365SAQ towing? - Page 2

AquaMan · 05-03-2012, 07:25 AM

Picked uo our 365saq 3/21/12 and headed from OH to FL on 3/23/12 for spring break. Towing with a 2011 2500 Silverado Duramax CC 4x4 long bed. Truck squats about 2 inches, which is perfect for me. Set the cruise on 70 and never looked back. TN wasn't a problem (although you may consider taking 25A around the landslide, we lost almost 2hrs sitting).

mhuffs9017 · 05-03-2012, 08:35 AM

Everyone.... Post your pics with the 365 hitched up. Detail your TV.

mhuffs9017 · 05-03-2012, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwensonBarrettBunch

I have that exact setup. 2011 F-250 and 2012 365SAQ. We have owned it now for 3 months and have put about 3000 miles on it so far. It tows great. I was worried after reading about needing a dually, but it is not needed. I usually run about 70 with the cruise set and get 10 mpg. I have added F-350 SRW springs to my truck instead of the airbags, but that is completely up to you.

Did you order the springs online or get them installed at the dealer. Is your ride any different when not towing? We tow on weekends primarily and don't want the harshness throughout the week if I can avoid it. That's why I'm leaning more toward the bags.

SwensonBarrettBunch · 05-03-2012, 05:20 PM

It is a F250 for insurance purposes. I added factory F350 SRW overload springs and blocks to prevent sag. Thanks

SwensonBarrettBunch · 05-03-2012, 05:35 PM

I found a axle for a 2011 online in a junk yard and contacted the saler. I explained that I did not need the axle, but wanted the rear springs, U bolts, blocks, and brackets that are added to the frame. He sent all of the parts and I seperated the springs, added the spacer and top overload to my original spring pack. Then I installed the taller blocks and U bolts. It rides just like it did stock. It has been the best thing I have done to the truck so far. I did not use air bags because I did not want to have to adjust them all the time. Next I am adding the factory sway bar.

mhuffs9017 · 05-04-2012, 11:56 AM

Ordered the air lift kit today, part # 57396. Going to put these on next weekend. Hoping to close the deal shortly thereafter. I'm not going to go with a compressor to start, I'll just put the valve near the license plate and fill up prior to travel.

EdJunior · 05-04-2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhuffs9017

Ordered the air lift kit today, part # 57396. Going to put these on next weekend. Hoping to close the deal shortly thereafter. I'm not going to go with a compressor to start, I'll just put the valve near the license plate and fill up prior to travel.

That's what I did for a year and a half with my other truck. I carried one of the small portable air tanks with me in case I had to put some air while on the road and away from a station. It worked fine.

mhuffs9017 · 05-09-2012, 08:38 AM

Truck is at the shop getting the bags installed. I opened the package and said, nuh uh, I am not doin this. Too many parts, intricate directions. I consider myself pretty handy but in the essence of safety I chose to have them installed by a local installer who did this on my previous TV.

Towing the current TT to the dealer Saturday, choosing the new unit and hope to seal a deal. Perhaps this is for a different thread but does anyone know if a vent is pre-installed on the 365 for the dryer setup? Do you have to have this factory installed to get this. DW is saying this is a deal breaker b/c of the extensive time away we'll be in this thing that a washer/dryer is needed.

Beausdog · 06-19-2012, 07:39 PM

Hey guys,

Thanks for putting my mind at ease quite a bit (especially with the 250 pulling the 365, beautiful I must say) as I have a 2012 Ford F350 CC SRW FX4 SB and going in a week and a half to Ohio to go pick up my new Sierra 365SAQ. I have been pinged so many different ways of whether im at weight, under weight or over weight and have been stressing over my TV as this is my first 5er. If you have any other suggestions or advice please feel free to let me know, but I see you all towing them so Im pretty sure my rig can handle it as well

karznromz · 06-19-2012, 11:27 PM

All I can say is I love our dually, at least when towing the 365. The stability is better but looking back a srw one ton would be fine.

cmptrkd · 06-21-2012, 10:06 PM

Mhuffs9017,

Sorry it has taken me so long to post this. I know you installed the bags already, but for reference for all others who are concerned about towing a 365 with a 3.4 ton

Beausdog · 06-21-2012, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmptrkd

Mhuffs9017,

Sorry it has taken me so long to post this. I know you installed the bags already, but for reference for all others who are concerned about towing a 365 with a 3.4 ton

So that is a 2500 DMax with no Air Bags or Mods?? How does it pull? As I said, I have a SRW F350 with no mods as of yet and debating the airbags prior to picking it up or just waiting to see how it goes and then get them if needed. Also, DW asked if anyone has any opinions on the dream scape mattresses in the master as far as the comfort level. Thanks

oh and btw....the truck and rig looks Sexy and Im drooling, cant wait for mine.

karznromz · 06-21-2012, 10:23 PM

King size dreamscape is great. Takes up some space but worth it. Great to watch movies with all four kids.

Beausdog · 06-22-2012, 07:29 AM

Thanks for the info on the mattress...now off to accessory shopping for the new toy hahahahahaha

golfmedik · 06-22-2012, 09:00 PM

I have the Sandpiper 365SAQ(sister to the Sierra) and absolutely love it. Even though I pull mine with a dually, the newer trucks of all of the big 3 should tow it fine. Even with my dually, I added Firestone air bags and what a difference! Makes towing the rig even more enjoyable. I also added a Viair 10007 on board compressor and Firestone control panel to control the bags. Good luck with your campers guys. Happy camping! Here is ours leaving the dealership.

cmptrkd · 06-24-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beausdog

So that is a 2500 DMax with no Air Bags or Mods?? How does it pull? As I said, I have a SRW F350 with no mods as of yet and debating the airbags prior to picking it up or just waiting to see how it goes and then get them if needed. Also, DW asked if anyone has any opinions on the dream scape mattresses in the master as far as the comfort level. Thanks

oh and btw....the truck and rig looks Sexy and Im drooling, cant wait for mine.

It pulls great, plenty of power and the ride for us is what I would expect when pulling. This is our first 5th wheel, our last trailer was a 36 ft Montana Travel Trailer, and this is less bumpy and doesn't jerk like the Montana did. I have noticed, especially when watching campers come and go in the parks, the Fords seem to sag down a little more then the Chevys. I am not trying to be mean, I am actually a Ford guy and this is my first Chevy, I was scared of the Ford Diesel last time we were looking, actually traded in our Expedition Eddie Bauer which was our TV for our Montana when we bought this. I hope Ford works out the kinks, especially now that they are taking the Diesels back under their own roof, and one day I will own one again.. but long story short, I wonder if the Chevy holds the weight slightly better. I also wonder if I had air bags, and pulled with them, if I would like it better then with nothing, but I feel confident when pulling and I feel like the truck handles very well.

Beausdog · 06-24-2012, 04:38 PM

Hey, thanks for the info....i plan on picking mine up next weekend from the dealer, i have a 10k tt now and sag an inch or two....so guessing this will be a tad more....i will try it and if i sag 3-4 inches i will get bags for it. As its a new F350 im hoping that it keeps the sag to a minimum as its within requirements and has the FX4 and towing package on it

golfmedik · 06-24-2012, 04:55 PM

I have an '01 Chevy 3500 4x4 DRW 8.1L also that I some times pull with. You are correct in saying that the Chevys don't squat like the Fords. The ride in the Chevy is not any more harsh, just a little different. Even now if I were towing constantly with the Chevy, I would put on air bags. It makes for a more pleasurable ride and stops the drive line shudder all of the big 3 trucks are known for nowadays. Especially the high torque diesels. Good luck and happy camping!

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