Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-06-2015, 11:40 PM   #41
Junior Member
 
mrs.jenniferw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
3/4 to 1/2 Ton Tow Rig

All the info on here is great, the numbers, the payload, max towing etc... I have a 2014 8311ss. I currently two it with a 1500 crew cab vortec max with a 6.0 l max towing package, transmission cooler, brake controller, upgraded my 20" tires to "D" rated capacity. Have a weight distribution hitch and sway control. We are looking at a 250 or probably a 350. We've had it for about 2 months and have been on two trips and that's why we are buying a new truck. White knuckling it a lot of the time. Not fun. 1/2 CAN pull it but no way I will keep this 1/2 ton. And another post said they pulled their 2604 fine with a half ton. A 2604 dry is only 5700 lbs and 29.5' long. Big difference between the 8311.
mrs.jenniferw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2015, 11:47 PM   #42
Senior Member
 
dannyabear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 677
All you need is an ego boost engine and some air bags or one of them shutle towers and air bags or a real 250/2500 and be done with it
__________________
Danny & Darlene
2002 Silverado 1500HD
2014 Rockwood 2703WS 'Emerald Pkg'
Days camped 2015=42 2014=48 2013=41 2012=47 2011=18
dannyabear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2015, 09:44 PM   #43
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ancaster Ontario
Posts: 19
We have a 2015 8329ss which is just shy of 35 feet and dry weight is 7400 pounds. Absolutely love this trailer. Tow vehicle is a 2010 Ram 1500 with 5.7 litre Hemi and 3.92 gears. We have an equalizer hitch and I installed air bags in the rear springs to help keep the truck level when we're all loaded. This combination works very nicely - we've already towed the trailer to Florida and back (over 5000 km/3000 miles) and we have no trouble maintaining a steady 105kmh/65mph using the cruise control even through some of the hillier sections. I could go faster but based on what I've been reading I don't dare push the trailer tires any faster. I previously towed a 29 ft 5300 pound trailer with this vehicle and was a little worried how it would handle the larger unit but I recall the Rockwood rep telling me that "everything Rockwood makes is towable by a 1/2 ton" and I'm pleased to report my experience bears out what he was saying.
__________________
2015 Rockwood 8329SS
2019 Ram Limited CTD, 3.73 Axle ratio
Equalizer hitch
Breimert is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-17-2015, 07:01 PM   #44
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 361
Take a good look at the F150 EcoBoost, 2011 had 365hp/420ft/lbs. Got the 8,200 Package - Heavy Duty Payload (2,393 bed/cab), Max Tow 11,200 (brake controller, extendable mirrors (htd, remote, signal) and LT E rated tires.
Pulled a 30 ft TT 7,750 with Equalizer Hitch easily, the 10,000 with 1,650 pin is even better.
Bottom line this F150 found a home. The 6 speed auto/select is great, my foot is too heavy, I had a 66 GTO.
__________________
DJsFolly
D. J. Schuler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-17-2015, 08:30 PM   #45
Site Team
 
dcheatwood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,499
Quote:
Originally Posted by D. J. Schuler View Post
Take a good look at the F150 EcoBoost, 2011 had 365hp/420ft/lbs. Got the 8,200 Package - Heavy Duty Payload (2,393 bed/cab), Max Tow 11,200 (brake controller, extendable mirrors (htd, remote, signal) and LT E rated tires.
Pulled a 30 ft TT 7,750 with Equalizer Hitch easily, the 10,000 with 1,650 pin is even better.
Bottom line this F150 found a home. The 6 speed auto/select is great, my foot is too heavy, I had a 66 GTO.
Yes. If I was in the market for a new halfton, I'd certainly look at the Eco boost. Not only for its tow ratings, but also mpg's when not towing. I rode with a friend in his and it was impressive. But my '08 tundra is in great shape so I'll stick with it for a while longer.
__________________
2018 Forester 3011 DS

dcheatwood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 01:03 AM   #46
pastorscottz
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 13
I have the RAM 1500 with Hemi and tow a Rockwood fifth wheel (8285IKWS) with similar weight and pin weight. I just returned from the mountains and had 0 pulling power issues, breaking trouble, or sway problems. I monitored the transmission temp and it never came close to overheating. I used to pull with a RAM diesel, but am just as happy with the half ton with these light trailers. My only modification is the easy to install and inexpensive air bags that fit in the coil springs. They take all the softness out of the rear end with just 20 lbs. of air.
__________________
Scott Ziegler

