Re: [A/S] Re: New Airstreamer!

[John P Sargeant <sargeant@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Blair
I have one summer/fall's experience so take that into account in what I
have to tell you.
I had CanAm RV set up the CrownVic and Trailer. The hitch is a Reece
with load equalizer bars and a sway control bar. The hitch set up works
great for me as long as I get the tension that holds the weight
distribution set correctly. I am glad I had them to set it up as it was
largely correct. However, I found after pulling the trailer for most of
the way between Ontario and Nova Scotia, that I needed to tighten down
the chains one more link on each side. I had less front end bounce then.
I also had better control when passed by semi's and vans. I must admit I
am much more comfortable on a two lane highway where there is only
oncoming traffic passing me. Traffic passing me on a four-lane at 70 mph
can set up an air wash that is a bit disconcerting the first few times
it happens. Maybe I need to go to a Hensley hitch to get more control
but again I sort of like "two laning" and take those kinds of roads by
preference.
As far as pulling power is concerned, I find that the CV runs hot. I, by
the same token have never had a boil over from an overheated engine. I
did have a hose burst because it was old and soft. I found that it takes
a bit more time to get up to highway speed, but not so long that you
can't merge safely. The car "works" on the hills and if you don't push
it too much it gets there. I run in 3rd gear all the time and not in
over-drive. (Running in overdrive causes the transmission to "search"
back and forth for the correct gear and eventually wears the tranny
out....so I've been informed)
Finally, get yourself a pair of McKesh mirrors. They are fantastic and
you really can see well behind. Beside that they are a quick install and
uninstall and I just throw  them (gently) in the trunk when we're off
exploring and have dropped the trailer.
I love the system. I probably will go to a Hensley when the Crown Vic
gives out.
I have a transmission cooler that came with the car when I bought it. It
seems to be working well. I don't know if there are any special spring
levelers, but the load leveler on the hitch does a great job of making
the lower edge of the rocker panels on the sedan line up parrellel with
the lower edge of the side panels of the trailer. You should see a
straight line when your rig is loaded, the darling girl and her mother,
and the wonder dog Logan are in the car. Then I put my 225 lb bulk in
and it seems to work well. I feel safe driving it and in control.
Happy trails..................

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                  John P Sargeant