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Old 02-25-2020, 11:34 AM   #81
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I had a similar issue with a Ford F150...I don't remember all the truck specs, but i bought a 27' "light weight" TT, and got 4.5 mpg while towing. As soon as I returned from my trip, I traded for a 2500HD 6.6 duramax diesel. I have upgraded my TT several times, getting longer and heavier each time...the duramax diesel purrs like a kitten, and I get 12-14mpg with it.
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Old 02-25-2020, 12:18 PM   #82
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I have been towing a Cherokee 304R (35ft) for 3 years with my 2014 Ford F150 4x4. It has the EcoBoost engine and we pull mostly in the NC mountains. We have no issues pulling the mountains in and out of Asheville.
I have no doubt that your Ecoboost engine can pull your trailer well in the NC mountains, but have you taken it to a scale to see how much over the truck's GVWR you are?
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Old 02-25-2020, 12:38 PM   #83
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Thank you ! So are you saying this should be fine as long as you pack light and stay within the limits. Or shouldn't push my luck?
The real world problem is that we all grossly underestimate what we carry. We always need SOME FRESH WATER and may need full water for some trips. The world says 10% for hitch weight, but mine have always pulled better with more tongue weight.

But then the finale. When we unloaded our Lance
Camper to move to our first trailer turns out we were carrying over a thousand pounds of stuff.

When we moved in to the bigger trailer, I scaled that baby and with 100 gal 840 lbs of FW, 20 gals of generator gas and our stuff, we were close to 3000 lbs on board. Some how 1000 grew to 2000 of stuff. Wife blamed my tools. We were still under gross, barely.

The load is always more than you had hoped/planned.

My rule of thumb is ASSUME you will pull max gross trailer weight. Assume the dw and God forbid, the kids will drag far more junk than you plan and with a half ton, PLAN FOR A SMALLER TRAILER.

Moving on to a diesel pusher right now and I scaled it with full fuel and half (50gals) water. There was available CCC FOR 6100 LBS at that point. Will scale it again when DW finishes moving in and after I load my tools, spare hardware etc.

I will report when I change my head notes from TH to DP.

Wish me luck.
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Old 02-25-2020, 01:20 PM   #84
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Hello,

I am new to this and wanted to get thoughts on the camper I am interested in purchasing. First, I would like to see if my vehicle can tow and second if it will be an pleasant experience. The salesperson said it should be fine with no issues, especially if I am traveling with no tanks full. I will buy a nice sway hitch like 4 pt Equalizer or similar to help with the length of the camper. I have also crunched all of the numbers and it appears my truck will pull, but wanted thoughts of experienced campers. Any responses or suggestions (gear needed, etc...) are appreciated.

Thank you
Bryan

Tow terrain - Mountains are possibility in the future, but mainly 4 hour trips with minor hills until I feel comfortable traveling outside of this terrain

Traveling load in Truck-
2 people and 2 dogs - 520 lbs
Gear - 150 lbs

Truck specs - 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3 v8 Custom Crew Cab 4x4 Short Bed with Tow Package (not max tow package)
GVWR - 7100 lbs
GCWR - 15000 lbs
GAWR RR - 3800 lbs
Max Payload - 1935
Max Tongue Weight - 950 lbs
Curb Weight - 5165 lbs
Tow Capacity (website)- 9500 lbs


Trailer Specs - 2020 Forrest River RV Cherokee 264DBH
Length - 33 ft
Hitch Weight - 884 lbs
Gross Weight - 8485 lbs
Dry Weight - 6760 lbs
Cargo Weight - 1725 lbs
I have the exact same truck just different trim level. Was looking at that same trailer but decided to go with the 23dbh because it is almost the exact same layout but shorter and a little less in weight. I was told that the 264dbh is the number one selling "half ton towable" but as this was my first unit I wanted to size down a bit. I do not have a big family so it will not be an issue for me and will encourage me to be outside more. IMO when camping you should only be inside for sleeping, resting, and bad weather. That's just me.

Hope that helps!
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Old 02-25-2020, 01:30 PM   #85
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Stay on flat land.
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Old 02-26-2020, 07:20 AM   #86
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I pull an Alpha Wolf 27RKL with a 2018 version of the same truck . Dry weight of trailer at 6100 lbs and use a WDH. Trailer is 30ft without the hitch. Bought the truck 6 months before the trailer. My truck is also my daily driver for an 80 mile one-way commute. Less than 10 percent of the time I wish I had more truck or 1000 lbs less trailer, but not enough to swap either. Flat land and no wind I pull 1800 RPM at 65. 25 MPH wind it’s 2500 RPM and 55-60. Haven’t done the Tetons, but 8 degree grades in NM were more like 4000 RPM at 35. Never worried coming down. Go slow and use the engine and electric trailer brakes. Also google SAE J2807 truck ratings. Good info
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Old 02-26-2020, 10:39 AM   #87
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To answer your question Simply

You will have No issues pulling your trailer with your truck ( PERIOD ) and be within all safety limits !
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Old 02-26-2020, 12:07 PM   #88
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Hey Okietrailer
I have the same problem as you. Can I ask what your tow vehicle is? I'm trying to decide what to do. Thanks in advance
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Old 02-26-2020, 12:23 PM   #89
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You will have No issues pulling your trailer with your truck ( PERIOD ) and be within all safety limits !
You must be the RV Dealer.
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Old 02-26-2020, 12:38 PM   #90
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Spragueman

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Z-71 4x4 Texas Edition with a 5.3 and 3:42 gear. Gets me 20 to 22 mpg average without TT 10-ish with. Again while hauling I don’t often think I need bigger truck or smaller trailer, and never while camping do I want a smaller trailer. It was what the wife wanted to get her into the RV camping world, so that was that. If my normal camping routine was long trips and big mountains I “might” have reconsidered, I’m completely happy with my set-up and the non-camping daily use of my truck. As many have said on this forum, slow down if you need to and enjoy the view. I never pull faster than 65 for safety, and mostly stay between 2000 and 4000 RPM. My first trip was to NM. About 700 miles and 100 plus temp there and back. Water temp a bit above normal while climbing but trans temp never hit 200. Averages 180 to 190 on daily use. Hope this helps
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Old 02-27-2020, 11:49 AM   #91
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We have a Ram 1/2 ton and purchased a FR 23mk grey wolf. We took my twin daughters out west to California and back to Ohio with no problem. We love our tt. Private bdrm, plenty of space for 4 to 5 adults. Suggestion would be get a good tow package, we also installed rear air bags in tires to keep from squatting.
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