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Travel trailer help

Brandon Raphael Mattingly
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dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

Posted
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Looking at new trailers is mind-boggling there must be a hundred different floor plans in the 28'-30' class. So many manufacturers too. The Alpha Wolf is said to be one of Forest River better built trailers. Rockwoods are pretty nice too.

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KARNUT
KARNUT

I’ve been researching lite travel trailers. First you have to figure out what you really need. Not so much the biggest, I’m certainly guilty of that. Then the truck capacity, gas mileage etc. For fun

Donstar
Donstar

Karnut is right.  There are some very nice, lighter trailers for 1/2 tons.  We found the Winnebago line a good balance of size ,comfort, looks, weight and price. If the trailer you are proposing is yo

Jglew82
Jglew82

I’d have to agree. For a trailer that size, I’d definitely want an HD for the extra strength and braking power alone. I’ve borrowed my buddy’s trailer that was around 7000 lbs loaded up on a few occas

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dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

Posted
Posted

I looked at one of these a couple weeks ago.
Wildwood 24RLXL. Also by Forest River. 28''9" 5080 dry weight 7000gvw
They are pretty decent also but more of a entry level trailer but priced at just over 17G I don't think you could go wrong de4606cda77c71823b86f788c3122fc2.jpg27071be7c95e1031b458dc247e1a6ee4.jpgc4934fbc42a01d6b56ea8066bac93be2.jpg17687aea76d781f2c5ab7fcc145ff277.jpg

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Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted

I remember when I was first looking a couple of years ago, experienced forum members suggested that I rent before I buy. 

I ignored their good advice which I regret.    There is a lot of extras you may purchase that you don't need and there are a lot of unpredicted needs you will discover with some experience.  Many RV places will make deals if you rent and then decide to purchase one of their units.  RVing is potentially exciting and a lot of fun but it is a significant commitment. Take your time.

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dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

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Donny is right. Take your time and don't get ripped off. Don't let them sell you a bunch of extra stuff you could buy cheaper elsewhere. I'd also be willing to travel to get the trailer you want at the best price. A couple dealers in Ohio have the best prices in the nation. They beat every dealer near me in Minnesota by thousands.
Another thing is warranty work.
It's a pain in the ass. A lot of little things you are better off just taking care of it yourself. Dealers are backlogged months in some cases. So when you buy it go over everything with a fine tooth comb and have them fix anything before you take delivery.


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rjpoog1989 Enthusiast

rjpoog1989

Posted
Posted
On 7/10/2020 at 8:50 PM, Brandon Raphael Mattingly said:

So I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 5.3 3.42 gears with towing package(not NHT).  I have installed Bilstein 5100s on all four corners. Tow mirrors being shipped as we speak. Air bags are up next.  Here is my dilemma. My wife has her heart set on a Forest River Vibe 32BH.  It is 38 feet long, dry weight of 7400#, cargo capacity of 2300# and a hitch weight of 930# fully loaded.  I don’t plan to ever haul with full water, and I highly doubt I ever put 2300# of gear in it. We plan on towing it in our local area with 1 trip a year from Virginia to New York.  I will also be the only one in the vehicle when towing as she and the kids will go in our van.  Just want to get some of your thoughts on this setup. Thank you. 

I really think that’s too much trailer for your truck.  I’m much shorter at 26 feet and I’m betting I’m over on payload.  I’ll find out for sure when I hit the scales this week.  Advertised hitch weight on mine is like 520 lbs, but who knows what it really is.

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted

One other thing that I should add is wind resistance can really rob your fuel economy at highway speeds.  A travel trailer is traditionally shaped like a brick.  My neighbor's grandson designed his camper with aerodynamics in mind.

