Choosing between two 31 foot RLDS trailers
My husband and I 77 and 76 have had a 27 foot 1994 Award trailer for 18 years. We are looking at replacing it with either a Coachman Freedom Express 281 RLDS or a Forest River Surveyer 266 RLDS. Any...
Forum Discussion
Lady,
Welcome and congrats on the possible new rig!
As mentioned, verify your tv (tow vehicle) is up to the task. Do not believe the "tow rating" if it's a 1500 as they generally run out of payload, or exceed the rear axle rating (RAR) before reaching the "max tow rating".
There is a yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb that states "All occupants and cargo not to exceed XXXXlbs". How much is stated? Understand that as it states, all passengers (only two of you it sounds like most times), cargo (coolers, bikes, firewood, etc- though you may pack very little in the truck bed), any accessories added to the truck (truck topper/cap, tonneau cover, step bars, etc), the wdh (weight distribution hitch), and the tt tw (travel trailer tongue weight) all count toward the trucks rated payload. And do not go by the "brochure" dry tw as it usually does not include the weight of the propane tanks or a battery on the tongue. That can add ~120lbs for 2-20lb tanks and a battery, or ~160lbs for 2-30lb tanks and a battery.
Not familiar with those two models listed, but if the floorplan is very similar, start looking at the finish of the drawer sides when you pull them out, the east of which the drawers and cabinet doors open and close, etc. Also look at the trailer axles rated capacity. Does one have a little heavier rated axle vs the other? Tire size and rating: A 15" tire usually has a few more replacement choices than a 14", a 16" tire a little better replacement choice than a 15". So think of "down the road" also. Beyond that do you guys like cosmetically over the other a little better? Color of cabinets, appliances, etc???
Good luck shopping!!!
Welcome and congrats on the possible new rig!
As mentioned, verify your tv (tow vehicle) is up to the task. Do not believe the "tow rating" if it's a 1500 as they generally run out of payload, or exceed the rear axle rating (RAR) before reaching the "max tow rating".
There is a yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb that states "All occupants and cargo not to exceed XXXXlbs". How much is stated? Understand that as it states, all passengers (only two of you it sounds like most times), cargo (coolers, bikes, firewood, etc- though you may pack very little in the truck bed), any accessories added to the truck (truck topper/cap, tonneau cover, step bars, etc), the wdh (weight distribution hitch), and the tt tw (travel trailer tongue weight) all count toward the trucks rated payload. And do not go by the "brochure" dry tw as it usually does not include the weight of the propane tanks or a battery on the tongue. That can add ~120lbs for 2-20lb tanks and a battery, or ~160lbs for 2-30lb tanks and a battery.
Not familiar with those two models listed, but if the floorplan is very similar, start looking at the finish of the drawer sides when you pull them out, the east of which the drawers and cabinet doors open and close, etc. Also look at the trailer axles rated capacity. Does one have a little heavier rated axle vs the other? Tire size and rating: A 15" tire usually has a few more replacement choices than a 14", a 16" tire a little better replacement choice than a 15". So think of "down the road" also. Beyond that do you guys like cosmetically over the other a little better? Color of cabinets, appliances, etc???
Good luck shopping!!!
