Soon to be Newbie with Tons of Questions

[eharv]

I am a retired school adminstrator and completely new to RVing, and am so pleased to have found THIS site.

I have ordered a 2007 Safari 25SS/LS/SE that is scheduled to arrive by the end of October. I plan to use my 2006 Ford F 150 FX Crew to pull it.

I have tons of questions, but guess my first ones deal with the equipment that I need.

First, what kind of weight equilizer and sway system would be the best----I am currently consdering an Eqal-i-zer system?

Second, which brake controller would be the best---I am currently considering a Tekonsha Prodigy v2.6?

Third, what type of backup camera system would be best---I am currently considering the Voyagber VOS7694.

Fourth, what satellite system should I get----I have NO idea---I currrently have DISH at my homes and use 811 HD receivers. (Dish website has been no help to me.)

Any suggestions certainly would be appreciated.

Looking forward to a whole new adventure!

EHARV

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. Look at both the Equalizer and the Hensley. The Prodigy is probably the best controler.

[TIMEMACHINE]

eharv,

Your choices for the WD hitch and brake controller are good to go. I did the same with no regrets. As for the back-up camera, you may want to consider some of the aftermarket in-dash GPS units that have the camera function option, it may be cost effective since you will want a GPS. As for Satellite, most recommend a mobile dish that is not attached to the AS structurally (tripod style), thus allowing easier alignment.

John

[skykingpilot]

Welcome EHARV!

Sure read a lot on the site regarding Hensley... Suspect you'll find that will be the unit of choice. We are not new to RVing just new to AS this year. Our new unit is a 19' Safari. This was our dream-trailer for our retirement years. After a great deal of thought we just took the plunge this year rather than waiting for retirement. We have had a ton of fun this year already with our new rig. Hope you guys find your new home away from home to be as rewarding as we have! Enjoy!

[BillTex]

Air Stream-Prodigy-EQ


Three great choices!


Welcome and enjoy your new AS.
This forum and the great people on it, are a wealth of info,

Bill

[jcanavera]

You might also consider a Jordan brake controller. Also one of the best on the market. http://www.jordanbrake.com/

As far as your Dish network goes, you should be able to use one of your home receivers on the road. Of course you will need to get a dish and something to mount it on. Note that you probably will not receive your local stations (assuming you subscribe to local stations) once you get too far away from Austin. Those are on a spot beam transponder and are focused to cover that area only.

I have an Equal-i-zer hitch so you are getting a good product there. You might consider ordering the spares kit with your Equal-i-zer which will give you a small box of the essential parts that sometimes people lose while out on the road.

Jack

[dbradhstream]

Congratulations! We've had our 2006 Airstream since April and have loved it - hope you enjoy yours as much. When we picked ours up the dealer installed an Equalizer while we did our walkthrough and I've had no problems with it. It's simple to adjust and has needed no maintenance. It's the only brand I've tried but I recommend it.

I didn't get a satellite installed but bought a portable dish from Camper's World and use my Directv box from the house. It works - when it works - but it's a pain to align the dish manually and we've several times ended up in a campsite with no clear southern view. If you can afford it I'd recommend something that aligns itself electronically but I'd think those are pretty expensive.

[lhorne]

EHARV

Welcome! We too purchased the 2007 25 SS LS SE trailer, only difference probably is that we ordered the bunk bed option. My husband did much research and we are going with the Hensely Hitch. Our tow vehicle is 1500 Dodge Ram with the extra heavy axle.

Congrats on you new airstream!

[ScottW]

We are nearing retirement also, but bought our 25fb last Feb and love it. We have the dealer installed equalizer and anti-sway and have had no problems at all. It pulls great with our Ford F-150 crewcab. Tekonsha is what the dealer installed for us - it works fine. We also purchased a dish network reciever from Radio Shack (apprx $100), a portable dish and tripod from the local camper guys. Simply phone the dish folks and they'll set you up. We have had little problem getting a signal, but remember you'll have to "re-channelize" your TV everytime you move. Enjoy and let us know if you need any help. Advice here is worth exactly what you pay for it. HAHA!
Scott

[bauere]

Welcome to the forum. We purchased a Sarari 28 last spring and went through all the same questions and choices. Our tow vehicle is a GMC Yukon/denali, we decided on the Hensley, and the prodigy controller works great. Have had 4 great trips so far and one more planned before winter sets in. Hope you enjoy your new trailer!

Ernie