Crusader 298BHD is on the way

[tulsaguy74055]

I just ordered our new 2012 Crusader 298BHD and it is due to arrive here by May 10th. We are very excited and this will be our first brand new camper. I have a 2008 Crew Cab Nissan Titan 1/2 ton truck that the local RV dealer says I can pull it with. The truck is rated at 9100lb towing capacity and the camper weighs 8,300lbs. They will be installing a fifth wheel hitch in my truck and adding a sidewinder. I would love any and all feedback regarding the towing capacity on the truck and just want to make sure I wont have any issues pulling this camper.

 

[grhodes50]

Congrats on the trailer and welcome to the forum!

You'll love PT's quality and customer service.

I do want to caution you though. You'll be close to, if not over your tv's towing capacity after loading the camper. Another area you need to look at is your tv's payload. How much weight can you carry in your truck? Include passangers, cargo, the hitch and the hitch weight of the trailer.
PT's web site (link - Prime Time Manufacturing, Manufacturers of travel trailers and fifth wheels ) list the dry weight at 8,404 lbs and the hitch weight at 1,292 lbs, approx 15%. If you add 1,000 lbs for cargo, bedding, clothes, food, lawn chairs, kitchen supplies, etc.... you'll then have a hitch weight of approx 1,410 lbs. That's asking quite a lot for a half ton. I'm betting you'll be over.
Don't always believe a salesman. He's trying to sell you a trailer and some don't care what tow vehicle you have.

 

[M109Rrider]

congrats and welcome to the crew!

 

[autorot8-FRF]

Also, what type of tires do you have? If you have P tires (passenger) which a lot of 1/2 tons seem to come with, you will want to replace those with E rated tires, especially with that much pin weight.

 

[Chewy]

Pretty sure you can pull it...payload is probably gonna be close once loaded. But depends on how much you load into it...is it for a weekend or are you looking longer...you might have to pack for each trip differently...also drive a lot slower and smarter with a heavier rig...I've seen them pulled but I can't wait to get a diesel...

 

[tmmar]

Congrats and welcome to the forums!!! Enjoy your new camper!

 

[padave65]

Congrats...I hope you have years of enjoyment....Crusaders are great! You are at max pin weight for a Titan before adding anything to the trailer. My Titan pulls my 318bhs just fine (7700 poungs empty). I would definately buy some Firestone Airbags.

 

[tulsaguy74055]

Thank you everyone for the comments. I am having the airbags and cab compressor installed at the same time as the fifth wheel hitch. We will not drive it over 30-40 miles each trip and no hwy driving except memorial day weekend. I am checking on the E rated tires now. Thanks again!!

 

[Kab449]

In the summer of 2010 I started looking for a fifth wheel and finally decided on the 290RLT with very similar weight ratings to the unit you are looking at. I also had for a tow vehicle a 2008.5 Nissan Titan Crew Cab. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but after taking into consideration the fact that the GVWR of the truck was around 7500 lbs and it weighed almost 6000 lbs empty, I was left with 1500 lbs of payload. Add the weight of the passengers in the truck and the weight of the hitch and you are left with about 1000 lbs of pin weight with nothing else in the box. You will be overweight. I don't know how it would have towed because I decided not to take the chance and traded the truck for a F250 Diesel.

 

[grhodes50]

tulsaguy74055, please don't take offense to any of these post. We are trying to help. KAB449 probably gives you the best advice since he's had a similar experience.
Just to make sure you know, the air bags do help level out your truck but do not increase any of the truck's capacities.

Besides, Lake Eufaula is more than 40 miles from Tulsa. We've got to help get you set up to make a trip down here sometime!