365SAQ towing?

[mhuffs9017]

I know, I know, if you see the signature we just purchased the 3150BHD last June. We got bored one day, after the new truck purchase and decided to start looking at 5ers. We fell in love with this 365SAQ. My only regret is wishing I would have seen this prior to purchasing our truck b/c we would have gone with an F350.

So, to my question, am I a fool to even consider towing with my F250? Perhaps folks can educate me here. I have the 10k GVWR and payload max is 3290. Appears pin weight is just over 2k on the 5er and we can tow up to 15,200.

My truck specs:
6.7 psd
CC
4x4
Plow Package, camper package

Considering add-a-leaf with Timbrens if we did decide to pull the trigger.

[Twisty]

Most people around here use a dually for towing those big fivers.
You may be able to do it by the numbers but your comfort, control and confidence
could be compromised.

[camper_Lucy]

It will Tow it fine, You will be right at the top end of what the TV is spec'd for but well within the margins.

You can use this site to input your data and calculate the results (below),
I loaded most of your TV data in, you can play with the weight margins I set it a minimums just to see where you landed, and it let you space to increase them.

Good luck, we love our 356SAQ, I did move up to a 3500 Dully but only because we were planing a few adventures in the mountains, not needed to pull the SAQ around Ohio (I live here) and the neighboring states IMO.

Fifth Wheel Weight Calculator

[mhuffs9017]

Thanks camper_lucy for the calculator. Where in OH are you? We are east of Cincinnati in Milford. We have 3 growing kids and the separation during rainy days, a la this past weekend would have been awesome! I'm heading up to Couch's here today in Hamilton OH to check one out.

[camper_Lucy]

We are in Hudson it basically half way between Cleveland and Akron along the Turnpike.

Good Luck, hope you find one you like and don't forget to have them throw in the hitch (suggest a pullrite or anyone that closes around the pin not ones that closes on the pin from the sides, let us know.

[mhuffs9017]

Saw a few, 7 to be exact. They have them all out for 35,900. Each includes king bed, hydraulic landers, corian tops and can't think of anything at the moment. Good price? They are all '12's.

[carsonizik3]

I too have a 365saq and two boys ages 14 and 8. We love our new camper! I did buy a 2008 Dodge 3500 Cummins diesel to tow it with though. I had a 2002 Dodge Cumming and didn't think it it would pull it. I think your truck will pull it but I would add some 5000lb air bags instead of the add a leafs and rubber suspension. I'm going to add the more ryde system and airbags myself in a few weeks. I would also make sure to get the 2nd ac in the bedroom. Good luck to you!

[EdJunior]

I've seen a few people towing this with the 6.7L. The F-350 would be better to be sure, but as noted, I believe you will be fine with the F-250 as well. You might also want to consider air bags instead. I have them with the wireless remote air compressor, and it is a joy to be able to adjust the bags "on the fly" as needed. Otherwise it would take some experimenting to get the right pressure in the bags. Good luck, and have fun!

[mhuffs9017]

I had the bags on the old SUV and they did work well. It seems like a relatively easy install. At what PSI do you typically run at? I know it's an experiment to get right but a base # to start would be beneficial.

Thanks for all the replies. I think we are going to move on this if the numbers work!

[EdJunior]

In my 2008 F-250, I had to run the bags at around 60 - 65 PSI. This took out most of the chucking and bouncing, but was a bit stiff. In my 2011 (which is a short bed vs the long bed in the 2008), I started at 25 PSI, which leveled the bed after I dropped the hitch on it. Once I hit the concrete jungle of Houston, I ended up with 45 PSI. This got rid of a lot of the bouncing, but not all. It did get me out of Houston though and onto normal and smoother riding pavement.

But to really answer you questions, the PSI to start at, is to level your truck. Measure the distance between your rear wheel well and the ground before hooking up. Then raise it to that level with the air bags after hooking up. That gives you your starting point. AGain, mine took 25 PSI. Yours may be different.

I made the adjustments while driving, 5 PSI at a time until I hit the sweet spot. I have to tell you, that remote compressor is awesome. The wireless remote means you don't have to run any wires or air lines into the cab of the truck. That has gone on my list as one of the greatest gifts to man...right along with the cordless electric screwdriver.

[NC cowboy]

I have a 2012 365saq and I pull it with a 2008 f250, It handles very well.I picked the camper up from Ohio to my home in north carolina my short bed handles very well on the road

[mhuffs9017]

Dually? Gas? Diesel? That's good info and great to hear. One of our bigger trips will be to Myrtle Beach this summer through the Tennessee and Carolina mountains.

[cmptrkd]

We have a 2012 365SAQ and we're towing it with a 2011 Chevy 2500 with the Duramax. Had I known I was going to buy this trailer, I may have looked at a 3500 DRW, but the truck pulls it fine. I don't struggle with the weight, and even with the 6.5 bed, have no loss of confidence in handling of the truck and trailer. We went to Estes Park Colorado last fall and had no issues going up the canyon, truck only squats about 1.5 inches, so I did not install bags. The truck sits virtually level with the camper hitched. The camper is long, so no matter what your tow vehicle, if you're not a long box dually, it probably looks weird, but tows beautifully. I sacrifice mileage for time. I generally go the speed limit which in Nebraska, Colorado is generally 70-75. I'm getting 9-10 towing.

[mhuffs9017]

Hey cmptrkd and any other 3/4 ton pullers of this rig, anyone have a pic of your setup? Post them if you do I'd really like to see. Thanks in advance.

[NC cowboy]

2008 2x4 Diesel with no extras added.You can see some pictures at Couch rv wholesellers in Ohio website.He takes pictures of the rvs he sales hooked to the buyers truck. Hope that will help you.Those pictures boosted my confidence when I saw them.

[chiro]

I have a 2011 f 250 6.7 and the 365 saq. It will tow it good stock. You will get a good bit of sag though. I had firestone 5k bags installed and its a different truck. It tows like a beast, much stiffer ride with the bags and you dont bottom out on the bumpstops when you hit a bump. 40 to 50 psi loaded is a great range for me.

[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.

[mhuffs9017]

chiro - post a pic.... I'd really like to see your setup. Are you shortbed? CC? Extended? This is awesome to hear. How do you like towing in all conditions, wind, hills etc. MORE INFO please!!!!! Love it! I never thought or doubted for a minute that the truck can but how do you feel when towing.

[SwensonBarrettBunch]

Here is a picture of ours when we picked it up

[mhuffs9017]

Swenson that looks AWESOME!!!! Are you in a 250 or 350? I like the second A/C, slide toppers!