Trying to understand normal tow handling
I traded in my 2014 Starcraft 1220 popup in August for a 2015 Fun Finder 242BDS at the beginning of August 2014. I weighed the trailer on an electronic vehicle scale with a full load and it came in a...
Forum Discussion
camp-n-family wrote:
Any mid size SUV is only going to have around 1200lbs of payload which will mostly get used up if you need to fill 3 rows of seats. The only way you're going to pull a 6k tt, with passengers in 3 rows, and under payload is with a 3/4 ton SUV like an Excursion or Suburban.
I finally found some actual numbers we can use:
Dodge Durango GCWR 12,750 LBS
Dodge Durango Curb Weight -5,133 LBS
Fun Finder loaded weight -5,200 LBS
Passengers gear and fuel -1,000 LBS
Spare capacity 1,417 LBS
It may not be double but it is certainly more than enough for my application. You then say:
camp-n-family wrote:
Since you asked about the Durango, this is a cut from another recent poster:I have been toying with the idea of getting a truck lately. I currently have a newer Dodge Durango and it fits our family perfect on a day to day basis (3rd vehicle) for running kids and travel. It has the HEMI in it and pulls ok but I am at my limit on payload (1200) and I think its geared high in the rear end as well. We love the ride, ease of parking and seating for 7 plus its got all the bells and whistles. My TT is 6000lbs loaded and is 26' long. I pull it fine (except for the steepest grades) but due its short wheelbase, the TV does get a bit of sway.
I consulted the original thread at:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28015034.cfm
and all the posters agreed his Durango was fine and all he needed was an anti-sway hitch. I also expect better general towing performance because he had the old 6 speed transmission and the 2014 has the new 8 speed. He also has 3.45 final drive ratio and the 2014 has a 3.09.
This is really useful and proves towing capacity is not an issue, especially since I am nearly 1,000 LBS lighter than they are. The crux of the matter is the sway, which IS the question I asked and the Durango owner complains about.
What does sway onset feel like? What are the first things you feel. I need to be sure I have not felt it before I make this decision.