 

1447979989_Fuselagecamper(2).thumb.jpg.24acd957d1e8274762df5c9a2ee6fbeb.jpg

  • Like 1
dquest Enthusiast

dquest

Posted
Posted
On 7/10/2020 at 8:50 PM, Brandon Raphael Mattingly said:

So I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 5.3 3.42 gears with towing package(not NHT).  I have installed Bilstein 5100s on all four corners. Tow mirrors being shipped as we speak. Air bags are up next.  Here is my dilemma. My wife has her heart set on a Forest River Vibe 32BH.  It is 38 feet long, dry weight of 7400#, cargo capacity of 2300# and a hitch weight of 930# fully loaded.  I don’t plan to ever haul with full water, and I highly doubt I ever put 2300# of gear in it. We plan on towing it in our local area with 1 trip a year from Virginia to New York.  I will also be the only one in the vehicle when towing as she and the kids will go in our van.  Just want to get some of your thoughts on this setup. Thank you. 

My .02 you won't have any fun towing that trailer. I have towed at 32' Jayco Jayflight G2 around the same weight and it wasn't a good experience. Even with weight distribution and anti sway the tail will wag the dog on a 1/2 ton. Especially with a rig going by you.

Bernoulli's principle the moving air between the truck and car as the truck speeds by causes a decrease in air pressure between the car and truck. The car moves closer to the truck as it passes.

The trailer does this with my 2500 HD some and is much worse with the 1/2 ton. My father in law who drove a rig will not tow the trailer with his F150.

I would say if you are staying local or off the interstate it will pull it but I would avoid a long trip.

Hope that helps some.

Brandon Raphael Mattingly Enthusiast

Brandon Raphael Mattingly

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yes thank you all for your inputs. I have got my wife talked into an ultra light. It is still 36 feet long but it’s dry weight is around 6700. Based on what you guys have said I’m hoping that will tow much better. 

dquest Enthusiast

dquest

Posted
Posted (edited)
20 hours ago, Brandon Raphael Mattingly said:

Yes thank you all for your inputs. I have got my wife talked into an ultra light. It is still 36 feet long but it’s dry weight is around 6700. Based on what you guys have said I’m hoping that will tow much better. 

Make sure to look at anti sway bars as well as a weight distribution hitch.

No need to buy them from the RV dealer either. I'd go to a trailer shop as they will sell you what you need not what they can make the most money on.

 

Post some pics of your setup when you get it.

Edited by dquest
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dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

Posted
Posted
On 7/27/2020 at 7:34 PM, Brandon Raphael Mattingly said:

Yes thank you all for your inputs. I have got my wife talked into an ultra light. It is still 36 feet long but it’s dry weight is around 6700. Based on what you guys have said I’m hoping that will tow much better. 

So you settle on one that is 2 ft shorter and 700 lbs lighter.

There is literally no difference from this to what you originally wanted. It's still too much trailer for a half ton truck to tow comfortably. You will not like towing it I guarantee. Another thing, 6700 lbs is not an "Ultra Lite".

36 ft is better suited for a 3/4 ton truck period.

Also nobody tows a dry weight trailer. By the time you get propane and gear you are already over 7000 easy.

I'm not saying it can't be done but I wouldn't go over 30-31 ft with a 1/2 ton. I don't care what it weighs. Length is a huge factor here too.

KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted

I pulled all kinds of trailers during my working life. Mostly goose neck and fifth wheel. I grew to hate it. That being said I consider it because of covid. Then making a short exploratory trip checking out the new lay of the land. I got a reminder. Following a tractor trailer a sudden storm with high winds hit. The tractor trailer wipe out in front of me. I thought for sure I was going to get rear ended. If I was bumper pulling a TT I’m pretty sure I would have wrecked. I’m sticking to a car traveling and hotels. I would suggest if you have to do it. A dually and fifth wheel.


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alodawg26 Enthusiast

alodawg26

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Posted

Hi everyone. I'm jumping in to get some advice, and hopefully it will help the OP as well. I have the same specs: 2017 Double Cab 1500, 5.3, 3.42 gears, z71, Bilstein 5100s. Stock under the hood, stock brakes. And I do not have the max trailering package. I do have integrated brake controller and the trailer will have brakes.

