Rockwood 2604ss

[Arizona Garry]

Hello everyone,
Presently we have a Class C Forester 23" and we have decided to get a TT we have done a lot of research on our own , but have now decided to get some expert opinion.
We have a 2006 Ford F150 4x4 300hp 365 Torque, short bed(138.5 wheel base) with the tow package, and will be using a WDH Reese dual cam, and a sway bar, and Prodigy brake controller. Maximum loaded trailer weight is 7400 with automatic tranny.
2604SS Rockwood
The 2604 Dry Hitch Weight 629 lb.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 5,228 lb.
GVWR 6,629 lb.
Exterior Length 29 ft. 3 in.
Does anyone see a problem with this or should I go to a smaller TT

[NWJeeper]

Garry,

As a general rule of thumb many of the more knowledgable and experienced RVrs here that tow TTs do not like to exceede 80% of the towing capacity of their TV with the trailer loaded for a trip.

Also, since pulling a TT is not like pulling a flatbed trailer with a load of steel (All weight is not created equal) it is highly recommended for safty and handling in adverse or emergency situations that you do not pull a trailer that is longer in feet than your TV wheelbase divided by 5.

Therefore your truck with a wheelbase of 138.5 would be much safer if you didn't go over about 28' worth of trailer. The reason behind this is because unlike other forms of "weight" you could pull and still be under the capacity of the TV an RV is a huge billboard or sail that the wind and gusts from passing semi's can push very easily. It doesn't take much for the tail to wag the dog. Those here that are old pros at towing will attest to that fact.

Very rarely is there ever a problem with a TV towing the "weight" it's in buying too long a trailer for the given wheelbase that is a real concern to safe handling.

Just wondering though why if you have a Class C you are considering a trailer? Most make a move up to a slightly larger Class A in these situations.

[Pa-cj5]

I pull a 2604SS with my 2005 F150 S-Crew with no problems. I did replace my shocks with Bilstein Gas shocks. My truck did not have a tow package so I added the hitch, trans cooler and HD shocks. Pulled the mountains in Vermont without a problem.

We like the layout of this trailer, ordered an optional counter ext for the kitchen which gives it plenty of work space.

One thing that I just found out this past week is that the shower drains into the 38gal. black tank. The gray tank is only for the sinks. So far with 35 days of camping since June this has not been an issue.

Our trailer came in weighing 6129 lbs so we only travel local with a full tank of water

[Arizona Garry]

Originally Posted by NWJeeper

Garry,

As a general rule of thumb many of the more knowledgable and experienced RVrs here that tow TTs do not like to exceede 80% of the towing capacity of their TV with the trailer loaded for a trip.

Also, since pulling a TT is not like pulling a flatbed trailer with a load of steel (All weight is not created equal) it is highly recommended for safty and handling in adverse or emergency situations that you do not pull a trailer that is longer in feet than your TV wheelbase divided by 5.

Therefore your truck with a wheelbase of 138.5 would be much safer if you didn't go over about 28' worth of trailer. The reason behind this is because unlike other forms of "weight" you could pull and still be under the capacity of the TV an RV is a huge billboard or sail that the wind and gusts from passing semi's can push very easily. It doesn't take much for the tail to wag the dog. Those here that are old pros at towing will attest to that fact.

Very rarely is there ever a problem with a TV towing the "weight" it's in buying too long a trailer for the given wheelbase that is a real concern to safe handling.

Just wondering though why if you have a Class C you are considering a trailer? Most make a move up to a slightly larger Class A in these situations.

Our Class C is only 23' which is small for my wife and me and we have a very large dog (Neo Mastiff) and we can not tow our truck 4x4 shift on the fly.
For the life style that we want traveling the USA a TT will fit our needs.

[NWJeeper]

Off-topic here but where in AZ are you? My mom lives in Benson and my wifes uncle lives in Willcox. We are planning a trip down next September if I can get the time off work.

[Arizona Garry]

Originally Posted by NWJeeper

Off-topic here but where in AZ are you? My mom lives in Benson and my wifes uncle lives in Willcox. We are planning a trip down next September if I can get the time off work.

We are in the Phoenix area, Benson and Wilcox is about 150 miles from the valley. Guess you know that it is hot here 109 today, not to hot as it is beginning to cool off. It is a dry heat, but as my wife says hot is hot.

[Arizona Garry]

PA-CJ5,
Do you have a short bed 150 or regular bed?

[NWJeeper]

My mom used to live in Yuma, visited there a couple of times around this time of year. 110 degrees and more. Wow, it really wipes you out. I'm with your wife on that. Hot is Hot. I much preferred the Wilcox area as it was a bit cooler (that's relative I know).

[Pa-cj5]

Originally Posted by Arizona Garry

PA-CJ5,
Do you have a short bed 150 or regular bed?

I have the 5.5' short bed with 3:73 gears.

We went from a Shamrock 23B hybrid to the 2604 to make it more comfortable camping with our buddies. A 70 lb bulldog and a 65 lb boxer who snores worse then I do.

[Arn]

I pull mine with a 2005 F-150 Super Crew. 300hp, 365 foot pounds torque, 3:73 limited slip rear end, 4x4. Towing capacity 9,200 lbs with hitch weight 990 lbs. Depending on the cab & 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive you can tow up to 9,900 lbs again with 990 hitch weight. Your wheelbase is 7" shorter than mine but you should have no worries. True that wheelbase is too often overlooked from a safety standpoint, but given proper loading & proper hitch setup, my opinion is that you have lots of truck for that trailer.