Best family TV for bumper pulling

[nexcompac]

Needing some advice.
Currently we pull a Toy Hauler and the TV is a Dodge Ram 1500. The engine is strong enough and the trans is rated to pull the thing, however the rear coil springs do not help hold the weight. We have a 12 lb Equal-i-zer hitch which does help and we have placed airbags in the springs to also help the load. The biggest issue is not the 7 m/g, rather the space inside the truck!

We are a family of six. Which means the crew cab is loaded! Right now the kids are still small, oldest is 11, so they still fight over who gets to sit up front. The biggest fight is who does not want to sit back middle....

As they get older and taller, i know that will only get worse! So... I need some advice on what to buy.

I was looking at getting diesel Excursion which sits 8. That way we have benches to sleep on after a long day/week riding dirt bikes and camping. I know the 7.3 is better than the 6. But what else is there? I know we can also get a big ol' gasser burb, but that gets 10 m/g, 12 on good days. And thats not towing. We need something thats a bit more practical... if possible.

Im open to suggestions!

Thanks in advance all.

Just to be clear... no I dont want to transport two vehicals AKA truck and small car.

[MtnGuy]

IMHO, the Excursion is gonna be your best bet. With the tongue weight of the toy hauler, 6 passengers (and gear), you are going to probably be over the GVWR of a regular 1/2 ton based SUV. A Burb 2500 or a 3/4 passenger van might work, also.

Having to use a 12,000 lb. Equal-i-zer, what is your tongue weight ?? Hitch capacity may be a problem on 1/2 ton SUVs, also.

[nexcompac]

Originally Posted by MtnGuy

Having to use a 12,000 lb. Equal-i-zer, what is your tongue weight ?? Hitch capacity may be a problem on 1/2 ton SUVs, also.

The TT Max weight is 11400. The equalizer max trailer is 12k but tongue max is 1,200.

[Tonkatoy77]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mrcWt6sZgpQ

[mike.t]

Tongue weight should be 10% of trailer weight. So it looks OK.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by nexcompac

The TT Max weight is 11400. The equalizer max trailer is 12k but tongue max is 1,200.

If the trailer tongue is indeed in the 1200 lb. area, that is going to be a major factor in the type of vehicle you buy.

Putting 1200 lbs. on the bumper, and another 600 lbs (guesstimate) in passengers, that that is in the 1800 lb. range. I doubt there are any 1/2 ton SUVs that have a "true" payload of 1800 lbs. The actual payloads stated in brochures tend to fall a bit short, by the time options are added.

Many 1/2 ton SUVs are not made to pull that kinda that weight, meaning the hitch may not be up to the task.

The GCWR may also be a problem. When maximizing the load in any vehicle, the trailer weight needs to go down to stay within the GCWR guidelines.

Granted, the maximum weight on the trailer may not be at the 11,400 lb. limit. A weigh in at a CAT scale (or other facility) can give you the figures needed to make your next choice of vehicle.

[ustamiata]

Had to read this post -- didn't realize TV stood for tow vehicle!! :-)

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by ustamiata

Had to read this post -- didn't realize TV stood for tow vehicle!! :-)

I was going to reply once on a topic like this until i figured out that antenna was not quite what they were looking for.

[Cathcartww]

That is a big trailer for anything but a big pick up. You will look hard and long for a SUV rated for over 10,000 lb and 1,000 hitch weight - a few out there, but few and far between. Your best bet might be to find one ton passenger or conversion van with a huge gasser or diesel engine - it is not unusual to find these rated 10000/1000, then upgrading the OEM hitch and rear springs. I have heard it can be done to get 12000/1200, but have not done it myself .....

[mike.t]

Ram 2500 comes with a class V hitch 17500 tow 1800 tongue weight.

[muddyrode]

i got a friend that pulls with a E350 maxi van with a diesel in it not sure what the weight ratings are for it

[rattleNsmoke]

Finding a decent 'bullet proofed' Excursion would be the way to go. It's a 3/4 ton-F250 chassis and capable of doing what you need. The 6.0L is a great engine IF the maintenance was done per Ford's spec and the engine had a clean 'Oasis' (Ford's computerized service records) report.

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by muddyrode

i got a friend that pulls with a E350 maxi van with a diesel in it not sure what the weight ratings are for it

What year is it?