Thank you for the very informative video. How do you like the Anderson weight distribution hitch? Are there any modifications during install due to the aluminum frame of the trailer?
It seems to be working pretty well. Taking a little bit to dial it in as it's hard to determine how much to tighten the nuts that distribute the weight. I did not "modify" the trailer per se, but I did get some aluminum spacers to raise the tongue rack up 3/4" so I could fit the top bolt of the WDH bracket. I also put down some electrical tape around the trailer frame where the bracket sits. The bracket is steel and the trailer is aluminum, you can get a reaction when steel touches aluminum that can lead to corrosion over time. Hence, putting something between them keeps them from coming in direct contact with each other.
Thank you for the tour and your initial impressions. My husband and I are looking at purchasing a Sol Dusk. I was hoping for 2 stairs, but the folding tuck under the trailer stairs. We boon-dock and move almost every day when we travel. Those steps look like they bring the rain/snow/dirt in the camper. I saw some photos of Dusks with the fold up stairs. Did you buy those as an option, or is that how your Dusk came?
The steps are part of the new additions in 2024. While I think they could bring in dirt, we put the carpet on there and it doesn't seem to be much of a problem. I would think without the carpet, it would be even less of a problem. We do keep a broom with us to brush off the steps if they start collecting dirt. We use the roll out canopy and an entry indoor/outdoor carpet and that does a really good job keeping dirt and rain down significantly. I'm not sure I would camp in the winter with the trailer as the insulation is not much. It is a 3 season camper so I suspect winter would be cold or use a lot of propane for the furnace. I boondock a lot as well, the factory battery is Lead Acid and only 75ah...it didn't last long. I upgraded it myself to a LiFePo4 battery and will be posting that to my YT channel soon. It made a WORLD of difference when boondocking. I can run for days with the new battery setup.
@RoughRidersTV Thanks for your response! We usually camp in spring and fall. Occasionally, we get into snow, but not for long. Thanks for the tip on insulation! I will definitely be watching on your battery upgrade. 👍
@@Dana-.- So we've only camped 3 times so far so we are still learning the ins/outs of it. With that said, it has rained on us on all 3 trips and we did not have any problem with water getting inside the trailer. The combination of the canopy and the indoor/outdoor carpet kept the trailer clean and dry. I don't know about how it would work with snow given that I probably would not want the canopy out in any snowfall or at least not in any significant snow fall as I would be concerned about the weight of the snow on the canopy. For rain, I just shorten one of the legs so the rain will flow off the canopy in that direction. But I think even with the previous type steps, you would have the same problem of tracking snow, dirt into the trailer as you go in/out. The only time you fold those steps up is when you are leaving so a good sweeping should take care of that without issue.
Not yet. I need to measure it. When I left the dealer lot, with a nearly full tank of water, it was 500lbs. I think with my battery upgrade and the tongue box, I am probably close to 600 but won't know for sure until I measure it. I did take it to a cat scale and I have 3600 lbs on the trailer axle, 3100 on the drive axle of my truck and 2900 on my front axle of my truck.
Agreed. We also roll out the metal sink cover as more counter space and it helps. We've now had it out 3 times and learning more and more about how to use the space. We are also learning limitations of the trailer that we need to account for while camping. I've completed the battery upgrade and the solar controller and it was a huge addition to the trailer capability. I never have to worry about how much power I use over night now.
I like how you opted out on the decals. Looks clean. These have been in my top three for three years now. Commitment issues.
Thanks. We plan on doing our own graphics but just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Very informative! Thanks for your candor and thorough tour.
Thanks for watching. More videos coming soon on the dusk as I do upgrades.
Great video...my husband and i purchased the same one 6 months ago...we love it
We miss our teardrop but love the Dusk for sure. Thanks for watching.
We have the same set up.. I already switched to a 230AH lifepo4 battery. We will be heading out maiden voyage next week...
Nice. We've only been out 3 times but enjoying it so far.
Thank you for the very informative video. How do you like the Anderson weight distribution hitch? Are there any modifications during install due to the aluminum frame of the trailer?
