What up front costs are there involved with purchasing this? For example, what modifications will I need to make to the truck and ball-park cost of this? The day I drive off the lot what will I need to go camping in the travel trailer (hoses, electrical cords, propane, etc) I am not talking about general camping supplies such as food, ice, camping supplies etc.

3. If stored outside, do I need to purchase a cover? How much does a good one cost?

4. We will probably only take the camper for 2-3 day trips to places that have bathrooms and showers. If we do need to take a quick shower or rinse off outside of the camper is there a way to use the outside shower without ever having to put water in the interior tanks? The maintenance the better for me. My goal for these one or two day trips is to cook outside and use the water outside and not have to clean the inside kitchen or rinse out any tanks.

5. Opinions of the KZ231 BH that anyone has.

6. Would a Honda 3000 inverter generator easily run the AC?

7. Anything else that I would need to know up front as far as costs are concerned?

Thank you,

johnr
Professional RV’er

Posts: 1,298

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 28, 2018 7:55:41 GMT -5

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Post by johnr on Sept 28, 2018 7:55:41 GMT -5

Here are my thoughts on some of your items:

4. I think it will be difficult to camp without ever getting any water in the tanks. I've only ever known 1 guy who even tried to do that. He went to great lengths for 2 seasons to avoid emptying tanks. I felt that the lengths he was going to was actually harder than just emptying the tanks at the end of the weekend. He ended up giving up on the idea. I guess what I'm saying is to re-evaluate your reasons for wanting to do this, because it does lead to a bunch of extra effort.

2. You'll learn what you need as you camp over time.

You'll need RV water hoses (2 - 25 foot is what I carry); fill the propane tank(s) if the dealer didn't do it; sewer hose kit (if you need to empty tanks); cooking utensils; some kind of plates and silverware; electrical adapters (I imagine the camper you're looking at is 30 amp; so you would need adapters to be able to plug that into 15/20 amp as well as 50 amp in case the campground doesn't have 30 amp post);

Nice to have: a small/medium mechanics tool kit; electric tool kit with voltmeter (if you're comfortable working with electricity); water filter; hatchet; extension cord; camping chairs;

2013 Durango 325RL; 2006 Turbo Diesel Dodge Ram 3500 Dually;

lynnmor
Professional RV’er

Posts: 1,684

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 28, 2018 8:24:21 GMT -5

Quote

Post by lynnmor on Sept 28, 2018 8:24:21 GMT -5

Sept 27, 2018 12:08:33 GMT -5 acwat said:

1. I drive a 2006 Tundra with a towing capacity of 7,000 lbs. From what I have read the GVWR of the 231BH is 4,800 lbs. Is it safe to tow with my truck?

Probably, but you need to check the trucks payload; add at least 500 lbs of tongue weight, 100 lbs for hitch, all luggage in truck and then the weight of passengers.

2. What up front costs are there involved with purchasing this? For example, what modifications will I need to make to the truck and ball-park cost of this? The day I drive off the lot what will I need to go camping in the travel trailer (hoses, electrical cords, propane, etc) I am not talking about general camping supplies such as food, ice, camping supplies etc.

The list is endless, I won't tell you all the stuff I added.

3. If stored outside, do I need to purchase a cover? How much does a good one cost?

Just search online. My opinion is that the RV needs protected more from hot summer sun than winter weather.

4. We will probably only take the camper for 2-3 day trips to places that have bathrooms and showers. If we do need to take a quick shower or rinse off outside of the camper is there a way to use the outside shower without ever having to put water in the interior tanks? The maintenance the better for me. My goal for these one or two day trips is to cook outside and use the water outside and not have to clean the inside kitchen or rinse out any tanks.

If you aren't going to use it as a self contained living quarters, what is the purpose of buying it?

5. Opinions of the KZ231 BH that anyone has.

Check where you will store the many things needed, it looks marginal to me.

6. Would a Honda 3000 inverter generator easily run the AC?

It will run the AC as long as you don't run other high usage appliances at the same time, such as microwave and electric water heater.

7. Anything else that I would need to know up front as far as costs are concerned?

The list is endless, just don't pay junk fees at time of purchase and don't believe a word a salesman says.

Thank you,

Last Edit: Sept 28, 2018 13:25:19 GMT -5 by lynnmor

Chuck
Professional RV’er

Ford F350 CC LB DW 4x4 Amateur Radio call W5KAV

Posts: 3,311

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 28, 2018 12:20:46 GMT -5

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Post by Chuck on Sept 28, 2018 12:20:46 GMT -5

1. Water "T" for sharing a spicket at a camp ground if needed or attaching a extra hose

2. Extra 25ft Rhino or some sort of sewer hose

3. plenty of extra fuses

4. Duck tape of some sort

5. a good larger sharp knife of some sort

an a good sense of yummier cuz at times your really going to need it LOL

Safe Travels

Chuck

Last Edit: Sept 28, 2018 12:21:27 GMT -5 by Chuck

Ford F350 CC LB DW 4x4 Amateur Radio call W5KAV

capemayal
Full Timer RV’er

Full Time since 2015

Posts: 257

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 29, 2018 9:12:45 GMT -5

Quote

Post by capemayal on Sept 29, 2018 9:12:45 GMT -5

As far as water hose,sewer hose, etc. Most dealers will give you a "starter" kit. I've never purchased a rig that didn't have one. I wouldn't do any modifications until you've been out a bit. The dealer stuff will get you going. You can go crazy buying this and that and find you'll probably never need them. A few small tools - screwdrivers, pliers and a few common wrenches will get you going to.

Good luck and enjoy.

