Forum Discussion

KimandChris's avatar
KimandChris
Explorer
Apr 20, 2015

Looking for advice on triple axle/larger THs

DW and I have been looking for a new toyhauler to full time in. We seem to be drawn to the 40+ footers because of the much roomier living rooms and extra kitchen counter space. My current TH is 35 foot double axle that weighs 13,600 loaded.

How will an 18,000 pound triple axle TH tow as opposed to the lighter double axle unit I am used to? I realize there are other issues with a bigger RV besides towing, but I am fairly certain I can handle them.... Tow vehicle is a 2015 Ram 3500 dually with the Aisen tranny, so I think I am covered there.

Thanks for any insight,
Chris
Toy Haulers
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Apr 20, 2015
    Depending on what you buy and what you carry, you may not be looking anything that much heavier than what you are pulling now. Our 40' toyhauler weighs 15,000 lbs. loaded and ready to travel. Of course that doesn't include full water tanks.

    As to how it will pull, it's going to be a little slower away from a stop and possibly a little slower getting to a stop. With your truck I don't think you'll notice a huge difference. Except in fuel mileage. :)
  • Macman83's avatar
    Macman83
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2015
    Our 2013 Voltage is 42ft. Long and weighs in at 16K empty on the CAT scales. The main difference from the double to triple axle is you drag a tire when you turn. Our pin weight is 3450lbs, you can compare it to yours, but your truck should handle that as well. Ours has the 14ft garage, and the teenagers love it back there. I really don't think you will notice much difference.

    Good luck, hope this helps.
  • bighog01's avatar
    bighog01
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2015
    Shouldn't be a big deal. Our new triple axle Fuzion is almost 15000 lbs and my truck is similar to yours. Just give yourself a little more room when backing into a site
  • momentum_rv's avatar
    momentum_rv
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2015
    The triple will just be a little harder to turn on hard surfaces than a double. The extra weight won't be a big deal w/ your TV... BUT, don't know what state you live in but in Calif. you are "required" to have a "non-commercial class A" drivers license for a 5th wheel RV over 15,000lbs.
  • tinner12002's avatar
    tinner12002
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2015
    KimandChris wrote:
    DW and I have been looking for a new toyhauler to full time in. We seem to be drawn to the 40+ footers because of the much roomier living rooms and extra kitchen counter space. My current TH is 35 foot double axle that weighs 13,600 loaded.

    How will an 18,000 pound triple axle TH tow as opposed to the lighter double axle unit I am used to? I realize there are other issues with a bigger RV besides towing, but I am fairly certain I can handle them.... Tow vehicle is a 2015 Ram 3500 dually with the Aisen tranny, so I think I am covered there.

    Thanks for any insight,
    Chris


    Depending on your gear ratio as to how hard they are to start from a stop, my 2012 w/4.10s with 16500 rv can start with most traffic so a 15 ought to be better unless gear ratio is way off like 3.42s or something. I have a 15 coming but I had to order it because I wanted 4.10s for the max towing capacity. Didn't want truck to have to work as hard to pull a load.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Apr 21, 2015
    My Voltage 3950 weighs just under 19000 loaded WITHOUT water. My 2004 Ram dually diesel couldn't handle it but my 2011 Chev does. Your truck should have no problem.

    At over 40', you really have to think about where you're going before you go there.
  • KimandChris's avatar
    KimandChris
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2015
    Thanks all for the advice.

    Sounds like it won't be a big difference from what I am used to towing on the highway. This RV will be used mainly out west and during the winter months escaping the northeast winter. We will just have to be a little more careful in the campgrounds we choose. Had some tight spots in my 35 footer, obviously this will be worse. We believe it will be worth the tradeoff to be more comfortable inside. Besides, we still have the truck camper to use during the summer to get into all those tighter spots in the mountains.

    Thanks again,
    Chris
  • camper_boy's avatar
    camper_boy
    Explorer
    May 04, 2015
    Hey, Some very good answers...we have a 44 ft Newmar X-Aire toy hauler and full time with tow teens. This unit has all the quality and usability at a fraction of the cost. I searched the market and even today nothing comes close to the build and features.

    Its for sale: 2008 Newmar X-Aire 41CKLG $50K
    2008 Ford F450 Crew Cab Dually Diesel $40K
  • calewjohnson's avatar
    calewjohnson
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    We have a 2014 Voltage 3950, on the road, she weighs in at 19,900. She is heavy, but the truck handles the weight very well. We use to cringe when turning with the factory tires, they looked like they were going to tear in half. Put some Sailun tires on, they don't flex, though it may be harder on the axle now...

    Cale

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