Information On Purchasing & Maintaining a Travel Trailer That I Found Useful

New Introduction November 2019

     My "Information On Purchasing & Maintaining a Travel Trailer That I Found Useful" Webpage started after ordering our 2019 Subaru Ascent, with Premium trim and the towing receiver hitch installed, in August of 2018.

     I continued to research possible travel trailers that could be "reasonably" and safely pulled by the Ascent with its maximum 5000 lb. towing capacity and maximum 500 lb. tongue weight. I shared my findings, online, through May 16 of 2019, the date that we purchased our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB from Haylett RV in Coldwater, MI.

This is a link to a LONG YouTube video with a lot of information, in minute detail, about OUR Apex Nano 187RB.

This is a link a Webpage that compliments and extends the information in the video. The page contains much, much information, including more problems and fixes, regarding OUR Apex Nano 187RB.

     Learning what "reasonably" and safely actual meant was completed by investigating what "experts" had to say online about this topic. The information garnered during the investigation played a large part in our final decision. On this page, and its linked pages, I shared my findings.

     The Webpages were frequently updated online when new information was found or modified.

     We also had to determine if this was something that we really wanted to do once again.

     During the thought and research period, I joined the Ascent Forums. I became very active in the Towing Forum using the user name of Ken Myers.

     The members of the Towing Forum were exceptionally helpful and welcoming. I shared my thoughts with them and they, in return, provided a lot of useful information about towing with the Subaru Ascent.

     At the beginning of November, 2019, I created a Webpage titled, "Subaru Ascent Real World Towing Examples". That page contains all of the trailers that have been reported as being towed by a Subaru Ascent on the Ascent Forums. Most of that information was originally posted to the Towing Forum. ALL TYPES of trailers are listed on that Webpage, not just travel trailers.

     The "Subaru Ascent Real World Towing Examples" page is a good place to start to get an idea of the type of trailers that the Ascent is actually reported as towing.

     The information found on all of my Webpages is also useful for people with tow packages on the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer and other vehicles with tow packages and that are rated with a 5000 lb. towing capacity and 500 lb. tongue weight.

     The information on this page was left as is, so that anyone wanting more detailed information could still find it. It is also interesting to note that there are a few broken links, and yet the links were created only one year ago or less. That demonstrates how transient the information found on the World Wide Web actually is.

     The original, last updated, Webpage follows as an archival document.

Information On Purchasing & Maintaining a Travel Trailer That I Found Useful

Introduction

     I gathered the following information to help ME possibly return to pulling a travel trailer, but this time with my 2019 Ascent Premium.

     I decided to share MY research here.

     At this point in our lives, my wife and I are thinking about returning to the travel trailer lifestyle with what is commonly called a "couple's trailer".

     Gathering data on what the Ascent can "actually pull" has been difficult, as this is a brand-new vehicle as of the fall of 2019. There is almost no real-world data as to whether or not the Ascent can actually pull the type of couple's trailers that I have researched.

     In November of 2018, there was only one, non-marketing, video showing a 2019 Ascent pulling the equivalent of a "couple's trailer". The trailer in the video is a 2011 Heartland Edge M18. According to the author of the video, the trailer IS loaded to almost its maximum GVWR of 4,395 lb.

     I found two sources on YouTube and the Internet that have helped remind ME about all of the "stuff" that is required to purchase, maintain, and use a travel trailer. Josh the RV Nerd works for Haylett Auto & RV Supercenter in Coldwater, MI. David Crossett has started his own business called RV Masters.

     I knew much of the information because, for over twenty years, I pulled bunkhouse type travel trailers all the way across the USA from coast to coast and north to south, as well as parts of southern Canada.

     Some of the information I gathered was also eye-opening regarding what is going on today in the RVing community including the changes in lack of quality in the trailers available today, dealerships, manufacturers, sales people, camping facilities, the requirement to book campsites ahead of time and more.

