Towing a 40' Travel Trailer??

tburt · 10-09-2014, 09:11 PM

We're looking at purchasing a new travel trailer. The floor plan we like is a large travel trailer about 40' total length around 9.5 to 10k lbs. Our TV is a Ram 2500 diesel which can easily pull it. Our last TT was 33' 6" long so we are used to towing longer vehicles.

I wanted to see others experience pulling something this long and what issues you had with it. We'd certainly buy a good hitch (probably pro-pride) to eliminate sway. It seems like the biggest issue is backing up a long TT but looking for input on anything else we should think about!!

Thanks!!

ColoradoRick · 10-09-2014, 09:21 PM

We recently went from towing an 18 footer with a Tacoma truck to towing a 34 footer with a Tundra. Honestly, after driving around, my only concern was the extra stopping distance I noticed when testing out the brakes. (But I raised up the number on the brake controller which really helped.)
I drove longer trailers and things when I was in the Air Force and I think the rules for smaller trailers are the same for larger ones. (And, of course, never ever try to make a right turn from the right lane into the right lane of that road...you'll hit something!!)
My main rule is when in doubt about a turn, go straight and find somewhere safe to turn around...better safe than to hit something.
Happy trails!

tburt · 10-09-2014, 11:00 PM

Good advice! Thanks!

goduc · 10-10-2014, 12:15 AM

JMHO but I'd never buy a 40' TT. Not because of the towing aspect but because I really doubt the integrity is there. IMO a 36' 5'er would be the better choice. I haven't seen any 40' TT's that are built on a strong enough frame with adequate suspension.
CCC's are usually quite low as well as holding tanks.

Witch Doctor · 10-10-2014, 03:43 AM

Just remember you added 6' behind you so make your turns a little wider. 40' is pretty long and I don't know what kinda of camping you do, but it might limit you in some of the older parks where spaces are closer together for backing in. If your pulling 34' already it not such a big jump. Good Luck and happy camping...

BBBlue · 10-10-2014, 04:31 AM

I am pulling 39' 5th wheel with a long bed dually. Doesn't turn on a dime, but pulls easier than the bumper pull unit we had before this one. In addition to the comments above, I would add to never attempt backing without a competent spotter. It seem like every time I attempted to back the unit without the spotter, I ended up with a close call.

RickV · 10-10-2014, 05:07 AM

Can't speak for a bumper mount but, we went from a 30' 5ver to a 36' 5ver and it tows better and backs better.

jimdd810 · 10-10-2014, 06:58 AM

We have the wildwood 36bhbs which measures a little over 37 feet to the tongue. Trailer it all over and never have a problem. Just have to take a little more time and patience.

Life is a highway!!!!!

**Platokidd** · 10-10-2014, 07:29 AM

My Lacrosse TT is 38'6" long and tows great with my 2500HD. Length can be a issue in older or small site cg. When we went to Ky last year I used google earth's measuring tool to help pick a site. (worked great)

extremebike · 10-10-2014, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platokidd

My Lacrosse TT is 38'6" long and tows great with my 2500HD. Length can be a issue in older or small site cg. When we went to Ky last year I used google earth's measuring tool to help pick a site. (worked great)

Wow. Thanks. That's a great tip.

ColoradoRick · 10-10-2014, 08:26 AM

I saw on a youtube video that the #1 place for RV accident claim was at gas stations where the RV didn't clear a corner and hit one of those metal or concrete barriers next to the pump.
That's why we LOVE finding a nice, big truck stop to fuel up!!

38FLCamper · 10-10-2014, 08:29 AM

Problem with a 40' bumper pull TT (we had a 36') include:

Ability to get into/out of gas stations/shopping plazas
- More gas stations moving pumps perpendicular to the road
- Are there steep grades into/out of the plaza/gas station
- Shopping plazas adding more islands/obstructions getting into their lots

Ability to get into/out of sites at campgrounds
- Tree clearances on both sides of the roads (your swing will require it)
- Has someone parked their vehicle on the other side of the street where you need to swing
- Is there room to park your truck on the site once you are setup
- Can you get into the campgrounds where you typically camp

Keep in mind your total length = 40'+ TT + 18/19' TV = Probably over 60' depending on if you have long bed/short bed/crew cab, if the 40' includes length of hitch and such.

