ORV 25RDS Tongue Weight

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by Medicus

The day I purchased my ORV 25RDS, I stopped at a rest stop to fill it with water (tank in the rear) with the anticipation that we were going boondocking that evening. I had less than 30 miles to go for home on an Interstate. I could not keep it on the road! Despite an elaborate sway bar system, the added weight on the rear without a front load caused tremendous sway at 50 mph. Lesson learned: balanced load is super important. To date, I've had no problems towing my ORV with my F-150, but I have encountered significant sway at times (particularly during gusty days).

Not to go all in weight police but I hope you have an F150 with the HDPP option.
I tow my 25RDS with a Ram 2500 CC LB 4x4 and on occasion still get moved around a little. I can't imagine a lighter shorter WB truck in those situations.
I wish ORV could've made the 25RDS with the axles a little further rearward for more stability. I tow a lot with the fresh water tank full or at least 1/3 full. I don't notice much difference.
How are you setting up your WDH. Is there a chance you're not getting enough weight transferred back to the front end?

[Medicus]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Not to go all in weight police but I hope you have an F150 with the HDPP option.
I tow my 25RDS with a Ram 2500 CC LB 4x4 and on occasion still get moved around a little. I can't imagine a lighter shorter WB truck in those situations.
I wish ORV could've made the 25RDS with the axles a little further rearward for more stability. I tow a lot with the fresh water tank full or at least 1/3 full. I don't notice much difference.
How are you setting up your WDH. Is there a chance you're not getting enough weight transferred back to the front end?

Maybe that's the issue...
My F-150 is the XLT series supercrew with a 3.5L V6 Ecoboost and 157" WB, but NOT the HDPP option. Interesting...I was assured by both dealers (Ford and ORV) that towing wouldn't be an issue with this combination. Now, I'm not a happy camper...

[camper8251]

BAAA HAAA
Sorry not so funny, did you tell them WHAT you were planning on towing?
Not that it matters, they will tell folks anything to sell a truck Same goes for Boats, campers, Yada Yada.....

I bought a 3/4 Ton and then went Truck Camper shopping... Bought an Arctic Fox 811 cause it was made for my truck... sure.. till I started running the numbers with it loaded..... Not so much... Yeah the truck worked for it, but a couple of thousand later it drove better but still had me worried for the 12 years I owned it..

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by Medicus

Maybe that's the issue...
My F-150 is the XLT series supercrew with a 3.5L V6 Ecoboost and 157" WB, but NOT the HDPP option. Interesting...I was assured by both dealers (Ford and ORV) that towing wouldn't be an issue with this combination. Now, I'm not a happy camper...

On paper everything fits. Out in the real world it's much different. Years ago I had an F150 145" WB Max Tow (11,200 lbs) and towed a 7200 lb 31' TT. The truck and TT were never totally on the same page. I always had to be aware of what was going on. Two hands on the wheel most of the time. Never any serious sway issue. Moved up to a 3/4 ton and the TT didn't move the truck around. Much easier tow.
I would say that if you're happy with your truck except for towing and don't want to drop some big $$$ on a new one then you should look into a premium hitch like a Pro Pride or Hensley Arrow.
I found a used one for $950 and used it for the last 1.5 seasons with the F150. It made a HUGE difference. Zero push pull when passing semis.
In Oregon semis at the time were limited to 55 mph. I usually ran 60-63 mph so I had to pass many on a longer freeway trips.
It was now a one handed affair.
Even going to the 3/4 ton didn't give me the solid feel as much as the HA or PP did with the F150.
Just something to ponder.

[Medicus]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

On paper everything fits. Out in the real world it's much different. Years ago I had an F150 145" WB Max Tow (11,200 lbs) and towed a 7200 lb 31' TT. The truck and TT were never totally on the same page. I always had to be aware of what was going on. Two hands on the wheel most of the time. Never any serious sway issue. Moved up to a 3/4 ton and the TT didn't move the truck around. Much easier tow.
I would say that if you're happy with your truck except for towing and don't want to drop some big $$$ on a new one then you should look into a premium hitch like a Pro Pride or Hensley Arrow.
I found a used one for $950 and used it for the last 1.5 seasons with the F150. It made a HUGE difference. Zero push pull when passing semis.
In Oregon semis at the time were limited to 55 mph. I usually ran 60-63 mph so I had to pass many on a longer freeway trips.
It was now a one handed affair.
Even going to the 3/4 ton didn't give me the solid feel as much as the HA or PP did with the F150.
Just something to ponder.

Cumminsfan, thank you so much for the excellent info. Your perspective is spot on. I thought my sway bar system was top notch, but maybe I should look into both Pro Pride and Hensley Arrow. Again, thanks for following up with me. Happy travels and stay safe!

Medicus

[Medicus]

Originally Posted by camper8251

BAAA HAAA
Sorry not so funny, did you tell them WHAT you were planning on towing?
Not that it matters, they will tell folks anything to sell a truck Same goes for Boats, campers, Yada Yada.....

I bought a 3/4 Ton and then went Truck Camper shopping... Bought an Arctic Fox 811 cause it was made for my truck... sure.. till I started running the numbers with it loaded..... Not so much... Yeah the truck worked for it, but a couple of thousand later it drove better but still had me worried for the 12 years I owned it..

Yea. I agree. I believe BOTH dealers were only interested in the sale. Man, the real problem now is that I really love my truck!!! I'd hate to give it up for another and incur another $20k or so to upgrade.