     I have included links to some useful videos on YouTube posted by David Crossett, the founder and head of RV Masters. RV Masters has created some pay for courses available on the Internet. I purchased and found the course titled "RV Masters Buyers Track" especially useful. I also purchased "Towables: Get to know your new RV" course. It was mostly a review for me, but a good review.

     I have no relationship at all with either Josh the RV Nerd, whose video listings follow David's, nor David Crossett. I have never met either of them, but just found their information to be useful to ME. You'll need to judge for yourself whether these two gentleman are creditable or just salesmen on the Internet.

Free RV Masters YouTube Videos
by David Crossett
These are indeed "sales pitches" for the courses he's trying to sell,
but they can be extremely helpful on their own.


Who is David Crossett & What's His Background?

The video above comes from his HOW to buy an RV - Video 0 of 20 and is posted on YouTube. This introduction comes from the first video of the Buyers Track course. The course is no longer in pre-release as he states on the video. It is finished and ready to experience. The somewhat annoying music, that you might hear if you watch the whole video instead of this part of it, has been removed from the actual course videos. While he's trying to "sell" his courses to you, he does provide background about himself.

Not just another RV Top 5 list! What you REALLY need to know about the RV industry! Yes, it is a sales pitch for his course, but it contains five extremely important points about RVs and the RV lifestyle in general.

What you need to know about SERVICE in the RV industry! Part 1 of 2! The title says it all.

What your RV salesperson wishes he could tell you! (or "Reality check!") Contains useful information about owning and maintaining an RV today.

New RV training - First 15 things to do! The downloads he mentions are not linked to from YouTube. They are available in his paid for course.

HOW to buy an RV - Video 1 of 20 - Start this adventure with your eyes open! Again, pre-release is over. It's all ready to go. 11 points are covered.

Buying at an RV Show - 2 things to watch out for! From Hershey, PA The information is useful when attending RV show.

Part 1 of 4 - How to BUY an RV - All About RV Shows and Salespeople

Part 2 of 4 - How to BUY an RV - All About RV Shows and Salespeople

Part 3 of 4 - How to BUY an RV - All About RV Shows and Salespeople

Part 4 of 4 - How to BUY an RV - All About RV Shows and Salespeople

RV Masters RV Buyers Track - How to buy an RV This is a blatant ad for his series, but it does include background information about David.

     I included his ad for the Buyers Track because I found the Buyers Track extremely useful. Again, I have no relationship at all with David Crossett, none.

     The Buyers track was useful, even if only to 'think' about getting back into RVing. Yes, it costs about $100 dollars, but the information can really "save you thousands" as he claims. If after spending $100 for this course, I decide not to get an RV, I've saved thousands. If I decide to get an RV, the information will save me thousands on the purchase price for a new trailer. For ME, it was a win/win situation.

Haylett RV Videos
Mostly hosted by Josh the RV Nerd


Who Is Josh the RV Nerd?

     A couple with a YouTube Channel called The McMillan Express requested that Josh explain how he became the RV Nerd.

Things to Consider When Purchasing an RV

HaylettRV.com - Setting Good Expectations for Your New RV with Josh the RV Nerd Good for when first getting into an RV for the first time. He notes that it is not a residential unit and that it is a 'pretend' home. Excellent intro into setting expectations from an RV.

HaylettRV - 3 Steps to Choosing the Right RV with Josh the RV Nerd Pretty useful information here on selecting features you must have and those you want. Start weighing the features of various trailers against similar trailers. Floor plan, who builds it and what defines them.

RV Warranty Length Breakdown with Josh the RV Nerd Details what is covered under the warranty and for how long.

What does "Buying Local" Mean to You? with Josh the RV Nerd His thoughts on what 'local' means.

Long Distance RV Service with Josh the RV Nerd Good info on getting service while traveling.

HaylettRV - BUYER BEWARE! Research Your RV Dealer with Josh the RV Nerd Watch out for 'gypsy' dealers.

HaylettRV - Too Good to Be True Snake Oil Sales with Josh the RV Nerd Stay focused on the bottom line cost of the trailer.

