Help - Buying a new trailer

[Maver]

My wife and I have an Outback 277RL that we really enjoy, but it's just too much trailer for my half ton pickup (false advertising by the manufacturer of my truck, in my opinion, but that's a whole different story).

We're stuck with either upgrading my truck or downsizing the trailer. We'll likely opt to downsize the trailer. We'd like to stick with the RL floor plan, and there are plenty to choose from, in the 24', 5,000 pound range. Models such as Apex, Vibe Extreme, Jayco, Kodiak, Hyper-Lyte Hemisphere, Summerland, and Mallard, to name a few.

We've been happy with the quality of the Outback (Keystone), and would like similar quality. Of the models I've mentioned (or perhaps any I've missed), does anyone have any recommendations? We'll use it quite a bit, so we're OK getting a little higher quality to help ensure that it lasts. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Camper_G]

Camper G wrote:

IdaD wrote:
If it were me I'd bite the bullet and upsize the truck. Even with a smaller trailer a half ton is never going to perform as well as a heavy duty truck when it comes to towing.

Here we go again. Please stop. Yes we all know 3/4 ton and up trucks are better for towing, but depending on your trailer you don't need one! A 3/4 ton gasser would not tow my Layton any better than my truck and no 3/4 ton is going to have the ride quality of my Silverado. I like HD trucks and may someday own one if i need that kind of capacity, but at this stage of the game I'm loving the ride and fuel mileage of my LD.

You don't buy a sledgehammer to drive a trim nail. Just my .02

OP- if you like your trailer, in your case I'd agree with upgrading to a 3/4 ton truck if you can swing it. We all know TTs in general depreciate like a rock, so why not just keep it, again, if that makes the most sense for you personally. Good luck in your decision

[Camper_G]

IdaD wrote:
If it were me I'd bite the bullet and upsize the truck. Even with a smaller trailer a half ton is never going to perform as well as a heavy duty truck when it comes to towing.

Here we go again. Please stop. Yes we all know 3/4 ton and up trucks are better for towing, but depending on your trailer you don't need one! A 3/4 ton gasser would not tow my Layton any better than my truck and no 3/4 ton is going to have the ride quality of my Silverado.

You don't buy a sledgehammer to drive a trim nail. Just my .02

OP- if you like your trailer, in your case I'd agree with upgrading to a 3/4 ton truck if you can swing it. We all know TTs in general depreciate like a rock, so why not just keep it, again, if that makes the most sense for you personally. Good luck in your decision

[searfoss]

Maver wrote:
My RAM 1500 has a GVWR of 6900 pounds, and it weighs 6000 pounds with nothing in it. The 277RL has a tongue wight of 1,000 pounds, so I'm over my GVWR without any passengers or gear......so way over when I add passengers, dog, gear, etc. Also, the tow capacity is 7900 pounds, and the dry weight of the trailer is 7400 pounds. Power is not an issue, I have the max rear axle ratio (3.92), but the truck gets tossed around like a rag doll when towing, making driving very uncomfortable. I'm sure the tranny is not too happy either.

Upgrading the truck is still on the table...I can upgrade my truck for about $20K out of pocket, or downsize the trailer for $10K out of pocket. Paying to downsize kinda hurts....paying to upgrade is not so bad.

What Ram 1500 do you have?

My 2004 Ram Quadcab was 5000 lbs last time I was on the scale.

Double check the tow capacity, I thought the 3.92 gears on the Quadcab were rated for 8900 lbs.

You say power is not the issue but the truck get tossed around. Fill us in on your hitch set up.

As for the tranny thats a simple cheap upgrade for piece of mind by putting on the cooler for the one tone Ram (been there done that).

[capsfloyd]

What type of wd hitch do you have. Are the problems with trailer like fish tailing.
I have 2015 ecodisel max tow. My trailer is 33 ft, 7,100 lbs. I use the 4 way equalitzer. Tows very well

[IdaD]

11 plus or minus towing a 10k plus fiver. I live out west with lots of mountains and I'm not generally a slow driver, but also not really fast.

Not towing I average a little over 17 in my normal city/suburban commuting. Freeway runs at 80 average 18-19, and highway runs at 65 are around 21-22. Best 400 mile trip was over 23 which was summer, under 65 but quite a few mountains. Worst was a New Years freeway run at 80+ with temps between -8 to -12 at about 13 mpg.

Overall I love the truck and couldn't be more satisfied with it.

[Maver]

IdaD, what kind of mileage do you get...when towing and when not towing?

[IdaD]

If it were me I'd bite the bullet and upsize the truck. Even with a smaller trailer a half ton is never going to perform as well as a heavy duty truck when it comes to towing. On top of that, the current crop of heavy duty trucks are extremely comfortable daily drivers and road trip vehicles. I'd jump in my Ram and take it for a road trip even without a trailer over any half ton - it gets great mileage and even at 80 it cruises along at a lazy 1700ish RPM.

[ng2951]

Grand Design Imagine line is very nice. Very well equipped and thought out.

[Maver]

My RAM 1500 has a GVWR of 6900 pounds, and it weighs 6000 pounds with nothing in it. The 277RL has a tongue wight of 1,000 pounds, so I'm over my GVWR without any passengers or gear......so way over when I add passengers, dog, gear, etc. Also, the tow capacity is 7900 pounds, and the dry weight of the trailer is 7400 pounds. Power is not an issue, I have the max rear axle ratio (3.92), but the truck gets tossed around like a rag doll when towing, making driving very uncomfortable. I'm sure the tranny is not too happy either.

Upgrading the truck is still on the table...I can upgrade my truck for about $20K out of pocket, or downsize the trailer for $10K out of pocket. Paying to downsize kinda hurts....paying to upgrade is not so bad.

[spike99]

I like the idea of exploring the cost difference of replacing (upgrading) your current Tow Vehicle as well. Especially if you love your current trailer. Some folks might want to even trade your 1500/F150 for a 2500/F250 pickup. Something to think about....

[nickthehunter]

Tell us about your truck and we may be able to better help you. Year, Model, Engine, Rear end gear ratio, payload, etc. It's possible a $600 gear change in the rear end may fix your problem. Or is it you just want to downsize no matter what?

[Dick_B]

I see more Jayco models on the road than any other manufacturer. That must say something. If I was to buy again I would certainly look at them.

[Halmfamily]

Don't rule out upgrading your truck. Down the road you may be inclined to go bigger on your trailer and you'll have to buy a new truck anyway. You said you really like the trailer you have now, good quality and depending on age of the Outback you could take bath trading it in. Your truck will depreciate less the your RV.

Upgrade to 2500 gasser and you could tow most anything comfortably besides the largest fifth wheels.

Just my two cents. Good luck and happy camping.

[rbpru]

Our 25 ft Dutchmen is advertised as 5004 lbs by the manufacturer. Across the CAT scales it weighs about 6400 lbs.

It's a point to consider when selecting a new TT.