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02-08-2020, 10:34 PM
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#43
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 1,211
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVNoob101
Anyways, I'm looking at a trailer that is 34'3" with a dry weight of 7544 (GVWR 9645).
While I know I will be within my trucks tow and payload capacity I want to know if there's anything else I need to think of to ensure I'm not getting too much trailer.
Would you tow this combo?
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No, I certainly would not. I have a 36'6" (according to the brochure) trailer with roughly the same weight. I would tow it with an F250/2500 series truck. I'd pull it across town with an F150/1500 series truck, but I wouldn't even consider going out of town with that size truck. And I have many many miles of towing experience.
Weight isn't the issue. Size is the issue. Towing a travel trailer is like towing a parachute. They are notoriously difficult to tow. A 34 foot trailer that weighs twice what your truck weighs is going to jerk that truck all over the road and give you a terrible towing experience. You can probably get it from point A to point B, but it's going to be hell on the truck. You really do need to step up to a bigger truck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RVNoob101
OK dumb guy question. Whats the big difference between a half ton and a 3/4 ton when I'm looking at this? I've looked at several 3/4 tons (much to my wives disapproval).On the older one's I'm looking at they have the same or lower towing capacity as this new truck.
{snip}
IMO a half ton with more towing capacity is better than a older 3/4 ton with less capacity. The max towing package on the truck gives it the improved suspension as well over the base half ton. Also it has a 6.2L V8 with 3.43 gear ratio.
BTW Thank you all for your opinions while I review this info.
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The main difference that matters the most to your situation is mass. Plain and simple, a 3/4 ton truck has significantly more mass than a 1/2 ton truck. The tail (trailer) has a much harder time wagging the dog (truck) when the truck is 7500 pounds rather than 4500 pounds. Would you rather push a little 100 pound girl out of your way, or a 200 pound biker? Mass makes a difference.
Other reasons are tires, suspension, and drive trains. 3/4 ton use LT tires rather than P tires. Yes, there's a big difference between the two when towing is concerned. You get much better springs in a 3/4 ton than a 1/2 ton. 3/4 ton drive trains are set up for towing. 1/2 tons, eh, not so much. They are for driving around town and picking up a new washing machine from the big box store down the road.
__________________
2014 F350 DRW 6.7L CC FX4 King Ranch Ruby Red Metallic 158,000 Miles 4,450 Hours
2018 Cherokee Grey Wolf 29TE | Because I'm home, no matter where I am.
2018 Honda CB650F | Because the truck leans the wrong way when I turn.
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02-13-2020, 02:43 PM
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#44
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Senior Member
Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 238
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tow the trailer
Quote:
Originally Posted by RVNoob101
Hello All, I'm looking at a new trailer and want to see here opinions from other people.
My vehicle is a 2020 Silverado 1500 with a max towing package (Max Tow Capacity of 12,000 with a payload of 2060). The wife wouldn't allow a bigger truck before anyone asks!
Anyways, I'm looking at a trailer that is 34'3" with a dry weight of 7544 (GVWR 9645).
While I know I will be within my trucks tow and payload capacity I want to know if there's anything else I need to think of to ensure I'm not getting too much trailer.
Would you tow this combo?
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No I am sorry but I would never tow a 34 foot trailer with a 1500. the biggest problem is that the trailer weighs more than your truck. wind and lots of other factors can make pulling the trailer of that size very in safe.
__________________
2UpServants
We are servants unto Christ, using our motorcycles as a tool to reach out to everyone.
2008 m2-112 Sport chassis
2018 Weekend Warrior 4620 fifth wheel toy hauler
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02-13-2020, 03:30 PM
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#45
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3,165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tfryman
Does that help?
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You want someone to read the whole thread???
__________________
2011 Keystone Sprinter 323 BHS. Port Charlotte Fl/Hinsdale MA. Retired Master Electrician. All Motor homes are RV's. All RV's are not Motor homes.
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02-13-2020, 03:30 PM
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#46
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 78
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Not mentioned but often overlooked are the sizes of the fuel tanks. HD trucks generally have a larger fuel tank than 1/2 tons. This alone ruled out the new style GM trucks when I went looking this time last year as then the largest tank factory available was 24 gal in the 1/2 tons . Maybe the 2020 models have a larger tank option now.
When you are only getting 10-12 MPG towing, tank size does come into play.
My TT has a 7k GVW and a 21 ft box. I would not want to tow longer or heavier with a 1/2 ton and maintain acceptable overall performance.
