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Old 08-23-2016, 05:47 PM   #1
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Towing

Has anyone towed a Ultra Lite 2702 WS with a half ton? Did you have any trouble?
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Old 08-23-2016, 06:17 PM   #2
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If you get any responses, make sure they tell you exactly WHAT 1/2 ton they have. Looks like your 2702WS has a GVWR of about 7800 lbs, with a dry hitch weight of 802 lbs (which will go up with battery and cargo).

My 2009 Silverado Owners Manual listed 99 (yes, 99) permutations of cab, engine, bed, transmission, rear end gearing, etc. The tow ratings of those 99 ran from a low of 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs.

So clearly NOT ALL 1/2 TONS ARE CREATED EQUAL!!

So if someone replies, it doesn't help much unless he gives you both tow capacity and payload capacity.
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Old 08-23-2016, 07:01 PM   #3
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In another forum on a similar topic, dernst noted,
Quote:
I have a f150 with a 145 wheel base, 3.5 Eco boost and maximum tow package. The gvwr is 7000 and towing capacity is 11,500...
The Ultra Lite 2702 WS has an empty weight of 6,300+, similar to my TT but more empty pin weight (800 vs. my 650) due to the front BR slide-out. Once we add a battery, full propane, gear in the front pass-through storage, camping chairs under the master bed, and clothes in the front closets that 650 becomes 1100+ tongue weight for us. Due to the large slide-out closet your loaded tongue weight would likely be more unless you pack light...

For the same weight you can get a TT floorplan like ours that has a 2nd slide for the rear BR. If you have at least 2 kids, this is a great floorplan because they have their own room/doors. Ours has a separate entrance to the bathroom & an outdoor kitchen. Once folks have an outdoor kitchen, they never want to buy another RV without one... This weight in the rear also keeps the (empty) tongue lighter & once we add our stuff up front the TT is stable to tow...

As discussed in other forums on the topic, the F150 EB with Tow Package has plenty of torque for towing 14,000-15,000 GCVW (TV & TT combined) but you have to watch to not go-over on max payload. When just-under payload, the F150 will feel soft. Some folks are having good experiences by installing D/E LT tires & air bags along with a good WDH like the Equalizer 4 1200 for this size TT.

Remember, your payload is the weight of the TT tongue (loaded), your family, pets, and anything you bring-along in the cab or PU bed... For this size TT we end-up with a payload of 2,500 but we have a fiberglass cap, kayaks, scooters, bikes, firewood, etc. Even with our family of 5 I think we could get it under 1800 if we packed lighter... However, our entry-level 3/4 ton has a max payload of 3,000 so we bring what we want & stick it where it's most convenient to get at...
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Old 08-24-2016, 07:43 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dernst View Post
Has anyone towed a Ultra Lite 2702 WS with a half ton? Did you have any trouble?
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockfordroo View Post
If you get any responses, make sure they tell you exactly WHAT 1/2 ton they have. Looks like your 2702WS has a GVWR of about 7800 lbs, with a dry hitch weight of 802 lbs (which will go up with battery and cargo).

NOT ALL 1/2 TONS ARE CREATED EQUAL!!
I'm pulling a 2703WS with a Tahoe (1/2 ton platform with a 5.3 and 3.42 rear with 6 sp. )

I believe my TW is slightly lower, but I do run two 6V's up front so it's probably close. My dry weight is about 6800 and I run loaded with about 7300-ish. I've got about 1600 lb payload and 8500 lb tow rating. I use a Curt Tru Trac WDH with 1000 lb bars and XL rated tires on the rear at 45 PSI. Trans temp runs about 190-ish with 90+ degree outside temps and mileage is about 8.5 . No issues at all with pulling it but it does have to work to get up to speed. Once it's there, it rolls and handles fine. Haven't run up any decent hills yet, but it works fine for the flat areas I normally travel in.

Like stated, it greatly depends on the truck and how it's equipped. I know I wouldn't enjoy it with a cheaper WDH with a single friction bar and the stock tires at 35 PSI.
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Old 08-29-2016, 02:29 PM   #5
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I am pulling a 2703WS with a GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L 3.42 gear 6 speed and OK with the performance, I had a Durango with a Hemi pull this TT and in my opinion feel the Sierra is more stable probably due to the wheel base difference, I also remember the tow capacity changes with the gear set up and looked all over to make sure I got a 3.42 rear gear set. I have not driven through mountains yet but do know on some steep grades the tach stays around 4,000 rpm's while climbing then drops back to 3,000 rpm or lower when leveling out. On a windy day I definitely know it's behind me. I'm sure a 2500 would be even better.
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Old 09-06-2016, 09:21 AM   #6
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How is the sway at highway speeds?

