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Had our first "big" trip in the 2010 14rb. Thought I would report on the tow vehicle and mileage. Trip was about 250 miles each way with elevation gain of 4500' – Lubbock, TX to Ruidoso, NM. Had to escape the Texas heat so headed up to the cool pines of New Mexico. Got lucky and it rained the afternoon we arrived. First rain they had seen in a while. Stayed in a RV park (national forests are closed due to fire danger). Instead of 100+ degrees every day we had daytime highs in the low 80s and nightime highs in the high 50s. It was like a slice of heaven. My wife and I had the 14RB loaded lightly with empty tanks but did load the fridge, clothes in the closet (the shelving mod used by others here in the forum worked beautifully), bed made and food packed in the trailer. Tow vehicle is a 2010 Nissan Xterra (V-6) equipped with rear air shocks (load assist?). We used an antisway bar but no load equalizer hitch. With the air shocks there was no sag and being rear wheel drive, the rig handled very well. Towing speeds were kept pretty much right on 60mph and overdrive was locked out. Average towing rpms were about 1950. Rig ran cool. MIleage was exceptional I thought, getting 15.5 going up and over 16.5 coming back down. Just wanted to let anyone considering a V6 tow rig, that the Xterra does an excellent job. With a headwind I usually slow down to 55 because of wind drag but on this trip, the worst we experienced were cross winds. No significant trailer sway even when meeting or getting passed by semis. One other KZ Sportsmen in the campground but it was much larger, probably 22+ feet. We had the smallest trailer in the rv park. Didn't bother me but wife kept looking longingly at 5th wheels. I am quite happy with a small easy to maintain trailer and getting good gas mileage. Plenty of room for two.

We are the second owners of this 14RB and the water heater has gone out. Based upon troubleshooting guides I have read it appears that the control module has gone out. Anyone ever try taking one apart? I may end up just putting a new water heater in. It's not difficult but they aren't cheap, hence the possible repair on the control module. I think Suburban calls it an ECO or something like that. I doubt if it's supposed to be owner serviceable because the screws are all sealed. Any help appreciated.

Thanks, Lee

mcmanawayp said:

Hi Lee,

My wife and I pull a 2011 14RB with a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country.  The 3.8 V6 does a great job and, although the minivan is front wheel drive, there hasn't even been a hint of a problem towing. Our towing mileage is comparable to what you've experienced.  We find that being the smallest trailer in the park does get us quite a bit of attention.  Can't tell you how many times we've been approached at gas stations and rest areas by folks who want to ask about our "baby trailer"!

Water heater problem ?– Does the pilot light not stay on ? Is the flame of the pilot heating the thermocouple? Eco  is a over heat senser in series with the thermocouple.I would try a new thermocouple first.

many thanks,  I'll have a transmission cooler installed before any long trip

regards

Jim