2015 Rockwood 8285IKWS 5th wheel
2012 Ram 1500 Hemi
pastorscottz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 07:17 AM   #47
Senior Member
 
The_Rhino's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 670
Quote:
I located a 2004 Ram 2500... There was some tread left, but the side-walls were beginning to crack and peel. The rust... had just begun to break paint in a few places... I negotiated the price down to a reasonable $13K...
YIKES! That's a lot for a rusty 11 year-old truck with bad tires... Good E rated tires will add another $1,500...

IMO you can always replace parts, even engine ($3.5K) & tranny ($1.5K), but you cannot do much about rust because its everywhere... If you don't mind rolling with stock options, (no leather, no NAV, etc.), you can find rust-free 3 year-old Ram 2500's coming off company leases for $15K... Yes, they are typically driven harder than privately-owned trucks, but they have no rust & many still have the balance of the 100K powertrain warranty... Also, the newer engine & tranny tech. typically provide better mpg than a 10+ year-old truck...

In 2013 I found a 2011 Ram 2500 CC ST w/85k miles for $14K. Last year Ram replaced the 5.7 Hemi under the 100K powertrain warranty, so now I have a rust-free truck with a new engine & renewed 3 year warranty on the replacement engine... It already had newer E rated tires, integrated brake controller, etc. I also found a like-new fiberglass cap on CL for $500 & it looks really great now for a stock truck. Also, IMO my $100 GPS provides free map updates & integrates with my phone better than the pricey onboard NAVs... I mean, who needs pricey satellite radio when you can get Pandora on your cell for free?

NUMBERS: Our 6,500 (empty) TT becomes 8,250 ready-to-camp. Empty tongue is 650 but we travel best with 13% (1,100) on the hitch. With a couple medium-size boxes of firewood in the bed, family of 5, bicycles, etc. we reach a payload of 2,200 and that is without the 150? lb. fiberglass cap I just added this winter... Plus, I want to add a couple Kayaks next year... Every idea seems to add weight vs. take it away...

IMO the only 1/2 ton capable of towing our loaded "half ton towable" TT is the F150 EB w/HD package. New ones cost $40K+, so I'm not trading-in my $14K Ram 2500 anytime soon just to save $800/year on my daily commute...
__________________
2011 RAM 2500 ST Crew Cab 5.7 Hemi
2011 Primetime 3150BHD Touring Edition
Days camped in 2018-25
2017-31; 2016-36; 2015-37; 2014-31

The_Rhino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 06:36 PM   #48
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland (Land of Pleasent Living)
Posts: 14
I will throw in my 2 cents here. I had a 2004 F250 gas motor and pulled a 7000 lb trailer. It did a good job, I now have a 2013 F150 with the Eco Boost and it pulled that trailer way better then the F250. I just picked up a new 8311ss and pulled it from Michigan to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and am so impressed with this F150. It pulled the new Rockwood great thru all of the hills. I took I80, I76 and I70 with no problem. Was accelerating up the hills. And hardly braked going down them.
fishrprice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 07:20 PM   #49
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 1,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by pastorscottz View Post
I have the RAM 1500 with Hemi and tow a Rockwood fifth wheel (8285IKWS) with similar weight and pin weight. I just returned from the mountains and had 0 pulling power issues, breaking trouble, or sway problems. I monitored the transmission temp and it never came close to overheating. I used to pull with a RAM diesel, but am just as happy with the half ton with these light trailers. My only modification is the easy to install and inexpensive air bags that fit in the coil springs. They take all the softness out of the rear end with just 20 lbs. of air.
While I am very happy that you have a great towing experience, there is zero chance that you are not over payload weight on that Ram 1500
Mountndream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 07:21 PM   #50
Senior Member
 
