New 2018 TB 27FB Owner

[UncleBad]

Wonder why the 50a models would not have it in the same place? Anyone know? I would also order it with the plug in the front position if possible on a 50a unit unless there is some reason not to, as I also plan to make use of a forward mounted generator. Also makes it simpler if one would ever need to carry a larger genset in the bed of the truck...

[The Naker]

Hi Rick,

See below for answers:

Originally Posted by RicknTrish

As mentioned in our other thread (we asked for feedback on TB 27' options), here are our questions:

--What brand of solar panels did CanAm install? Have you been satisfied with their performance?The solar package brand is 'Go Power!' This included two 100W flex panels and a charge controller. We are very satisfied with the performance. My batteries are usually charged back to full by 9am each day.

--Have you found 200W of solar adequate for your boondocking needs in general? (I realize there will be times that the generator is the only viable option).Yes its more than adequate. The only times we use the generator are for boon docking in the fall/winter when there is little sun and the battery performance is reduced because of the cold.

--The photo of the generator on the front fork shows it plugged into the front of the trailer. Custom installed plug? I don't see one of those on stock TB 27' photos.This plug was standard.

--What about the weight of the generator on the front fork - in relation to exceeding max recommended hitch weight? Are you offsetting it by deliberately putting more weight in the rear while towing? Does it matter? (Someone asked a similar question earlier in this thread, but I didn't see a reply).The weight distributing hitch was set up to account for the additional weight. We don't try to offset it. We have removed our spare tire because we replaced the tires with Michelin ones that apparently almost never fail. I'm sure lots of people aren't comfortable with this but we have never had a flat. The trailer is balanced and pulls effortlessly.

Thanks,
Rick

[The Naker]

Originally Posted by RicknTrish

One more thing: Once we decide which California dealer we'll buy from, do you mind if we show/send them the photos of the generator mounting plate and bike rack setup?

Of course not!

[RicknTrish]

Great, thanks very much for the responses to all of my questions. It's been invaluable to talk to someone who has walked the path ahead of us.

[The Naker]

Originally Posted by RicknTrish

Great, thanks very much for the responses to all of my questions. It's been invaluable to talk to someone who has walked the path ahead of us.

Happy to help. Feel free to ask anything else that comes up.

[rperrym]

Sean,
I was wondering about the bike rack you had installed. I was considering a front receiver for my pickup until I saw your post. I did have some reservations as I seem to remember earlier postings describing some possible structural damage to the rear of airstreams. Did Can-Am discuss any potential of this, or do they have a design that prevents this?
I am interested in others thoughts on this as well.
Thanks for any input you would be willing to provide.

Rick

[The Naker]

Originally Posted by rperrym

Sean,
I was wondering about the bike rack you had installed. I was considering a front receiver for my pickup until I saw your post. I did have some reservations as I seem to remember earlier postings describing some possible structural damage to the rear of airstreams. Did Can-Am discuss any potential of this, or do they have a design that prevents this?
I am interested in others thoughts on this as well.
Thanks for any input you would be willing to provide.

Rick

Hi Rick,

Can-Am didn't discuss the structural thinking behind the bike rack but I do know they have done them for years. I have complete trust in them and know they wouldn't offer anything that could damage the Airstream. I comfort myself by assuming they know more than most of the people posting about theoretical structural damage.

Sorry I can't offer more on this.

Sean

[Andrew T]

The Bike carriers we install don’t hurt the Airstream because the bikes are carried very close to the back of the Airstream, the carrier only weighs 12 pounds and because it is supported off the back wall most of the load is off the frame rails. Also all the bounce is eliminated.

The Airstream rack has the same advantages it just doesn’t look as nice or swing down for storage access.

I hope this helps.

Andy

[rperrym]

Thanks Andrew. Is this something I could install myself? Could I get access to the installation instructions before I decide? I assume there is some drilling into the back door, which makes me wince to think about.
Sorry for all the questions.

Rick

[Andrew T]

Hi Rick. 6 holes in the door but they go through the trim so it’s easy. Plus 4 through a bumper. If you send me a email I can send the installation page.

[rperrym]

Private Message sent.
Thanks.

[RicknTrish]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Hi Rick. 6 holes in the door but they go through the trim so it’s easy. Plus 4 through a bumper. If you send me a email I can send the installation page.

FYI, I'm also very interested in the installation instructions because I want to have this installed on my TB 27' (it's on order, arrives in late March or early April). Would have Can Am do it, but I'm in San Diego, and that would be a bit of a drive. I talked to Dave today in Can Am's service department, he was great about answering my questions, said he'd try to find some info to send me so I could show it to the local Airstream service department. I gave him my personal email address. If it's not redundant, I'll also send you a email on this forum in case your installation page would augment whatever Dave might send me.

Rick

[rperrym]

Thanks. I will do the same. After looking at the pictures of an installation, I am not certain I want to drill holes in my new trailer. But, I will check the details and then decide. I am still leaning towards a front receiver for my truck.

Rick