Hugh
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Post by Hugh on Sept 21, 2013 9:22:32 GMT -8
We have our new tow vehicle, Terra, a 2013 Nissan Xterra. We're very pleased with the vehicle and are slowly getting used to it. It turns out we can't open Terra's back "hatch" with the trailer's front rock guard up. This is with the trailer connected to Terra, when they're disconnected this isn't a problem (duuh). We'd have to extend the tongue about 18" to allow both to open together. I agree with the comments above that this is toooo far for a hitch extender. We could extend the tongue but 18" would be quite a length change, the tongue folding link above would be needed. But, the interference isn't a big problem. It's pretty easy to lower the rock guard to access the cooler, or just leave the rock guard down for short stops. We usually disconnect overnight, unless it's a quick stop, which solves the whole problem. So, for now, we'll not change the tongue nor get a hitch extender. Towing Shasta with Terra is quite stable. With our old Tacoma travelling 55 was comfortable and 60 was OK. With Terra it feels the same at 60 and 65. (Terra has a mpg gage and we're getting about 14mpg at 57mph and 11+mpg at 63mph) Travelling 55+ is fine with us. The sway control vikx showed is interesting. We might add one down the line, but for now Shasta and Terra are getting along well. Thank you all for your help.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Sept 28, 2013 6:13:45 GMT -8
We often use a 12" extension with no towing problems. It also makes backing so much easier! Here is a photo of the extension: And another: The owner of the above added a sway bar that made a huge difference when Semis would pass: Side View: I thought you hated camping?
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Post by vikx on Sept 28, 2013 21:02:31 GMT -8
I don't camp but stay home and FIX them... LOL. Doesn't keep me from helping folks hook up tho. I use the extension here in the yard; really helps put the trailer pets where they belong...
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Oct 24, 2013 19:21:02 GMT -8
My 59 Kenny hasn't been weighed yet but I have a funny feeling it's going to weigh close to 3500 pounds. The seat cushions alone weigh about 200 pounds each LOL... Oh and I never exaggerate. But the whole point is that this is a heavy trailer no matter how you look at it. The tongue is too short for anything to tow without having to make all wide turns or you will jack knife right into the front panel. I think the factory puts patches on each side of the front panel at the factory cuz that's what it will look like after it's first camp out. So because of the size and weight of this trailer I'm going to go with the extended tongue. This will have to be done by a licensed and insured shop.
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decodan
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1963 Shasta Astrodome
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Post by decodan on Sept 11, 2016 14:21:40 GMT -8
Hello, I just got this Shasta Astrodome a couple of weeks ago. The tongue looks to be modified. I did tow this home but only about 15 miles. Looks to be about 18" or so. I plan to redo this when I do the remodel on the trailer but that will be after I finish another project. I will be posting an "about me" in the newbie section shortly but here is a picture of the tongue on my trailer now. Thanks for all the info so far. Dan
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Post by vikx on Sept 17, 2016 20:47:48 GMT -8
It looks pretty well done, Dan. Measure everything carefully as the dome type campers were designed to tow with pickups and tend to be to close to an SUV... you might need the extended tongue.
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Post by bigbill on Sept 18, 2016 9:45:14 GMT -8
If you scale that picture I am not sure that tongue is extended very much, but it does look like it has been modified
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decodan
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1963 Shasta Astrodome
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Post by decodan on Sept 18, 2016 10:02:27 GMT -8
Hello, From where the ball hitch centerline was originally to where it is now looks to be in the 18" range give or take a couple of inches.
When I do the rebuild on the trailer I will see exactly what I need to have to clear the rear of my '52 Suburban. My plan is to have something similar but with an adjustable square tube coming from the front frame crossmember through the original angles and an added pair of angles. Then have a tube that will adjust in 6" increments to get maybe another foot of extension. No more than what is needed for clearance.
I will do a picture documentation with dimensions while doing the modification.
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Post by vikx on Sept 18, 2016 20:52:29 GMT -8
You could always CUT the dome off...
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decodan
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1963 Shasta Astrodome
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Post by decodan on Sept 21, 2016 16:21:39 GMT -8
You could always CUT the dome off... Not happening. That is what caught my eye. I will just make sure the tongue is long enough. Just saying.
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decodan
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1963 Shasta Astrodome
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Post by decodan on Apr 14, 2017 13:57:59 GMT -8
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flameout
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1968 Shasta StarFlyte
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Post by flameout on Jul 6, 2017 15:04:59 GMT -8
Some interesting reading in this thread. I need to add a receiver extension as I jack knifed backing into a 90° tight spot in my driveway. I wasn't a happy camper when I saw the dent I had put into my trailer.
How would I determine the minimum length I would need? I see there are 8" and then 12" and even longer but I'd like to get the minimum extension that would work. Would I just measure the distance out from furthest point of trailer to tip of tongue (Looks to be about 22") and figure that into width of truck (which is about 6') so half would be 3' giving me a difference of 14" so would I need a 14" extension (which I wont do) or do I need half of that, 7", which would mean the 8" would work?
I'm towing with a 2004 Silverado Z71, w/factory towing setup. Trailer is a 1968 Shasta Starflyte, which I believe is 2500 lbs and a 300 lb tongue weight. Does the tongue weight mean that if I could lift 300lbs, I could actually lift the tongue by hand?
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Post by vikx on Jul 6, 2017 21:17:19 GMT -8
I use the commonly available 12" extension. Not too long, not too short. I even use it backing around the place. And I did jack-knife the 65 Loliner even with the extension. Bah.
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tiajannet
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Post by tiajannet on Jul 7, 2017 7:27:06 GMT -8
This says 2013, is it really a new inquiry? Oh well. My answer is I have a longer than normal tongue on my receiver. It was made longer when I hauled my trash trailer which had like no tongue of it's own. Hence, when I got my Shasta 13" Compact, I just use it. It's 19 " end to end, the portion out of the receiver is 13". This extension allows for me to NOT unhook at camp sites. I can open my Ranger tail gate. Maneuvering is a breeze, have not even come close to a jackknife. PTL!!! Hope this helps. Have a Blessed Day ! TiaJannet
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