Tow Vehicle Suggestions

[jking46]

As we all know, these are optimal numbers. Probably for a base work truck trim, regular cab, 2wd. Anything you change will reduce them. Kinda like dry weight of the camper.
And your mileage may vary.

[doc73]

Originally Posted by jking46

As we all know, these are optimal numbers. Probably for a base work truck trim, regular cab, 2wd. Anything you change will reduce them. Kinda like dry weight of the camper.
And your mileage may vary.

That is what I'd think as well.. They always tout their awesome numbers until you realize you only get an 8 track player and two 2.5 gallon buckets for seats (5 gallons put you over payload) to get those numbers... It will probably be in the 1500 or 1900 in reality.

[DieselDrax]

Originally Posted by moose074

Take your time find a half ton that can tow it I towed a similar weight weight trailer with a 2014 Tundra and a 2014 F 150 eco boost yes payload wise I was over I needed a W/D hitch and installed airless airbags on both

Over is over. "airless airbags" DO NOT increase your payload capacity. If you're over without a WDH and you're relying on the WDH to bring you back under then you are at the very least at the limits of that vehicle and perhaps over depending on how/what you load.

Suggesting that bolting on parts can magically increase the payload capacity of a vehicle is false.

The OP needs at least a 3/4-ton truck for what they want to tow. @rockfordroo mentioned some high 11,000+ GVWR for that TT, not sure where that number came from but it's closer to 9,990LB. 12% on the hitch is just shy of 1,200LB @GVWR but may vary. A couple of occupants, hitch gear, random stuff in the truck, plus hitch weight and it won't take much to hit 1,800LB of payload on the truck. Are there 1/2-ton trucks that can handle that weight? Sure, on paper. The paper doesn't convey the experience and that experience isn't going to be great, as someone that has towed a similar size and weight TT with a 1/2-ton before upgrading I wouldn't recommend going the 1/2-ton route especially when you consider the price difference for similarly equipped 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton/1-ton trucks is almost nothing as long as you stick with a gas engine. Knowing that, why take a risk and likely end up with a less-than-ideal truck/trailer combo when you can do it right the first time?

Take it from those of us that have been there. Look for a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck that has at least 2,400LB of payload listed ON THE PAYLOAD STICKER ON THE TRUCK. Don't go by max weight capacities advertised by the mfr, look at the payload listed on the actual truck. There are some diesel 3/4-ton trucks that have less payload capacity than a 1/2-ton because of the weight of the engine.

[aceinspp]

Forget the 1500 and go with a 2500HD of your manufacture choice. Depending on gear ratio mileage will vary with a gas unit. I just purchase a new Ram 6.4 and milage first trip out was 11mpg at 62 mph. In town I'm geting 14 and should do better once it gets a few more miles on it. Later RJD

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by DieselDrax

Over is over. "airless airbags" DO NOT increase your payload capacity. If you're over without a WDH and you're relying on the WDH to bring you back under then you are at the very least at the limits of that vehicle and perhaps over depending on how/what you load.

Suggesting that bolting on parts can magically increase the payload capacity of a vehicle is false.

The OP needs at least a 3/4-ton truck for what they want to tow. @rockfordroo mentioned some high 11,000+ GVWR for that TT, not sure where that number came from but it's closer to 9,990LB. 12% on the hitch is just shy of 1,200LB @GVWR but may vary. A couple of occupants, hitch gear, random stuff in the truck, plus hitch weight and it won't take much to hit 1,800LB of payload on the truck. Are there 1/2-ton trucks that can handle that weight? Sure, on paper. The paper doesn't convey the experience and that experience isn't going to be great, as someone that has towed a similar size and weight TT with a 1/2-ton before upgrading I wouldn't recommend going the 1/2-ton route especially when you consider the price difference for similarly equipped 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton/1-ton trucks is almost nothing as long as you stick with a gas engine. Knowing that, why take a risk and likely end up with a less-than-ideal truck/trailer combo when you can do it right the first time?

Take it from those of us that have been there. Look for a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck that has at least 2,400LB of payload listed ON THE PAYLOAD STICKER ON THE TRUCK. Don't go by max weight capacities advertised by the mfr, look at the payload listed on the actual truck. There are some diesel 3/4-ton trucks that have less payload capacity than a 1/2-ton because of the weight of the engine.

Looks like I got the GVWR from the new 2018/2019 version:

Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8328BS Fifth Wheels / Travel Trailers by Forest River RV

Guess it's put on a lot of weight since 2017 -

Hope they've put better tires on it!

[DieselDrax]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Looks like I got the GVWR from the new 2018/2019 version:

Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8328BS Fifth Wheels / Travel Trailers by Forest River RV

Guess it's put on a lot of weight since 2017 -

Hope they've put better tires on it!

That's a typo in the brochure, GVWR is still 9,990 for 2018 and 2019. Here's the sticker from a 2018.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by DieselDrax

That's a typo in the brochure, GVWR is still 9,990 for 2018 and 2019. Here's the sticker from a 2018.

You mean I can't believe the brochure??

[DieselDrax]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

You mean I can't believe the brochure??

I know lots of people love to believe the brochure and those amazing dry weights!