Highly recommend drag wheels be mounted (very heavy duty) on the rear frame (not the bumper) to prevent bottoming out. If they are heavy enough you will not need to worry about your bumper being damaged.

Chewie · 10-10-2014, 09:27 AM

I used to tow my brothers 36' TT/ 40' overall. It's long as a bumper pull. It should pull ok as long as your properly setup. Something this size will limit you when choosing sites or CGs. You will never have the maneuverability of a 5th wheel with this. Turning will be wide. I pull a 43' 5er, and I pre-plan trips and roads before leaving.

mud yapster · 10-10-2014, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platokidd

My Lacrosse TT is 38'6" long and tows great with my 2500HD. Length can be a issue in older or small site cg. When we went to Ky last year I used google earth's measuring tool to help pick a site. (worked great)

Thanks that's good info on the measuring tool. I tow a 41.5' 5er and it doesn't seem any longer than our 35' TT since its a 5er but it sure doesn't turn as sharp as our TT did. So wide turns is a must and watch height and sides real good at all times. I don't like trying to find a place for fuel. LOL
Thinking about an 100 gallon aux. tank. At 9 to 10 mpg my trucks 40 gallon tank seems limited. LOL And to Top it all off the 5er has a 30 gallon tank also.

tburt · 10-10-2014, 10:43 AM

Thanks for all the input from everyone!!

We actually looked at 5ers first but we need a level floor plan throughout and I use the bed of my truck when traveling/hunting. The TT fits what we do a little better even though its all behind the truck.

Fuel stations.... Even with our 34' TT I was pretty selective on where to fill up.

Does anyone have a backup camera on the back of the TT or 5er to help with backing up?

mud yapster · 10-10-2014, 10:46 AM

No camera just a woman director and sometimes I'm sure the camera would work better. LOL Don't tell her I said that.

38FLCamper · 10-10-2014, 11:55 AM

Yes had a backup camera - "wireless" but ran the extra wire back to turn on/off when in reverse

**Platokidd** · 10-10-2014, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mud yapster

No camera just a woman director and sometimes I'm sure the camera would work better. LOL Don't tell her I said that.

hope she's not

MeepMeep · 10-10-2014, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 38FLCamper

Problem with a 40' bumper pull TT (we had a 36') include:

Ability to get into/out of gas stations/shopping plazas
- More gas stations moving pumps perpendicular to the road
- Are there steep grades into/out of the plaza/gas station
- Shopping plazas adding more islands/obstructions getting into their lots

Ability to get into/out of sites at campgrounds
- Tree clearances on both sides of the roads (your swing will require it)
- Has someone parked their vehicle on the other side of the street where you need to swing
- Is there room to park your truck on the site once you are setup
- Can you get into the campgrounds where you typically camp

Keep in mind your total length = 40'+ TT + 18/19' TV = Probably over 60' depending on if you have long bed/short bed/crew cab, if the 40' includes length of hitch and such.

Highly recommend drag wheels be mounted (very heavy duty) on the rear frame (not the bumper) to prevent bottoming out. If they are heavy enough you will not need to worry about your bumper being damaged.

You should listen to this guy.....really

ironj · 10-10-2014, 04:29 PM

With the storage rack on the back I sit at 38'5" . No real issue to speak of....generally If someone can get their 29' somewhere i can too.

I do have to pay special attention when making reservations to specify my needs...and that can eliminate some spots. But i havent had issue yet.

Right near 10k loaded. I use a basic husky tow hitch wirh 1200lb bars and one sway arm. ..once set up CORRECTLY it tows as fine as any other trailer I ever pulled.... 5er or goose...

Never drag..but some trailers ride low ....

I guess its all relative...if your used to a pop up, then yeah....I could see a 40' trailer quite a transition....

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