It seems to be working pretty well. Taking a little bit to dial it in as it's hard to determine how much to tighten the nuts that distribute the weight. I did not "modify" the trailer per se, but I did get some aluminum spacers to raise the tongue rack up 3/4" so I could fit the top bolt of the WDH bracket. I also put down some electrical tape around the trailer frame where the bracket sits. The bracket is steel and the trailer is aluminum, you can get a reaction when steel touches aluminum that can lead to corrosion over time. Hence, putting something between them keeps them from coming in direct contact with each other.
Great vid. Are these considered to be 4 season trailers??
Unfortunately no, they are 3 season trailers. Not much insulation in the walls for any real winter camping.
Thank you for the tour and your initial impressions. My husband and I are looking at purchasing a Sol Dusk. I was hoping for 2 stairs, but the folding tuck under the trailer stairs. We boon-dock and move almost every day when we travel. Those steps look like they bring the rain/snow/dirt in the camper. I saw some photos of Dusks with the fold up stairs. Did you buy those as an option, or is that how your Dusk came?
The steps are part of the new additions in 2024. While I think they could bring in dirt, we put the carpet on there and it doesn't seem to be much of a problem. I would think without the carpet, it would be even less of a problem. We do keep a broom with us to brush off the steps if they start collecting dirt. We use the roll out canopy and an entry indoor/outdoor carpet and that does a really good job keeping dirt and rain down significantly. I'm not sure I would camp in the winter with the trailer as the insulation is not much. It is a 3 season camper so I suspect winter would be cold or use a lot of propane for the furnace. I boondock a lot as well, the factory battery is Lead Acid and only 75ah...it didn't last long. I upgraded it myself to a LiFePo4 battery and will be posting that to my YT channel soon. It made a WORLD of difference when boondocking. I can run for days with the new battery setup.
@RoughRidersTV Thanks for your response! We usually camp in spring and fall. Occasionally, we get into snow, but not for long. Thanks for the tip on insulation! I will definitely be watching on your battery upgrade. 👍
@@Dana-.- So we've only camped 3 times so far so we are still learning the ins/outs of it. With that said, it has rained on us on all 3 trips and we did not have any problem with water getting inside the trailer. The combination of the canopy and the indoor/outdoor carpet kept the trailer clean and dry. I don't know about how it would work with snow given that I probably would not want the canopy out in any snowfall or at least not in any significant snow fall as I would be concerned about the weight of the snow on the canopy. For rain, I just shorten one of the legs so the rain will flow off the canopy in that direction. But I think even with the previous type steps, you would have the same problem of tracking snow, dirt into the trailer as you go in/out. The only time you fold those steps up is when you are leaving so a good sweeping should take care of that without issue.
Do you think a Laveo would work as a replacement for the stock toilet?
I'm not familiar with the Laveo. I do know a friend that has a Dusk installed a composting toiltet in place of the factory. He seems to like it.
@@RoughRidersTV check out the Laveo - no need for venting and it seems like a clean solution although I don’t have any personal experience.
Do you know what your tongue weight is with all your stuff in the trailer?
Not yet. I need to measure it. When I left the dealer lot, with a nearly full tank of water, it was 500lbs. I think with my battery upgrade and the tongue box, I am probably close to 600 but won't know for sure until I measure it. I did take it to a cat scale and I have 3600 lbs on the trailer axle, 3100 on the drive axle of my truck and 2900 on my front axle of my truck.
What’s the other brand you mentioned besides airstream? I couldn’t understand what you said.
Legrande. I don't remember the model name but they have one with a similar footprint. I believe MSRP on it was 53K to start.
Can you send me the info for the sales agent at Bretz rv please?
Sure. William Stump 406 241-0598. Tell him you watched the video and that I sent you.
You can use the table for more counter space. The TV on shore is a poor design. Overall it’s a decent trailer. Airstream is a disappointment.
Agreed. We also roll out the metal sink cover as more counter space and it helps. We've now had it out 3 times and learning more and more about how to use the space. We are also learning limitations of the trailer that we need to account for while camping. I've completed the battery upgrade and the solar controller and it was a huge addition to the trailer capability. I never have to worry about how much power I use over night now.