Yes...another "New to RVing" thread
Sorry in advance for the 1 millionth "new to RVing" thread. But I'm trying to get some advice (and/or feedback) before landing my new tow vehicle. I have a young family, a wife with 3 sons, 6mont...
Forum Discussion
I agree with getting a 3/4 ton. I had an 2013 Silverado 1500, ext cab, 4x4, 5.3 with a tow capacity of 9600 lb. I had the bed fully loaded with just over 1,650 of cargo and tongue weight. My TT was a 1997 Jayco Hawk 24 fb loaded at 5,000 lb. It pulled good and basically got 10 mpg. I wouldn't want to pull much more unless I was staying local. I think the Jayco was supposed to be about 3,400 dry but with the addition of all the accessories like microwave, awning, batteries and propane the sticker was not true. At some point in time the industry started including everything in the dry weight and I have even seen some with a sticker near the door that says factory certified weight.
So the dry weight as I remember was probably closer to 3,600 or so. When I bought it I towed it home with a 2012 Chevy Traverse with a 5,200 pound tow package. It did it but it was about the max I would want to pull with it and I would only want to have done local campgrounds with it.
A 3/4 ton van may be a nice choice with kids, car seats, play pen, strollers etc.
All vehicles within a class such as 3/4 ton will vary somewhat depending on the manufacturer or model but let me just give you these 3 vehicles as a comparison:
My old 2013 Silverado 1500= Payload of 1,650
Sons 2012 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4, CC, long bed, CTD= 2,130 payload and about 480 pounds more than the 1500 Chevy
My current 2014 Dodge 3500, CC, 4x4, short bed= 3804 and about 1,700 more than a 3/4 ton.
Going to a 3/4 will not be overkill in any way. Just plan on 10 mpg. If you hit smaller hills rolling hills you may see a touch less. If you do mountain areas you may see as low as 8 at times. Others can tell you more about that. In hilly areas my 2013 Silverado was getting under 10 mpg.
Also remember rule number 1. WATER DAMAGE. Go over ever inch of the rv roof feeling for soft spots. Go over every inch of the floor looking for soft spots. Put a lot of time into this issue. Do not fall in love when you think you have walked into your dream RV. DO NOT get in a hurry. DO NOT get frustrated and settle for something. You can replace a refrigerator or a/c unit and you will then have an upgraded appliance.
If you have water damage you now have hell on your hands and a heart breaking experience. This is about fun and joy and excitement. Don't let someone sell you junk. It can be tricky to see water damage at times.
So the dry weight as I remember was probably closer to 3,600 or so. When I bought it I towed it home with a 2012 Chevy Traverse with a 5,200 pound tow package. It did it but it was about the max I would want to pull with it and I would only want to have done local campgrounds with it.
A 3/4 ton van may be a nice choice with kids, car seats, play pen, strollers etc.
All vehicles within a class such as 3/4 ton will vary somewhat depending on the manufacturer or model but let me just give you these 3 vehicles as a comparison:
My old 2013 Silverado 1500= Payload of 1,650
Sons 2012 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4, CC, long bed, CTD= 2,130 payload and about 480 pounds more than the 1500 Chevy
My current 2014 Dodge 3500, CC, 4x4, short bed= 3804 and about 1,700 more than a 3/4 ton.
Going to a 3/4 will not be overkill in any way. Just plan on 10 mpg. If you hit smaller hills rolling hills you may see a touch less. If you do mountain areas you may see as low as 8 at times. Others can tell you more about that. In hilly areas my 2013 Silverado was getting under 10 mpg.
Also remember rule number 1. WATER DAMAGE. Go over ever inch of the rv roof feeling for soft spots. Go over every inch of the floor looking for soft spots. Put a lot of time into this issue. Do not fall in love when you think you have walked into your dream RV. DO NOT get in a hurry. DO NOT get frustrated and settle for something. You can replace a refrigerator or a/c unit and you will then have an upgraded appliance.
If you have water damage you now have hell on your hands and a heart breaking experience. This is about fun and joy and excitement. Don't let someone sell you junk. It can be tricky to see water damage at times.
