hunting for a tow vehicle and anti sway gear..

groundhogy wrote:
Hi All,
I put a deposit on an airstream 29 foot overall length.
Like 5700 lb empty weight, maybe 500-600 lbs tongue weight.
Approximate numbers.

....snip....


groundhogy

A 5700 lb empty trailer is likely going to weigh 6700 to 7000 ready to go camping. Assuming a 13% tongue weight, your really going to be at 900 or more actually at the tongue. When all is said and done with this trailer, don't be surprised if your tongue is 1000 pounds.
In other words, forget what you read about so called "dry weights".

4WD in low range is also very useful when backing into a campsite. It allows you to back slowly and evenly without the jerking, and keeps the engine rpm up a bit for better cooling of the transmission. You will find that transmission temps rise very rapidly when backing up at any time not just uphill.
Barney

groundhogy wrote:
Thanks Campigloo and Jerimiah...
AWESOME info..

I am coming up the learning curve!

So... on the 4WD...
when is this usefull or when is this Necessary?

I like the idea of boondocking. Is that when you need it?

I use to believe that 4wd was a waste in normal RV ing circumstances...that was until my dually got stuck in the yard. Sunk up nearly to the hub in mud on the rear axle. The yard looked fine until I backed into it.

I had to have a friend come pull me out lol. Had I had 4wd I would have just locked her in and let her rip.

You don't need 4wd...until you do..then you really need it.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Thanks Campigloo and Jerimiah...
AWESOME info..

I am coming up the learning curve!

So... on the 4WD...
when is this usefull or when is this Necessary?

I like the idea of boondocking. Is that when you need it?

Some of the differences between F150 & 250 are also larger brakes, larger axles and differentials as well as heavier frame and springs. This all equates to higher payload and towing capability.

Since you alluded to a fullsize van, I'm going to assume that 4x4 is not a priority for you, which frees you up when it comes to tow vehicle set up.

I am personally going to recommend, for your consideration three vehicles

1) Suburban 2500 with an 8.1 big block (03-07 ish)
2) Excursion V10 (this vehicle will be the easiest to find)
3) 12 Passenger E350 with a V10

There are many half tons that on paper would handle this rig... A F150 with max tow or an Expedition with Max Trailering, GM truck with NHT trailering package would do great.
Your TV will need enough payload to carry you, your family, and your trailer tongue weight.

As to Weight distribution the Hensley/ProPride twins and the PullRite hitches are the best, and the most expensive (for a reason).

The next best are the hitches that actively work to prevent sway and I have only found two hitches in the sub $1000.00 mark that fit this description. These are the BlueOx Sway Pro and the Reese Straightline HP dual cam system.

Next are the integrated friction sway control hitches... These are the E2, Equal-i-zer, and a few others I can't remember right now.

Finally, you have standard WD hitches from Reese, ProSeries, Curt, Eaz-Lift, and several generic versions (harbor freight...etc)... These hitches do a great job providing weight distribution but need add on friction sway bars for sway control. For your size trailer you would need two of them.

All of these hitches come in many different weight ratings... I'd suggest going up to the closest bar size to your Tongue weight. I really doubt you will have 600 lbs tongue weight loaded... More like 8-900 lbs... So instead of 800 lb bars you will need 1000 lb bars.

There are a lot of choices, I choose the standard WD hitch and two friction bars... My rig handled great and was rock solid behind my HD truck.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Oooh kay.
I did look up how to decode VIN numbers. But the gear ratios I'm thinking wont be in there.

RPO is only defined for GM, so I see what you mean.

Skip the online towing "guides". I have found the info is lacking and somewhat generic. Really pretty much worthless.

When you have an idea what you want, look at the door sticker for the payload and GCWR of the vehicle. Ask if they have the manual, if not go online and download a copy. The manual will have the most accurate information about the towing capacities and available configurations. With GMs you also need to look at the sticker in the glove box for the RPO codes so that you know what gears it has (you can look up the RPO codes online or have the dealer help you). I'm not sure how to find gearing for Fords, Dodges, or Toyotas.

OK best bet is to find what tow vehicle you want to buy and input #'s here.

http://www.campinglife.com/tow-ratings-database/


Or look through the PDF's here..

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/


example. on the first link put in 2005/ chevy / express van / ext wheel base 2 wd..

You see the many offerings based on engine size and rear gear ratio.. Whatever you look at you need to make sure you find the exact gear ratio.. Engine size is easy to know. gears not so easy..

Im not sure if they are making the excella or not. I think they are.
This one is 90s

TT will be snowbirded. North in summer, south in winter.

I will buy a used tow vehicle due to budget.

Im stuck in Pennsylvania right now. Will have to stay in it
here til the weather breaks.