Community Forums

Mez · 09-03-2013, 12:00 PM

Hello all!

I am new to the forum, but camp here seeking advice. My skills with camping are very low, outside of tents. I camped as a kid, but now as a parent myself, we want to get back into it, so we can have many great memories we can share with the kids.

I have been doing lots of research, and at this point have found the trailer I like the most. Which currently is the Heritage Glen 312QBUD by Wildwood. I have a Honda Ridgeline, which can only pull 5000 max. According to the pamphlet, this model is 6840 pounds dry weight. However the ones we have checked out at lots, show it weighing a good 500+ more than that. With my research I obviously need upgrade my truck as well. I do plan on doing all this, this upcoming Spring 2014.

I plan on getting a Ford F150 EcoBoost to haul the camper. I guess my biggest reason for the post is, does everything add up correctly? I have been told the F150 EcoBoost can haul over 10000 pounds.

When buying this camper, are there things I need to look out for? Things they should be adding with the purchase? Warranty? Is this a good camper?

Heck I am so new to all this, I need to learn how to even back up with a trailer, let alone get used to traveling with it. Obviously caution is # 1, but all the advice possible is a welcomed reply here for me!

Thanks

Gene327 · 09-03-2013, 01:24 PM

I am not familiar with that brand, but having towed a 5th wheel for several years, I can tell you to make sure all of your tires have the same cold air pressure in them as this will keep the trailer rolling true and straight behind you. Put some white grease on your fifth wheel to keep it from makiing noise.

AirManFL · 09-03-2013, 01:40 PM

The tow vehicle capacity will depend on the options you choose on the vehicle (i.e. axle ratio, bed length, etc).

You can get towing capacity here:
2013 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com

You'll want to factor sway control, weight distribution, and a brake control into your budget as well.

I'm not familiar with the trailer either...but since it's a travel trailer you won't need to grease your fifth wheel

As far as backing up, it isn't too difficult. You want to always remove the sway control bar before backing though.

Keep reading, good luck and enjoy!

Rob

Meck51 · 09-03-2013, 02:10 PM

Check the hitch weight vs f150 payload. I just traded in my ecoboost due to it not having enough payload for me. The motor would pull all day without a hiccup, but the suspension was just not there and airbags would be nothing more than a band aid.

Steve N Sal · 09-03-2013, 02:20 PM

Howdy and welcome aboard. I'm sure you'll get the info you need here from the more experienced towing people. All I can say is that my neighbor had a 32' trailer with an F-150 and things didn't work out for him. As mentioned after getting prices on beefing the truck up it worked out for him to upgrade to a F-250. JMHO. Good luck and have a great time traveling.

TTCamper4 · 09-03-2013, 02:45 PM

Having had a half ton dodge before towing a 4600 lb trailer, when I went up into north Florida into Louisiana I wished I had more truck. Saw other campers with same size trailer and they all had 3/4 ton trucks. So I asked and they all told me that they had the same problem, truck would tow but needed the extra power, suspension to haul longer and better trips with.
So I came home found research on diesel motors for towing, well lets just put it this way, I upgraded to a megacab 2500 HD with 6.7 cummins motor and never regretted the purchase. I now own a 8000 lb trailer and it hauls it with no problem. Just can not beat a dodge with a cummins motor.

**CLIFFTALL** · 09-03-2013, 03:05 PM

Welcome to irv2.

Cliff

tuffr2 · 09-03-2013, 04:03 PM

Why not ease back into camping? Keep the Ridgeline but buy a small trailer. Maybe a T@B which is a cool teardrop trailer. Or maybe better yet a pop-up trailer.

I had a Ridgeline. Great city truck/car. I towed a 5,000 lb trailer with it for 1 year and got a 2011 F-150 5.0 litre. Here is what I learned.

The Honda Ridgeline (IMO) could tow 3,500 lbs. comfortably.

A F-150 (IMO) could tow 6,000lbs comfortably.

The F-150 eco-boost truck is a cool truck. I like that truck a lot but I would not tow that long trailer with just a 1/2 ton truck.

For the trailer you are looking at a heavy duty truck is needed to 'comfortably' tow it.

Mez · 09-03-2013, 04:21 PM

Thanks all for the input! Please keep them coming. I looked up the hitch weight but cant find it yet unless the axle weight is

Mez · 09-03-2013, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mez

Thanks all for the input! Please keep them coming. I looked up the hitch weight but cant find it yet unless the axle weight is

Sry darn phone!

Axle weight is 5985.

The reason we are going bigger is because we have kids and dogs as well. I originally wanted a camp but my wife talked me into a camper. I figured go big or go home right?

Anyhow looking at the specs on the Ecoboost it hauls upwards of 10000+ pounds, but again a 7500 to 8500 pound camper loaded, is that safe?

Again thanks all for this input!!

scbwr · 09-03-2013, 06:39 PM

With a Ridgeline, I think you need to find a trailer that has a dry weight of 2700 lbs. or so, figure another 500 lbs. for stuff not included in dry weight (awning, ac., propane tanks, any water/waste water being towed, etc.) and another 1000 lbs. for gear. Using those rough figures, you would be at 4200 lbs. The most space for sleeping with kids might be to go with a hybrid. You may be better off to start small and see how everyone likes it. Then, if you want to go BIG, plan to upgrade the truck first, and then the trailer. It doesn't hurt to pull a smaller trailer with too much truck....but the reverse can lead to some very bad Karma! And...on a personal note...I really enjoyed camping in a pop up when our two boys were growing up and it we didn't need an expensive monster truck to do it...had a Crown Vic, followed by a Aerostar Van and then a Ford Explorer to haul the Starcraft pop-ups.

jenandjon · 09-03-2013, 07:09 PM

Get a 3/4 ton truck. You wont be sorry when your pulling that big camper. Especally when your loaded down.

chideock · 09-03-2013, 08:09 PM

Read topics in the "Towing & Tow vehicle" section about weights, how to calculate what they are and understand CVWR for both tow vehicle and trailer, GCWR, tongue weight etc before you buy.

Caveman CBB · 09-03-2013, 08:25 PM

Buy a smaller, used, cheaper, TT, and used half ton pickup, stick the kids outside in a tent and go. After all you started out in a tent why shouldn't they? Stick close to home for the first year and learn the ins and outs of camping and what you do and don't like. I have a great time camping and never get more then 75 miles from home. It's not about the distance traveled,, it's about the time together!! If after the first year you all decide your hooked, then work your way up to a 3/4 ton pickup and bigger rig. That's my two cents. Take it for what's it worth.