Windjammer 3029W tow vehicle questions

[nc-canuck]

Love my 3029w windjammer. Towing with a 2004 3/4 ton Suburban with the 8.1L engine and 3.73 gear ratio. Tow capacity is 12000 lbs. I use the squeekalizer 12,000 wd hitch. I have to agree with several others that a 1/2 ton would be putting you at the upper limits. I would not be comfortable towing with anything less than a 3/4 ton. Hitch weight stated for my 2016 is 934 lbs. loaded up for camping with empty tanks we come in at 1085 lbs. Was in the NC mountains over Memorial and was able to pull without an issue.

You probably could pull with a 1/2 ton but why put yourself and those around you at risk. This is a big heavy trailer.


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[youroo]

Originally Posted by lthouse101

Hi

New to the forum and RV'ing.
Contemplating purchasing a 3029W.

I intend to use a Chevy Silverado to haul with it.
It has a rated towing capacity of 9200 lbs.

Anyone else using a 1/2 ton to tow this trailer?

Also.. would you share your thoughts on a brake controller and anti-sway bars?
What ones you'd recommend or use.

Any suggestions and help would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

If you are asking about a "Brake Controller" then your Truck only has a Hitch,not set up with a "HD Trailering Package" it needs HELP plus "WD with built in SC"! You will find out Most 1/2 Ton owners will say"Oh yea I added Air Bags,Air Shocks,Super Springs,Sumo Stops,but it is Basically Stock"! Yes you can look around several sites for the OK to use your 1/2 Ton,but in your Heart and the Safety of your Family remove the Doubt and Go 3/4! Youroo!!

[GaryHowe]

You should have a 3/4 ton truck to pull this trailer. We towed our 3029 last year with an F150, max tow package, 11,200 lb capacity.

It was at max load capacity when towing. This year we have an F250, 6.2lL gas. While it has only 12,600 lb tow capacity, the load carring capacity of this truck is 3,300 lbs, almost twice the F150. The brakes are much better, and the truck is never overloaded.

Believe me, you'll feel much better with a 3/4 ton TV.

[wzpsjm]

Originally Posted by Capt. Mike

We towed a 2014 Windjammer 3008W with a half-ton truck on one trip before upgrading to a 2500 Siverado with 6.0L gas engine. Tow fine on flat ground, but we went through the mountains in North Carolina. 5.3L in that half-ton struggled going up, and felt like it was being pushed going down.

Can it be done? Yes. Would I continue to do it? Nope...but maybe that was because of the way we had the truck and trailer loaded. Can't say, but I just wasn't comfortable. With the 2500 Chevy, we towed that Windjammer over 20K miles, including through the Rockies, with no issues.

As far as a WD hitch, I'd recommend a 12,000 lb. Equal-I-Zer

DITTO,DITTO!!
It pulled fine with my 2012 1/2T 5.3 342 around the flatter areas here in Michigan. But the minute you turned up hill the engine screamed! I knew then if traveling out of state the screaming would become and issue. Also, any uneven roads (which are plentiful in Michigan) gave us a the boat affect. Contemplated a new 1/2T Max with the 6.2 but the towing capability increase was minimal. Decided on the 3/4 6.0L all issues resolved.

[D_B Travelers]

It would be nice if there were a chart showing what TT a 1/2 Ton can pull, which ones need a 3/4 Ton, and so on. Unfortunately that would require a computer like NASA uses, be a nightmare to keep updated and would also require a huge matrix for how each truck was equipped. So, where is the break line for safely/comfortably towing, what length is okay, but more importantly what RV weight is the max? A 1/2 ton all decked out with HD towing, electric brake controllers, air bags, the correct WD hitch(set up properly), improved air flow, dash board hula girl, and the correct type of tires all are contributing factors to get a 1/2 ton to do a heavy job. We bought the WJ3001w after doing some real research and pulled it comfortably with a 5.3 GMC 1500, up and down 8,500' Wyoming/Colorado mountains last year, but only after adding K&N cold air and some expensive dual exhausts so it could breathe at higher altitudes. BUT, would it have been better pulled by a 3/4 ton? Without a doubt. We had just bought the truck in 2013 without the thought of pulling a trailer; and in 2014 we decided to buy a TT. Could not trading up for a new truck at that point. Lots of people get into this very predicament: already have a wonderful truck and really don't want to trade.
In the end it is a personal decision. Can you safely and comfortably pull model XX travel trailer with the truck you have currently, or do you need to look at a different (lighter) model? We did trade for a new GMC 3500HD Duramax DRW this year in anticipation of purchasing a 5th wheel in 2017. I bought heavier than I knew I would need so I didn't have to worry as much. If you are going to continue to RV, then perhaps trading trucks isn't that bad of an idea.

[youroo]

DB there is a program like that "Changingears.com",but like every other subject that comes up on a Fourm people say "That is NOT correct" so on we go! Youroo!!

[aceinspp]

There is a pretty good article in March Trailer Life that list Max tow ratings for almost 750 different trucks and SUVs. Give a good Idea when looking for a camper and the truck you have and what you can tow. Later RJD

[D_B Travelers]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

There is a pretty good article in March Trailer Life that list Max tow ratings for almost 750 different trucks and SUVs. Give a good Idea when looking for a camper and the truck you have and what you can tow. Later RJD

Yes, I downloaded and saved it as well as GM's Towing Guide, and some other tire related articles for future reference. Youroo stated that there is a program in Changing Gears, but like he said, people challenge it and go their own way.
Besides, if we took all the "can I pull this?", and "which tire should I get", or "which truck is the best" threads out of the forum, we would only have one page worth of postings left!