Fivealive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 211
My 2 centavos... Pulled an 8280ws on trips for two years with an 2012 F150 ecoboost. I have a new F250 LB with a 6.2 gas motor, 4:30 axle, and 5th wheel prep. package. The F150 was impressive for as well as it did. I really didn't have anything to compare it to. Now that I have driven both, I can say the F250 pulls with much more stability and braking which provides for more confidence and enjoyable driving. It's kinda like comparing amateur to professional performance. Not knocking the 1/2 ton, it served us well, just not near as well as the F250. I would not go back to 1/2 ton unless the trailer was considerably smaller.
Fivealive is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 08:21 PM   #51
Senior Member
 
The_Rhino's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 670
I have no doubt that a shiny new $40K+ F150 EB w/HD will perform better than a 10 year-old 3/4 ton with tired engine, 4/5 speed tranny, saggy springs, and worn tires... However, how will the EB hold-up in 10 years? I once had a Mazda 626 with turbo & the older she got, the less kick the turbo gave... Just sayin'...

I also agree that the Ram 1500 has a worthless payload... Although I am loyal to Ram for replacing my Hemi under warranty - no hassles - I would not recommend the 1500 to anyone serious about camping... However, you can pick-up a Ram 2500 for less than some others' 1/2 tons. I have the 5.7 Hemi but if I were buying today I would take a good look at the 6.4 Hemi w/greater payload & tow capacity compared to anything else in the price-range...
__________________
2011 RAM 2500 ST Crew Cab 5.7 Hemi
2011 Primetime 3150BHD Touring Edition
Days camped in 2018-25
2017-31; 2016-36; 2015-37; 2014-31

The_Rhino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 08:28 PM   #52
pastorscottz
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 13
3/4 to 1/2 Ton Tow Rig

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountndream View Post
While I am very happy that you have a great towing experience, there is zero chance that you are not over payload weight on that Ram 1500

I'm under payload by 250 lbs and towing by 1,500 lbs.
__________________
Scott Ziegler

2015 Rockwood 8285IKWS 5th wheel
2012 Ram 1500 Hemi
pastorscottz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 09:05 PM   #53
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 1,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by pastorscottz View Post
I'm under payload by 250 lbs and towing by 1,500 lbs.
Shipped weight is 1146 on the pin. most Rams have 1440 as their payloads. I am sure you and your wife are skinny, carry nothing in your fifth wheel and never have more then a 1/4 tank of gas in the truck

Not saying your truck won't handle it, but if you weigh it, you will be over
Mountndream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 09:08 PM   #54
Senior Member
 
The_Rhino's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 670
Quote:
I'm under payload by 250 lbs and towing by 1,500 lbs.
If you are using your Ram 1500 to move it (empty) to a permanent site, then you are fine. However, as soon as you load passengers & gear I don't see how you can stay under your payload of <1,500 & GCVW of 14,000... Have you checked it at a CAT scale since loading people & gear?

In comparison, my much lighter 6,500 (empty) TT becomes 8,250 ready to camp & my GCVW is very close to 15,000. I run out of GCVW before I ever reach payload or tow capacity... I expect a CAT scale to show that you are well over your 14,000 GCVW...

Not trying to be picky, but most new folks make decisions on dry numbers & then end-up having to pay more to trade-up their TV. Just trying to help folks make an informed decision...
__________________
2011 RAM 2500 ST Crew Cab 5.7 Hemi
2011 Primetime 3150BHD Touring Edition
Days camped in 2018-25
2017-31; 2016-36; 2015-37; 2014-31

