Forum Discussion

dmullen's avatar
dmullen
Explorer
Aug 14, 2014

New Trailer Questions

I am looking at a 2014 Kodiak 24RESL travel trailer and I have a few questions I could use some help with.

The trailer has a dry weight of around 5040.
The cargo limit is 1573 making a GVWR of 6600.

Isn't that low to only be able to add less than 1600 pounds which would include two batteries, two filled 30 gallon propane tanks, 52 gallon water, and anything else I wanted to pack. Also doesn't the dry weight not even include everything from the factory?

Second question if the first one works out...I want to replace the tires which are Akuret. For the safest ride should I stick to the factory size in selecting new LT tires which is 205/75R15?

Last question...The dealer wants to install a Huskey WD hitch. I am not familiar with the Husky and would rather have an Andersen. He said I could bring whichever hitch I wanted to use with me. Good decision?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Don
  • 3_0charlie's avatar
    3_0charlie
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    The Accu-weight sticker info. on my 263RLS was within 50Lbs (the scale tolerance). The Kodiak rep confirmed that full propane tanks and battery are on the TT when weighted. I cannot comment about the CCC, since we pack light - even with the 4 kids, cargo was weighted at 460Lbs (before and after on the scales).

    For the tires, I have not replaced the Akurets installed on the TT since I bought it new. 9000 miles and 3 seasons later, they are still in very good shape. Don't overload your rig, check the tire pressure everyday while on the road, and don't over-speed (I drive at 60 MPH).

    I use a basic Reese WDH, with the Reese Dual-Cam anti-sway installed by me. The TT tracks beautifully behind the truck - 2 fingers highway drivin'.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    If switching to LT tires, make sure the load ratings are sufficient. They may be rated lower than the ST's.

    You are unlikely to travel with all 3 water tanks full. So figure just 50 gallons, and as you camp it will move from fresh tank to the gray and black tanks. 1600 lb CCC should be enough, unless you pack really heavy.
  • Sillybugs2's avatar
    Sillybugs2
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    Our sticker weight on the trailer includes propane tanks and battery but not water.
  • dmullen's avatar
    dmullen
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    Great information! Thank you very much. The Kodiak's do have the "Accu-weight" sticker. I didn't realize that it included almost everything. The cargo weight sounds good from the posts here. Again I just didn't know if that was normal. The Huskey hitch is part of the sale so I will give it a try. I haven't found any negative reviews on it. Is the "Center Line Towing System" considered a better hitch than the "Round Bar Weight Dist. Hitch Package?"
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    My fiver has a cargo capacity of 1820 lbs. I scaled it loaded and ready for camping and I had about 1800 cargo on board with waste tanks empty and water 1/4 filled. This is for a family of four and I carry a lot of gear.
  • jmtandem's avatar
    jmtandem
    Explorer II
    Aug 14, 2014
    I am looking at a 2014 Kodiak 24RESL travel trailer and I have a few questions I could use some help with.

    The trailer has a dry weight of around 5040.
    The cargo limit is 1573 making a GVWR of 6600.

    Isn't that low to only be able to add less than 1600 pounds which would include two batteries, two filled 30 gallon propane tanks, 52 gallon water, and anything else I wanted to pack. Also doesn't the dry weight not even include everything from the factory?

    Not necessarily. If you had planned to live in it full time this weight would probably limit you but for a recreational use only you are probably OK. Of course, it depends on how much stuff you plan to carry. Figure water in the fresh, black and grey tanks at 8.3 pounds per gallon. Use around 500 pounds for all your other stuff. Load it up for camping, go to the scales and see where you are with your weights.




    Second question if the first one works out...I want to replace the tires which are Akuret. For the safest ride should I stick to the factory size in selecting new LT tires which is 205/75R15?

    There is a huge debate on this as to whether ST tires are better or LT. I would use the tires it comes with until there are compelling reasons to change. Watch for the date code the tires were made and replace within five years or so or if the tires are showing distress. If you can get the dealer to change the tires for you at no cost look at Maxxis.

    Last question...The dealer wants to install a Huskey WD hitch. I am not familiar with the Husky and would rather have an Andersen. He said I could bring whichever hitch I wanted to use with me. Good decision?

    Is the dealer throwing in the hitch as part of the sale and are you going to have to buy and provide the Anderson hitch? You could probably bring a Hensley or ProPride and the dealer would install it. If you are willing to pay for it, I am sure the dealer will accommodate you in the installation. Why not give the Husky a try before changing it out especially if it will cost you more money?

    Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

    Don
  • kodiakcanuck's avatar
    kodiakcanuck
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    The Kodiak's usually have an Accu-weight hand written on the sticker by a factory technician. I believe that weight is with everything except the propane, and full water tanks and perhaps batteries. That might give you better number to work with rather than the published dry weight.

    If I recall (it was written with a marker and now warn off) my Accu-weight was 5,280 lbs, while the factory specs was 5,214 lbs. Not much of a difference. I can't see that you need more than 1600 lbs of extra gear etc...

    I can't help you on the tire question, I'd be guessing. I do have the Husky Centerline WDH hitch and love it. It is easy to hook up and stays level and straight as an arrow behind my truck, even on the interstate with passing 18 wheeler's.

    Good luck!
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    You can't get 205 LT tires. I used Goodyear Wrangler HT's, LT215/75-15 which is .7" taller. They also needed 6" wide wheels.
  • bid_time's avatar
    bid_time
    Nomad II
    Aug 14, 2014
    The brochure weight on mine vs. the actual weight as deliverd from the factory was only a difference of 208 lbs. Your experience may vary. That being said, 1600 lbs for a 24-foot trailer should be plenty.

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