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 W...
Forum Discussion
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.
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.
