Travels Of The Ball Family

We purchased our travel trailer on 9/9/17. It is a Palomino Stampede S-195 SD.  It is a hybrid which means the main trailer is like a conventional trailer but the bunks fold out almost like a pop-up. It's a real space saver and allows for lots of floor space. Right Side Left Side Floorplan We really like the layout. It's a bit tight when there are more than three people trying to move around but a little planning helps to ease that. I would like to move up to something in the 25' range without the fold down bunks but that's a far off ...maybe.

When we purchased our trailer we had a 2005 GMC Envoy for towing. I checked all the specs and we were within the towing capability of the vehicle. When I picked up the trailer we measured the drop and decided immediately to add a special weight distribution hitch. I was surprised at how well it leveled out the GMC. I also had to install an electronic brake controller. Even though the GMC was wired for a brake controller there was none installed. It was easy. 2005 GMC Envoy Although the GMC was capable, it was on the line for towing power. I did some research and there were three suggestions for upgrades. The first was to add a transmission cooler. The second was to add a cold air intake to the engine. The third was to install a custom computer chip for controlling the shift points. We had hoped to do some longer trips in the future so I considered the upgrades. In the late winter of 2017 my Mother passed away. Due to some money coming our way right away we decided to upgra...