Open Range?

joeburnes wrote:
I'm new to RVing. I'm a catastrophic insurance adjuster and have to travel around alot and I'm completely tired of living in hotels. :) Towing shouldn't be an issue as I drive a 2500HD Silverado with the Duramax that is rated at almost 18,000 towing gooseneck/5er.
I'm trying to find something that is four seasons that I can full time in but won't break the bank. I've got a $20 to $25K budget and have been looking at all the different classified sites. I'm really like the Open Range, specifically the 385RLS, and have found a really good deal on it.
I'm hoping you guys have some input as to how these trailers hold up. I've heard they're not as good as Montana's, but they're also less expensive. I just want to make sure I'm not buying a lemon.
Any ideas on the Open Range or suggestions of brands to look into?

EDIT: 2013 Duramax Diesel 2500HD
Tires rated just over 3,100#
Cargo rated approx. 3,100#
Rear axle rated over 6,200#

joeburnes wrote:
Yeah, I'm starting to think I'll need a lighter 5er...or a TT instead.
Looks like I'll be maxing her out even with a lighter 5er and I really don't like the idea of pushing a truck at its max on long hauls....even though they rate them really low, imo, to make sure they cover their own butts. I'd put a higher rated tire, but that won't matter as the axle would be the weak link at that point.

dfm wrote:
The 385 RLS has a gvw of 13940 pounds. You will never tow an empty trailer. So calculate your pin weight off the gvw rating for the trailer. 20% is 2780 pounds. 25% is 3485 pounds. I have not often seen a loaded 5'er near the 20% figure. You have a large cargo area in a 385 rls and nobody leaves it empty. A majority of That weight will go to the pin. I would bet most people would be closer to 3000, or more, pin weight on that 385rls.
Take your truck to a scale loaded with what will go in the truck. Your 5'er hitch will weigh closer to 200 pounds. Then you will have a better cargo capacity number for the truck and what your max pin weight should be.
I think you will find that your truck will weigh near 7600 to 7750 with full tank,5'er hitch at 200 pounds and every pound you add into the truck before hooking up the 5'er. With a 10,000 gvw for the truck
You will have a max of 2400 to 2250 allowable pin weight IMHO.

dfm wrote:
OK, did some research on my truck for those of you who've brought up towing concerns. It looks like I have about 3,100# of cargo, my rear tires have over 3,100# and my rear axle has a 6,200 # rating.

Now, I'm a little confused, what do I do to "do the math". The trailer's pin rating is roughly 2,000. Of course, that's dry. How do you determine how much weight is on the pin once loaded down.


So what is the "formula" for towing a 5er? """

Please tell us exactly what Duramax You have.

My Duramax in my signature has a gvw of 9200 and going thru the scales with a full fuel tank, my 135 pound wife, 20 pound dog , 80 pound trailer hitch ,40 pound tool kit in the box , my weight is 7380 pounds. My duramax is 2wd so lighter than a 4w4.

So my cargo carrying limit is about 1800. When I throw a few things in the box like golf clubs, bbq , chairs,etc. and hook the trailer on I am near maximum gvw for the truck.

I don't know how You get 3100 cargo ability on your Duramax. Is it a Dually? More details needed!!!