The 23FB forum

[RFP]

Originally Posted by earthdog

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Previous travel trailer was a Casita 17' Spirit Deluxe. About 2800# loaded. Needed a little more space and creature comforts, so the 23FB seemed like it would fit the bill.
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Thanks for your help.

Earthdog! Soul brother!

We, too, are refugees from Casita World... just like you, we fantasized over a bit more room and 'luxuries' until our twenty-three footer followed us home. I'm sure you will love yours as much as we love ours... it's a great size.

We were (actually still are) 'Rob and Linda' over on the Casita Forum... I wonder if we crossed paths there.

All the very best!

Rob

This is kind of a hi-jack, isn't it... sorry 'bout that.

[earthdog]

Rocinante - Thanks for your reply.
Attached is a pic from a 23FB on the dealer lot. Ignore the Minute Maid can - that was an experiment. This is a 4000# jack. Not sure if rotating it would do the trick. Looks like the tailgate will hit the jack head and jack stem.

[earthdog]

[QUOTE=RFP;2057664]Earthdog! Soul brother!


We were (actually still are) 'Rob and Linda' over on the Casita Forum... I wonder if we crossed paths there.

Rob and Linda - Yes, I certainly do remember your posts on the Casita Forum. Always enjoyed seeing what your latest mod was.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by earthdog

Rocinante - Thanks for your reply.
Attached is a pic from a 23FB on the dealer lot. Ignore the Minute Maid can - that was an experiment. This is a 4000# jack. Not sure if rotating it would do the trick. Looks like the tailgate will hit the jack head and jack stem.

Yeah, that's the newer style of jack, of course, on a newer trailer. Doesn't look like that one can be rotated to get more room. Not suggesting you buy a new jack for your new trailer, though this is the type of jack on older trailers, which could be rotated: https://www.barkermfg.com/hi-power-3500.html

[PKI]

Look at the type of topper that replaces the tailgate and gives you a vertical door for access. Do not use extended shank as ball closer to the rear TV axle provides better stability.

Research the available hitches. Investigate the Eaz-Lift, Blue Ox Sway Pro, Reese dual cam, and Propride hitch.

Note that the 23FB has a lower unloaded tongue weight than other coaches, but if you do not manage the front bed storage, weight increases quickly. Only store bulky light weight items under the bed.

Congrats on the new shiny. Going to get you a bunch of smiles. Pat

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by earthdog

Question 1: We used an Andersen weight distribution hitch on the Casita. Our Airstream dealer provides the Equal-i-zer. What WDH are you using on your 23BFB?

Question 2: The tailgate on our 2014 F150 will hit the trailer jack when the Airstream is hitched to the F150, so tailgate will not open fully. Had this issue with the Casita, too, so installed the Jack-E-Up so the jack could be removed when the Casita was hitched to the F150 and tailgate would open fully. What do you do to enable your pickup tailgate to open fully when hitched to your Airstream?

Thanks for your help.

Question 1: Be sure you are getting the Equal-I-Zer. When I was buying my 23FB, the dealer told me they were installing an equalizer (note lower case and lack of hyphens), and I asked to see the box. It was a Fastway E2 hitch. That is a lighter duty less capable hitch. I told him I wanted a Reese Strait-Line hitch with their Dual Cam. It cost extra, but I am happy with it.

Question 2: My tailgate misses the jack by about 1/4", but it misses. That may (or may not) be a problem.

[earthdog]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Yeah, that's the newer style of jack, of course, on a newer trailer. Doesn't look like that one can be rotated to get more room. Not suggesting you buy a new jack for your new trailer, though this is the type of jack on older trailers, which could be rotated: https://www.barkermfg.com/hi-power-3500.html

Thanks for the tip. This is an option I'll keep in mind. Appreciate your reply.

[earthdog]

Originally Posted by PKI

Look at the type of topper that replaces the tailgate and gives you a vertical door for access. Do not use extended shank as ball closer to the rear TV axle provides better stability.

Research the available hitches. Investigate the Eaz-Lift, Blue Ox Sway Pro, Reese dual cam, and Propride hitch.

Note that the 23FB has a lower unloaded tongue weight than other coaches, but if you do not manage the front bed storage, weight increases quickly. Only store bulky light weight items under the bed.