Quote:
Originally Posted by raspivey View Post
I'm pulling a 2703WS with a Tahoe (1/2 ton platform with a 5.3 and 3.42 rear with 6 sp. )

I believe my TW is slightly lower, but I do run two 6V's up front so it's probably close. My dry weight is about 6800 and I run loaded with about 7300-ish. I've got about 1600 lb payload and 8500 lb tow rating. I use a Curt Tru Trac WDH with 1000 lb bars and XL rated tires on the rear at 45 PSI. Trans temp runs about 190-ish with 90+ degree outside temps and mileage is about 8.5 . No issues at all with pulling it but it does have to work to get up to speed. Once it's there, it rolls and handles fine. Haven't run up any decent hills yet, but it works fine for the flat areas I normally travel in.

Like stated, it greatly depends on the truck and how it's equipped. I know I wouldn't enjoy it with a cheaper WDH with a single friction bar and the stock tires at 35 PSI.
raspivey,

Thanks for that comment!

How is the sway with such a short wheelbase and 30-ish foot trailer, when at highway speeds? Any issues with wind or passing semis at 65-70?

Very serious question, as I'm looking at almost the exact same setup. (same wheelbase, 8500lbs tow rating w/ ~7250lbs trailer loaded 30-ish feet long)

I have plenty of confidence in the powertrain. However the short wheelbase vs. the same powertrain in a pickup is a question I have. Would appreciate some feedback from someone with firsthand experience.
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Old 09-06-2016, 10:31 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boondockin View Post
raspivey,

Thanks for that comment!

How is the sway with such a short wheelbase and 30-ish foot trailer, when at highway speeds? Any issues with wind or passing semis at 65-70?

Very serious question, as I'm looking at almost the exact same setup. (same wheelbase, 8500lbs tow rating w/ ~7250lbs trailer loaded 30-ish feet long)

I have plenty of confidence in the powertrain. However the short wheelbase vs. the same powertrain in a pickup is a question I have. Would appreciate some feedback from someone with firsthand experience.
I just finished running some moderate hills this past week on a three hour pull. Trans temp was actually averaging about 180 in 85 degree outside temps, so that's not too bad.

To answer your question, I have the same or less wind issues with this trailer than I did with my 21' at 3000 lbs less weight. I was surprised. At 60 - 65, I'd feel a slight pull when passed by a truck but I felt that (and probably more) on the smaller trailer. The tires and appropriate hitch (properly adjusted) make all the difference in the world here.

Now...being as how it's over 50' long, it does catch wind. It's not sway, but a good crosswind will cause it to wander just a little. Nothing major, you just have to pay attention and not sleep at the wheel. I'm confident enough with it that I don't consider that "white knuckle". In heavy interstate traffic, it was two hands on the wheel. Other than that, in normal traffic, I didn't really notice the trailer at all.
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Old 09-07-2016, 02:41 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dernst View Post
Has anyone towed a Ultra Lite 2702 WS with a half ton? Did you have any trouble?
My 8311ws is a little heavier than your 2702, and I tow it with a 2015 F150.
I have the 3.5 EB, 3.55 rearend, max tow package and use an Equilizer brand hitch.
No problems to date towing up and down the smallish hills in the area where I live. I've towed it just over 600 miles without any issue or hesitation.
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Old 09-08-2016, 05:41 PM   #9
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Pull an 8319ss with 14 F150. 157 WB crew cab. 3.5 eco. Max tow package with tow mirrors. I also use a ProPride P3 hitch. 8 mpg on 1900 mile trip. Hills, traffic, Trucks, killer down pour And high winds (flood warning on the radio). Did fine. With the P3, it is a one hand drive. The F150 pulls just fine running 65 in tow/haul mode. Gas mileage sucks though, but that is part of the RV equation.


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Old 09-09-2016, 03:16 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by larryscsi View Post
Pull an 8319ss with 14 F150. 157 WB crew cab. 3.5 eco. Max tow package with tow mirrors. I also use a ProPride P3 hitch. 8 mpg on 1900 mile trip. Hills, traffic, Trucks, killer down pour And high winds (flood warning on the radio). Did fine. With the P3, it is a one hand drive. The F150 pulls just fine running 65 in tow/haul mode. Gas mileage sucks though, but that is part of the RV equation.


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Man that makes me feel good about forking out the money for a ProPride! I have a 2016 ecoboost 3.5 and am picking up a 2906ws at the end of the month and I'll report back.
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Old 09-09-2016, 08:13 AM   #11
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I found mine used. They were going from a tt to a 5. Night and day difference in towing.


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Old 09-14-2016, 07:31 AM   #12
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No Issues

I pull our RW 2703WS with a 2011 F150 EB. It has 3.55 rear with tow package and AIRLIFT 5000 airbags. I have the E-4 WDH. The truck has over 140,000 miles and we just returned from a 1200 mile trip. There were times on the interstates that I did forget I was towing but I was quickly reminded when semis came past me. I stayed at 65ph and averaged 10mpg. We went from Central MD up to the PA turnpike then over to Indiana and then returned. I was in cruise whenever possible. On hills the truck would shift to 5th and stay there. I would occasionally get on the gas to get it to shift to 4th on a couple of hills but I had no problem staying at 60-65. Downhills were no issue. I use the tekonsha P3 brake controller which is fantastic. I also have 503 TPMS system for the trailer tires.

This was our longest trip and I am now very confident in the set-up.

Marty
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