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Old 02-22-2016, 12:40 PM   #1
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1st Time RV Buyer thinking about 32RKTS



I am getting ready to purchase my first RV I have decided on the PUMA 32RKTS
is there anything I should look out for? Any problems other people are having?
Any suggestion of things I need to plan for? Hitch ideas I will be pulling it with 2013 F150

Thanks
Red
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Old 02-22-2016, 12:54 PM   #2
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Seems to me that you would be at/over the towing capability of your truck.

http://www.rvguide.com/specs/palomin...ma/32rkts.html
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Old 02-22-2016, 01:19 PM   #3
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Reddove, does your F-150 have the Heavy Duty Payload package? If not, I'm gonna have to agree with Kidder that that is too much trailer for an F-150, no matter what the salesman says.

The GVWR is almost 10,000# and the advertised dry hitch weight is 1137#. Advertised "dry" weights are notoriously below the real weight without even adding any cargo. Once you add 1000# of cargo (and you will), you'll quickly be way over the the typical payload capacity for a half ton which is around 1500#.

I suggest you look for a travel trailer with a GVWR of around 8000#.
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Old 02-22-2016, 02:02 PM   #4
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I agree with them. We started out with a Rockwood 2604 and at the scales it was 6500 pounds. While the truck it that just fine (2004 F-150 3.73 gears 5.4L V-8 and tow package) it was not the most fun. DW and I decided right away we would be getting a 5er so we upgraded the truck.

What you are looking at may be within limits but from what I have experienced it is not the enjoyable journey I was hoping for. Too much truck is a lot more fun.
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Old 02-22-2016, 08:27 PM   #5
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Thanks everyone for the info the dealership told me truck was rated for 11500 but wanted to make sure. I agree salesman will say anything. It's worse when your a women.
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Old 02-22-2016, 08:48 PM   #6
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That's why my wife refuses to deal with salesmen! That 11,500 tow rating really only means how much the truck can pull without breaking and does not take anything else into consideration. Trailer height and length must be also taken in to account due to the wind sail/tail wagging the dog effect.
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Old 02-22-2016, 08:55 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reddove View Post
Thanks everyone for the info the dealership told me truck was rated for 11500 but wanted to make sure. I agree salesman will say anything. It's worse when your a women.
itat posted a good suggestion in that you stay at 8k GVWR (loaded with your stuff)

I have a half ton Ram 1500 and that's where I would want to be, as well.
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Old 02-23-2016, 12:59 PM   #8
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When deciding what unit you want, consider these things in this order:

1. Max. weight (GVWR and hitch weight, for a TT assume a 15% hitch weight)

2. Floorplan. Pick a floorplan that fits your needs.

3. Manufacturer/brand. Pick a manufacturer and brand that has a good reputation, relative to the others, for customer support.

4. Dealership. Try to find a dealership that sells the unit you want and has a good reputation for after-sales service. Don't be afraid to travel for the best deal if you don't have a reputable dealer close by.

You may also want to decide up front if you prefer a "stick and tin" or fiberglass unit. "Stick and tin" has a wooden frame structure with corrugated aluminum exterior siding. Fiberglass units typically have aluminum framing laminated inside the wall with a luan type exterior siding. IMO, fiberglass is better but that's not to say there aren't any good "stick and tin" brands.
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Old 02-23-2016, 02:20 PM   #9
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The model number indicates RK - rear kitchen. Lots of folks are happy with them, however be advised that the rear of the trailer bounces like crazy when travelling even on a relatively smooth highway. On rougher roads it's worse. If your rear cupboards contain kitchen ware e.g. pots, pans, dishes, cups etc, be prepared to stuff pillows into the spaces and even then you will have breakage. For certain glassware will not survive.
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Old 03-01-2016, 01:21 PM   #10
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Not enough truck.
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Old 03-29-2016, 07:23 AM   #11
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We've pulled both a Puma & Sabre rear kitchen with aforementioned kitchen cubbard bouncing issues and decided to deal with the suspension to negate this problem. 1) shock absorbers on the trailer axles from Amazon/Lippert and 2) Trailair (air bag) pin box on the front hitch. No more rearranged kitchen cubbards.
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Old 03-29-2016, 07:31 AM   #12
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I agree, that's a lot of camper for a half ton truck! I wouldn't want to pull anything really longer than 31 foot on a half ton. My DBUD is 29'10" and is about perfect for a safe pull. In many regards, just because it can pull 11,500, doesn't mean that it should. Safety first, especially if you are new to towing.
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Old 03-29-2016, 08:00 AM   #13
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I regularly argue that the payload capacities of 1/2 ton pickups is a load of crap- I mean, you honestly think the average half ton can only carry the same amount as a minivan? With that being said, even I say that's too much camper for your truck. Here's some advice you didn't ask for:

1. Look at the Puma 30RKSS. Much better fit for the F150. 8500 GVWR.

2. Call RVWholesalers. Great prices and they have some of these in stock. Nationwide service network so they are able to get you warranty work. I've been buying from them for years and recommend them to everyone.

3. Install some air bags on the F150. Will stop the porpoising and offer a much better ride. I have a set of the Firestone Ride-Rites for sale for a 4x4 model if that's what yours is. I also recommend upgrading the rear shocks to Rancho RS9000XL's. These 2 mods turn the F150 into a completely different tow vehicle.

4. Get a good hitch. The Equalizer BRAND 4 point, Blue Ox Sway Pro and Husky Centerline are all good choices. I personally use the Equalizer.
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