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08-30-2011, 02:06 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Peachtree City, GA
Posts: 84
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Looking for advice before buying
I'm new to the forum, but I've been reading it for several months now.
My wife and I are looking to purchase our first TT, and we're leaning toward a Surveyor; either the SV-264 or SP-293.
My main concern is getting too much trailer for my truck. Although I see plenty of smaller vehicles towing similar sized trailers, I want to make sure I am towing safely. But I've done so much research on weights, lengths, etc. that I think I've gone cross-eyed, so I thought I would look for some friendly advice from owners.
I have a 2007 Ford F-150; 4.6L SOHC/EFI, V-8, 4x2, 145" WB, with a max trailer weight of 6700. Anyone out there with a similar TV/TT combo that can give me some feedback?
I'm also looking at purchasing a Hensley Arrow as well for additional safety. Would love to hear from someone with first hand knowledge of that as well.
Thanks a lot - I look forward to hearing back from someone.
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08-30-2011, 02:39 PM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
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Since you listed 6700 lbs maximum towing capacity, I would have to presume that your truck has the 3.55 final drive ratio. That puts the GCWR at 11,700 lbs.
Both of those trailers gross out in the 7500 lb. range. You would need to keep your load lite. I have the sister ship to the SV264, and I travel with ~5500 lbs. loaded for camping. That would still be about 1200 lbs. under your truck tow maximum. Presuming you can keep your camper weight there, that only leaves you 6200 lbs. for the truck. Depending on the passenger weight, and load in the bed, you need to be aware of the GVWR of 11,700 lbs.
The SP 293 is 300 lbs. heavier, and 4 ft. longer. The SV264 would probably be a better fit for your truck.
Do you have the factory heavy duty tow package ???
__________________
Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
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08-30-2011, 02:43 PM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 2,381
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Hello, and Welcome. I'm not going to chime in just yet, but I would like to ask, what state you are in, and will be towing on flat ground or heading for the mountains somewhere. While the 4.6 Ford is a good engine, it might be a little weak for a 6000 pound trailer. You also mentioned wife and you, any dogs, children others going? How much stuff in the truck? Do you have empty and gross weights, and length, on the trailer so we don't have to look them up? We'll get you pointed right, and hopefully help.
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LadyWindrider
2012 Ford F250 ext. Cab 4x4
2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
2008 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic
2008 Work and Play 18LT
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08-30-2011, 02:44 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Peachtree City, GA
Posts: 84
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No sir, I had a DrawTite Class III/IV Max-Frame Receiver Hitch installed after market.
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08-30-2011, 02:50 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Peachtree City, GA
Posts: 84
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windrider -
I don't foresee bringing a lot of stuff other than the usual pots/pans, chairs, bedding, etc. We're used to camping with a tent, so we are used to keeping it light.
The specs on the TTs are.....
SP-293: 4587 dry / 7494 GVWR; 33' length
SV-264: 4308 dry / 7481 GVWR; 29' length
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08-30-2011, 02:50 PM
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ptt87
No sir, I had a DrawTite Class III/IV Max-Frame Receiver Hitch installed after market.
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Then you will probably need to add a auxiliary transmission cooler, and the 7 pin connector for the trailer. If you already have a 4 pin connector, then you would need to run a 12 volt wire, trailer brake wire, and backup lights if the trailer you are considering has back up lights. You might want to check with Ford.....those wires might already be in the harness....you just gotta find them and hook them up.
Of course, you would need to add a trailer brake controller.
__________________
Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
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08-30-2011, 02:56 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Peachtree City, GA
Posts: 84
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Got all that already, except for the trans cooler. I already routinely pull a church trailer, but that's only short distances with no highways.
Also, to answer your previous question...I live in Georgia, so I'll see mainly rolling hills, and the occasional "mountain."
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08-30-2011, 04:54 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 2,618
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I had an 4.6 V8 a few years back and it had almost the same towing capacity you posted, 6600 lbs. I was towing close to the max and even on slight inclines I had that small V8 screamin'. It's a good motor, just not really made for towing. Within a year I traded for a new truck with the 5.4 V8. World of difference. It towed the trailer with no problem.
The Hensley is known to be a very good hitch, but I think you could spend a couple of K's less and be in good shape with either an Equal-i-zer or a Reese Dual Cam. Both have built in sway control and owners seem to be very pleased with them.
