Forum Discussion

jerendeb-CLIF's avatar
jerendeb-CLIF
Explorer
Feb 03, 2014

Downsized both Tow & RV

Just wanted to make it known that I've downsized quite dramatically. I went from a Chevy Duramax 05 2500 to a 2014 Chevy Traverse (Crossover) & a Sunnybrook Bristol Bay 08 (36') to a Premier Bullet by Keystone. (21'). Weight dropped by 2/3. 12,000lbs. to a little over 4000lbs. The only experience I've had towing with this new setup was last Friday, towing from Camping World to my home. About 50 miles. What a smooth trip! So much easier to park in my terrible driveway that is on a State Highway!

We decided to almost give it all up. Cost and upkeep of the truck was way out of control. Then the DW came up with a plan. We're no longer dreaming of fulltiming it or taking that 10,000 mile trek to see the country. When I guestimate it the rate per mile with diesel is $1.50 give or take. I can do better than burn over $10k on fuel. So we will become simple RVers again.

This unit is most similar to our 1st RV. It was a Fleetwood Pioneer 19T4 02. We are now on #5.

Any comments or questions welcome except downright rude criticism. Save that for the evening news please.
Tow Vehicles
  • kw_00's avatar
    kw_00
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    None negative here, glad to see you love your new combo. The trasverse is a good vehicle from what I have heard. Simple RV ing is good, I know that my dream includes Rving across the USA one day if I can afford it. I started out with a smaller set up and now have a much larger one. My wife said that after our duaghter grows up amd is in college, we will downsize to a smaller fifthwheel instead of the 34 footer we have now. Heck I may go to an R-pod type when that occurs, due to future fuel prices... Good luck , enjoy your combo.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    We did the same thing went from a 2006 Chevy 6.6 oilburner with a 35 ft 5th wheel to a 19 ft Airstream pulled by a 4 Runner. The 19 was a little too small and I was uneasy about the 4 Runner so we next went to a 23 ft Airstream with a 1/2 ton and that is where we are now. We love it.

    There is no reason you can't still take that 10,000 mile ride.
  • CKNSLS's avatar
    CKNSLS
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    Yea, but if you search this forum the diesels hardly cost anything to run. And they don't have expensive filters and oil changes....


    Not to mention if they need repairs you need a bank loan....
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    Congrats on your new rig Jere. Looks nice!

    Just curious, what was so expensive on the Dmax. The only thing I have replaced was a glow plug. Under warrantee, and only $25 bucks if it wasn't.

    Hope you can take your trip of a lifetime one of these days!
  • Emptypockets's avatar
    Emptypockets
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    We also downsized back in 2010 from a 31 foot 5th wheel with two slides & a one ton Dodge diesel dually. To an 18 foot TT & 1/2 ton p/up been very happy with the move. Spent 10 weeks in AZ last winter now planning a summer run that will be 2 months or longer to visit family starting the middle of April.
  • Paul_Clancy's avatar
    Paul_Clancy
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    The right rig for time of life makes all the difference. When I walk the campground I try to keep an open mind since that could be my choice some day. We too are unsure if the cross continent trip and snowbirding will happen. We hope it does but if not we will make the best of it. Enjoy your new rig. I see lots of benifits over a much bigger setup.
  • Lessmore's avatar
    Lessmore
    Explorer II
    Feb 03, 2014
    jerendeb-CLIF wrote:
    Just wanted to make it known that I've downsized quite dramatically. I went from a Chevy Duramax 05 2500 to a 2014 Chevy Traverse (Crossover) & a Sunnybrook Bristol Bay 08 (36') to a Premier Bullet by Keystone. (21'). Weight dropped by 2/3. 12,000lbs. to a little over 4000lbs. The only experience I've had towing with this new setup was last Friday, towing from Camping World to my home. About 50 miles. What a smooth trip! So much easier to park in my terrible driveway that is on a State Highway!

    We decided to almost give it all up. Cost and upkeep of the truck was way out of control. Then the DW came up with a plan. We're no longer dreaming of fulltiming it or taking that 10,000 mile trek to see the country. When I guestimate it the rate per mile with diesel is $1.50 give or take. I can do better than burn over $10k on fuel. So we will become simple RVers again.

    This unit is most similar to our 1st RV. It was a Fleetwood Pioneer 19T4 02. We are now on #5.

    Any comments or questions welcome except downright rude criticism. Save that for the evening news please.


    We're thinking of getting a Chevy Traverse. I'd be interested in hearing how your vehicle is on a daily basis as a regular driver and towing experiences using the Traverse.

    We've spent a lot of time looking carefully at these Chevy crossovers and some of the things I like about it, is the great driver's legroom, the versatile seating and /or cargo volume. Also that 3.6 V6 has an appeal to me....modern (DOHC), powerful and I think the mileage isn't bad, considering the Traverse size.

    We're considering AWD.

    Congrats on your dual purchase.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Feb 04, 2014
    But you know. You can still take that trip. It just won't cost as much.
  • Steeljag's avatar
    Steeljag
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2014
    No reason NOT to make that trip! Wife and I met a retired couple last year at Salt Springs who sold their large 5th wheel, purchased a A frame, and took a six week trip to Colorado and the surrounding areas.

    They used their PU with topper for storage and and told us they had the time of their lives.

    Lol....No way could I do that in a tiny TT like that, but it convinced me / us, that our current TT would be just fine.

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