HaylettRV - BUYER BEWARE Mall Parking Lot Gas Station SUPER SALES with Josh the RV Nerd More on 'gypsy" dealers.

BUYER BEWARE! Beer Can RV Roof Construction with Josh the RV Nerd Josh's opinion on poor roofing practice. Shows and tells why some roofs are bad to start out with.

HaylettRV.com - Buyer Beware! - "Shameful Roof Construction" More on poor roof construction

Buyer Beware - KZ Roof Construction Still Appalling More on poor metal roof construction by BRAND!

HaylettRV.com - Popup vs Hybrid vs Enclosed Camper Comparison with Josh the RV Nerd Compares the two and notes why each is 'best' for its own purpose.

HaylettRV.com - Motorhome vs Towable RV Comparison with Josh the RV Nerd Compares the two and notes why each is 'best' for its own purpose.

Haylett RV.com - Travel Trailer vs Fifth Wheel Comparison with Josh the RV Nerd Compares the two and notes why each is 'best' for its own purpose.

Truth on RV Show "Savings" with Josh the RV Nerd - Josh explains why an RV Show is probably not the best place to purchase an RV.

RV Show Price MARKUPS with Josh the RV Nerd - Josh discusses this practice used by some dealerships.

RV Model Year Confusion with Josh the RV Nerd - Josh discusses this topic, how it came to be and whether it is truly important or not.

Purchasing & Financing

HaylettRV - Getting the Best Deal Part 1: No Trade with Josh the RV Nerd Dealing with dealers and sales people.

HaylettRV - Getting the Best Deal Part 2: If you have a Trade-in with Josh the RV Nerd Dealing with dealers and sales people.

HaylettRV - Getting the Best Deal Part 3: RV Financing & Down Payments with Josh the RV Nerd Dealing with dealers and sales people.

HaylettRV - We Are Not "FEE RIDDEN" with Josh the RV Nerd Their selling policy. Dealing with dealers and sales people.

HaylettRV.com - Josh the RV Nerd & How Taxes Work for Out of State Buyers How out of state taxes are handled at Haylett.

Are Extended RV Warranties Worth It with Josh the RV Nerd Thoughts on purchasing service contracts.

Hidden RV Dealer Fees & Bold Face Financing Lies with Josh the RV Nerd Dealing with dealers and sales people.

Falsely Advertised RV Rebate Sales with Josh the RV Nerd No such thing as manufacturer's rebates in the RV industry. Dealing with dealers and sales people.

An RV is an Investment with Josh the RV Nerd Josh explains what kind of investment it is and makes some great comparisons.

Tow Vehicle Capacity, Trailer Weights & Towing

HaylettRV - Put the Cart Before the Horse with Josh the RV Nerd Pick out the RV you want BEFORE selecting the tow vehicle.

HaylettRV - What can my vehicle tow? with Josh the RV Nerd Matching a trailer to a tow vehicle that has already been purchased.

HaylettRV.com - GVW vs UVW vs CCC vs Tongue Weight with Josh the RV Nerd He doesn't note the weight of propane, battery, ball mount and ball and possibly water in the water heater which is added to the UVW before it even leaves the dealership.

Understanding Truck Payload Ratings with Erin Dirschell Notes that the towing capacity of the same types of vehicles can, in reality, differ greatly.

HaylettRV - How does Wheel Base affect Towing? with Josh the RV Nerd Josh demonstrates why longer wheelbase vehicles are better for towing.

Other Essentials When Purchasing a Towable RV

Travel Trailer Coupler Lock Towing Safety Tip with Josh the RV Nerd How to lock the tongue down. Examples for sale can be found here

The Best RV Broom I've Ever Seen with Josh the RV Nerd, A light weight, easily storable broom Can be bought here

RV Water Filters with Josh the RV Nerd Thoughts about water filters.

Propane Tank Monitors with Josh the RV Nerd Should you use monitor tape or a gas pressure gauge, which is much more expensive.

City Water Hose Saver with Josh the RV Nerd A really need purchase.