Congrats on the new shiny. Going to get you a bunch of smiles. Pat

We have a commercial-style ARE cap set up to carry our two Jack Russell Terriers in crates. Would hate to have to replace the cap - maybe they have a door option that might work.

The extended shank was suggested, but I understand that may introduce some sway. Thanks for the tips on the WDH options.

Load distribution is a factor. Like the lower hitch weight of the 23FB, but would be easy to add to that weight.

We are looking forward to March. Need to get some things squared away before then...

[earthdog]

Originally Posted by Bobbo

Question 1: Be sure you are getting the Equal-I-Zer. When I was buying my 23FB, the dealer told me they were installing an equalizer (note lower case and lack of hyphens), and I asked to see the box. It was a Fastway E2 hitch. That is a lighter duty less capable hitch. I told him I wanted a Reese Strait-Line hitch with their Dual Cam. It cost extra, but I am happy with it.

Question 2: My tailgate misses the jack by about 1/4", but it misses. That may (or may not) be a problem.

Dealer specified Equal-I-Zer brand, but good point.
I see you have basically the same tow vehicle. Might be the Reese hitch gives you the extra room for the tailgate. I may have to wait and see if the Equal-I-Zer will allow lowering.

Thanks to all of you for your responses.
I'm still open for ideas.

[Biker]

With a ProPride hitch, the tailgate on my Tundra opens with no problem.Attachment 302724

[rmkrum]

Yup. Have one. It’s overkill for the tailgate, but solves other sway issues permanently

[GettinAway]

Earth dog, welcome to the forum!
I run the Equalizer with my Tundra, and unfortunately I hit the jack with my tailgate. I don't use a bedcover or topper though, so it hasn't been a problem. I haul motorcycles too often for topper use. I was going to recommend the other, more expensive hitches (Hensley) but that would be a pretty costly solution.
You'll love the 23FB.
Question.. They are putting 15" tires on the 23s now. I imagine they are the Goodyear Endurance tires. Do you know if they are D or E rated? I'm in the process of going from 14s to 15s..

[RFP]

Originally Posted by earthdog

Rob and Linda - Yes, I certainly do remember your posts on the Casita Forum. Always enjoyed seeing what your latest mod was.

Earthdog, While the 23FB and the 23D (now 23CB) are of the same genus, they are definitely different species. That said, there is useful cross-pollination by checking out both this fine thread and the "23D" thread (here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...um-166374.html). Great ideas both places... wander over tho the "other place" from time to time... we'd love to see you there.

[Troutboy]

Rob, does the tailgate on your F150 clear the jack on the 23D with the equalizer hitch?

[NoResults]

I have a 2016 F150 with a Equal-i-zer hitch with my 23fb. Yes it does hit. I think I could turn the jack head as it barely hits and if I am exactly straight I can clear it. I usually don't have to get in the back of the truck unless I am stopped for the night so it has not been a big problem for me.

The pro pride and Hensley hitches would not work for me as they hang down and would create a problem backing into my up hill sloping drive way.

Dave

[eastendmary]

Hey PKI Love your pictures. What are you towing your 23FB with? Thanks

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

Rob, does the tailgate on your F150 clear the jack on the 23D with the equalizer hitch?

Ours is a Reese something-or-other-model WDH. I rotated the jack head 90-degrres and the tailgate doesn't hit, even if the trailer and truck are not quite straight.

[eastendmary]

I love this thread. Sorry I am so late to the party. I have a 2010 FB that I adore...I had mostly used her on the East Coast with not too much boondocking. I'm out west now and have been frustrated by the low clearance. Knocked my black water pipe off...twice...ouch. Fixed it both times, easily, but still a pain in my neck.
So...can you lift the 23' with its double axles? Someone had told me it either wasn't advisable or really hard and expensive? Love this thread and I need to peruse the older posts more thoroughly, so I apologize if I am asking a question that was answered earlier.

[Troutboy]

I lifted my 23D. Here is a thread detailing the experience. I am sure it would be similar to the FB, maybe gas line is different.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f382...3d-168184.html

If you are super handy, you can build your own lift kit like Steve of exploremore did on his 23D at this link:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ft-173015.html

[PKI]

There is a thread that addresses the lift. Actually more than one.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ft-173015.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...it-102393.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ed-165578.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...-166374-3.html

Good luck with your considerations. Pat

Edit - see I was too slow - see above.