Thursday, May 19, 2016

A New Tow Vehicle!

2016 Toyota Tacoma Off Road
Not a lot is happening with the trailer but it has a new tow vehicle.  While I loved the RAV4 (except for the small gas tank) it has 134,000 miles on it & while they have a reputation of going for far more than that, I worry about being stuck with a major repair or replacement while traveling (Although I probably should have replaced it in Arizona - the same configuration was $1800.00 less in Yuma).

In any case, I'm now the proud owner of a 2016 Tacoma short bed, off road.  Even without the bells & whistles "premium" packages, it is pretty amazing how far dashboards have come since the 2010 RAV4.  It is going to take a few weeks to adjust.  My favorite gimmick is the door unlocks when I get within 2' of it.  The "key" stays in my pocket - just push a button.  My iPhone bluetooth to the Tacoma, loading all my contacts, etc.  It even "rings" over the vehicle sound system with my iPhone ring tones. I'm sure that any of you that have a new vehicle are not all that impressed, but I am!

As to the trailer, I have replaced the Go Power solar controller with a Blue Skies SB 3000i.  It can be adjusted to meet the charging specifications for the Interstate 6V batteries, while the Go Power is pretty much factory set to lower voltages.

I also washed & waxed it, added a stiffer mattress, and did a major cleaning - lots of desert dust in all the cracks & crevices.

The plans for a trip to New England are firming up - I'll probably be heading out around July 20th with the trailer, haul it back to Oswego, then go for a visit on Nantucket with my brother in August.

Until Next time -

5 comments:

  1. Like following your blog. Congrats on the truck. I have a 2015 Tacoma white, 4x4 sr5 DC. You will like it.
    I tow a 2015 Casita sd. Do not know the trailer is behind the toyota

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  2. Congratulations, Jon. I understand your comment about the truck's features. I'm the relatively new owner of a ’16 Honda Pilot that's *way* smarter than I. Looking forward to your future travels.

    -- Anne

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  3. Congrats on the new tug. I'm getting a lot closer to saying goodbye to my 2001 Toyota Tacoma. It's got over 270K and still going strong, but I want more torque at lower RPM. I thought I knew what the next one would be, but it looks like NOBODY spec'd them the way I want it and the factory is saying it will have to wait until the 2017 builds start... I'm investigating plans B and C right now.

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  4. Looking at a older Tundra for my Escape 19 next spring. Thanks for posting the link to my website. Just returned from my 50th high school reunion in NH via Amtrak. Visted an old friend on Lake Canandaigua. Beautiful country. Looking forward to being full-time. jws@daysofnights.org

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  5. I’m with you on loving the Bluetooth. My husband and I just got a 2016 Tacoma as well, in black, and he’s always on the phone with his job. I think this feature is a brilliant way to help people focus on the road even while talking on the phone. No more nerves for me as he drives and talks.

    Paige Hollingsworth @ Baldwin Motors Lincoln

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