test run

[Chip]

The weather was nice and I just had to take the tear out for a quick shakedown,,already learned a couple of things,,

1. magnetic latches were a waste of time and money, all but one bottom hinged door came open and I didnt even hit serious bumps,, back to the drawing board

2. lots of bungies are needed to lock down anything not screwed and glued in place

3. People kept thinking I was in their way,,several were tooting their horns

4. ya get some strange looks by the locals

5. after getting the 100lb tongue on the hitch it towed like a dream,,bit heavier than I had expected or planned but too late now,,guess I will have to get a running start on the steep hills,,over kill and overbuild = weight

6. a woman just can not stand to have an empty space,,,,soooo now curtains are hung, mattrace in and sheets, blanket, leapord throw, pillows and more pillows are now in place,,and galley,,its dang near full and we dont even have any food in yet,,"note to self"gotta put parental controls on DIY tv channel

I'll try to get pics tomorrow,,,,,chip

[mikeschn]

Yes, you'll quickly notice that no one wants to be behind a trailer of any kind. You quickly learn how to call people a**h***s, and then you learn a different kind of driving, one where you drive in the slow lane to let all the a**h***s blow by you.

Even when I am doing 85 mph on the highway, some people make it a point to get past me, even if they have to do 100mph. Go figure.

Was planning on using mechanical locks or latches of some kind... I didn't think magnetic catches would do much for me. Thank's for testing the theory though!!!

Mike...

[beverlyt]

Chip,
Ahh...the ole magnetic latches. We had the same problem. Didn't work worth a hoot. I bought these really wide bungie type hair bands. (My daughter freaked out when she saw them...was afraid her mother was going to wear them for "hair beauty")
I use these from one cupboard knob to the next and keep them shut.

The 100 pound tongue weight doesn't sound too bad. Mine is about 90 to 95 pounds and I have a 4' wide trailer.

Bev

[Frank]

Chip,

Sorry about the spacers, they are on the dresser! Have them in a packet, the wife thinks they need a box. Will try harder to get them to the post-office.

Frank

[campadk]

Chip,

Where are you using magnetic latches? We use some for our galley cupboards that hing up, and work great. When on the road though we use a pin or nail however to ensure they don't open.

[Shrug53]

Just do what I do when people honk, smile and wave, pretend you are famous

Seriously though, I got a lot of that when I trailered my 53 Chevy from L.A. here to Phoenix. Just stay in the right lane, note that the speed limit is generally 10mph slower for vehicles with trailers and make sure you are legal. Then let the morons honk all they want. Plenty of room for them to go around! And hey there is always the possibility that they are honking because they like your trailer

Just remember, safety first. A lot of people are tempted to go as fast with a trailer as they do during normal driving. But look at it this way, if you are towing your teardrop, you are probably on vacation or at least have a few days off. If you are on vacation, then you do not need to be in a hurry.

My buiddies and I used to go fishing up at Castaic lake and one friend enjoyed doing 90 on I5, I always said, dude, relax, the fish will still be there in a half hour!

[Chip]

I think the honking was more of a ,,dang sure wish I had one of those kinda of honks,,no finger salutes so thats the way I am gonna take it anyway,,
Dave the magnets worked on the hinge ups but most of the swing down doors opened,,,gonna get some child proof latches and start again,,,I can hardley get some of them open myself so hopefully they will work out,I'll let ya know
Frank,,thanks,,just as long as they are not lost,,,or your wife got into a cleaning mode,,and started throwing things out
top piece of TPO coming in monday evening,,and maybe a new teardrop convert along with it,,
Bev,,sorry I am not gonna buy any hair bands,,if my girlfriend found them I may have to start wearing them and I aint got enough hair left to put up

chip