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by DieselDrax

I know lots of people love to believe the brochure and those amazing dry weights!

Next thing I know, you'll tell me I can't believe the salesman!

[doc73]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Looks like I got the GVWR from the new 2018/2019 version:

Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8328BS Fifth Wheels / Travel Trailers by Forest River RV

Guess it's put on a lot of weight since 2017 -

Hope they've put better tires on it!

It was a rough freshman year...

[moose074]

Originally Posted by DieselDrax

Over is over. "airless airbags" DO NOT increase your payload capacity. If you're over without a WDH and you're relying on the WDH to bring you back under then you are at the very least at the limits of that vehicle and perhaps over depending on how/what you load.

Suggesting that bolting on parts can magically increase the payload capacity of a vehicle is false.

The OP needs at least a 3/4-ton truck for what they want to tow. @rockfordroo mentioned some high 11,000+ GVWR for that TT, not sure where that number came from but it's closer to 9,990LB. 12% on the hitch is just shy of 1,200LB @GVWR but may vary. A couple of occupants, hitch gear, random stuff in the truck, plus hitch weight and it won't take much to hit 1,800LB of payload on the truck. Are there 1/2-ton trucks that can handle that weight? Sure, on paper. The paper doesn't convey the experience and that experience isn't going to be great, as someone that has towed a similar size and weight TT with a 1/2-ton before upgrading I wouldn't recommend going the 1/2-ton route especially when you consider the price difference for similarly equipped 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton/1-ton trucks is almost nothing as long as you stick with a gas engine. Knowing that, why take a risk and likely end up with a less-than-ideal truck/trailer combo when you can do it right the first time?

Take it from those of us that have been there. Look for a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck that has at least 2,400LB of payload listed ON THE PAYLOAD STICKER ON THE TRUCK. Don't go by max weight capacities advertised by the mfr, look at the payload listed on the actual truck. There are some diesel 3/4-ton trucks that have less payload capacity than a 1/2-ton because of the weight of the engine.

I never said I increased my payload didn’t even need them with W/D hooked up they just helped keep from cranking jack as much I even suggested a bigger truck due to payload. I was just stating what I did in hindsight I would not have bought either 1/2 ton but I did and they were great towing my trailer and easier to get around I. Than my 350 is

[Velosprout]

You either need a gas 3/4 ton or F150 HDPP. Because the weight of the diesel drivetrain is high, a rare heavy duty payload package F150 may well have higher payload than well-optioned 3/4 ton diesel trucks. Look at the actual payload sticker on the truck.

[MikeInRaleigh]

With this tongue weight, you may also need to check the rating on the hitch receiver itself as well.

[Happy Camper CA]

I found this spreadsheet very useful when choosing a tow vehicle for my new trailer. Just fill in the blanks.
I found after towing my new trailer home from the dealer I didn't feel safe with the towing capacity and payload of the Ram 1500 5.7. I've upgraded to a Ram 2500 with a 6.4 Hemi 3.73 gears and feel the world of difference with towing and stoping trailer. I have a 2019 Rockwood Ultra Light 2906ws dry weight of 7425 lbs. The dry weight listed in the brochure was 7100 and I ordered a number of options to increase dry weight.
I hope this helps
https://brandonreid.github.io/truck-...ity/index.html

[str8t six]

that trailer has a GVW of over 11,100 pounds! i would opt
to have a vehicle more than capable of the task. so i suggest
a 3500 SRW. even if you go to a 2500, the payload rating may
not be enough once you add other people and extra cargo.

[KAISOR]

I tow my 8325ss with my 2017 Chevy 1500 z71 5.3 with no problems at all.
13 miles to the gallon at 63 mph and 24 mpg unhooked.
I have owned diesel trucks over the years when I had my fifth wheeler.
The 8325ss is 35 ft and 7800 lbs .

[KAISOR]

[Happy Camper CA]

Towing a trailer with no problem and towing a trailer Whithin your towing capacity is two different things.The more comments I read on this forum about towing trailers I find a lot of people are ignorant to the fact of payload capacity and gvwr and the legalitys when involved in a accident.

[TXSKIBUM]

Good thread you guys. Recently pulled my 2706 with a half ton. Not happening. Dealer sales guy even Chrysler said no problem. Ummm. Dry weight sticker 6800. Ok. Suuuuuure. Anyway picked it up. Wind storm. Blew us off the road. Requires maximum recovery. Its amazing in that split second nothing mattered but staying upright. Do your homework. Btw. I️ love my 2500 Laramie crew lol. 6.4 gas. Lifetime no miles or time on 1000 components warranty. Check those weights at a scale. Enjoy and be safe.

[Teetime]

Originally Posted by Happy Camper CA

Towing a trailer with no problem and towing a trailer Whithin your towing capacity is two different things.The more comments I read on this forum about towing trailers I find a lot of people are ignorant to the fact of payload capacity and gvwr and the legalitys when involved in a accident.

Very true indeed! So many conversations about being within 10% of that maximum tow capacity without regard to braking and control.

Manufacturers will tell you you can tow at a certain number. But in reality those numbers just are not safe (or healthy for your tow vehicle) on steep grades or bad weather.

65% rule...don't exceed 65% of your towing capacity and have a good brake controller that you know how to use.