33RKE Classic and '07 GM3500 D/A DRW

[Dutch_man39]

We like the look of this model on paper, haven't seen one in person yet.

We also like the new GM or Chevy 3500 Duramax DRW, but concerned if we're too close to the maximums on GCWR. I don't think we'll get anywhere close to the trailer GVWR of 17,500, but even at 16,000 lbs trailer wgt, it looks close.

We don't have the truck so I'm just going on estimates at this point.

Anyone with a similar setup and how are your weights?

Bill

[ChiefJohn]

Bill,
I was hoping to defer to someone who had a similar setup as you're contemplating for a more "expert" opinion. Based on my experience with towing 5th wheels, I don't believe you're going to have any problems. Stick with the 1-ton dually type trucks.

[D and J]

I don't know if Chevy has increased the GVW since 2006, but if you are thinking about having a washer/dryer in the bathroom, you might have a weight problem.

We chose our Ford (w/tow boss) so that we knew we could carry a w/d if we choose to.

If you aren't ever going to have that extra weight, you should be OK with the Chevy

We had a 2005 GMC D/A before we bought our Excel, and I miss the quite ride of the Duramax, but we knew we would be carrying everything we can when we start fulltiming (soon!)

[Dutch_man39]

Yes, we are planning on including the washer/dryer option as we will be full-timing. I'm having a problem coming up with the new 2007 specs for Chevy/GMC. However, the 2007 Classic is listed at 11,400 lbs GVWR and 23,500 lbs GCWR for the DRW Duramax.

I added an estimated 800 lbs for options we want to add to the trailer, including the w/d, dual-pane windows, fireplace, boat hitch for a bike rack, disc brakes, heat pump. I have also figured about 2,500 lbs for full-timer "stuff" which includes everything from clothes, food, dishes, supplies, tools, etc. Am I in the ballpark?

Hopefully someone has a similar setup and will pass along some info on their weights.

Thanks!

Bill

[clspds]

Dutch_man 39,

My truck is a '04 Silverado, 4x4, Duramax, DRW, Long wheel base, Crew cab.
I have a '04 33RSE no w/d, no fireplace and no heat pump.
We are not fulltimers but spent 6 months in ours last winter. Fully loaded for our trip with all 3 holding tanks empty we where 22860 lbs.
As you can see you have to be careful what you take along.
That being said we have seen many larger Excels being pulled by 3/4 ton trucks.

Paul

[clspds]

Dutch_man 39,

After my last post I noticed you are looking at a Classic. My unit is a Limited thus I have the fiberglass roof.

Paul

[Cookieman]

We haven't had any problems with our rig.The Allison is the only way to go. It is an awesome transmission. My first trip down a 9% grade proved it to me. We have a w/d, couldn't imagine full timing without one. We are about maxed out on our weight, but have not experienced any control difficulties.

[LindaH]

Originally posted by Dutch_man39:
the 2007 Classic is listed at 11,400 lbs GVWR

This is incorrect. The 33RKE Classic has a GVWR of 17,500#. I'm not sure where you came up with the 11,400# since the base weight of the 33RKE without options is listed as 12,080#.

[Butch50]

Linda,

He is talking about the GVWR of the truck being 11,400# not the 5er

By the way I see you have a Dodge 3500. Is it a DRW or SRW? Is it a 4X4 of a 2X4? If 4X4 do you have an issues with the rear of the bed being so high on the truck and causing you problems with clearance between truck rails and bottom of the 5er? I'm research a new tow vehicle so need to ask all kinds of questions. I have a F550 but the bed sets to high and I would have enough clearance.

Thanks

[Dutch_man39]

Originally posted by LindaH:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dutch_man39:
the 2007 Classic is listed at 11,400 lbs GVWR

This is incorrect. The 33RKE Classic has a GVWR of 17,500#. I'm not sure where you came up with the 11,400# since the base weight of the 33RKE without options is listed as 12,080#. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry Linda, I should have said the truck GVWR. Chevy and GM have 2 versions of the 2007 models, "Classic" which looks like 2006 and the new 2007 body style. Thanks Butch for the explanation!

Bill

[motojavaphil]

We have a Dodge 4X4 DWD. Height of truck is a non-issue with my MKO.
Phil

[Dutch_man39]

Originally posted by motojavaphil:
We have a Dodge 4X4 DWD. Height of truck is a non-issue with my MKO.
Phil

Phil,

I think you posted this on the wrong topic!

Bill

[Butch50]

I think Phil might be answering my question that I kind of added onto my response. I seen where Linda has a 2007 Dodge 3500 and was wondering if she had any problems with height of the truck and her trailer and Phil (I beleive) was answering me.

I'll start another thread so I don't end up highjacking this one. Sorry.

[Dutch_man39]

Originally posted by Butch50:
I think Phil might be answering my question that I kind of added onto my response. I seen where Linda has a 2007 Dodge 3500 and was wondering if she had any problems with height of the truck and her trailer and Phil (I beleive) was answering me.

I'll start another thread so I don't end up highjacking this one. Sorry.

Thanks Butch, no problem!

Bill