Forum Discussion

stonedpetty's avatar
stonedpetty
Explorer
May 06, 2019

2016 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite 261 BHXL

This would be the second camper I’d own. . First was a 1998 Viking. I’m considering this unit but concerned about the weight. I have a 2013 2 wheel drive F150 and my towing capacity is 6400. Dry weight on this one is 4314. I don’t ever plan on having to fill tanks before traveling. Will my truck do the job?

First time poster.


Thanks!
  • In Kansas, yes. But the base model V6 will get killed by the wind resistance of a TT pretty quick as soon as you hit a headwind or a hill or want to go faster than county road speeds.
    Rest of the truck is as up to the task as any for that weight.

    For the water weight watchers. Can you actually feel 40, 50 gal of water? Sort of like door stickers and tire ratings...
  • Lwiddis wrote:
    “I don’t ever plan on having to fill tanks before traveling.”

    Not a wise plan. What if your RV campground shuts off the water for some reason? You’re out luck. What if you find the most beautiful dry campsite? Lots of these in the Southwest but you’re out of luck. So when will you sanitize your fresh water tank...at home?


    Not sure how the OP camps, but we always reserve our sites ahead of time with water and electric. I don't think we have ever traveled with a full water tank and haven't had a problem. It could happen but I'm not carting around 200-300lbs of water "just in case".

    I usually keep about 1/3 of a tank of water for emergency bathroom breaks and stuff. Other than that there is no reason for us to cart around all that extra weight.

    We camped for years in a pop up that had never had water in the tank.

    Everybody camps different.
  • Welcome to the forum. Several parameters to consider as well, tongue weight rating, frotal area of the trailer, payload of what you carry (people and items).
  • “I don’t ever plan on having to fill tanks before traveling.”

    Not a wise plan. What if your RV campground shuts off the water for some reason? You’re out luck. What if you find the most beautiful dry campsite? Lots of these in the Southwest but you’re out of luck. So when will you sanitize your fresh water tank...at home?
  • First...Welcome to the forum. Lots of good info here. Sometimes you need thick skin to get them, but it's worth it.

    This may help.
    tow calculator

    The weight police will be here soon. Hang on for more answers.

    Hopefully a moderator will move this to the correct forum like "towing" or "tow Vehicles" where you will get more answers.
    Good luck!