Surveyor 33KRETS Tow Vehicle

[clemtigs]

I am considering an upgrade from a Rockwood 2109S to a Surveryor 33KRETS. I pull with a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500. I am comfortable that the truck can handle the weight. I am less comfortable with the length of the trailer (36' 5") vs truck wheelbase length. Just curious what others are using as tow vehicles and how they handle. Are you using any special sway control hitches? I am using resistance sway now which works fine but my current trailer is much shorter.

Thanks for any feedback.

[bikendan]

What's the Ram's payload capacity vs the Surveyor's hitch weight?
Rams are infamous for their lousy payload capacities.

[clemtigs]

Ram Payload is 1550 lbs.
Hitch weight is 830 lbs.

It will be me, wife, and dog in truck. Total weight for us 3 is about 400 lbs.

[Herlitzke]

I have a 32BHDS which is 36'5" as well. I pull with a GMC Sierra half ton and it pulls really well. I use weight distribution and friction sway control. With that said I don't pull through mountains or anything. I live in WI so isn't flat by any means but it really does well. Also that is why I bought the camper. Dry weight is 6900 pounds so... not bad.


2009 GMC Sierra 1500

2017 Surveyor 32BHDS

[Coolharts]

Even though the 33KRETS is a lightweight trailer it has some good weight. With 2 grey, a fresh and a black water tank the weight adds up. IMO you will be pushing the limits of a 1500 especially if it is a short wheel base. I have bagged and use a ProPride on my Excursion and it pulls my 33RETS, but my Ex also weighs 8,000 lbs so it can hold its own.

[Zak1]

Originally Posted by Coolharts

Even though the 33KRETS is a lightweight trailer it has some good weight. With 2 grey, a fresh and a black water tank the weight adds up. IMO you will be pushing the limits of a 1500 especially if it is a short wheel base. I have bagged and use a ProPride on my Excursion and it pulls my 33RETS, but my Ex also weighs 8,000 lbs so it can hold its own.

X2 on the Propride. Works great!

[DoubleDutch]

Generally, a larger tow vehicle will perform better when you consider cross winds, etc. in relation to the length of your unit.Also, the dealer for the tow vehicle should do your research for you and have data to back it up. Just because you can hook up to it doesn't always mean that it is the best towing option available. You could hook it to a large garden tractor - but that doesn't mean that it is the best towing vehicle! Our (now gone) TT was only 29' but the 1/2 ton didn't tow it that well even on the flat.

[clemtigs]

I decided to stick with my current trailer for now. I think 29-30' is the longest I want to go with my current truck. It looks like the nicer hitches could manage the sway but I don't want to make the investment and then find out I was wrong.