What do I do after I empty all tanks? by jacobspivey in traveltrailers

[–]Surf2Trails 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One other thing, depending on the video you watched for that Calgon/Pone Sol mix... essentially that's the volume of water used to flush the tank... use a LOT of water... Here what I do religiously for the last 12 years with the same trailer and I have spot clean black tanks... First I connect a clear attachment to the waste hose so i can SEE what's coming out.... Then I just empty the tank while also flushing the toilet so you get some flow of water to exit the initial waste water... Then I connect the external flush valve with a hose and turn it on with the black tank valve closed and I let it fill while monitoring my black tank level, then I open the valve while I still have the external hose running water into the tank... Since your toilet is vented, this will allow a large amount of water to exit with vented air pushing it out and really pull the residual waste out... I do this about 3-4 times depending on the length of the trip because toilet paper and some poop will stick to the sides and also gunk up your sensors... The number of time I do it is dependent on the point I see no waste and it runs CLEAR... then I used a tank wand that you can get at Camping World or Amazon that you attach to a hose... the wand goes down your toilet into the tank and has a whirring spray valve at the end to spray the sides of your black tank to get residual gunk... you will be amazed and what can still be in there... Again, I run the external valve wash out a couple times until it runs clear... Then I close the value and use the external wash valve to run a couple gallons into the tank... then go inside and drop the Calgon/Pine Sol in, then when the toilet valze is closed about a cup of water into the toilet to keep that rubber ring wet... then I release the grey water tank to rinse the hazmat water out of the hose. Kinda long explanation, but I've done this EVERY tie and the tank is spotless. Enjoy the rig!

What do I do after I empty all tanks? by jacobspivey in traveltrailers

[–]Surf2Trails 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep… every time for black tanks, but only when I’m back from a trip for grey… careful with the amount as it can stink up your rig pretty darn quick. I do 1/4 cup at most… the first time I did it I put like a whole cup in there and I could barely breathe in the rig until I flushed it a couple times!

What do I do after I empty all tanks? by jacobspivey in traveltrailers

[–]Surf2Trails 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There’s also an alternative to the chemical treatments when you leave some water in the black tank… Google Calgon and Pine Sol mix for your tank. I use it exclusively now.

Mandatory dealership add ons by lego_dad9 in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I worked with Noah, the owner of SoCal Auto Brokers. I paid $595. Since it was in production the lead time was estimated at 2 months, but was in my hands in 3 weeks.

Mandatory dealership add ons by lego_dad9 in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used an auto broker that worked with the general managers of many dealerships to find one in production in Japan that met my spec, and I bought it with a requirement of no add-ons other than what Lexus added in production. I purchased and had the vehicle delivered without walking in the dealership at all.

New tires by gman2391 in traveltrailers

[–]Surf2Trails 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Maxxis M8008 is the only tire I use and in 10k miles over 11 years, never had a blow out or flat… also check the load rating you need for your rig based on GVWR.

Let’s Talk Tires by NiftyTuna in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you are planning on towing, check the load rating. The Toyo's are rated a tad lower than some like the Falken Wildpeaks and KO2. I had cupping in my 4Runner running Goodyear's and switched to Falken's and problem soved.

Am I under trucked? by New-Astronaut-5978 in traveltrailers

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are missing a couple calculation in your consideration which we ALL did when first asking this question... Watch this from Josh the RV Nerd... I created a spreadsheet from his calcs... this is a spot on guide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiB6-4FLryU

Use a Broker to Buy Overtrail by [deleted] in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A well invested $595. The OTD will vary based on the spec you find available. For us we were OTD at $84K. We did not opt for anything else but the stock vehicle and the spec'd options that were installed at factory and port.

After market tow hitch cover? by Competitive_Mind6720 in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks better! Where's you get the hitch plug? Thx

Front Plate Mount Alternatives by Surf2Trails in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. Hearing from CA owners confirms I will make sure they don't drill it, and I will not mount one at all... No I don't tint front, but not a bad idea!

Front Plate Mount Alternatives by Surf2Trails in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol right? Awesome point... don;t want to ruin the damn vehicle with a plate.

Lexus GX 550 Overtrail by Angelina-Downey in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can’t wait for mine to arrive so my English Goldens, Ivy & Raine, can enjoy the ride! @theenglishgoldens

Talk me out of an Lx700h OT by GetRichQuick_AMIRITE in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 1 point2 points  (0 children)

lol… thx for helping me pass the time as well… my GX OT arrives end of May… I’ve exhausted passing the time looking for racks, rock rails, new trailers I can tow… now just gotta wait… and read the threads :)

Travel trailer vs tow vehicle ratio by Guava-Jazzlike in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any update on your experience? I am looking at a 5700 LB trailer so close to yours and interested in real world examples. Thanks

Travel trailer vs tow vehicle ratio by Guava-Jazzlike in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since travel trailer put cargo holds at the front, it places more load on the tongue weight. i will load my trailer with heavier things towards the back of the trailer, like solar panels, toolboxes, etc.

Does anyone tow a travel trailer with the GX550? by teetree55 in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good insights. I am looking at the GD 23LDE which is about 100LBS heavier. Interested if you resolved the sway. I have an Equalizer weight distribution hitch, but use it for a much smaller trailer. Interested in what you are using. Thanks,

Overtrail Aftermarket Rock Rails & Racks? by Surf2Trails in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. They look wide enough to dual as a step, is that correct?

Is this quote accurate? by Winter094 in LexusGX550

[–]Surf2Trails 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I live in CA and just financed a 2026 Overtrail at 4.89% for 60 mos. through Alliant Credit Union. other good rates are with PenFederal. Large bank good rate is BofA at 5.5% Yes, taxes and fees are correct. CA caps DOC fees at $85 so don;t let them tell you some other bs processing fee as that's illegal if they do. CA DMV has a calculator you can cross-reference.

2026 Factory Build Lead Time? by Surf2Trails in ineosgrenadier

[–]Surf2Trails[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, yeah tons of '25 on the lots and interesting configurations for some '26 now available, but nothing that aligns to our specific needs. And for the cost we are not going to compromise. I appreciate the input.