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Old 12-17-2010, 05:48 PM   #41
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tow vehicle advice

We just ordered a 2011 8280ws. We plan on towing it with a GMC extended cab 1/2 ton. The truck is 4-whl with the 5.3 and tow pckg. Does anyone have any similar experience using this truck? I'm also interested in what extras I may add to the truck that would help.
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Old 12-17-2010, 10:05 PM   #42
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Imago, all of the big discounters are very close in price. In fact, the dealer we bought ours from matched the two big discounters, and we also came in about $14,000 under list. They were also closer, and being a full-service dealer, we have an option for warranty (if required).

dbclary, I will tell you right now that your 1/2 ton is going to have a heck of a time pulling that camper. Any headwind at all, and you won't be moving. Not trying to be a smartass diesel owner, just being honest. Just look at the picture of our truck and camper, and you'll get the idea. That is not a small truck!
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Old 12-22-2010, 01:31 PM   #43
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My brother purchased that same model up in Michigan. Check them out

Lakeshore RV Dealer: #1 Keystone RVs, Forest River & Heartland RV Dealer
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Old 01-29-2011, 04:41 PM   #44
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JUst finished our first year of pulling a 2005 8280SS fiver, rear kitchen single slideout model with a 2003 GMC 1500 2wd, 5.3, 3.73, tow package. It pulled it, but in my opinion, it didn't like it. Power was OK, brakes passable, but the truck just felt like it was straining under the weight. I figured in a couple years it would be junk. PLEASE NOTE that FR's stated weight is not accurate. Ours is supposedly 6300 lb--in reality it is 7300 lb empty. We just purchased an '05 Ram 2500 Diesel. If I can figure out how to get the butt of this thing down, we should be much more comfortable. By the way, the GMC is for sale--would pull a 24 footer really nice!
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Old 01-30-2011, 10:38 AM   #45
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And the new models are about a foot taller than yours, so pull even harder!
I see you have the atrium windows in your unit, don't ya just love them?
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Old 01-31-2011, 12:03 AM   #46
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Wife and I just decided on an 8280WS, I was very glad to see a topic on it. Our TV is a an 04 2500 w/Duramax and Allison. Anyone else tow w/a similar combo tat could give some input?
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Old 01-31-2011, 07:22 AM   #47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lowlife9920 View Post
Wife and I just decided on an 8280WS, I was very glad to see a topic on it. Our TV is a an 04 2500 w/Duramax and Allison. Anyone else tow w/a similar combo tat could give some input?
We have the 8526RLWS and the 08 version of your truck. You will LOVE towing your camper with it. It is a walk in the park. I am coming to find that the drive train on your vehicle can "motivate" a heck of a rig and not break a sweat.

Not to say I recommend it, as the drive train is not the only component of your truck.
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Old 02-04-2011, 06:53 PM   #48
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I pull my 8280ws with a 04dodge with the hemi. It pulls it fine and I live in the mountains so it's uphill in every direction it seems. I have debated the gas vs. diesel thing a few times and it always comes down to whether or not it is worth it to pay a extra $10k for the diesel. For me at this time it is not. I get 10.5 mpg (imperial gallon) pulling. Sure I slow down on the hills but so what - it's not a race to me.
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Old 04-03-2011, 12:26 PM   #49
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How deep is the inside of the Entertainment Center on the Rockwood 8280WS? I would like to use my own Surround Sound Amp in lieu of the Concertone.

Thanks,
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Old 04-03-2011, 03:09 PM   #50
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How deep is the Concertone compartment ??

Deep enough to hold a square dance (almost). At least a six man beer party. No kidding, when I removed the ZX-700, looked into the hole, goodness at the wasted space. The space goes from the top of the Concertone radio to the bottom of the 32" TV and is about 20"-26" from
front to back (maybe even more), runs from the left wall to the right about 3 1/2 ft. The one that come in the 8285WS works pretty good. ( after I installed the VIDEO filter)

Now, how big is you amp??
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Old 04-03-2011, 06:41 PM   #51
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Thanks Daisy,

My Amp is 17"W x 15"D, so it should work just fine. I'll be living in my unit full time so I do want the best sound.
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Old 04-04-2011, 07:01 AM   #52
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Madel may vary in size

I looked up you Rockwood model, it is quite different from the 8285WS. Your space is quite a bit smaller behind the TV and radio, but still plenty of room I would think. The interior is very small inside of your RV compared to a regular house, thin walls. Concertone produces very good quality sound when properly set up for the small interior of the RV. I personally think it would be an overkill, next door neighbors complaining about the loud noise. Your choice !
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Old 09-09-2011, 08:22 AM   #53
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Just spent a week pulling our 8280ws with our 150. NO problems, head winds, and all! Beautiful trailer and we are very happy with it!
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