Andersen Rapid Jack Demonstration with Josh the RV Nerd Really relates to tandem axle trailers only as a jack, but there are similar products that be used for leveling single axle trailers.

HaylettRV - Black Tank Tablets vs Liquid with Josh the RV Nerd Must have purchase.

HaylettRV - ONLY USE RV TOILET PAPER with "Big Scott" McKinney Must have purchase.

HaylettRV - Do I Really Need Towing Mirrors? with "Wild Bill" McFadden Very highly recommended for safety.

HaylettRV - Electric & Water Surge Protectors with Josh the RV Nerd Must have purchase.

HaylettRV - Water Hose vs Garden Hose with Josh the RV Nerd Must have purchase.

HaylettRV.com - Brake Controller Break Down with Josh the RV Nerd Must have purchase.

HaylettRV - Keep it Covered (Your RV that is) with Josh the RV Nerd Must have purchase.

RV Wheel Chock Comparison with Josh the RV Nerd - Josh compares some different wheel chocks.

Layout

HaylettRV - Why Rear Bath RVs are the Best with Josh the RV Nerd Why it is best for couples coach, most space efficient.

HaylettRV.com - RV Muprhy Beds with Josh the RV Nerd The pros of a Murphy bed.

Proper Murphy Bed Use & Safety with Josh the RV Nerd More on the Murphy bed.

HaylettRV.com - RV Interior Heights with Josh the RV Nerd Why some trailers have more interior height than others.

Construction

Is OSB Okay in an RV? with Josh the RV Nerd, conclusion, it is okay, but not good, better, or best

RV Roof Truss Rafter Comparison with Josh the RV Nerd, Jul 17, 2018, covers the three most common type of roof trusses. I don't think roof trusses are used on the trailers that I am looking at.

RV Slide System Comparison & Overview with Josh the RV Nerd Discusses various types of slide mechanisms.

Azdel Explanation & Benefits with Josh the RV Nerd Found in some laminated, fiberglass size and roofs and its supposed benefits.

HaylettRV - What is Azdel & Does it Really Matter? with "The People's Champion" Tim Cummings

Fiberglass RV Skin Methods & Lamination Comparisons with Josh the RV Nerd The different types and ways of fiberglass the exterior of an RV.

Torsion vs Leaf Spring Suspension with Josh the RV Nerd This is a good one and shows why torsion suspension is better than leaf spring.

HaylettRV - 15, 30, and 50amp Electric Adapters with Josh the RV Nerd A must purchase.

HaylettRV - Are Slide Out Awnings a Good Idea? with Josh the RV Nerd Josh said its not necessarily a good idea.

HaylettRV - Residential vs Gas & Electric RV Refrigerators with Josh the RV Nerd The pros and cons

HaylettRV - Does Shower Wall Paneling Matter? with Josh the RV Nerd Does it?

HaylettRV - The Truth about RV R-Values with Josh the RV Nerd Insulation values and who's blowing smoke

HaylettRV - The Dirty Truth of "Thermal Pane" RV Windows with Josh the RV Nerd More about insulation

The Difference Between 0 Degree Rated RVs and Protection from Freezing with Josh the RV Nerd More about insulation

HaylettRV.com - What does "Four Seasons" REALLY mean with Josh the RV nerd Does a four seasons RV really exist?

HaylettRV.com - What does Solar Prep REALLY mean in an RV with Josh the RV Nerd What does it mean?

HaylettRV.com - Frameless vs Sliding Window Comparison with Josh the RV Nerd Which is better?

HaylettRV.com - Laminated vs Ultralite RVs with Josh the RV Nerd How Ultra light model 'lose' their weight.

HaylettRV.com - Standard vs Laminated RV Construction with Josh the RV Nerd Which is better, laminated or aluminum sided?

HaylettRV.com - 2016 Coachmen Freedom Express Construction Details Josh goes over the specific construction of this coach.

Maintenance, Helpful Tools, Tips & Tricks & Possible Add-Ons

Maintenance

RV Wheel Bearing Maintenance & EZ Lube Hubs with Josh the RV Nerd Why and How to video

When to Use RV Wall Sealants with Josh the RV Nerd, Sidewall sealant is different from roof sealant, why?

