TT’s. How long is too long?

JBarca wrote:

waynec1957 wrote:
I appreciate all the feedback. This is an example of the fact RV people are among the most helpful people out there. I’ll keep checking back as we continue our search.

snip..

So…to the original question of how long is too long, I guess there’s more to consider here than just length. In our case, given what we’re looking for, longer is also going to mean heavier and at least to some degree more difficult to maneuver.

We bought this new TV because our other set-up was way too taxing on me and the truck plus we were too limited in what we could upgrade to. I’m not getting any younger and have my limits (which has to factor into this) and this new TV has limits (as John correctly points out). There’s no reason to push me or the truck any harder than necessary. Based on the input you’ve all given here, we’re going to visit a couple of RV shows over the winter, do some more looking, and see what we come up with.

Yes, you right. Camper folks are a good bunch. Never had a problem striking up a conversation with my fellow camper neighbor in a CG. And any one of them would be glad to help if ever asked. Many would help even without asking. The world would be a better place if more would go camping.

Now to your new camper, the good news is this is not your 1st time buy and you are a whole lot more educated the 2nd time around. Your doing the right thing, trying to educate yourself to help make the right choice, for you and DW.

Keeping an open mind, listen and then make up your own mind. A lot of our opinions may not even apply to your situation, however if they make you think about it and maybe point out a few things you didn't think of, well, your ahead of the game.

Good luck with the hunt.

John

PS. Since you are into the numbers, find a truck scale in your area, fill up the truck with fuel and get a real front and rear axle weight. Now you know what truck options add up to. It is not that hard to be off 200 to 300# from online weight calculators. In case you did not know, GM has one of the better ways to get close to a truck weight, try here GM trucks

Go, year, light cars/trucks ordering info,
Then click on the truck bowtie symbol,
Then in the top far right under model, select your truck from the pull down list.
Then go to model and weights (bottom left) and fill out all the options. Come to the end and it gives you axle weights for all the options.

Or pay ~ $8 at a truck stop scale and get certified real weights

You're right John. This time around I know more what to look for than the last time. The only thing I had ever pulled before the TT we have now, aside from the occasional utility trailer or some other piece of equipment, was a 16' pop-up.

Honestly, I didn't know squat about pulling anything bigger until I started reading these forums a few years ago. That's when I started paying attention to the numbers. It's tedious sometimes, but like Lantley says, it'll pay off in the long run.

Ideally, I'd like to keep all the weights (TW, GCVWR, payload, etc.) somewhere around 80-85% of the max which should give me and the equipment a nice cushion. I never would have thought about that had I not read what these good folks had experienced.

Something I stumbled across and wondered if anyone had any experience with was a portable trailer tongue weight scale
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

If they work, it might be a handy tool to have