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After years of pulling popup campers we got a 2010 14rb. Got it last week (used) and took it on the first trip this past weekend. I had read about how bad the gas mileage was so I was prepared for bad results. What I got wasn't all that bad. Tow vehicle is a 2010 Xterra. Pulled a 2010 14RB. Used antisway but no load equalizer. Have Firestone air bags assisting the back shocks of the Xterra. We had a tail wind of 30+ going and a head wind coming back of 20+. Cross winds and trucks passing were no problem. I could definitely feel the trailer and the wind resistance but had no control problems. Speed –  I towed with the OD off limiting my top gear to 4th. The State park was about a hundred miles away. I towed 50-55 and often 60 but mostly 50-55. I tried to keep the speedometer about 55 but with a strong headwind or even crosswind the Xterra seemed happier sometimes at 52. The roads were lightly traveled and we were in no hurry. Gas mileage with the tailwind was just a bit over 16mpg and returning into the 20mph headwind we got just a bit over 14. I was very surprised. The terrian was flat to rolling. The 14RB was loaded lightly with camping gear but the tanks were empty.

Hope the take the rig to Colorado or NM mountains this summer. I think it will do fine if I don't get in a hurry. I will load the trailer lightly. I do think a v8 truck would be better but the Xterra will be our our only tow vehicle for the future until it's paid for.

In the introduction thread I had mentioned that the trailer springs squeaked a lot. I lubed them (mainly the spring brackets) with dupont spray teflon dry wax spray. It helped some but I think I need to lube them several more times before I can say it works well.

We did have a problem with the hot water heater. It lit just fine and the water heated ok but after about 45 mintues the water started gushing out of the water pressure relief valve near the top of the water heater. Not dripping, it was gushing. I think either it is a defective pressure relief valve or the thermostat that controls water temperature is defective. All ideas are welcomed. Anyone had a similar problem?

5000 btu a/c did just fine in mid 90s heat. Not freezing cold in the trailer but comfortably cool.

Very please with the trailer overall.

Lee

Post edited 1:52 pm – June 8, 2011 by lfcpa

Thanks for the reply. Your comments make me feel better about the Xterra's V-6. I purchased the 14RB from a Nissan mechanic and he said the Xterra's make a lot more horsepower than most people realize. He checked out my Firestone Ride Rite air shock bags and said it was the first time he had seen them on an Xterra. He had seen them on a lot of Nissan trucks (pickups) but never on an Xterra. I asked him if I would need an additional transmission oil cooler and he said the transmission fluid was already routed through the radiator AND a separate transmission oil cooler and that no additional cooler was needed.

Up to about 50 mph the 14rb pulls easier than the Niagra popup we have which weighs over 3000 pounds. After 50 mph the wind drag of the 14rb really takes hold and it seems to pull harder because of the wind resisitance. Even small hills or strong crosswinds caused the Xterra to downshift briefly. I usually cruise 55-60 turning 2000 rpm pulling the 14rb or the popup. Even when downshifting the rpms usually stayed below 3000 rpm. The  popup, as expected, pulls easier above 55 but the difference is not as dramatic as I expected maybe because it is a large heavy popup camper.

Regarding the squeaking problem. I think it is the springs rotating slightly in the shackles. I'll keep trying lubricants until I get it. It's not a real problem, just annoying.

I have owned a lot of popup campers and it really makes me happy to set up in about ten minutes vs the half hour plus for the popup. The time difference is even greater for take down. The 14rb is definitely a keeper.