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by D_B Travelers

Yes, I downloaded and saved it as well as GM's Towing Guide, and some other tire related articles for future reference. Youroo stated that there is a program in Changing Gears, but like he said, people challenge it and go their own way.
Besides, if we took all the "can I pull this?", and "which tire should I get", or "which truck is the best" threads out of the forum, we would only have one page worth of postings left!

X 2 Later RJD

[rockfordroo]

Most of those towing guides are just that - towing. They usually don't discuss payload, which is usually what you impact first. Somebody with 2 kids, a wife and a dog has to get a TT with bunks, which are usually bigger/heavier than the couple alone would get. So the weight it already higher. Then they load the kids, wife, dog and STUFF into the TV and they're over on payload because all they thought about was towing capacity.

[D_B Travelers]

Shopping for a 5th wheel currently and I don't even look at the empty weight listed anymore, that is meaningless unless you are a transport driver. I look at the maximum gross weight the rig is ever supposed to be and insure I can pull that much safely. I know I will be under that amount, so I have a safety margin. Then I look at the stated hitch weight (TT or 5th), add about 20% for the load, and figure if I can carry that, plus the DW, fuel, toys, tools, lawn chairs, blow up pools, lawn flamingos, Tiki lights, etc. in the TV. If all is good, I am good.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by D_B Travelers

Shopping for a 5th wheel currently and I don't even look at the empty weight listed anymore, that is meaningless unless you are a transport driver. I look at the maximum gross weight the rig is ever supposed to be and insure I can pull that much safely. I know I will be under that amount, so I have a safety margin. Then I look at the stated hitch weight (TT or 5th), add about 20% for the load, and figure if I can carry that, plus the DW, fuel, toys, tools, lawn chairs, blow up pools, lawn flamingos, Tiki lights, etc. in the TV. If all is good, I am good.

Good advice for anyone. First thing I look at are the yellow and white stickers on the street side.

I notice at RV shows they make it as difficult as they can to get to the street side. They'll back one TT right up to the ball hitch of the one behind it. Means I have to jump over the hitch, but I do it. (They can't do this to you with 5vers, though; easy to duck under! ) Sometimes they put up curtains of some kind between the public and street side. Curtains don't stop me, either.

If the GVWR is more than about 75% of my tow capacity, I don't even bother going into the TT, unless something else attracts my attention.

[D_B Travelers]

Amen on FIND AND READ the stickers! The buyer is, sadly, the only one that can tell if the rig is the right size/weight. The salesperson will tell you you can pull a 36' TT with a Prius if it makes the sale for them.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Most of those towing guides are just that - towing. They usually don't discuss payload, which is usually what you impact first. Somebody with 2 kids, a wife and a dog has to get a TT with bunks, which are usually bigger/heavier than the couple alone would get. So the weight it already higher. Then they load the kids, wife, dog and STUFF into the TV and they're over on payload because all they thought about was towing capacity.

The Ford site is great for towing capacity as that is driveline based. They also will state MAX payload on all drivelines. Impossible to get closer on payload as individual trim packages and accessories will be on any individual truck. Example ~~ a 2016 F350 diesel has a max payload of 3800# but most sticker between 3400# and 3550#.


When my daughters were young there was no such thing as a slide and we had a HUGE, for the time, 28' TT for the 4 of us. Now it is just me and my wife in a 35' 5er with 3 slides which we like better than the 40' class A we had or any of the other RVs. 2 of us just need more room.

[Timex]

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

When my daughters were young there was no such thing as a slide and we had a HUGE, for the time, 28' TT for the 4 of us. Now it is just me and my wife in a 35' 5er with 3 slides which we like better than the 40' class A we had or any of the other RVs. 2 of us just need more room.

This is my attempt at a funny, so nobody take offence to this.

You need more room as you get older so you can have a place to fall.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by Timex

This is my attempt at a funny, so nobody take offence to this.

You need more room as you get older so you can have a place to fall.

Could be for being married to the same person nearly 47 years we need more room to give our ears needed rest??

[D_B Travelers]

DW and I were Girl Scout troop leaders and then Council trainers for teaching leaders camping skills. Slept in rain, freezing weather, and heat for many years in tents. Cooked over open fire, buried roasts in fire pit holes, and baked rolls in a foiled lined box. We are now looking at 40' 5th wheels and it will have a washer/dryer, satellite, 2 A/Cs and I am leaning toward one with a dish washer. LOL! When I fall I want to be comfy now days!

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by D_B Travelers

DW and I were Girl Scout troop leaders and then Council trainers for teaching leaders camping skills. Slept in rain, freezing weather, and heat for many years in tents. Cooked over open fire, buried roasts in fire pit holes, and baked rolls in a foiled lined box. We are now looking at 40' 5th wheels and it will have a washer/dryer, satellite, 2 A/Cs and I am leaning toward one with a dish washer. LOL! When I fall I want to be comfy now days!

As well you should. Because when you fall, you probably won't be able to get up!

[D_B Travelers]

But it was so worth it. Our "girls" (two daughters and about 6 others) are confident and can take care of themselves should the need arise. Everyone should have basic survival skills.

[roberthill1979]

We towed our WJ 3029W with my 1/2 Silverado 1500 for about 8 months close to home, nothing more than about 60 miles one way. Went out of state to see the kids and grandkids, didn't take very far into TX to figure out we needed a little more truck. Traded up to a Ford F-250 Super Duty with 6.3 diesel. LOVE it. Much easier to get fuel with the trailer hooked up - can use the truck lanes.