Lessons from a new TT owner
I think this might be a helpful guide for folks like me who are new to RV's and TT's. There is so much to know that dealers (RV and truck) just don't tell us. It turns out that the information is out ...
Forum Discussion
BurbMan wrote:
Lion, not all trailers have 12-15% tongue weight. If you look at most mfr brochure pictures of trucks towing stuff, they are mostly boats and flat bed trailers. Those types of trailers have lower tongue weights, so you can tow up to your max tow rating without exceeding your GVWR.
The other issue with TTs is the fact that they are big boxes. Lots of wind resistance from the front, and plenty of side area that acts like a big sail, kind of like carrying a sheet of plywood on a windy day.
So a double axle equipment trailer loadeded with 4 snowmobiles or quads that weighs 8000 lbs wouldn't be a big deal for a 150, but when you talk about an 8000 lb TT creating forward wind resistance, that adds a lot of drag. Then talk about the side winds on the TT that the 150 must control with its suspension, plus the 12% tongue weight that the 150 must carry and you realize that in *most* cases a 250 is a better tool for the job, if you want relaxed interstate cruising.
Good point. I had restricted my research to a TT since that is our topic and what I own. I understand that boats and equipment don't pose the kind of issues that a TT does. Our little F150 did a nice job last summer. Yes, we tossed a bit in the wind, but aside from cramps in our hands from a death grip on the steering wheel we had fun. Now that I know more, it is obvious we had a problem. In terms of trucks, the 2014 F250 and F350 use the same engines and have pretty much the same ratings. Around here you would have some difficulty finding a F250. The F350 is about the same price (less when we bought ours) as the F250. The Ford dealer said that there is talk of discontinuing the F250 entirely.
Relaxed interstate cruising will be a new experience for us!