When to Use RV Roof Sealants with Josh the RV Nerd What type of sealant to use on the roof.

RV Gear Lubricant with Josh the RV Nerd May be used when the slide out mechanism is under the slide

RV Slide Seal Upkeep with Josh the RV Nerd Slide seal maintenance.

RV Exterior Washing & Waxing with Josh the RV Nerd Upkeep details.

RV Roof Cleaning & Upkeep with Josh the RV Nerd More upkeep details.

RV Tire Pressure & Balancing with Josh the RV Nerd Notes 12V power supply with compressor from Amazon. Really a required purchase.

RV Roof Brushes with Josh the RV Nerd A must purchase.

HaylettRV - RV Battery Disconnect Switches with Josh the RV Nerd Discusses 'phantom' loads and how to keep them in check.

HaylettRV - How do I Maintain My RV's Rubber Roofing? with "Jolting" Joe West How to maintain a rubber roof.

HaylettRV - RV Water Heater Startup Troubleshooting with Sgt. Dane Earl Useful info here for everyone.

HaylettRV - RV Maintenance Tip - Replace Screw Trim with Gene Cutler The screw cap, AKA screw trim, needs replacing at times.

RV Roof Cleaner vs Dish Soap with Josh the RV Nerd - Why to use purpose made RV roof cleaner instead of dish shop.

Tips & Tricks

RV Dinette Pedestal Leg Swap Mod with Josh the RV Nerd Swap pedestal posts for folding legs. Good idea!

Anti-Slip RV Sleeper Dinette Cushion Mod with Josh the RV Nerd Good idea if use dinette top as bed.

Alternative to Gas Grill Quick Connect with Josh the RV Nerd Gas grill info.

HaylettRV - Proper RV Power Plug In Method with Josh the RV Nerd A good routine to follow.

HaylettRV - Proper Park Hookup Order with Josh the RV Nerd A good routine to follow.

HaylettRV - How to Back Up a Trailer with Erin Dirschell Good tip

HaylettRV.com - April 2016 with Brad Torrey - Camper Jack Drill Adapter Excellent idea, a really must have purchase.

HaylettRV.com - RV Ladder DOs and DONTs with Josh the RV Nerd Basically, don't strap anything to a ladder mounted on the RV.

Camping Hack Paper Towel Hanger with Josh the RV Nerd A really handy idea for hanging a roll of paper towel almost anywhere.

How to Wire Multiple Batteries to an RV with Josh the RV Nerd Josh demonstrates putting two 12V batteries in parallel and two 6V batteries in series. He does misspeak himself near the beginning of the video.

You're Using Your Power Awning Wrong with Josh the RV Nerd How to properly use a Power Awning

Add-Ons

HaylettRV - What is the WiFi Ranger System? with Josh the RV Nerd A means to pick up wireless signal better when away from the source at a campsite.

HaylettRV.com - RV Roof Vent Covers with Josh the RV Nerd Always a good idea.

HaylettRV.com - RV Eye, Closed Circut RV WiFi Security Camera Demonstration I find it somewhat disturbing and disappointing that someone found a need for this security camera on a camper.

HaylettRV.com - iRV33 Series Bluetooth Stereo Link Demonstration with Josh the RV Nerd Pairing a bluetooth enabled device to the bluetooth unit in a trailer.

RV Satellite Basics with Jody & Josh the RV Nerd - RV satellite TV explained

Miscellaneous

Why Do RVs Use Crappy Beds with Josh the RV Nerd Josh shares his personal explanation

HaylettRV.com - Josh the RV Nerd's Thoughts on the Purchases of Jayco & Grand Design when purchased by Thor

Keystone RV's KeyTV Explanation with Josh the RV Nerd Josh explains the new Keystone TV switching box setup.

A Few RV Fails I Spotted with Josh the RV Nerd Some design 'fails' he spotted at an RV show

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