Can a 2012 JKUR pull a Coleman Evolution E1 comfortably?

[HenryJ]

This was our first trip with Tach's bike on the front of the E1:

We also had the generator up there too. We have dual batteries and propane tanks. We have since decided that solar is plenty for us and leave the generator at home.

Eventually the TW200 will ride on the front. and two KLR in the back of the truck.

 

[BradJ]

Ouch! Good to see what looks like minimal damage. What year is yours?

No damage at all. Fortunately it happened off road at low speed. It's a 2011, I got the last one left in this area last summer.

Here's a more flattering picture from the same trip. Those are the Sierra Del Carmen in Mexico on the other side of the Rio Grande near San Vicente.

 

[HenryJ]

Beautiful.

 

[Longtallsally]

The other alternative would be a tow hitch mounted bike hauler that has a secondary hitch on there rear of it ... for the trailer. Then you could do a trailer like Brad's and not need the large deck on the front. You would also not be "towing" the bike weight.
D

This is what I thought as well. I've already got a hitch carrier for one of the bikes so definitely a possibility.

We just got back from a dealer of the Banshee ones and we'd basically be in for close to $15k for the same as an E1. We also found a local one for $7k that has a few add ons that make it pretty nice, but it's a 2005 2 owner one.

Which would be better? The build quality of the things is pretty poor, which leads me to want the used one as I can sort it out on my own over time, but a warranty is appealing as well.

 

[HenryJ]

Keep looking. You will know when it is right. Hunting season will be over and lots to choose from. Patience.

 

[Longtallsally]

Keep looking. You will know when it is right. Hunting season will be over and lots to choose from. Patience.

So the used one is too much? I've seen them as low at just under $6k, but those are generally around 1k miles away. This one really is local and it already has a cover, awning, looks like the aluminum top, LED lights throughout, and a few other extras that add up.

Also, what is insurance on these things like?

And one last tech question; what type of axle maintenance is needed? Do the bearings need repacking from time to time? Finally, how did you mount your rear reciever hitch?

 

[daveh]

Your auto insurance typically covers the trailer for anything that happens while the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle. If you want coverage when not hooked up it'll probably run a few hundred per year. Most need an annual repack of the bearings. The receiver is the simplest install you can do. There are already 4 holes behind the rear bumper. Get the mopar hitch and it goes on in 5 min with 4 included bolts. Wiring harness is a bit of time and will depend on if you need 4 or 7 pin connection.

 

[HenryJ]

... found a local one for $7k that has a few add ons that make it pretty nice, but it's a 2005 2 owner one...

So the used one is too much? I've seen them as low at just under $6k, but those are generally around 1k miles away. This one really is local and it already has a cover, awning, looks like the aluminum top, LED lights throughout, and a few other extras that add up.

$7K is on the high side, but not out of the ball park. You might haggle the price down a little.? Closer to $6500 would be nice if it is as good as you say and not just the rose colored glasses talking.

Look under the front deck. Any rot?
What does the water tank look like? Crystal clean?
One battery, or two? How old? They only live four to five years with proper care.
Propane tank , or tanks? Two is nice.
Does the fridge work? It needs to work very well and keep food at 40 degrees to prevent spoiling.
Got weggies? The plastic caps and rounded ends on the slide rails. Are they intact or broken?
Does the sink leak? Any water damage underneath?
Any tears in the canvas? Windows tend to tear from the canvas.
AC or no AC?
RVQ? (Gas BBQ) or outside stove?
Equalizer hitch or sway control stabilizer?

New as you can afford. Condition and convenience will play a part too. Use your best judgement, but remember to take off the rose colored glasses. You don't NEED a trailer, you want one

 

[Longtallsally]

Thanks! Well said and all good stuff to look out for. That is the same thing we keep saying; we don't NEED one, so we are very willing to be patient. Half the cost of a new one and some add ons make the local one very appealing, though. It probably won't be until next weekend that we'd look at it and in my initial call, there has been some interest in it, but there definitely are a few around.

Also, I want to recover from the decent chunk of change we just dropped in prepping the Jeep for its namesake in a couple weeks, so waiting until spring won't kill us, or heck, until the dead of winter since we live in a very mild climate.

 

[Power Wagon Family]

We have used our Banshee about 3 times since our purchase in July 2012. We bought brand new, lots of options and paid 10,500$ out the door. So 15K seems high to me. We got the BSV-1 I believe is the model, it has the small deck on front.

 

[Longtallsally]

We have used our Banshee about 3 times since our purchase in July 2012. We bought brand new, lots of options and paid 10,500$ out the door. So 15K seems high to me. We got the BSV-1 I believe is the model, it has the small deck on front.View attachment 121460

Yeah they wanted 11,900 before tax, title, etc. way more than I'm willing to part with. I spoke with the actual owner of the local one. He's taken good care of it from the way our conversation went and just had the. Rakes redone and the bearings replaced this year.

In looking at your pic, do you have a load leveling hitch on yours?

We're trying to make it to where we just write a check for it, but it would be awful tight for a couple months if we did, and we just don't like that idea as we had to live lean for a few years when I got laid off (like everyone else).

I honestly think we'd use 2 or more weekends a month based on where we live and be able to do so year round. I just dunno...

 

[duckhunter71]

Your auto insurance typically covers the trailer for anything that happens while the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle. If you want coverage when not hooked up it'll probably run a few hundred per year.

I used to have a 31' Keystone Springdale TT with 14' super slide. My insurance was about $135/year. I wouldn't think it'd be much at all on a popup.

 

[Power Wagon Family]

No load leveling hitch on mine, seems to do fine and the brakes on the trailer are great and when towing you don't get that scary feeling :wings:

 

[Longtallsally]

Yeah I did some research today on trailer brakes. I ended up going to a local dealer and getting the OEM 7 pin plug and play connector harness and will order a controller. This will be something that even if we don't get THIS one, we'll be prepared to get one.

And thanks for the info on the load leveler.

We're scheduled to go look at the one locally on Sunday- if it doesn't sell prior- and take cash to make a decision. If it sucks, we'll either low ball him on the offer, or just get him down a bit as it sounded like he was willing to move a bit.

 

[Longtallsally]

Ok it looks like we are getting the local one as long as it is in good condition.

My question is on the brake controller wiring. I got the OEM harness, but it looks like I'll still have to splice into the brake switch and run another hot and ground wire for the controller itself. Is this correct?