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Topic ClosedCamper Bob said, "Buy a Chevy"
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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Camper Bob said, "Buy a Chevy"
    Posted: 15 May 2013 at 4:19pm
So that's exactly what we did!

During our Forum discussion on transmission temperature readouts, Camper Bob suggested that a
Chevrolet TV would provide the necessary codes to a ScanGuage II.  That was not the entire reason why
I sat in the Dealer's cubicle this morning and wrote a check that was only surpassed in size by our 
mortgage payoff, but we are now the proud new owners of a Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 !!

In addition to some pretty nice driver / passenger amenities, it is equipped with the factory tow package
which includes a heavy duty receiver platform, 7-pin connector, pre-wiring for brake controller, etc.  The
combination of the vehicle and the tow package rate the trailer towing capacity at 6000+ lbs. without
WDH, and 10,500 lbs. with WDH, (and possibly anti sway).  For a while, at least, I think I'm out of the WDH business  !!

(Yippee !!)

That is, of course, subject to re-thinking if and when we connive to escape to the mountains.  (Or buy
a bigger trailer, but we love our 177.)

Our signature block has been updated accordingly.
 
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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Joined: 03 Dec 2010
Location: Hightstown, NJ
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Posts: 571 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 May 2013 at 6:04pm
Congrats!  Enjoy!
Chris and Walt
'10 RP-171 'Free Spirit'
'13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 May 2013 at 9:06pm

You'll be very happy with it as a TV, congrats!  I've tried towing with and without the tow mode and found I liked the shift points better with it off, although the auto-downshift when in tow mode is a nice feature - but I just do the same thing manually when needed.

While you don't need the WDH, the ride quality will still be better with it.  I still use mine.

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 6:06am
Yes, I've already changed my mind.  I will have to ask my mechanic to "flip" the ball mount and ball so
that the height is correct.  No big job, but I don't have wrenches big enough.

I was also just a little disappointed to read in the owners' manual that the elec. brake control wires in the
harness are just bare ends.  I was hoping for a quick and easy "plug-n-play"  I think the Jeep will get the
call one last time on Monday when we head to Manatee Springs for a quick getaway.  
After that, I'll have time to get everything sorted out.
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 8:55am
Congrats.  I won't ask for any credit on your switching vehicles other than to wish you the best.  Our Tahoe came with a tow package, but we still had to add a brake controller.  If you have all the parts, cables, connector, etc. take your new vehicle to any trailer rental yard and they will install the controller for about $35.  Enjoy and Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 9:37pm
I think it was with the 2007 redesign they went backwards to the bare leads instead of the plug-n-play connector.  Thats when they started offering the integrated brake controller so it must have been cheaper and/or faster to install it with the bare leads... leaving a pain for you and me. 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 10 Oct 2011
Location: Southern Ind
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 9:46pm
Sounds nice, I have 89K on my 08 paid for trail blazer, the local chevy dealer is tantalizing me with pictures of a bright red 2013 Silverado 1500 4wd. As an AC DELCO tech shop owner I can get the GM supplier price that is even lower than the upcoming Memorial Day sale. Ohhh what to do. I Love the way the trailblazer rides and pulls. It will last another 80 or 90K.
Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4
lift kit
prodigy wireless brake controller
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2013 at 8:44am
A nice bright red Chevy certainly sounds enticing.  Go for it.  As far as I know,( Shirley McLane aside), you only pass thru here once.  Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2013 at 10:05am
Having just taken the plunge, I have to agree!  

BTW, since you will probably be changing over a brake controller, which is how I spent a small part of my morning, 
here is the absolutely definitive site for information specific to both your model of controller, and
your vehicle:


They would obviously like to sell you a controller, and they carry every conceivable make and model, but
they also have an extensive "how to" video library.  Enter your vehicle information, find your specific
controller, and click on the "more information" link.  You will be taken to a thumbnail menu of all their
installation videos.

Hint-  I found myself unable to access the video I wanted directly from the site-  must be a broken link, or
something, but when I highlighted the video I wanted and pasted it into my browser search bar, bingo!

Bottom line, for $6.00 in parts and a half hour of my time my Prodigy controller has been transplanted from
the Jeep to the new truck.  My local Chevy dealer was very willing to do it-  For $120.00!!!

We're going camping Monday with the 1500!
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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