looking at a TT

[John & Wendy]

We have a '99 E-350 Van with a 7.3 diesel engine. We are looking at a '99 35' Fleetwood Mallard Travel Trailer. does anybody have any suggestions about this trailer for us (i.e. is this a workable combination problems to consider etc...)?

[John & Wendy]

We have a '99 E-350 Van with a 7.3 diesel engine. We are looking at a '99 35' Fleetwood Mallard Travel Trailer. does anybody have any suggestions about this trailer for us (i.e. is this a workable combination problems to consider etc...)?

[Ray,IN]

Welcome to the irv2.com forums and our extended camping family.
First you must know the actual weight(both axles) of your van, as loaded ready to go camping.
Next you must locate the GVW of your van. The difference between the GVW and actual van weight is how much more weight the TT can put on the van.
Finding the actual weight of the TT is next, pay no attention to the sticker weight, it is virtually useless, unless you plan to pull an empty trailer.
Once you know actual weights, use this handy calculator designed by Ken Lenger. Ken Lenger's towing calculator, once on the webpage, click on "HH_towing-weights.xls" to download the excel spreadsheet.

[kacknor]

I’m fairly new to towing a TT myself, but the first place I would start is your tow vehicle as already posted.

I also spent quite a lot of time online researching what to look for in the type of trailer I was after and how to avoid basic problems some sellers may be trying to hide or downplay as minor.

Read many posts here and other sites like it. Don’t rely solely on responses like mine because heck, I may not know what I’m talking about! But if you read a lot of posts, a ‘catalog’ of knowledge can be built up that will help when you need it.

Good luck!

[450Donn]

My van was a E350 460V8 not an extended van and I pulled a 30 foot Holiday Rambler with it. I not would suggest anything longer or heavier.

[MonacoMama]

John & Wendy..
All I am good for in this matter is to welcome you to iRV2 and wish you good luck in your venture of finding the right TT for you & your tow vehicle.

This is a great group of RVers who will try to help as best they can..
Again..Welcome to iRV2 - we hope you visit & post often!


MM

[RV Wizard]

John & Wendy, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and we hope to be of some help. You have gotten some great suggestions and just remember to stay on the side of safety. Good luck and enjoy the website.