Considering a TC & Towing my Travel Trailer

Hi Folks. My current rig is a 2019 FR Cherokee Grey Wolf 17BHSE travel trailer (24', ~5,200 lbs loaded) towed behind a 2006 Ram 1500 Sport 5.7L Hemi, Crew Cab with 6.5' box. I use a Husky Centerline WDH with sway bars. I took a 4 month trip with this combo last year and it worked really well. However....

I am now seriously considering adding a truck camper to this mix, and upgrading my truck (which I had planned to do anyways). Looking to purchase a Ram 3500 SRW gasser CC 8' box to accommodate a mid-size truck camper (the Palomino hard side 750 or 1803 models fit my bill in terms of weight, profile, amenities like a wet bath, and price). I want to be able to tow a travel trailer while carrying the TC - ideally the TT I already own!

I've read through the forums, TC websites and posts on towing with a TC and think I have a basic understanding of some of the considerations. With the TC I'm considering, I'm choosing models that are 8'2 in floor length to avoid needing a lengthy hitch extension. I believe the 2020 Ram would give me about 4,300 lbs of payload configured the way I want it. The majority of my cargo would be hauled in the TT, so with a 5,200 lb loaded TT I have about 650 lbs of tongue weight to deduct from the truck's payload. TC might carry 300-400 lbs of stuff for a total gross weight of the TC around 2300 lbs. Figure another 500 lbs in the truck cab for us passengers and small stuff and total payload is around 3,450. That leaves a 850 lb cushion. Does my math seem right? I know I need to be sure the truck's tires can handle the weight I'm expecting as well as the rear axle.

The reason I'm wanting to explore this setup with the TC and TT is mainly to try and give me the best of both worlds in terms of my travel/camping style. I travel with an older family member and we love the comfort (dry bath, 2 separate sleeping areas) of the travel trailer and having a home base at the State Park and National Park/NF campgrounds we primarily stay at. What we're missing is having some comforts to take with us on extended day-long trips from those campgrounds. It would be great to have our own facilities (basic restroom, kitchen, sleeping area for cat naps) with us when we're out exploring for the day.

So, my questions for all you wise and experienced folks are:

1. Does this set-up seem doable as I've laid it out? Anything major (or minor) I'm missing?
2. Do you see any glaring issues with the weight/payload info I've described?

Thanks in advance for your input and for reading this post!

Truck Campers

InTheRockies
Explorer
Jun 02, 2020
JRscooby wrote:
Changing vehicles? Have you thought about a van?
Not sure about how having a TC and TT on the same campsite. Might want to look at the rules before you jump.

Thanks for the suggestion. I am considering a Class B (though they feel really tight compared to our TT) or a small (24' or so) Class C.

I too had thought about possible restrictions with the TC & TT on the same site - I do recall when making reservations in the past that many CGs state that only one camping unit is allowed per site. Whether a TC that's kept on the truck is counted as such I'm not sure, but definitely something to find out ahead of time. If the places I plan to camp prohibit this, then it's obviously a non-starter.

Again, appreciate all of the replies and information offered from everyone.
InTheRockies
Explorer
Jun 02, 2020
kohldad wrote:
Sorry for the book, but you asked for more info. If you have other questions, just ask and I'll try to keep further answers shorter.

Kohldad: the context and your thought process is very helpful. Thanks for the info.
ticki2
Explorer
May 31, 2020
kohldad wrote:
The

That said, we are looking at upgrading to a DRW because it would open up more choices. Even an Artic Fox 865 would be pushing the weights of a SRW. Our only concern is we enjoy forest roads which require 4wd and are afraid it would limit some of our travels. But we keep trying to convince ourselves that while our travels would be a little limited, we would never run out of places off the beaten path to visit.

.

I have traveled many forest/logging roads in NH ME NY and VT , haven't been limited with drw so far. The only limiting factor has been height on a few occasions . Of course each region is different .
JRscooby
Explorer II
May 31, 2020
Changing vehicles? Have you thought about a van?
Not sure about how having a TC and TT on the same campsite. Might want to look at the rules before you jump.
Grit_dog
Navigator
May 31, 2020
InTheRockies wrote:
Thanks for the recent responses.

