2511S vs 2205S Towing with 1/2 Ton

[hoss10]

We are seriously considering either of these trailers We do a fair bit of traveling with the trailers, towing with our 2018 F150 EB. The truck is a Heavy Duty with a 2400 payload so hitch weight is not a concern. I was wondering how people hauling the 2511S with a half ton felt it handled. I think the 2205 will tow very well with most half tons?

We were sold on the 2205, but I'm 6'4" but the bigger bathroom in the 2511 looks appealing. Plus, at least up here in Canada, these two trailers are almost the same price, and it seems you get a lot more for the money with the larger unit
Thanks for the help

[PhilFromMaine]

These towing threads can get heated. I have a Coachman similar in specs to your 2511 and I have no issues using a Silverado 1500 on the east coast.

[hoss10]

I hope it doesn't get "heated".

I guess I was asking how the Rockwoods with their Torsion Bar axles tow. We presently tow a Jayfeather 242 which while longer (27' 6") is lower and lighter.

[GolfingDave]

Took off last November traveling every 3-7 days and not problems in a new one. Loaded trailer is at my limits for axle weights but I do have 1855 cargo capacity and the 7000 lb truck limits.

Only been at a 2400 foot level mountain but fairly steep up and down, just kept it slow and all was fine.

Never a push by semi trucks but I just go 55 in the left lane. It will kick up to 70 without a problem when coming onto the freeways.

Never towed another trailer but so far the torsion axles seem fine. Have it a couple of pot holes. Cringed when it happened. Learned a long time ago to not deviate once they are unavoidable.

I decided on the 2511S because it seemed more open. Only one closet at the headboard, you do not feel like you are laying down in a tunnel. It is a camp queen, not full size. I keep my bathroom and bedroom doors open for more openness. It will fit a small table in the center if needed. I had mine there for a while before moving it to the arm rests of the second recliner.

Wish I had more counter space but even the next size up pretty much has the same counter space.

Even though you are only in it a few minutes a day I like the larger shower. An extra step in dumping since you have two tanks but twice the capacity too. Valves are close enough so you do not have to move the camper. I think I fill my sink tank up much faster than the shower. Single guy so I can go 14 days without dumping when I was at one spot all last summer.

[hoss10]

Thanks for that information. The one thing you don't have to worry about with the 3.5 EB is power!

[Boomerweps]

Minor correction point.
NO F150 is “Heavy Duty”, I strongly suspect you have the Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP). I only mention this because GM/Chevy actual called their 3/4 & 1 ton trucks Heavy Duty, I think similar for Ram, Ford calls their’s Super Duty. Could cause confusion for the non-Ford owners.

[itat]

If you're 6'4" I would definitely eliminate any trailer that has the radius shower. The rectangular shower in the 2511S will be much more comfortable. I looked at both in our recent search. I liked the 2205S except for the shower.

Your profile says you live in Grand Bend, ON. If you lived out west, or were willing to buy a trailer in Oregon and tow it home, I'd suggest the Outdoors RV 22FQS.

https://www.outdoorsrvmfg.com/timber-ridge-22fqs/

[hoss10]

Originally Posted by Boomerweps

Minor correction point.
NO F150 is “Heavy Duty”, I strongly suspect you have the Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP). I only mention this because GM/Chevy actual called their 3/4 & 1 ton trucks Heavy Duty, I think similar for Ram, Ford calls their’s Super Duty. Could cause confusion for the non-Ford owners.

Yes it is a F150 with the HDPP (the best option buy in the truck world)

A funny thing happened last fall at a campground in Nova Scotia, I was talking trucks to the guy at the next sight (who said he was a Ford Heavy Duty truck salesman) I mentioned my truck's payload and axle ratings, and he basically didn't believe me. I invited him read my door sticker and his comment was "what is this thing"?

[hoss10]

Originally Posted by itat

If you're 6'4" I would definitely eliminate any trailer that has the radius shower. The rectangular shower in the 2511S will be much more comfortable. I looked at both in our recent search. I liked the 2205S except for the shower.

Your profile says you live in Grand Bend, ON. If you lived out west, or were willing to buy a trailer in Oregon and tow it home, I'd suggest the Outdoors RV 22FQS.

https://www.outdoorsrvmfg.com/timber-ridge-22fqs/

I've looked at those things they are built like tanks!
The one I really like is the 19 MKS were the Dinette supports a Murphy bed when not in use. Very cool.

[itat]

Originally Posted by hoss10

Yes it is a F150 with the HDPP (the best option buy in the truck world)

A funny thing happened last fall at a campground in Nova Scotia, I was talking trucks to the guy at the next sight (who said he was a Ford Heavy Duty truck salesman) I mentioned my truck's payload and axle ratings, and he basically didn't believe me. I invited him read my door sticker and his comment was "what is this thing"?

An F-150 with the HDPP is a unicorn on dealer lots. It’s probably impossible to find one.