No matter what hitch you get or any other after market add on's, it will not increase any of your trucks ratings.
Not meaning to rain on your parade, just sharing my experiences.
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09-04-2011, 09:49 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
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Hi ptt87
We just got our 2012 SV264 at the end of May this year. We have a 2005 Dakota 4WD 4.7L high output V8, Ext Cab with factory tow package. It is rated to tow 7000 lbs. It has a 392 posi rear axle. I think we are towing between 5500 and 6000 lbs total. We have no problem towing this unit. We bought it because of the spectacular layout and it's light weight. Of course, the weight distribution hitch is of utmost importance. We have a Reese Pro S/C, one of th simplest hookups ever. It also pays to have an electric tounge jack, especially with this hitch. I would think if you bought the same model as ours, you would have no problem with the Ford 4.6, as long as you put a tranny cooler (east to do) on it. Check the layout of the unit, very ergonomic. Just remember, study the layout for comfort, you never know when you might be stuck in it for a couple of days because of bad weather. The location of the TV is brilliant. Hope this helps. Seeya Don
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09-04-2011, 10:05 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Peachtree City, GA
Posts: 84
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Don....thanks for the info.
What was the dry weight on your TT? Any additional options you added to it?
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09-04-2011, 10:07 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Hattiesburg, MS
Posts: 1,658
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WELCOME TO THE RV LIFESTYLE! My suggestion is to have plenty of money. Once you enter into this rv business; the truck won't be big enough, trailer won't be nice enough, you'll need/want this or that. It never ends! You can't take it with you but boy it $ure helps when you're here!
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09-05-2011, 09:39 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
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Hey ptt87
The dry weight was 4300, but by the time you add a/c, awning, spare tire,battery and stuff like that it comes in more like 4800. I have a lot of stuff stored in it, and I carry my own water, I don't fill up at the campgrounds, so that runs about an extra 300#. On the flats I get about 12mpg, and if there are a lot of hills involved, I get between 10.5 and 11 mpg. It all depends on how you drive it. As far as the 264 goes, it has a lot of neet features that make it comfortabe, and easy to set up. it has electric stabalizer jacks, electric awning, and the torsion axle puts it lower to the ground for easier entry. Some of the key features of the interior design are, rear kitchen, gives tons of counter space. Triangle glasss enclosed shower instead of a tub. Private front bedroom with walk around queen bed, and a sliding pocket door for privacy. The vertical drawer that holds the tv and comes down out the the cabinet is pure genius and puts the TV in a perfect spot to be veiwed directly across from the couch, and can be easily viewed from the dinette from all seats. It sleeps six, and is just the perfect laywout in a 29 foot lightweight TT. The trailer already has so many features, that all I added was a propane connection for my outside grill, the "t" was already there, in case you wanted to buy the gas grill option. I already had a grill, so I added it myself. I also added an outside waterproof type 'F" antenna jack to the outside next to the window under the awning. The cable went directly in to the cabinet where the antenna connections are. Now I can have TV outside on the picnic table under the awning without running a cable through a window or door. I also added a 22" LED TV to the bedroom, because the power plug and antenna jack was alreay there, just add mounting bracket and TV. The Serta matress was good, but we added a 4" Memory Foam topper, and now sleep like babies. This is our 3rd TT and most likely our last, because it's just the right size and has absoultly everything we need and want. It has a fully enclosed underbelly, and makes it a truely 3 season TT that we could actually live in. It has everything. It's a great choice, and a super great layout for comfort and ergnomics. Look at the features of the Surveyor Select Series, you won't be dissapointed. Well off for three days on the St Lawrence River in upstate NY. Have a great one. Seeya Don
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09-05-2011, 12:23 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Peachtree City, GA
Posts: 84
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Don...that's great feedback, thank you.
Appreciate the review of the 264. The wife had her heart set on the SP293 for the extra large guest sofa/bed (for adult kids), but it is a little longer and heavier than I was hoping, and the bottom isn't enclosed. Your positive comments may make her feel better!
Have fun in NY - beautiful area up there!
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09-05-2011, 02:50 PM
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#14
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 3,367
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If you look carefully, I think you will find that, in addition to the layout, the SV264 has more features than a Sport model. A good friend has the 264 and it is an awesome trailer.
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