Forum Discussion

Xflyhighx's avatar
Xflyhighx
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015

2014 Jayco 338RETS Eagle Premeir

Good morning, getting ready to pull the trigger. Please tell me all the good and bad. How do they tow and what kind of truck is recommend. I'm trading in a 2007 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS. Thanks for all the help,
  • Xflyhighx wrote:
    I really app. The fast responds. I thought I might need a dually, so I'm working a dealer over on a 2012 Forf F350 with a 6.7. Do you think that will be good or should I look for a F450??
    450 will ride like a log truck when not loaded
  • I had a 2015 338RETS. It's a great trailer BUT there are some points to consider. Mine was 9700lbs empty leaving a whopping 1300lbs for cargo, water, etc. I pulled it with a Ram dually and a Hensley Arrow. Easy as pie to tow. IF you're not planning on moving it often, it's a great trailer. If you're planning on traveling, the CCC WILL be a problem. I got tired of hauling everything out into the bed of the truck abs back again. Other than the CCC, I loved this camper. Had it for 15 mo before changing to a fifth wheel.

    Be smarter than me. Buy your last camper, first!
  • Here's why I suggested a dually -
    If you ever decide to upgrade to a fiver, then you have the truck you need
    Golf cart in back of dually plus TT hooked up? No problem
    More traction in back with the dual wheels

    More truck than you likely need, but you'll have it if you need it. And the cost of a dually over a srw in same wheelbase is 1000ish dollars.
  • IdaD wrote:
    I don't think you need a DRW for that trailer, or an F450. GVWR is under 11k.

    I do agree a LWB would handle a trailer that long better, but you need to decide where you want to take the thing because that would be a very long setup. Even with a SWB truck that's going to be a long setup. Frankly for that length trailer I'd at least give some consideration to fifth wheels.


    X2
    This past weekend was our first trip with the new truck, also the first time I've ever asked for a larger site. OP will be approaching 60ft in total length.
  • Not sure if its still true but IIRC the F450 had a sharper turning radius than the SRW trucks. More $$$ for the F450 but something to think about if that's still the case. That's a loooong trailer and turning that behemoth will be a challenge in it's self.
  • I don't think you need a DRW for that trailer, or an F450. GVWR is under 11k.

    I do agree a LWB would handle a trailer that long better, but you need to decide where you want to take the thing because that would be a very long setup. Even with a SWB truck that's going to be a long setup. Frankly for that length trailer I'd at least give some consideration to fifth wheels.
  • I really app. The fast responds. I thought I might need a dually, so I'm working a dealer over on a 2012 Forf F350 with a 6.7. Do you think that will be good or should I look for a F450??
  • I'm seeing 37 to 39 feet long in some of the ads for this trailer. Also seeing 1200 lbs DRY tongue weight.

    This would be an easy decision for me...I'd want a 1 ton diesel (350 - 3500) to tow it comfortably. Single rear wheel would be fine.

    Looks like a really nice trailer..pick your campgrounds carefully. Some may not be able to accommodate the length.
  • X2 on the above comments.
    That's a huge trailer, most likely in the 1500-1600lb TW range. My 32BHDS isn't quite that big but close and I fought some handling issues with a 2500HD CC/SB. I've recently gone to a crew cab, long bed truck and WOW what a difference. Obviously that trailer is in 3/4 ton territory. My number one piece of advice would be just that, get a long wheel base truck. Yes the whole setup will be huge but with 40ft of camper behind the ball it will handle MUCH better.

    Dually? Up to you but not needed IMO.

    Hitch? Reese Dual Cam w/1500 or 1700lb bars.
  • A freightliner will be about right assuming you can get the hitch set correctly.




    :-D


    Honestly, since I assume you don't have the truck yet, I'd go dually of your favorite brand. Lot of trailer, over 10k gross, and a lot of tongue weight.

    You will also need a GOOD sway control hitch.