Rockwood 8329SB or 8329SS - differences

[LSchmitz]

Looking at purchasing at a 2020 Rockwood 8329SB or 8329SS.
Differences -

Saw a unit at an RV show today that was labeled as 8329SS, but the floor plan matches the 8329SB. I am confused.

Pros / cons of either of these units.

The brochure states that the 8329SB GVW (dry weight plus carrying capacity) maxes out at about 11,000. That said, the Ford 150-3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, at 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque states that it has a tow rating of 13,200 lbs. But I have read in other threads that the 1/2 ton is not good enough. Thoughts?


Any assistance is appreciated.
Thanks - L. Schmitz
2000 Coachmen - Class C - Santara 315
1998 Coachmen - popup camper

[Kimo7]

I answered you on the other thread but thought I would also post here. We also like the floor plan and did the same as you are wisely doing researching everything. We were also confused over the SS vs SB so I contacted the Forest River representative who was more than happy to answer any questions.

If you email Anthony Yoder at AMYoder@forestriverinc.com he will answer you pretty quickly. He was very helpful to us and I have a high opinion of their brand because of his willingness to help. The short answer he gave was the SS is the 2019 version of the floor plan and the SB is the 2020 version where they stretched the trailer a few feet to accommodate a walk around king bed and added pass through storage which adds bench seating in the bedroom. It also adds some weight.

If you really want to add to the confusion look at the 2020 Flagstaff Classic 8321KSB...same exact floor plan, weights and specs. The colors are slightly different and I prefer the Rockwood. Forest River owns both companies which are essentially the same.

Good luck with your purchase you’re looking at one of the best brands available.

[Jstamm2001]

Originally Posted by LSchmitz

Looking at purchasing at a 2020 Rockwood 8329SB or 8329SS.
Differences -

Saw a unit at an RV show today that was labeled as 8329SS, but the floor plan matches the 8329SB. I am confused.

Pros / cons of either of these units.

The brochure states that the 8329SB GVW (dry weight plus carrying capacity) maxes out at about 11,000. That said, the Ford 150-3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, at 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque states that it has a tow rating of 13,200 lbs. But I have read in other threads that the 1/2 ton is not good enough. Thoughts?


Any assistance is appreciated.
Thanks - L. Schmitz
2000 Coachmen - Class C - Santara 315
1998 Coachmen - popup camper

11,000lbs with a 1/2 ton truck? NO
Handling and braking will not be a pleasant Experience or safe. Not to mention your hitch weight will be north of 1600 lbs. For your safety and everyone else on the road you need a 3/4 ton or better. Gas or diesel - your personal preference.

I don’t know anything about the TT to give you pros and cons but for towing I do have a considerable amount of experience. I pulled a smaller TT with a 1/2 ton gas and I’ll never do that again. I chose a 1 ton diesel to do my towing now.

Good luck and happy camping

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by LSchmitz

The brochure states that the 8329SB GVW (dry weight plus carrying capacity) maxes out at about 11,000. That said, the Ford 150-3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, at 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque states that it has a tow rating of 13,200 lbs. But I have read in other threads that the 1/2 ton is not good enough. Thoughts?

My question: Exactly WHAT says tow rating of 13,200 lbs? I'm guessing you're reading some pie-in-the-sky brochure which almost always uses the maximum for the model.

My 2009 Silverado owners manual lists 99 (yeah, ninety-nine!) different permutations (engine size, bed size, transmission, HD cooling, etc) that range from 4,000 lb to 12,000 lbs towing. My 2016 Owners Manual still lists 54 permutations for the 1/2 ton.

And if an RV salesman doesn't ask the same question about YOUR model truck, you know he's just trying to sell you the trailer; he doesn't give a @##$ about your safety.

SO - not all 1/2 tons are created equal and you need to know the specs on YOUR exact version. And you also need to look on your drivers door frame for the payload number, because most sources (VIN searches included) only seem to list the maximum.

I suspect you're going to be unpleasantly surprised.

I know I'd never pull that trailer with a 1/2 ton.

[dbledan]

You have several issues.

Payload...you will be over before you hook up as that has a dry tongue weight of 1100lbs and that is before loading.
Reciever rating...once you add dry tongue weight and a WDH you are over the max reciever rating as well before loading anything in the trailer.
Rear axle...even the best WDH cannot displace enough weight to get you to max rating for the rear axle.

Those tow ratings are for flatbed sleds with 10% tongue weight not 12ft TTs that average 12-15% tongue weight. While the engine can pull it the reciever, axles, and frame cannot handle those weights based on the ratings. Not saying it will break the minute you hook it up but it will fail.

I think you are firmly in 3/4 ton territory. Hope that helps.

[bikendan]

Yep, pie in the sky brochure ratings and i own a F150 3.5 EcoBoost with Max Tow package.