Looking for advice.

Hello Garrik. if you didn't read it already, this tread http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27282216/page/1.cfm
explain what I tow and with what; do not base your decision merely on those here that state that you NEED a bigger truck, stay within specs of yours, drive at a safe speed (st tires on rv are 65 mph max anyway) and have fun !

I enjoyed my last trip a lot and being confident on my tv, just ordered the same Ram Longhorn, 2014 with 8sp trans and air suspension...for 5weeks/year on the road with the toy hauler, it will do the job plenty and safely !

By the way, my toy hauler is a bumper pull 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 301blds, it has a 10 feet garage separated from living area by a patio door. dry weight 6997, loaded for 3 weeks with 600lbs Harley and 100 gal of water, 9000 lbs

Alain from Montreal

First, Thanks for your service, I'm retired Army and my Wife also served.
Second, our first RV was a 27 foot Keystone Tailgator, it was heavy and I towed it with both a 1500 and 2500 Avalanche both towed it fine.

The idea of using it for PCS moves is great, We did that for a few years and you can also claim any weight difference as part of a DITY move. also the JTR (joint travel regulation) has provisions for RV life while PCSing or on official travel.

The Tailgator was in the 7-9k weight range and towed fine across america for us. you may need airbags to keep the truck level, get the biggest/heaviest weight distro. hitch you can find, 10 or 12k, it's better to have heavier than you need and underwork it vs. over working an 8k hitch.

Good luck and PM me if you have any other questions about anything.

Gregg

How about the KZ MXT line? They seem to be light enough with nice floorplans.

I have no experience (a future newbie), but have done some researching to seriously consider this line.

Fred

Thanks for the guide Lightfoot.

So far I have found TT Toy haulers that's fit our needs. You guys asked what I have to haul so Ill tell you. For now I just have a Yamaha Grizzly. We have been wanting to get a UTV but I can't have the UTV and a toy hauler right now. I think a 10 foot garage would be fine for us.

I have found Raptor , Elevation and Work N Play toy haulers that look good and are under my max weight. Now I am trying to figure out how much all our gear will add to the weight. I know the ATV is around 650. Not sure how much to figure for the other stuff like food and cloths.

Keep the comments coming. I appreciate the help.

P.S. My truck is a Laramie with the tow package. I plan on using a weight distributing hitch as well.

Try the Trailer Life Towing Guideto make sure of your actual towing specks as you only listed that you had a 2500 Ram with the hemi. There are other aspects of your setup that play into your towing ratings.

There are some pull behind (TT) toy haulers around 30' (advertised 27')with a separate garage out there but they might only be a 10' garage that might work for you with your current truck? You didn't tell us what toys you have or are going to be loading and how heavy they are though. I think Forest River is the mfgr?

I should have said I was looking for a bumper pull toy hauler. We are looking for an entry lvl toy hauler. It will be used for some vacations but mostly for PCS'ing to new bases. This last move had us homeless for two months. Yeah we are a military family. I have seen a raptor that fit our bill and we are looking at a Elevation this weekend that would work.
We looked at the really nice fifth wheelers but like you said there is no way my hemi will pull it. We are thinking when we get closer to retirement we will trade in the toy hauler and truck and upgrade both. I really want a Single axle 3500 cummins. I can dream.

I appreciate the help you all are offering. Keep it coming.

If you are looking at a toy hauler, you might want to consider a new truck first. Your truck will struggle to pull any toy hauler that you would be pleased with. I would consider a diesel pusher in the 2500 to 3500 series first, then go shopping for your new toy hauler. I pull a 34 foot Montana with a dry weight of 11,400 pounds with a my signature truck...

I would first consider upgrading the truck considering the specs. To get a seperate garage you are looking at atleast a 35 foot fifth wheel I believe. Ours is a 32 foot fifth wheel without a seperate garage and dry im at 8500. I think gross is 12900. Are you sure the max is 8800 on the truck? My GMC 2500 is 15500.