[hoss10]

Originally Posted by itat

An F-150 with the HDPP is a unicorn on dealer lots. It’s probably impossible to find one.

It was a special order and I waited about 4 months for it. What made mine even more of a Unicorn is that it is a Lariat. They discontinued the Lariat and above HDPPs for 2019 models. They really were a great deal for the cost LT tires and rims, heavier frame, bigger rear end with 3.73 gearing, extra leaf in rear, HD shocks, larger coil in front and some cooling. Downside, they ride like old time trucks!

[JDR76]

I would choose the 2511S for the gray tank size alone. I love my 25BRDS (2509S) but my 30 gallon gray tank size is a major issue for us.

[RangeMaggotBob]

My first thought was come on man! Get a 3/4 ton truck and be done with it. Jeez. But upon further reading, whether you get a bigger truck or not, I'd keep that beast forever! Sounds like a pretty awesome truck. For a Ford anyway...

I bet it rides like an old time truck. I like the sound of that.

[RFSims]

With the proper hitch set up any 1/2 ton V8 or turbo V6 pickup will tow the 2511 with no problems with power or handling. Will a 3/4 ton tow it better? Sure, but a 3/4 ton is not needed.

I pulled a 27' Salem with a 2016 GMC 4x4 CC 5.3 V8/ 3:42/ 6 sped auto with 0 issues.

[itat]

Originally Posted by RFSims

With the proper hitch set up any 1/2 ton V8 or turbo V6 pickup will tow the 2511 with no problems with power or handling. Will a 3/4 ton tow it better? Sure, but a 3/4 ton is not needed.

I pulled a 27' Salem with a 2016 GMC 4x4 CC 5.3 V8/ 3:42/ 6 sped auto with 0 issues.

As long as the 1/2 ton pickup has sufficient payload capacity, you should be correct. The pulling power will be there with a V8 or turbo V6, but you should make sure you aren’t exceeding the truck’s GVWR.

Some 1/2 tons have a payload under 1400# and with the truck loaded with a family and “stuff” it doesn’t take long for the weight to add up. The only way to know is to actually weigh your setup. Of course if you want to wing it and go strictly by how it feels, you can ignore this post.

[hoss10]

Originally Posted by itat

As long as the 1/2 ton pickup has sufficient payload capacity, you should be correct. The pulling power will be there with a V8 or turbo V6, but you should make sure you aren’t exceeding the truck’s GVWR.

Some 1/2 tons have a payload under 1400# and with the truck loaded with a family and “stuff” it doesn’t take long for the weight to add up. The only way to know is to actually weigh your setup. Of course if you want to wing it and go strictly by how it feels, you can ignore this post.

It is always amazing to me how many people ignore payload when towing. Unless you are towing a hay wagon, it is the limiting factor in most towing applications.

[Half Ton Heavy]

Originally Posted by hoss10

Yes it is a F150 with the HDPP (the best option buy in the truck world)

A funny thing happened last fall at a campground in Nova Scotia, I was talking trucks to the guy at the next sight (who said he was a Ford Heavy Duty truck salesman) I mentioned my truck's payload and axle ratings, and he basically didn't believe me. I invited him read my door sticker and his comment was "what is this thing"?

When I was truck shopping specifically for a hdpp, I had to educate the salespeople every time. Every damn time!

[hoss10]

Yup Here in Ontario Canada with millions of people, there are only 2 Ford dealers that I know of who will carry the HDPP F150. Most, as you say don't even know they exist.

[RamManMN]

Originally Posted by hoss10

I hope it doesn't get "heated".

I guess I was asking how the Rockwoods with their Torsion Bar axles tow. We presently tow a Jayfeather 242 which while longer (27' 6") is lower and lighter.

We used to have a 2506 before we upgraded to a Ultra Lite 2608. Our 2506 mini lite was just a bit lighter than the 2511 and we towed it with a 2021 Sierra 1500 with 6.2L that had a much lower payload than yours at 1650. Its just two people for us though. We didn't have any trouble at all and the truck/trailer combo handled very well. We went with a Ram 2500 for our 2608 and that trailer, also with torsion axles, handles great too. Those are the only two travel trailers I've towed so I can't compare with other types of suspensions, but I've really liked both. They handle w3ll wne it's a smooth ride.mmwe don't have things bouncing around in the trailer.

[RamManMN]

Originally Posted by hoss10

Yes it is a F150 with the HDPP (the best option buy in the truck world)

A funny thing happened last fall at a campground in Nova Scotia, I was talking trucks to the guy at the next sight (who said he was a Ford Heavy Duty truck salesman) I mentioned my truck's payload and axle ratings, and he basically didn't believe me. I invited him read my door sticker and his comment was "what is this thing"?

Yes, when ford advertises big towing numbers for the F150, yours is the truck they are talking about. It's also the truck RV salesmen are talking about when they claim something is "1/2 ton towable". But most 1/2 tons have payloads in the 1400 to 1700 so others should beware these claims.