Researching Before 1st Purchase
Hello All! Last year I started getting it in my head that I wanted to get a travel trailer, and have been doing a good bit of research. The wife has finally started coming around to the idea, and ...
Forum Discussion
Welcome!!!
Regarding the "tow rating of 11,200lbs", disregard it!!! The downside to 1500/150 trucks (suv's also!) is they always run out of PAYLOAD before reaching that marketing tow rating....
Look inside the drivers door jamb for a yellow payload sticker. "All passengers and cargo not to exceed XXXXlbs". That amount and the rear axle rating is the two things you need to watch the closest. The payload amount uncludes all passengers, all accessories: topper/Steph bars/mud flaps/ bed liner/etc, any cargo in the cab or bed: coolers/firewood/bikes/etc, the wdh, AND the tt tw (travel trailer tongue weight)!!! How much does the family weigh? Any accessories added to the truck? What do you anticipate carrying in the bed weight wise? Subtracting those amounts from the payload listed on the yellow sticker will give you an idea what is left for the wdh (~60-100lbs) and the tw.
If looking at used, check the tires age!!! Will be listed as a four digit number when they were made: 3313- 33rd week of 2013. Average tire life is 3-5yrs for trailer tires. Not knowing if they were ran at the proper air pressure, or decent speeds (higher speed hurts st tires) you probably should consider new tires. A lot of st tires are speed rated to 65mph. Though some newer tires do have a higher rating. Don't forget the spare tire!!!
Make sure all the appliances works on both gas and electric (if so equipped). Look for water stains and soft spots in the floor, walls, and ceiling. In storage areas also.
If you need to buy a wdh, look for one with an integrated sway control. Reese Dual Cam, Reese SC, and the Equal-I-Zer 4 way system are all very good ones. Follow the links in my signature for a ton of wdh info!!! Once the trailer is loaded up, you will need to adjust the wdh to your truck even if already set up by the previous owner.
Good luck!!!
Regarding the "tow rating of 11,200lbs", disregard it!!! The downside to 1500/150 trucks (suv's also!) is they always run out of PAYLOAD before reaching that marketing tow rating....
Look inside the drivers door jamb for a yellow payload sticker. "All passengers and cargo not to exceed XXXXlbs". That amount and the rear axle rating is the two things you need to watch the closest. The payload amount uncludes all passengers, all accessories: topper/Steph bars/mud flaps/ bed liner/etc, any cargo in the cab or bed: coolers/firewood/bikes/etc, the wdh, AND the tt tw (travel trailer tongue weight)!!! How much does the family weigh? Any accessories added to the truck? What do you anticipate carrying in the bed weight wise? Subtracting those amounts from the payload listed on the yellow sticker will give you an idea what is left for the wdh (~60-100lbs) and the tw.
If looking at used, check the tires age!!! Will be listed as a four digit number when they were made: 3313- 33rd week of 2013. Average tire life is 3-5yrs for trailer tires. Not knowing if they were ran at the proper air pressure, or decent speeds (higher speed hurts st tires) you probably should consider new tires. A lot of st tires are speed rated to 65mph. Though some newer tires do have a higher rating. Don't forget the spare tire!!!
Make sure all the appliances works on both gas and electric (if so equipped). Look for water stains and soft spots in the floor, walls, and ceiling. In storage areas also.
If you need to buy a wdh, look for one with an integrated sway control. Reese Dual Cam, Reese SC, and the Equal-I-Zer 4 way system are all very good ones. Follow the links in my signature for a ton of wdh info!!! Once the trailer is loaded up, you will need to adjust the wdh to your truck even if already set up by the previous owner.
Good luck!!!