Al

Al and Taz - AKC Champion Cardigan Welsh Corgi 2018 DG 380FLF

acwat
Newbie RV’er

Posts: 2

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 30, 2018 9:29:36 GMT -5

Quote

Post by acwat on Sept 30, 2018 9:29:36 GMT -5

One other question

1. Do I need to buy a special type of towing hitch for towing? I have a basic one. If so, how much does this cost?

2. Since we will only be using it for 2-3 day outings and only plan on using it for sleeping (air conditioner and sleep space for 5) and rest should I save some money and just buy a cheaper smaller camper? We are basically going to use it to take kids mountain biking and camping for 2-3 day trips.

Thank you,

Edd505
Professional RV’er

Posts: 2,897

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 30, 2018 9:40:31 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Edd505 on Sept 30, 2018 9:40:31 GMT -5

Sept 28, 2018 8:24:21 GMT -5 lynnmor said:

Sept 27, 2018 12:08:33 GMT -5 acwat said:

1. I drive a 2006 Tundra with a towing capacity of 7,000 lbs. From what I have read the GVWR of the 231BH is 4,800 lbs. Is it safe to tow with my truck?

Probably, but you need to check the trucks payload; add at least 500 lbs of tongue weight, 100 lbs for hitch, all luggage in truck and then the weight of passengers.

2. What up front costs are there involved with purchasing this? For example, what modifications will I need to make to the truck and ball-park cost of this? The day I drive off the lot what will I need to go camping in the travel trailer (hoses, electrical cords, propane, etc) I am not talking about general camping supplies such as food, ice, camping supplies etc.

The list is endless, I won't tell you all the stuff I added.

3. If stored outside, do I need to purchase a cover? How much does a good one cost?

Just search online. My opinion is that the RV needs protected more from hot summer sun than winter weather.

4. We will probably only take the camper for 2-3 day trips to places that have bathrooms and showers. If we do need to take a quick shower or rinse off outside of the camper is there a way to use the outside shower without ever having to put water in the interior tanks? The maintenance the better for me. My goal for these one or two day trips is to cook outside and use the water outside and not have to clean the inside kitchen or rinse out any tanks.

If you aren't going to use it as a self contained living quarters, what is the purpose of buying it?

5. Opinions of the KZ231 BH that anyone has.

Check where you will store the many things needed, it looks marginal to me.

6. Would a Honda 3000 inverter generator easily run the AC?

It will run the AC as long as you don't run other high usage appliances at the same time, such as microwave and electric water heater.

7. Anything else that I would need to know up front as far as costs are concerned?

The list is endless, just don't pay junk fees at time of purchase and don't believe a word a salesman says.

Thank you,

lynnmore's answer is about a good as it gets. For us we stocked the kitchen with utensils & appliances, cloths, toiletries, some can goods, we wanted in the camper. No one wants to move pots & pans, silverware, coffee markers etc to the camper every time you go, you'll spend more time packing than camping, then unpacking when your done. Our 5W is kept "ready" add food and go, some times go & buy food along the way.

2017 Durango Gold G353RKT 2022 F350 Lariat LBCC SRW 4X4FX

Chuck
Professional RV’er

Ford F350 CC LB DW 4x4 Amateur Radio call W5KAV

Posts: 3,311

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 30, 2018 12:52:39 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Chuck on Sept 30, 2018 12:52:39 GMT -5

Sept 30, 2018 9:29:36 GMT -5 acwat said:

One other question

1. Do I need to buy a special type of towing hitch for towing? I have a basic one. If so, how much does this cost?

2. Since we will only be using it for 2-3 day outings and only plan on using it for sleeping (air conditioner and sleep space for 5) and rest should I save some money and just buy a cheaper smaller camper? We are basically going to use it to take kids mountain biking and camping for 2-3 day trips.

Thank you,

I would recommend that you buy a trailer hitch unit with a sway bar an weight distribution hitch ....

Hitches range from $150 to over $500 depending on who you buy from an what weight you are pulling ....

Here is a link to show you some of what I am talking about, just like cars an trucks people have different likes

in hitches www.google.com/search?q=weight+distribution+hitch&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab

Safe Travels

Chuck

Ford F350 CC LB DW 4x4 Amateur Radio call W5KAV

nvguy
Professional RV’er

Posts: 1,375

May purchase a KZ231BH and have some newbie questions Sept 30, 2018 22:35:09 GMT -5

Quote

Post by nvguy on Sept 30, 2018 22:35:09 GMT -5

Sept 27, 2018 12:08:33 GMT -5 acwat said:

4. We will probably only take the camper for 2-3 day trips to places that have bathrooms and showers. If we do need to take a quick shower or rinse off outside of the camper is there a way to use the outside shower without ever having to put water in the interior tanks? The maintenance the better for me. My goal for these one or two day trips is to cook outside and use the water outside and not have to clean the inside kitchen or rinse out any tanks.

Based on your original post & follow ups, it sounds like you just need a place to sleep (maybe A/C) If you really want to go discount, buy a cargo trailer and install some hanging bunks or hammocks.
Add a roof A/C, minimal electrical, No bath, no tanks.

Since we will only be using it for 2-3 day outings and only plan on using it for sleeping (air conditioner and sleep space for 5) and rest should I save some money and just buy a cheaper smaller camper? We are basically going to use it to take kids mountain biking and camping for 2-3 day trips.

As far as buying a cheaper smaller coach, you really wont save any money as you need X amount of space to sleep 5 and that is going to come with a bathroom and all the other items.

2018 Durango 318RLT '20 Ford Lariat F350 4X4 Former RVIA Master Tech, ASE Master HD Truck Tech.