Kohldad: do you mind sharing the payload of your Ram and the dry weight of your Lance? I had been second guessing whether a DRW might be needed/advised.

For your plan, a dually is not even remotely needed, but it won't hurt a thing. TC will need bracket extensions for the front jacks is all.
kohldad
Explorer III
May 31, 2020
The 2004 Lance brochure list the empty weight as 1695. Only option I have is AC so dry weight should be 1765. Adding 18gals water (140#), 20# of propane, 35# for battery it should weigh 1940. I'm a light packer and know it weighs 2,400# ready for a trip.

I have carried this camper on two trucks. First was a 2004 Ram 3500 CTD Crew Cab 4x4 which had a payload of 2,200#. Second truck is the current truck, 2015 Ram 3500 6.4 gas Crew Cab 4x4 which has a payload of 4,300#. Both weights are actual weights, only difference is the 2004 was ready for the camper with tie downs and bed liner, the 2015 was brand new off the lot so still needed the tie downs and bed liner. The 2004 had helper springs which actually gave it a better feel with the camper on board after adding stable loads. The new SRW truck doesn't have the helper springs but the DRW does.

Even with the heavier 2004 truck and towing my trail jeep on a trailer (~6,000#) without a WDH, my rear wheels still were well under the limit of 3,190. The newer truck with 18" wheels have 200# more capacity so would have even a better margin.

Right now we are shopping for a newer camper. While the current camper has served me well for 11 years, I'm retiring soon so will be taking longer trips. We therefore want a slightly bigger camper with bigger tanks. Would prefer to stay 9'-6" or under so we don't have to run an expensive extension the few times we tow. With the 9'-6" camper, a simple 18" extension will do fine for a car hauler or the potential 30' TT.

That said, we are looking at upgrading to a DRW because it would open up more choices. Even an Artic Fox 865 would be pushing the weights of a SRW. Our only concern is we enjoy forest roads which require 4wd and are afraid it would limit some of our travels. But we keep trying to convince ourselves that while our travels would be a little limited, we would never run out of places off the beaten path to visit.

Sorry for the book, but you asked for more info. If you have other questions, just ask and I'll try to keep further answers shorter.
cptqueeg
Explorer II
May 30, 2020
Perhaps a "shell" model from 4 wheel camper or hallmark w just a cassette toilet or porta potty and dinette leaving room for all the extra cargo. It seems like having two kitchens, 2 full bathrooms, 2 sets of black and gray water tanks are perhaps overkill, add unnecessary weight, and take up valuable space.
InTheRockies
Explorer
May 30, 2020
Thanks for the recent responses.

Kohldad: do you mind sharing the payload of your Ram and the dry weight of your Lance? I had been second guessing whether a DRW might be needed/advised.
kohldad
Explorer III
May 29, 2020
We are considering the same down the line when we want to slow down. However we are looking at a 7,000# 30' TT along with something like our Lance 815. We've pulled cars behind our setup on u-haul trailer which would make it weigh around 6,000# so know it's feasible.

We want the TC not only for having it around during the day trips but also so we don't have to return every night when we find that perfect sunset spot. We need the bathroom, fridge, change of clothes, and sometimes even a place to crash for an hour so it's not overkill for us.

You numbers look good except I think you are under estimating the TC weight. Listed dry weights don't include any options, fluids, or even the battery. Does include empty propane tanks though.
billtex
Explorer II
May 29, 2020
InTheRockies wrote:
Billtex: we don't full-time but do go on the road for several months at a time, as well as taking shorter 1-6 week trips. I hear you on the gennys and solar. We may be able to ditch them someday, but we typically camp without electric hookup in NP/NF campgrounds, and the gennys come in handy for running the A/C when the weather turns hotter. I travel with my elderly mother who doesn't handle the heat very well.

I'm not keen on the idea of doing away with the travel trailer in favor of a larger TC. The TT gives us two permanent sleeping areas (a full-size sofa and a double bunk), and use of the dinette (which we do use a lot). I also prefer the idea of having a smaller-profile TC on the truck for tooling around towns, making runs to the grocery store, parking at trailheads where space can be at a premium, being able to drive some places with height clearance issues, etc...

Got it. You do have specific requirements. Track down Moosetags-he can give you some good advice.