Wannabe's looking for informaton

[Jim and Carolyn]

Hello everyone.

My name's Jim and my DW is Carolyn. We're waiting on the sale of our home so we can purchase our first ever RV and start full timing.

We've been doing more research on this subject than I did on my Master's degree. It's amazing how much I keep finding out that I DON'T know.

We're down to the last few RV's and Excel is on the short list. The question I have is if we purchased an Excel Limited (we're really fond of the 36TKE if we can ever find another one), would we be able to safely tow it with a new '08 F-450 Super Duty 6L Crew Cab Dually?

I drive to and from work in Atlanta every day and every day I see at least 4 people towing 5er's with trucks that are too small. IMO they's accidents waiting to happen. I'm not worrying about doing 65 or 70. I'm about to retire and when I do, I won't have anyplace to that I'll want to get to that fast.

One major concern is the GCVWR of the two together. If I got the truck and this particular model, can I SAFELY tow it?

If you have a rig like this (or one similar) I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Thanks for your help.

[Jim and Carolyn]

Hello everyone.

My name's Jim and my DW is Carolyn. We're waiting on the sale of our home so we can purchase our first ever RV and start full timing.

We've been doing more research on this subject than I did on my Master's degree. It's amazing how much I keep finding out that I DON'T know.

We're down to the last few RV's and Excel is on the short list. The question I have is if we purchased an Excel Limited (we're really fond of the 36TKE if we can ever find another one), would we be able to safely tow it with a new '08 F-450 Super Duty 6L Crew Cab Dually?

I drive to and from work in Atlanta every day and every day I see at least 4 people towing 5er's with trucks that are too small. IMO they's accidents waiting to happen. I'm not worrying about doing 65 or 70. I'm about to retire and when I do, I won't have anyplace to that I'll want to get to that fast.

One major concern is the GCVWR of the two together. If I got the truck and this particular model, can I SAFELY tow it?

If you have a rig like this (or one similar) I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Thanks for your help.

[MakinSmoke]

Jim and Carolyn,
First welcome to the Excel Owners Forum. We all hope that you join our family.

An F450 will tow the 36TKE. But since you are starting from scratch and have a little time, why don't you research the tow vehicle as extensively as you have the fiver. Here are a couple links where you can learn a lot of information regarding tow vehicles. http://escapees.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/700606661
and
http://escapees.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/353102588

I'm not trying to convince you to buy more truck than you need but don't fall into the trap of contempt prior to investigation. I promise it will make for interesting reading.

[rockintom]

Hi J&C,
Again welcome to the forum! I know you didn't ask our opinion about the length of your fifth wheel, but thought I'd share my thoughts. They make different lengths cause folks have different wants and needs. We have been FTing for almost 3 years and love it. We got the 35ft. FLR and love it, but our next rig will probably 33ft. After living in a 2700 sq.ft. stick and bricks for 8 years, we thought we had to have at least a 35ft. rig. We've found so many parks out there that just have a hard time accomodating us. Especially up north, NE and Canada. I know eventually it will get better with time. We have been in shorter rigs with friends and are surprised of how well they would work for us. This is nothing more than something for you to think and ponder. Good luck and hope you have a great time FTing as we have! Keep us abreast of your decisions! Let us know if we can help more!

[M&S Norrell]

Jim, Carolyn, and Sandy,
We can definitely relate to your research time. We too, did extensive research on our tow vehicle. And without any hesitation, I can assure you the F-450 will be more than adequate for the 36TKE. You will have your choice of gear ratios (4.88 or 4.30) with the lower gears being rated for 24,500 lbs. towing capacity. We went with the 4.30 and have the 35MKE. Basically because we didn't want to pay more for the fuel than the price of the truck! The 4.30 nets us the same gas mileage as we had with our old F-350. But with the F-350, we were pushing our tow limits with the unit fully loaded. We have ample room to spare now, and we love our new truck.
Good Luck.

[chooch22]

Jim,Carolyn
I am presently sitting in 2007 36TKE Limited looking out the window at my 2008 F450 Lariat. We have been traveling the country for the past year and now located in Naples,Fl
Would love to talk further about your future plans

John & Sue Murphy

[Jim and Carolyn]

Hi everyone.

Thanks for the warm welcome and the great advice.

Virgil and Jo,we've looked at MDT's and HDT's as well. We seriously considered one of Wayland Long's trucks from 2L trucks in Texas. Unfortunately, they're a bit out of our price range at this time. I would love one, but we just can't swing it. HDT's are completely out of the question. DW and I are both in our 60's and the idea of us climbing into and out of a rig like yours is like us climbing the Himalayas. Just ain't gonna happen. The spirit might be willing, but the legs just ain't gonna let it happen. That's one of the problems of growing old.

We're also Escapees and have spent a large amount of time on their discussion groups as well.

So, I guess we're still looking at either a Ford F450 or F550 for a hauler.

M & S, we really fell in love with the 36TKE too. Beautiful rig. And we understand the need for the lower gear ratio on the Ford. We plan on spending most of our time west of the Mississippi which means we'll need the gears to get up (and down) the mountains safely.

RockinTom: Of course, being Wannabe's we started looking at 5ers about 40 foot or so. Then, we realized (after doing the homework)that a rig that size would probably be WAYYY to much, so now we're looking for something in the 34 foot range. Since it's just the two of us (Oops! Three - I forgot Sandy the Wonderdog)that's about all the room we'll need. And, since we'll be workamping to supplement our "Social Insecurity," we expect we could find more positions available with a smaller rig.

We're going to the Rally in Perry, GA next month and we'll have a chance to look (again) at all the things we can't afford right now.

We're still trying to sell the sticks and bricks so we can get on the road. We both have "hitch itch" really bad and we want to start full-timing as soon as we can.

Until then, however, we've got to be content with tire kicking and looking.

Again, thanks for the warm welcome. We'll be in touch.

[Travelor]

Your decision on a tow vehicle must be based on combined weight. We have a 35' MKO 05 model and I pull it with a 3500 Chev, HD, diesel with the Allison transmission. My truck has not met anything it cannot handle with ease.

Bill Cramer

[evan0810]

I believe it about your 3500HD. I have the 2500HD w/ Duramax/Allison. I bought it, not because I have allegiance to GM, because I believe it is the best powertrain. I have seen tougher sheetmetal in a gum wrapper though. I got 14.5mpg from Asheville NC to Indy last year pulling 11,000lbs. I am concerned about the pin weight of the unit we have ordered. If we have trouble towing, my wife will make sure the 24/7 warranty is put to the test as that is where I'll be.