New to all this.

[1fastz28]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Just a note, when you hook up, make sure you ALWAYS engage the Tow/Haul mode. I have the GU5 and pull a 5er with no problem. Mine very seldom ever shifts into 4th or OD. Still get around 9.0 mpg and pull 60-65mph max except sometimes (rarely) get to 70 down some hills.

well I got some good news from the dealership he said that he takes full responsibility for not double checking the actual tow rating of the truck and that he's going to keep an eye out on for another 2014 Lt 4x4 and that he is going to make it right. He mentioned swapping out the gears but that he didn't think it would really be the most economical idea.

[SuicideSaints]

Good to hear they are taking steps to correct the situation. Im glad to hear it and that has to make you feel a little better too.

[1fastz28]

Originally Posted by SuicideSaints

Good to hear they are taking steps to correct the situation. Im glad to hear it and that has to make you feel a little better too.

absolutely I was about ready to freak out

[The_Rhino]

My only worry thus far is that the trailer weights 5750

The empty-weight sticker on our TT is 6,400 & empty tongue weight is 650, but loaded & ready to camp we're over 8,000 with 1,000+ of that on the tongue. (Our total payload is 2,200 ready to camp before adding a fiberglass cap...) Ready-to-camp our GCVW is a tad under 15,000. Subtract the 650 lb. difference between your TT & ours, and your GCVW could easily reach 14,000+...

For most TT's, all of the storage is up front so almost everything you add to the pass-through storage & under the front mattress ends-up adding to the tongue weight... IMO the (used) 1/2 tons capable of towing this size TT are pricey, like the capable F150 Ecoboost w/HD package... On the other hand, IMO you can pick-up a used 3/4 ton (gas) for a much better price...

In 2013 we found a 2 year-old 2011 Ram 2500 Crew Cab ST for 14,000. It has a payload of 3,000, so I added a used ($600) fiberglass cap & now we can stow our gear wherever it is convenient to unpack vs. how it will affect our payload... No we do not have leather seats or a NAV system that will be obsolete in another year... My cell phone plays Pandora, etc. through my capable speakers and a $100 Garmin GPS with free updates provides my NAV w/hands-free speaker phone...

Since you are new to camping, these are the things that are hard to imagine when you are first looking at matching a TV to a TT... If you buy a truck with a payload under 1,900 for that TT you will have a hard time figuring-out how to load your gear & properly setup your WDH (hitch) so that you keep the weight off of your rear axle...

[thestrangebrew]

Glad the dealer is making it right for you OP. I was in a similar situation with the TV but our dealer made it right for us. Hopefully things will work out and you can start enjoying that TT!

[Lucky7RV owner]

1FAST: I was looking thru Craigslist in your area and came across a 2003 DodgeRam 2500 advertised in Belleville,Ill. Looks like it is just south of where you live. It is a full 4 Door Truck with a new Hemi engine in it, plus other updates done.Private party AD and asking 13,500 and sure it would pull your Cherokee with no problem. Check it out, if you wish on Craiglist. Was posted 6 Days ago.

Otherwise, hope you can find the Truck you need and Good Luck.

[Lucky7RV owner]

1Fast: Also found some other trucks from Marshall Ford in Craigslist. They had around 7 trucks that MAY? fit your Bill. I guess the newer F150 6's with Turbo Charge are rated pretty good. Some RVer's tow SOME? Fifth Wheels with them. O'Fallon is where this dealer is located.

Of course you MAY BE just a Chev, man. Take a cruise thru Craigslist and you MAY? find the CAT'S Meow.

CRUISE ON!!! and have FUN

[Mowgli64]

I have a 2013 Ford F150 with the eco boost motor with 3.31 rear that I towed a 5200 lb(dry) 30' TT from MN to ME and back last year and it towed great. It is very important to get hitch and truck balanced correctly to keep things stable.

[Platokidd]

1fastz28, Just curious here, did you get a different truck?

[1fastz28]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

1fastz28, Just curious here, did you get a different truck?

Not yet, I talked to the dealer on Thursday and he said he was still trying to find one similar to what I had purchased, I did tell him that I wont be picking up the trailer for another 6 weeks so there isn't an immediate hurry, but i'm confident that it'll be taken care of promptly. Once I get it i'll post pics!

