Howdy Gents,I recently purchased a new 2014 Heartland Trail Runner with the intention of using my current TV, which is a 2011 Nissan Armada with the factory "Big Tow Package" (tranny cooler, bigger brakes, auto leveler), but quickly learned there is much more to towing than the brochure's "tow capacity". I took it over to the local public scales yesterday, and while it towed decently with the WD hitch (also getting a ProPride 3P hitch, which will improve the ride as well), and I'm still in the green in all categories (some just barely), it's a little too close for my comfort ultimately, especially with the family on board. Here are the numbers:The rig:

First, maybe decreasing your picture width to 700 will help. By going one or two fewer links on your WD hitch you'll gain some on your rear axle weight margin.I think you already know the answer "it's a little too close for my comfort ultimately, especially with the family on board." Will it work, barely and in CA you have more challenging roads than many states. I've been know to exceed the limits of my F350, but it's not with a TT trailer behind or the family in it.Other posts should be interesting.

I think one of the other problems you could have is the length of trailer vs length of truck...but the propride would probably help with any sway as a result.I would say your right on cutting it close. Nice you have a scale to weigh it at, hopefully its close. Have you loaded it up with gear yet? That would give an even better idea.I think what concerns me the most is simply that GVWR of the trailer is 9500 and the max on your truck is 9100. So the possibility exists. I guess it exists anyways as you can put whatever you want in a trailer though.I'm not saying run out and get new TV...but I'd be considerate of how exactly you do things.Nice to have a scale though...mine is an 1.5 hrs away on a good day lol.

Isn't the Propride going to add over 150lbs to your tongue weight? How did your figure the 900lb tongue weight?

rangerbait wrote:Howdy Gents,I recently purchased a new 2014 Heartland Trail Runner with the intention of using my current TV, which is a 2011 Nissan Armada with the factory "Big Tow Package" (tranny cooler, bigger brakes, auto leveler), but quickly learned there is much more to towing than the brochure's "tow capacity". I took it over to the local public scales yesterday, and while it towed decently with the WD hitch (also getting a ProPride 3P hitch, which will improve the ride as well), and I'm still in the green in all categories (some just barely), it's a little too close for my comfort ultimately, especially with the family on board. Here are the numbers:The rig:Are you saying that that the tongue trailer loaded for camping only weighs 900 lbs. That doesn't sound right. It should be 13 percent of the loaded trailer weight or at least 1200 lbs. Personally, I would not tow that heavy or long trailer with a short wheel base TV such as yours.

I'm a little confused by your numbers....I often am confused.But, did you weigh your trailer fully loaded, trip ready...food, clothes, gear, pots, pans, EVERYTHING that would be in it for an average camping trip with the family?

Towing 35' TT with Nissan Armada *pics* | Good Sam Community

26 Replies

BurbMan
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2015
rangerbait wrote:
It does mean that my 13 year old will have to sit between us, but we've been looking for an excuse to spend more time with her anyway :-) In the Armada, she was all the way back in the 3rd row, and in her own little world...time to kick it old school with less personal space, and *gasp* actual human conversation!

You are a braver man than I for sure....when our girls hit that magical age I was looking for a truck with 4 rows of seats so they could move further back....LOL

Seriously, 3 in the front can get a little tight on long road trips, even the adults get tired of human conversation when you're on the road 6+ hours. Depends on how/where you are going to camp/travel.

No question a 350 diesel/dually will get the job done, there are a lot of 250/2500 trucks that will pull that trailer too so you have a lot of options here. Especially with the P3 hitch, a 2500 Suburban or Excursion will also work if you want to keep that 3rd row...
Hannibal
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
Congrats on the F350! Now you'll feel comfortable towing your trailer.
TXiceman
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2015
Very smart move to up size the tow vehicle. You did not have enough truck to start with.

Ken
CKNSLS
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
Congrats on the right vehicle for your trailer.
Mtwoodson
Explorer
Apr 30, 2015
I just bought a 2013 F3560 Crew Cab 6.7L 4x4 and couldn't be more pleased with it. Your's will be more than enough truck for your rig and damned comfortable too.
And I probably wouldn't recommend extended trips with five passengers either, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the truck. Enjoy
scbwr
Explorer II
Apr 29, 2015
Good decision to buy a different truck! Now....get it ready to go and enjoy!

Happy travels!
e-light
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
rangerbait wrote:
rangerbait wrote:
it's a little too close for my comfort ultimately, especially with the family on board.

Thanks for the feedback, and yes, I really did just post this up to help others who might be as a similar decision point. I took the rig on the highway yesterday to weigh it (about 10 miles each way); the Armada handled it, but it certainly wasn't happy about it. The tongue weight was calculated by putting the truck on the scale while the trailer was hitched (w/WD hitch on, and trailer axles not on the scale), then the truck was weighed again without the trailer, but the hitch ball (stinger?) still in the receiver. I subtracted the unloaded number from the loaded number to determine how much weight was on the tongue.

Yes, all of the numbers were with the trailer completely dry and empty.

Long story short (too late already?), I'm trading the Armada in for a diesel F350 crew cab. My wife has a nice Honda minivan for her daily driver, and the crew cab will have enough passenger space to accommodate our 4 kids on road trips. It does mean that my 13 year old will have to sit between us, but we've been looking for an excuse to spend more time with her anyway :-) In the Armada, she was all the way back in the 3rd row, and in her own little world...time to kick it old school with less personal space, and *gasp* actual human conversation!

Smart decision on the truck upgrade! You will have PLENTY of truck for that trailer and your ride will be much more relaxing.

Don't forget to post pics of your truck when you get it!
rangerbait
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
e-light wrote:
That said...you will see much worse when touring campgrounds. I see loads of 1/2 ton trucks pulling 5th wheels...the worse I saw was a new Ford Explorer pulling a 34' Jayco travel trailer (newer fiberglass model). And that was through the Smokey Mountains...can't imagine that!

That's an excellent point...even if I was well within all of the safety margins with the Armada, the constant feedback on my setup would be insufferable.
e-light
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
I used to tow a similar trailer with a Toyota Tundra. It did the job, but it was not ideal. I was right at the limits of tow rating and over on payload. I installed airbags and suspension upgrades on the truck. It was a little better but I could still feel the trailer affecting the truck too much. I didn't feel safe on the long trips I take with my family along. I upgraded to a Ram 2500 6.4L and it was night and day compared to the Tundra! Much, much more stable ride in the Ram 2500.

I agree with Major Gator, that trailer is ideally 3/4 ton territory. There are some F150 HD trucks that would probably handle it very good as well. That said...you will see much worse when touring campgrounds. I see loads of 1/2 ton trucks pulling 5th wheels...the worse I saw was a new Ford Explorer pulling a 34' Jayco travel trailer (newer fiberglass model). And that was through the Smokey Mountains...can't imagine that!
rangerbait
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015
APT wrote:
I strongly discourage 6 people in a crew cab pickup for more than a short trip. Then again, if its a short trip, then take two vehicles. That said, I'd tow it with my 3/4 ton Burb. Love that floorplan.

Hahahaha...guess I'll just take up cross stitch and stay home then.

This is America, Jack.