Considering Excel TT Purchase

[Vulcangw]

I am currently considering purchasing an Excel travel trailer so that I can carry my motorcycle in my pickup bed. But when I look at all the specs, I am concerned whether my 2011 Silverado 3500 standard bed (6.5 feet) can do the job, or any Silverado other than a dually for that matter. The Silverado is rated at max TT towing capacity of 13,000 pounds. PI lists the "Unloaded Vehicle Weight (W/O water)" as 11,290 pounds. Put a little water in the unit plus normal stuff and the unit would quickly get to my max towing rating. I would get a Hensley Arrow hitch for sure. I would really appreciate it if any current Excel TT owners could respond and tell me what they pull with and how well the setup handles.

[chief02]

What engine, tranny, and gears do you have?

[MonacoMama]

...also is it a two wheel or four wheel drive...

[Vulcangw]

My truck is a 4x4 with the Duramax/Allison.

[Vulcangw]

Chief02, and the gears are 3.73. For further clarification, I am currently pulling an 06 Cypress 32rlks fifth wheel that weighs about 13,500 dry. The truck handles the fiver great, much better than the 06 Silverado 2500HD I used to have. I have considered getting an Excel fiver with the Hydralift on the back for a bike, but I want to bring my Goldwing and if I understand PI correctly, that would be too much weight (PI told me capacity is 1,000 pounds including the weight of the Hydralift and the bike). That is why I am thinking about the TT with a Hensley Arrow hitch. I can then install a Rampage motorcycle lift in the bed of my truck and bring the Goldwing with me.

[chief02]

The allison duramax combo will do the job just fine. 4:10 gears would be a bit better. You just dont want to go over your GVWR in total. This would inlcude tounge weight, bike, people, dogs, fuel and all your gear carried in the truck. Likewise with your rear axle carrying capacity as well as tires weight carrying limits. good luck.

PS, Excel all the way! Have you look at the Excel Wild Cargo?

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief02 The allison duramax combo will do the job just fine. 4:10 gears would be a bit better. You just dont want to go over your GVWR in total. This would inlcude tounge weight, bike, people, dogs, fuel and all your gear carried in the truck. Likewise with your rear axle carrying capacity as well as tires weight carrying limits. good luck. PS, Excel all the way! Have you look at the Excel Wild Cargo?

Chief, GM has ONLY offered 3.73 gears since the inception of D/A (up to 3500) . We still don't know what year his truck is which makes all the difference in the world. Still need more info to make accurate recommendations. rockin'

Guessing in = guessing out! I know....I do it all the time!

[Vulcangw]

Rockintom, as I stated in my first post, my truck is a 2011 (-:

I love the truck. As I mentioned previously, it pulls my 13,500 Cypress fiver very well. But to the best of my knowledge, the Excel travel trailers are just about the heaviest travel trailers out there. Not having pulled a TT before, I am concerned about how well such a heavy travel trailer will handle behind anything other than a dually. Hensley claims that their Hensley Arrow hitch essentially makes the trailer one with the truck to completely eliminate sway, but is this true when pulling 13,000 pounds rather than 8,000 or 9,000 pounds? I am searching for someone who has actually pulled one of these Excel Travel Trailers.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulcangw Rockintom, as I stated in my first post, my truck is a 2011 (-: I love the truck. As I mentioned previously, it pulls my 13,500 Cypress fiver very well. But to the best of my knowledge, the Excel travel trailers are just about the heaviest travel trailers out there. Not having pulled a TT before, I am concerned about how well such a heavy travel trailer will handle behind anything other than a dually. Hensley claims that their Hensley Arrow hitch essentially makes the trailer one with the truck to completely eliminate sway, but is this true when pulling 13,000 pounds rather than 8,000 or 9,000 pounds? I am searching for someone who has actually pulled one of these Excel Travel Trailers.

Sorry Vulcangw........I'm a country boy with an IQ of 14.....now I see it. Your truck will do just fine pulling the Excel TT. Let us know if you get it! Thanks. rockin'

[Donnyhosh]

I have the dodge cummins with 410 rear. It Tows my trailer just find

[Vulcangw]

Donnyhosh, thanks for the response. Do you have a SRW or DRW truck? What hitch do you use - Hensley Arrow, Propride, Husky Center Line?

[Donnyhosh]

I have 3500 srw with a Reese hitch weight of 12,000 pounds. It handles the trailer very well. I love my excel and there customer service is the best. I would not hesitate to buy an excel again.

[chief02]

Donnyhosh, Hitch/tongue weight of 12,000? or is the 12,000 your trailer weight?

[Donnyhosh]

Max hitch weight 1200 pounds, Max GTW 12000 lbs. This is what the dealer sold me. It works find. I have had no problem towing with this set up.