__________________
'19 Outdoors RV, 21 RD Titanium, Lith Batt, Solar, GY Endurance, Equalizer 1K/10K
‘21 Ford F-150, SCREW, 3.5 EB, Max Tow, 3.55, Smart Hitch, 2K PP
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02-13-2020, 03:37 PM
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#47
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Colorado High Country
Posts: 360
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Around ten years ago the big three got into a ear over tow numbers. IMO they've been useless ever since. You've been advised to ignore max tow rating. Good advice. There are 2500, and 3500 and larger for a reason. Brakes, suspension, transmissions and coolers and more. As mentioned you can pull a heavy flatbed. But you are pulling a triple masted schooner. It comes down to can you believe the marketing department and your salesmen, both truck and trailer. Short answer,No. Complete answer, Hell No. Try not to convince yourself you can believe the sales puffery.
__________________
'02 7.3 Powerstroke F350 DRW, Ford AIS
6.0 Cooler, PacBrake, Flashpaq tuner
2011 Eagle 320RLDS/Equalizer WD Hitch
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02-13-2020, 04:19 PM
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#48
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 779
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2upServant
No I am sorry but I would never tow a 34 foot trailer with a 1500. the biggest problem is that the trailer weighs more than your truck. wind and lots of other factors can make pulling the trailer of that size very in safe.
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How does this work then?
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02-13-2020, 04:36 PM
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#49
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Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 54
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A two point response:
Point 1
It appears your truck is more than capable of towing this rig...by a factor of roughly 2000 pounds max tow capacity.
But the real answer depends on WHERE you are towing. In the normal mix of terrain, your truck can handle the load. Assuming it's a gasser, it will eat fuel while towing, but if you aren't towing that often or far, the savings on the truck will more than make up for fuel costs.
BUT, if you plan to tow long distances frequently, fuel consumption will turn out to be a big deal. My brother has a big fiver and a gas F-250, and he can spend well over $1000 on gas going to Myrtle Beach and back to his home in Upstate NY.
Point 2
If you tow in the mountains...that is the Rocky Mountains...with any frequency, your truck will work extremely hard to pull and stop that 10,000 pound load behind you. In fact, it might get scary at times unless you are very conservative in how you drive...especially downhill. And you may need to be quite patient and keep right on the uphills. Semis will blow by you.
Stay on top of your maintenance: transmission, coolant, differential(s) and so on. You will be putting your truck through very hard service, so follow THAT maintenance schedule. And if it's 4WD, be vigilant with all that front drive gear as well...even if you don't use it...because it's likely you will.
My old 2006 Ram 1500 has a 4WD "Auto" setting, and it's fabulous when towing on gravel roads with steep uphills. These are always washboarded, and the 4WD kicks in just as the rear axle starts to "tramp" around on the washboard. So I am using my 4WD Auto often in difficult, dusty, rough conditions.
As for the towing wars...they are real. A new Ford F-150 with a 2.7 liter turbo V-6 will tow rings around my old Dodge - which tops out at 7700 pounds towing capacity. And it's rated for more than a 2500 series Dodge from my era.
So, with the combo you describe, it's fine so long as you don't live in Colorado or a similar state. You can certainly drive through safely, but if you do, learn to shift manually, and don't rely on "tow-haul" on the downhills. And when climbing, it makes sense to manually downshift and hold a lower gear at higher RPM rather than allow the transmission to torture itself constantly up and downshifting under load. Find the right gear for the speed with RPM settled in around 65% to 75% of redline and leave it there when climbing and descending. Some of these runs are 30 miles up and 30 miles down. Your transmission and brakes will be smoking if you don't use these techniques when running so close to max weights.
Enjoy your new toys!
__________________
Jim & Renee
2020 Jayco Jay Feather X-213
2006 RAM 1500 with Firestone Air Bags
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02-13-2020, 05:22 PM
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#50
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Riverdale, Md
Posts: 40
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payload ASSUMPTIONS!
Ok so you "supposedly" have @ 2000lbs payload. There is only ONE WAY to know your actual payload on ANY VEHICLE. YOU MUST WEIGH IT! Depending on the options packages and add-ons your payload can vary drastically. My '17 ram 2500 CTD had a 2390 lb payload as a base model but not as Big Horn with a winch bumper on it. My new '18 dually has a 5000lb payload AFTER the winch and bumper. GVW is 14,000bs, actual weight with my butt in the seat is 9,000lbs with a full tank of diesel. Weigh whatever truck you want to use and determine its; ACTUAL PAYLOAD before you buy! I towed a 32' toyhauler 15,000 miles WITHOUT any WDH or sway control from the east coast to Vegas, (via I10 and AZ I 17 with ZERO sway or pushing issues. I would never consider towing something that big with anything less than a 3/4 ton WITH a diesel, ( the added weight of the diesel adds a lot of stability to the truck). Now I pull a 42' 5ver and it is barely noticeable when rigs pass me at highway speeds. Happy shopping!
