Community Forums

dogperson11 · 09-13-2019, 02:28 PM

Hello, all. I've spent a bunch of time reading and searching for a similar question, but haven't found one. I appologize if this is a repeat - please feel free to direct me to another thread if so.

My family is trying to decide between the ORV Creekside 21DBS and Timber Ridge 23DBS. We prefer the layout of the 23 (walk around bed). We will be towing with a 2014 F-150 XLT 3.5L Ecoboost with rear airbags. 2 small-ish adults, 2 kids weighing 70 lbs total, and 1 lazy 60lb dog. Truck door sticker says the payload is 1374 lbs.

Anyone else tow the 23DBS with an F-150? Would love some insight.

Thanks so much.

GoLeafsGo · 09-13-2019, 04:46 PM

Welcome!

Can't speak for a 23dbs but can say that a 21dbs with half fresh water, full propane, and 4 batteries on the tongue comes in at over 1,200 lbs. tongue weight. ORV advertises 725 lbs. dry.

ModestMonk · 09-13-2019, 04:46 PM

Welcome!

I’m thinking this is a mismatch. I have a 3.5 eco boost, so there’s enough power. I also have the Max Tow package 12,200#’s. With over something over 3400 pounds of payload. Rear air bags help maintain level and stability but will not add payload capacity. It pains me that Ford dropped the quick reference guide they had for my vehicle. ORV has shorted tongue weight on most of these trailers as they tend to be heavy. Unless you’re very conservative your list of belongings the weight will add up quickly.

Brad Wilf · 09-13-2019, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoLeafsGo

Welcome!

Can't speak for a 23dbs but can say that a 21dbs with half fresh water, full propane, and 4 batteries on the tongue comes in at over 1,200 lbs. tongue weight. ORV advertises 725 lbs. dry.

Wow, fresh water tank ahead of axles I’m assuming.

brulaz · 09-13-2019, 06:50 PM

The O.P. will be over payload and prolly exceed the rear GAWR and hitch receiver rating as well.

We towed with an F150 EcoB for a few years but the truck had 2025# payload, upgraded tires and suspension. And we still exceeded the rear GAWR and hitch receiver rating. So we eventually upgraded.

These trailers work a lot better with a 3/4 ton truck.

aether_one · 09-13-2019, 06:59 PM

Maximum Trailer Weight - Lbs. 9995 Lbs

With a 1/2 ton truck? I don't think so, Lucy......

ttavasc · 09-13-2019, 07:03 PM

Having just picked up a 23DBS earlier this year and seeing what my real world tongue weight is with a rather light load I was glad we settled on the 3/4 ton truck. With about 1/4 tank fresh water, empty black/grey and dual Group 24 batteries our 23DBS is sitting at 1200 on the tongue. We are looking to swap out for 6v batteries in the near future so that will only increase it from there.

Cumminsfan · 09-13-2019, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModestMonk

Welcome!

I’m thinking this is a mismatch. I have a 3.5 eco boost, so there’s enough power. I also have the Max Tow package 12,200#’s. With over something over 3400 pounds of payload. Rear air bags help maintain level and stability but will not add payload capacity. It pains me that Ford dropped the quick reference guide they had for my vehicle. ORV has shorted tongue weight on most of these trailers as they tend to be heavy. Unless you’re very conservative your list of belongings the weight will add up quickly.

Wow 3400 lbs of payload. Never seen that in a 1/2 ton. What 1/2 ton do you have?

dogperson11 · 09-13-2019, 07:56 PM

Man, this is disappointing to hear, but we really appreciate the input and thoughtful info. Sounds like we’re severely underestimating our loaded tongue weight - can you tell we’re newbies? �� Back to the drawing board on models I suppose. Any suggestions? Must haves: bunks, slide, 30” or less.

Papa_Jim · 09-13-2019, 08:09 PM

Our 23RKS is too heavy on the tongue for a half ton truck. Moderately OK for short trips flatland driving. Not OK for long trips with any hills or mountain driving. The trailer tows really well behind a 3/4 ton truck. The good thing is that with so much weight on the tongue, the trailer tows superbly well in all kinds of weather.

Jim

dogperson11 · 09-13-2019, 08:17 PM

How would you all recommend estimating loaded tongue weight for our continued search?

BayouBoy · 09-13-2019, 08:40 PM

Family of 4 in a truck with a 1300# payload means a camper under 7000# GVWR. Sorry.

dogperson11 · 09-13-2019, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BayouBoy

Family of 4 in a truck with a 1300# payload means a camper under 7000# GVWR. Sorry.

Ok, good info to have. Thanks so much.

Randy the sly old fox · 09-13-2019, 10:23 PM

While this is an ORV forum, I would suggest that you look to a lighter TT - for your F150 - or get a nice used 3/4 T truck. I suggest something with a GVWR of 6000lbs or less.