[SuicideSaints]

Any updates? Did you get it worked out?

[1fastz28]

Ugh, so the long and short of it is that the dealership had been looking for a replacement at auction this whole time and claims that they haven't found one similar for the same price. I asked him about just swapping the gears and he said it would void the warranty. I called GM on Friday and explained the situation to them and got transfered to some escalation specialist who said that they are taking it seriously and that they'll get back to me early this week. I got a call from the RV dealership and our TT just showed up on Wednesday so we are really ready to pick up this thing. Hopefully GM will be able to do something. Otherwise I don't know what options are going to be. Very frustrating experience to say the least.

[SuicideSaints]

I hear you. Other than it not being ideal you should be ok (if I remember right) if you just take it slow and careful so at least you can get out and enjoy the camper. Hopefully GM sets you right.

[1fastz28]

Originally Posted by SuicideSaints

I hear you. Other than it not being ideal you should be ok (if I remember right) if you just take it slow and careful so at least you can get out and enjoy the camper. Hopefully GM sets you right.

Got a call from GM today, they said they are working with the dealership to just swap the gears and keep the factory drivetrain warranty intact. Which i think will be the best thing for all parties, said i should hear back tomorrow.

[wbdavey]

I'm coming into this discussion late BUT - if the truck has 3.08 gears, does it really have a trailer tow package? Packages vary between brands, but most include better mirrors, class 3 or 4 receiver hitch, transmission coolers, extra engine cooling and sometimes bigger alternators. I'm not saying you need every one of these, but it would be better to know exactly what this truck is before you start towing with it.

[1fastz28]

Originally Posted by wbdavey

I'm coming into this discussion late BUT - if the truck has 3.08 gears, does it really have a trailer tow package? Packages vary between brands, but most include better mirrors, class 3 or 4 receiver hitch, transmission coolers, extra engine cooling and sometimes bigger alternators. I'm not saying you need every one of these, but it would be better to know exactly what this truck is before you start towing with it.

it has a trailering mode, on the right stick it has a trailer icon which tells the tranny that you are towing. Other than that i'm not sure what it has in regards to the other things you've mentioned. But in reality we won't be towing it more than 4 hours away from home.

[1fastz28]

Talked to the dealer today, we are just going to swap out the gears and split the cost 50/50, so i'll take that. However, i did get a call from the RV dealer, our TT was damaged in a hail storm... They said they would sell it to us at a discount or we can take a different one of the same model. They weren't sure yet what the discount would be but it's just one more headache on this whole ordeal.

[SuicideSaints]

Originally Posted by 1fastz28

Talked to the dealer today, we are just going to swap out the gears and split the cost 50/50, so i'll take that. However, i did get a call from the RV dealer, our TT was damaged in a hail storm... They said they would sell it to us at a discount or we can take a different one of the same model. They weren't sure yet what the discount would be but it's just one more headache on this whole ordeal.

Well at least it is a resolution, not an ideal one but it works and as long as you are happy and like the truck.

It keeps piling up for you, first the truck not TT problems. I do not know if I would take a damaged TT. Unless you need the cash and there is a huge discount I would probably get another one. Did they have another one ready and in stock? Good luck and I hope it all works out for you and you get to camp soon.

[1fastz28]

Originally Posted by SuicideSaints

Well at least it is a resolution, not an ideal one but it works and as long as you are happy and like the truck.

It keeps piling up for you, first the truck not TT problems. I do not know if I would take a damaged TT. Unless you need the cash and there is a huge discount I would probably get another one. Did they have another one ready and in stock? Good luck and I hope it all works out for you and you get to camp soon.

Went to look at it today and we wouldn't have even noticed the hail "damage" if he didn't point it out to us, its nearly impossible to see. They gave us 1500 off and we decided to take the one with the damage and put that 1500 towards all the other crap we'll need. Got the loan finished and we're picking it up on
Thursday and taking it out on Friday! We're super excited about everything and can't wait to enjoy our new toy!

[The Mustard Seed]

From North East Ohio. We are newbies also. There are no dumb questions...everybody has been very helpful...we also had many questions, this group here is the best.....wealth of experience and what's even better, they are willing to share!