First outing a success

[SactoCampers]

Our first trip in the Sactohybrid was a success. We decided to keep it close and went to Lake Solano RP 20 minutes away for one night. Setup time was reduced by at least one-half and the beds are much easier. I also like having internal tanks and not setting up an external grey water system. Before we leave, I just filled up all my tanks, drove to the dump station, and dumped them there. I am buying a drain spout adaptor that will convert to a garden hose coupler so I can purge grey water when necessary. Had a minor problem with the awning (the clamp knob thread was stripped so it wouldn't hold) and have the part on order for the next trip.
 
The seating and sleeping arrangement work better for us in the hybrid than did our popup as does the additional storage, larger fridge, and having access to the interior while breaking camp. Disadvantage is the weight is heavier and the tongue isn't on a wheel so I have to be perfectly aligned. Overall, I'm very pleased.

[griffsmom]

Disadvantage is the ...tongue isn't on a wheel so I have to be perfectly aligned.

I completely forgot about that little feature.  :eek:
 
Brian, you haven't yet had the laugh-out-loud pleasure of watching Dave and I "back" the PU into a site--it usually ends up that we just unhitch the d@mn thing and push it into place.  This could be a hybrid dealbreaker for us....

[brainpause]

Hmmmmmmm.......I didn't realize placing the trailer was such a big problem. Even with our little Colt, when I UNHITCH, it means I'm UNHITCHED, and that's where she stays. I think the only time I've ever moved it by hand was at a non-cg, and we were trying to get the camper between two trees (longways), so it would face the creek.

Larry

[calstate360]

Disadvantage is the weight is heavier and the tongue isn't on a wheel so I have to be perfectly aligned. Overall, I'm very pleased.

Brian I believe it is a fact that Starcraft Hybrids are the heaviest made. :mad:
I just sent Joan down to Ray's RV last month and had her pick me up a wheel for a pop-up. The ones at camping world are too big for the shaft. After 5min of grinding, I now have a wheel on mine. Glad your shakedown went well.
BTW for anyone familiar with Ray's they have moved around the corner to a larger shop.
411 Glide Ave. West Sac.

Sal

[campingboaters]

Congratulations on the first trip out!  Glad you liked your hybrid.  You are going to LOVE that camper for it's conveniences.

The disadvantage you listed really shouldn't be an issue for the most part.  I find that our hybrid is MUCH easier to back up.  It responds less quickly so when you start to move in the wrong direction, just stop and turn your wheel the other way.  If that doesn't work, just pull forward to straighten up and start over again.   When I backed up the pop-up, I always over-steered the thing and was pulling forward more than backing up!    
 
Good luck and keep us posted of your new-found joys in your camper!

[griffsmom]

Hmmmmmmm.......I didn't realize placing the trailer was such a big problem. Even with our little Colt, when I UNHITCH, it means I'm UNHITCHED, and that's where she stays. I think the only time I've ever moved it by hand was at a non-cg, and we were trying to get the camper between two trees (longways), so it would face the creek.
 
Larry

Well sure, you probably know how to back the trailer up.  Boy, some people just can't resist rubbing it in....:p

[SactoCampers]

If the tongue had a wheel, I could push it around. But I hear you Sal, the shaft diameter is too wide.
 
Other disadvantage is the bed length is shorter. I had to turn slightly diagonal to stretch out. But on the plus side, there is a little square ledge at the front corner for me to place my glasses. Foam is thicker too, so the bed doesn't need any modifications to sleep.
 
Lori, I think you're awfully close to a hybrid. They really are convenient. It is the right choice for us with Sactotoddler and another on the way. We enjoy camping and being outdoors so much (and even inside) that we had to find something more convenient. When it was just Mrs. Sacto and me, I enjoyed the ritual of setting up the popup because she could help, but recently I ended up doing all the work, and setting up and breaking down camp took about two hours. Once I get good, the hybrid should take between 1/2 an hour and an hour.
 
Brainpause, backing the trailer wasn't a problem. I'm good at that. It was trying to back up to the trailer once disconnected that was the problem. I had to be dead-on center since there is no wheel to move the tongue side to side. On a side note, it tows stable with the WD and sway-bar.

[SCCS]

Brian,
 Glad to hear you had a flawless first trip out. Can't wait to check it out one day. How is Jennifer doing?

[SactoCampers]

Brian,
Glad to hear you had a flawless first trip out. Can't wait to check it out one day. How is Jennifer doing?

She's doing great. Definitely pregnant. The baby is kicking and having a good time in there. Megan is excited that a new baby will be here soon. Did you ever get the pictures I sent you of Megan and Stephanie at the Gold Rush Rally?

[SCCS]

Brian,
 Yes we did. Looks like they really enjoy each other.

[brainpause]

Well sure, you probably know how to back the trailer up.  Boy, some people just can't resist rubbing it in....:p

What's the fun of being good at something if you can't rub it in occasionally?    :Z

Larry

[brainpause]

Brainpause, backing the trailer wasn't a problem. I'm good at that. It was trying to back up to the trailer once disconnected that was the problem. I had to be dead-on center since there is no wheel to move the tongue side to side.

OIC That would be a problem.

I have to brag on my wifey here a little. When we are hooking up, she has gotten really good at watching for me (standing at the tongue), and pointing me one way or another and knowing when to stop me. She even stops me so that the tongue/trailer has to "reach" for the ball a little bit, which is exactly how I like it. It also helps that I have a hand brake. When she says STOP, I grab the hand brake, and the truck stops right there!

However, that may all change when I get a bigger truck (hopefully 3/4 ton someday), with no handbrake and larger trailer.

Larry

[brainpause]

She's doing great. Definitely pregnant. The baby is kicking and having a good time in there. Megan is excited that a new baby will be here soon.

How exciting! I did not know that a SactoBaby was on its way! Congratulations!

Larry