Re: [SilverStreak] size of propane tanks

["Jason Parks" <jjparks@xxxxxxx>]

Thanks all for replying, it's great advice. I will add to my list to 
investigate weight distribution bars as my rig is sagging. In the meanwhile 
I'll upsize my tanks to at least a #20 bottle if not bigger. Jason
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eddie" <Eddie@Huffstetter.com>
To: <sslist@tompatterson.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:49 AM
Subject: Re: [SilverStreak] size of propane tanks


> Oops...the computer hit the send key...it's not my fault...
>
> Jason,
> Bigger is better so get the big ones. Read everyone's advice on that 
> because you need and want that tongue weight, and never travel with 
> anything in the holding tanks except to the dump station. Fill that fresh 
> water tank when you get there, not when you start out. There is always 
> someone who will let you pay a small price if they are not generous, to 
> fill that water tank if you are dry camping on a beach or something. 
> Compare the prices on the tanks to see the bigger one is the better value.
>
> Just figure liquids at a rounded off 10 pounds per gallon whenever in 
> doubt. Sure, 10 gallons of water is nearer 80 pounds than 100 pounds, but 
> what is important is the weight on the trailer structure, fuel to haul 
> that weight, and where is the weight? If it is all the way in the back, 
> just think like a see-saw or balance beam. That water and holding tank can 
> destroy absolute needed tongue weight and make the trailer drive you all 
> over the highway. You'll not discover that effect until speeds that reveal 
> it too late in a lot of circumstances, like when that semi passes you, in 
> either direction.
>
> Depending upon your tow vehicle, there are two things that can really add 
> to stability in towing, even when the tongue weight is correct. Those two 
> are load levelers sometimes called stabilizers, and the other is anti-sway 
> bar, or two bars depending on length and weight. Usually only one is 
> needed,  not expensive and really works great. Those two things are great 
> tools.
>
> I use a F350 diesel dually crew so I never have had any trailer give me 
> need for levelers or sway bars, but I did need sway bars to tow a 32 foot 
> Silver Streak out of the Great Lakes. Absolute must, the tow vehicle was a 
> 78 Argosy motor home, certainly heavier than my truck, and the same number 
> of wheels, but the wind from the motor home created a draft environment on 
> the trailer that was destroyed with every passing truck. The tow was 
> impossible to control above 45 mph and the sway bar was mandatory. So 
> there are a lot of factors that can affect towing and the equipment you 
> may need. The important thing is don't find out the hard way.
> -Eddie-
> Houston, TX
>