SR300 vs SR340 - Page 2

captnrick3 · 10-06-2015, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajk123

I made a huge mistake! I was given 28,000lb as the GCWR (gross COMBINED weight rating) when that was really the GVWR (gross VEHICLE weight rating). The GCWR is actually 33,000lb, a huge difference. So, my bad, folks. Sorry for the error. Towing weight is not a problem with this motorhome.

Mike Bukowski responded already and asked me to send him the VIN for the MH so he could verify what engine is in it. He did say that during production changes, this anomaly can happen with model numbers. Nice of him to respond so quickly. I'll send him the VIN and let you all know how it comes out. I'm really starting to see Forest River is a good and responsive company.

You are right about the great folks at FR. They are truly interested in happy customers.
We have our Legacy loaded as heavy as anyone, 7000 miles into this 2 1/2 month trip. 11 mpg overall so far, couldn't be happier.

Blacknchromehd · 10-06-2015, 10:25 PM

Mike has been a big help with me on face Book

ajk123 · 10-07-2015, 12:13 AM

I'm really looking forward to getting our 2015 340kp this week. We're planning on a new Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for the tow vehicle. Anything we should watch out for specifically during the PDI? Afterwards we're going to stay here in Colorado Springs and camp for a night to check everything out. Then we'll maybe head to Minnesota next week to visit the grand kids.

Any particular suggestions for a tow hitch, lights, and brake for a Grand Cherokee TOAD?

Oh yeah, the rig will be a 2015 SR300 340KP with engine tuned up to 340HP.

Any suggestions for this newby would be greatly appreciated!!

ajk123 · 10-07-2015, 12:16 AM

Captnrick3, Happy and safe travels for you as you head to your final destination.

Blacknchromehd · 10-07-2015, 06:09 AM

So it was a 300 hp and the dealer can ramp it up to 340? Wonder if I can ramp my 340 to 400...I am aware of propane injection for diesels but would be afraid to hurt my warranty.

ajk123 · 10-07-2015, 10:59 AM

Dealer is a certified Cummins mechanic. They tuned it to 340hp. Said that's common for Cummins engines.
I noticed the rig's sewer drain pipe is offset from the opening at the bottom of the cargo bay for the drain hose. The offset is enough so a drain hose is not able to attach to the drain pipe and pass thru the opening. Same problem on another SR300 he has on the lot. The drain pipe is all glued together and we didn't see any way to move the pipe over to align with the hose opening. Did you have or hear about this problem before?

Blacknchromehd · 10-07-2015, 11:08 AM

well I have only seen this once. Dealer installed a second opening in the compartment base with a locking cover...not a big deal...got any photos?

ajk123 · 10-07-2015, 11:48 AM

Unfortunately no photos, and dealer is 80 miles away. I won't pay or take delivery until it gets fixed since the rig would be unuseable till the sewer drain is useable.

ajk123 · 10-07-2015, 11:56 AM

Can I tow a vehicle over the spec max towing capacity as long as I stay within the GCWR for a loaded rig plus TOAD? The SR300 is rated for 5,000 towing, but another post said the hitch is actually rated for 10,000. If that's the case, I should be able to tow, say a 6,000lb vehicle as long as I stay within the overall combined weight GCWR. True? What's your hitch rated at?

ajk123 · 10-07-2015, 12:12 PM

Dealer says the hitch is rated at 10,000lbs.

SS Groovette · 10-08-2015, 07:30 AM

We tow the new Cherokee Trail Hawk with our Legacy SR 300 (340BH). Per my husband he can't even feel it back there. He chose the Trail Hawk after researching toads with automatics that be towed with 4 wheels down. We have pulled it about 6000 miles including through the Appalachians twice and the Black Hills once. Love it and the Legacy. I recall him saying that towing on the Legacy is limited by the transmission and not the engine size--which is why we bought the SR300 just as the SR340s we making their appearance. And saved about 20 grand on the purchase price as a result.

ajk123 · 10-08-2015, 09:05 AM

Yeah, I looked at the new Trailhawk. Interesting vehicle.
Small and would be perfect for towing 4-down. But my wife fell in love with a new Grand Cherokee Limited. Its a little on the heavy side at 5000+lbs. What's the weight of the Trailhawk and whats the MPG ratings? Is it a 6 cylinder? Sounds like its working perfectly for you.

captnrick3 · 10-08-2015, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajk123

Yeah, I looked at the new Trailhawk. Interesting vehicle.
Small and would be perfect for towing 4-down. But my wife fell in love with a new Grand Cherokee Limited. Its a little on the heavy side at 5000+lbs. What's the weight of the Trailhawk and whats the MPG ratings? Is it a 6 cylinder? Sounds like its working perfectly for you.

Best of luck with your new Legacy. Hope you are as pleased as we are. We are in Colorado Springs tonight actually! Found a passport America park. Heading west through the mountains in the morning.

Blacknchromehd · 10-08-2015, 08:59 PM

123. When do you pick her up?

ajk123 · 10-08-2015, 10:01 PM

Captnrick3. Check your messages. I left you our phone number We live in Colorado Springs and would love to meet with you.
Alan

conceptumator · 10-09-2015, 02:25 PM

On the tow, we have a Wrangler Unlimited with the Invisibrake. I know you don't want the Wrangler, but some things to watch for will include:

1. Do NOT trust the dealer on whether or not it can be flat towed. They typically have no clue but will tell you it can!

2. As a general rule, the only pickups I've seen flat towed without mods are four wheel drive and usually exceed the 5,000 lb hitch rating on the SR340.

3. On the Cherokees, watch the transmission type. Only one of the two types available can be flat towed.

4. Be prepared to spend $3,000 plus to get set up to flat tow, counting toe bars, braking device, lights, etc.

Good luck and have fun!

"Conceptumator" - Orlando, FL
2006 Hurricane 30Q
2010 Tacoma Toad on a Featherlite car hauler.

ajk123 · 10-09-2015, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the advice, Conceptumator.

ajk123 · 10-09-2015, 07:52 PM

I really wanted a 2015 Grand Cherokee Limited.

captnrick3 · 10-09-2015, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conceptumator

On the tow, we have a Wrangler Unlimited with the Invisibrake. I know you don't want the Wrangler, but some things to watch for will include:

1. Do NOT trust the dealer on whether or not it can be flat towed. They typically have no clue but will tell you it can!

2. As a general rule, the only pickups I've seen flat towed without mods are four wheel drive and usually exceed the 5,000 lb hitch rating on the SR340.

3. On the Cherokees, watch the transmission type. Only one of the two types available can be flat towed.

4. Be prepared to spend $3,000 plus to get set up to flat tow, counting toe bars, braking device, lights, etc.

Good luck and have fun!

"Conceptumator" - Orlando, FL
2006 Hurricane 30Q
2010 Tacoma Toad on a Featherlite car hauler.

All good advice!

psw757 · 10-10-2015, 07:15 AM

For those interested in towing over 5k this isn't an issues as long as you stay within the 28k/33k weight ratings. Your hitch is rated for 5k but can easily be upgraded to a 7500 or 10k hitch. Spoke with freightliner custom chassis engineer on phone and he confirmed this is possible and local freightliner quoted me at a little over $500 for install.

The tranny specs are misleading because it is rated to operate up to the gcwr of 33k. The tranny doesn't care if the coach weighs 28k with a 5k toad or if you have a coach that actually weighs 24k with a 9k toad or trailer.

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