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02-13-2020, 05:27 PM
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#51
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Riverdale, Md
Posts: 40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurtsara
How does this work then?
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Well, first off, the front truck weighs in about 18K plus the additional 12K+ for the front of the second truck. So you are towing 36K of the two remaining trucks with 30+K of the front one.AND, each truck is supporting the equivalent of its own weight on its rearmost axle giving you a LOT more rubber in contact with the ground then the two axles of a typical travel trailer. Also you need a double/triples endorsement on a CDL to be able to even try. BTDT.
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02-13-2020, 05:36 PM
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#52
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,807
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cavie
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Well, at least the first post.
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02-13-2020, 05:37 PM
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#53
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 1,211
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurtsara
How does this work then?
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It's blue! We all know 1 blue is worth at least 4 grays.
WHOA! I initially said 1 blue is worth at least 4 blacks, then realized the potential for that to be read in an extremely racist way, so I changed it.
__________________
2014 F350 DRW 6.7L CC FX4 King Ranch Ruby Red Metallic 158,000 Miles 4,450 Hours
2018 Cherokee Grey Wolf 29TE | Because I'm home, no matter where I am.
2018 Honda CB650F | Because the truck leans the wrong way when I turn.
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02-13-2020, 05:55 PM
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#54
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7
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Payload
Payload payload payload not towing capacity
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02-13-2020, 05:57 PM
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#55
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 33
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Would you tow it?
For me, safety margin is everything. Another is power available.
So far as purchasing a new trailer, I'd look to all the horror stories on the FaceBook group "RV Horror Stories." Evidence appears to be that the new generation of travel trailers (and motorhomes) are crap and dealer service/support is similarly crap.
We own a 2001 Holiday Rambler Alumiscape 25' class (26'3" bumper to hitch) weighing in wet and loaded with our gear at about 6300# (took it to a truck scale). Tow vehicle is a Dodge Ram 1500 hemi (390 HP/approx 400 ft-lbs torque). Max tow around 10k lbs. So we have about a 4k lbs margin. My Ram does the job on the flat and climbing Hwy 80 up the Sierra.
Structurally and fit-'n-finish for it is still very good, given it's going on 20 years old. Had the rep for one of the best built trailers on the market at the time.
Original company owner had to sell HR off due to the down turn in the RV industry in the 2000s. New owner builds them substandard.
So, advice: figure out a needs/wants list and prioritize it. Then carefully research what's out there. Then, esp since spouse won't let you buy a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel, get a trailer that matches your tow vehicle (you didn't mention the size engine in your truck). I'd buy used all over again because the previous owner (hopefully) got all the bugs out of it.
Nota Bene: 34' is a lot of trailer to haul. You will have trouble getting into a lot of USFS and state parks with a rig that long. Plus, I wouldn't want to tow something that long behind a 1/2-ton tow vehicle. BAd enough 26' in high, gusty winds.
Do not plunk your money down without having a detailed "buyer's inspection" completed on the rig.
-- Good Luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RVNoob101
Hello All, I'm looking at a new trailer and want to see here opinions from other people.
My vehicle is a 2020 Silverado 1500 with a max towing package (Max Tow Capacity of 12,000 with a payload of 2060). The wife wouldn't allow a bigger truck before anyone asks!
Anyways, I'm looking at a trailer that is 34'3" with a dry weight of 7544 (GVWR 9645).
While I know I will be within my trucks tow and payload capacity I want to know if there's anything else I need to think of to ensure I'm not getting too much trailer.
Would you tow this combo?
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02-13-2020, 06:12 PM
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#56
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Manchester, Tn
Posts: 291
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NO! Yes your truck will pull it, that’s just a small part of towing, 34’ of sidewall is a big tail that’s going to wag your dog in crosswinds, SEMIS passing you, and any numerous things that affect the forces pushing on the side of your trailer. Take your wife to a truck dealer where your can see a 1/2T and 3/4T parked side by side the only diffence between the two visually as about 2” in height. While you’re there get down and look underneath at the size of the brakes, springs and frame. That’s the difference between the 1/2 and 3/4T. I wouldn’t consider that set up. Several years ago I had 24 1/2’ travel trailer that I towed with a 1/2T, every time a semi would pass, as the front of his truck came beside the rear of the trailer his wake pushed the trailer to the right causing the front to go left causing the rear of the truck to go with it resulting in the front of the truck to go right resulting in immediately turning the steering wheel left to compensate. As the truck continued up the side everything happened in reverse until he was finally passed me. NOT FUN! This is where I went to a 3/4T truck and 5th wheel trailer. Find someone with a large travel trailer and ask how it pulls in the wind and how they like it when a semi passes them.
__________________
Robert Pulliam
2002 Newmar Mountain Aire 38’
2017 Chevy Equinox toad
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