 

I'm looking at a camper with dry weight of 6500, GVWR 7800 lbs fully loaded with cargo, 31.5' overall length. 

 

I want to assume I will hit the max payload for the trailer, just to be safe. I'd like to get the board's thoughts on if this is too much trailer for my truck. Obviously a 2500 would be better, but that's not an option right now so please do not suggest I get a new truck, lol. I'll be towing through KY, TN, and GA, so pretty hilly.

 

If you think this is too much, I want to know your thoughts on why GM rates these trucks at 9,000 lbs if 7,800 is too much to tow.

dieselfan1 Senior Enthusiast

dieselfan1

Posted
Posted
Hi everyone. I'm jumping in to get some advice, and hopefully it will help the OP as well. I have the same specs: 2017 Double Cab 1500, 5.3, 3.42 gears, z71, Bilstein 5100s. Stock under the hood, stock brakes. And I do not have the max trailering package. I do have integrated brake controller and the trailer will have brakes.

 

I'm looking at a camper with dry weight of 6500, GVWR 7800 lbs fully loaded with cargo, 31.5' overall length. 

 

I want to assume I will hit the max payload for the trailer, just to be safe. I'd like to get the board's thoughts on if this is too much trailer for my truck. Obviously a 2500 would be better, but that's not an option right now so please do not suggest I get a new truck, lol. I'll be towing through KY, TN, and GA, so pretty hilly.

 

If you think this is too much, I want to know your thoughts on why GM rates these trucks at 9,000 lbs if 7,800 is too much to tow.

They rate them at that number because IMO on paper it is capable and real world do able.

Now a real world question. Do you feel comfortable towing 9000 lbs?

I wouldn't. That's me.

Your numbers are on the edge for me. Keep the cargo light and I think your good.

Get a good hitch.

Remember you ain't gotta go 75 mph . 65 is plenty if you ask me.

 

 

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dquest Enthusiast

dquest

Posted
Posted

I wouldn't do that either.  Flat for a short distance (hour or two ) I'd be ok with but hills through that area are a no go.

 

I have pulled our 31ft tt through that area and will only use a 2500 for it.

 

Have done it with an F150 and it felt like the trailer was pushing the truck. Was not a fun experience.

Hope that helps some .

  • Like 1
Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted
21 hours ago, alodawg26 said:

Hi everyone. I'm jumping in to get some advice, and hopefully it will help the OP as well. I have the same specs: 2017 Double Cab 1500, 5.3, 3.42 gears, z71, Bilstein 5100s. Stock under the hood, stock brakes. And I do not have the max trailering package. I do have integrated brake controller and the trailer will have brakes.

 

I'm looking at a camper with dry weight of 6500, GVWR 7800 lbs fully loaded with cargo, 31.5' overall length. 

 

I want to assume I will hit the max payload for the trailer, just to be safe. I'd like to get the board's thoughts on if this is too much trailer for my truck. Obviously a 2500 would be better, but that's not an option right now so please do not suggest I get a new truck, lol. I'll be towing through KY, TN, and GA, so pretty hilly.

 

If you think this is too much, I want to know your thoughts on why GM rates these trucks at 9,000 lbs if 7,800 is too much to tow.

You will have ample pulling power.  I've pulled similar weights with my V6.   However, I am sure you can find a trailer that is 5' or so shorter that will be a much more comfortable tow.  When we are first time buyers our reference points are our home or apartment.  We tend to want features and comforts that replicate our main accommodations.  Living in a trailer is different and your needs change accordingly.  Towing around extra space to unroll his and her yoga mats while watching prime on a 65" Samsung by the light of an electric fireplace will make for more stressful driving and single digit mpg's. Rent or borrow for a couple of weekends prior to purchase.   Chances are you'll love the experience and learn that your needs are more basic than you may think.  Start with beds and a bathroom and the rest is gravy!  

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