Community Forums

FlowersFam · 07-20-2022, 06:06 AM

Hello iRV folks!

My family has hit that 'window' in our life when we wanted to start weekend warrior style RV camping! Our entire family loves the outdoors and my son and I have years of primitive camping through Boy Scouts. My wife and I have finally decided it is time to look at a Travel Trailer to get started. I have a 2011 F150 that will probably be upgraded in the near future, but we just want to get started! We are looking at Grand Designs brand trailers that have a bunkhouse floor plan. I can tell you that the amount of research we have done in the past month has been overwhelming! A ton of information and a ton of helpful people. We are getting our budget in place to make our first purchase soon!

Looking forward to interacting with members of the group for information and learning!

TandW · 07-20-2022, 07:11 AM

Welcome aboard!

MSHappyCampers · 07-20-2022, 08:53 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

**Petro** · 07-20-2022, 10:42 AM

We are glad you joined us. There is a wealth of RV info available to you here just by asking. Browse the forums that interest you and don't be afraid to ask questions as our members like to help when they can.

Post often and share your new RV adventures with us. Enjoy the foums.

Don

**TonyDi** · 07-20-2022, 09:34 PM

Nice that you've joined us.

Doing your homework will result in you finding the ideal RV for your needs. If you need help or advice just ask. You'll find most of our members happy to help you.

mistercee · 07-20-2022, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlowersFam

Hello iRV folks!

My family has hit that 'window' in our life when we wanted to start weekend warrior style RV camping! Our entire family loves the outdoors and my son and I have years of primitive camping through Boy Scouts. My wife and I have finally decided it is time to look at a Travel Trailer to get started. I have a 2011 F150 that will probably be upgraded in the near future, but we just want to get started! We are looking at Grand Designs brand trailers that have a bunkhouse floor plan. I can tell you that the amount of research we have done in the past month has been overwhelming! A ton of information and a ton of helpful people. We are getting our budget in place to make our first purchase soon!

Looking forward to interacting with members of the group for information and learning!

Welcome!

In your research, pay some heed to the payload capacity of that F150 (yellow/white placard on driver's side door jamb). You may want to upgrade that truck first to expand your trailer options. The tongue weight of the trailer, the weight of the hitch, the weight of everyone in the truck and the weight of all other gear in the truck cannot exceed that payload cap, or you'll be overloaded. Figure 13% of any trailer's GVWR (not dry weight) will be tongue weight and calculate 100 lbs for the weight distribution hitch.

Quick look at some GD BH designs shows a 7500 lb GVWR for the smallish 2400BH. At 13%, that's 975 lbs of truck payload gone right there. Add the hitch, a couple of kids, 2 more adults and all associated gear and you can quickly overload a 1/2 ton truck.

I am only saying this as I was in your position a couple of years ago. Knew nothing about payload, GVWR, GCVWR, GAWR etc. I had a max tow F150 and bought a '1/2 ton towable' trailer, assured by the salesman that I was good to go. Loaded up I was right at my max rear axle capacity and only a couple hundred under payload cap....that was with an empty truck bed and just 2 adults in the vehicle.

Good luck in your search!