The_Rhino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 09:22 PM   #55
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Ennis TX
Posts: 245
Ill throw my 2 cents in here as I have a unique position. I have a 2014 Ecoboost that was going to replace my 06 F350. Problem was we upgraded our trailer from a 6500lb 29' Wildwood to a 36' 8327 Rockwood @ about 9k loaded and 1350 on the hitch. Well I am still towing with the diesel. The Ecoboost has plenty of power but the suspension is not up to the tongue weight of that trailer. It would do ok for a quick short hop i guess. Car manufacturers are rating these trucks so high in tow capacity but the payload capacity is not up to par for towing these big trailers. I would always rather have more truck than needed.
firedaniel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 09:22 PM   #56
Mod free 5er
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
Quote:
Originally Posted by pastorscottz View Post
I'm under payload by 250 lbs and towing by 1,500 lbs.
If you're satisfied, that's all that counts. JMO
__________________
OldCoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 09:26 PM   #57
Senior Member
 
B and B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,833
Send a message via AIM to B and B
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldCoot View Post
If you're satisfied, that's all that counts. JMO
X2.
__________________
B and B
2022 Venture RV SportTrek STT 302 VRB Travel Trailer
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Louisville 5th Wheel
2015 Heartland Bighorn 5th Wheel
2013 FR Rockwood 8289WS 5th Wheel
2012 FR Rockwood 2703 SS Travel Trailer
B and B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2015, 05:59 AM   #58
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland (Land of Pleasent Living)
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Rhino View Post
I have no doubt that a shiny new $40K+ F150 EB w/HD will perform better than a 10 year-old 3/4 ton with tired engine, 4/5 speed tranny, saggy springs, and worn tires... However, how will the EB hold-up in 10 years? I once had a Mazda 626 with turbo & the older she got, the less kick the turbo gave... Just sayin'...

I also agree that the Ram 1500 has a worthless payload... Although I am loyal to Ram for replacing my Hemi under warranty - no hassles - I would not recommend the 1500 to anyone serious about camping... However, you can pick-up a Ram 2500 for less than some others' 1/2 tons. I have the 5.7 Hemi but if I were buying today I would take a good look at the 6.4 Hemi w/greater payload & tow capacity compared to anything else in the price-range...

Rhino, my shiny new F150 was 29k new off the lot. It has the HD Payload package and the max tow package. The F250 had 80k on it when I sold it. E rated Tires had 10k on them. I know a lot of people can't wrap their minds around how well these Eco Boost trucks pull. Now in no way am I saying they pull better then a new 3/4 ton truck but the F150 is more then capable. As for 10 years from now, mine is 2013, I won't be able to answer that for 7 more years. But there are some Eco Boost out there that are 5 years old and still going strong.
fishrprice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2015, 08:11 AM   #59
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountndream View Post
Shipped weight is 1146 on the pin. most Rams have 1440 as their payloads. I am sure you and your wife are skinny, carry nothing in your fifth wheel and never have more then a 1/4 tank of gas in the truck

Not saying your truck won't handle it, but if you weigh it, you will be over
To be fair, Ram has a 150 lb. driver and a full tank of gas (either 26 or 32 gallons) and all necessary fluids configured into the available payload capacity of your truck.
The Crow 1994 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2015, 09:05 AM   #60
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 1,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Crow 1994 View Post
To be fair, Ram has a 150 lb. driver and a full tank of gas (either 26 or 32 gallons) and all necessary fluids configured into the available payload capacity of your truck.
I agree on the 150 lb driver, but I did think it was a half tank of fuel. Either way, you make a valid point.

I would assume that there is more than one person going. That adds 150 to the payload. That's 1300 lbs (Pin weight from the manufacture + passenger). What's a fifth wheel hitch weigh? If its more than 140 lbs, he is already over the payload without loading a single thing in his truck or trailer.

I just got done looking for a new Ram and couldn't figure out how to make the payload work so I bought a 2500. It was 35k out the door and I am ready when DW wants a shiny new camper

With that said, if he is comfortable towing it, that's his business, I wish him good luck, cold beers and hot campfires.
__________________
2015 Ram 2500 4x4 6.4l with 2015 Sandpiper 25RLS
Wife, myself and 2 furry kids
Mountndream is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:25 PM.