Moving up from PUP to TT, what to expect

[RDMueller]

After 5 seasons of camping in our little Forest River 176 PUP, we are planning on upgrading to a TT. We haven't picked a specific trailer yet, but most of the units we are interested in are in the 24-27' range with empty weights ranging from around 5000-6000 lbs.

Towing the PUP with my Ram 2500 was a non-issue, for the most part didn't even know it was back there! No brakes, no need for WD hitch or sway control, very minimal impact on mileage. When buying the PUP, no prep was needed for the truck, the dealer just rolled the pup over to my truck and helped me hitch it up and I drove away. I'm guessing things will be a bit more involved with the TT, and I want to be ready.

First off, I do know I have plenty of truck for what I'm planning to buy. The GVWR is 8,800lbs and the GCVWR is 20,000lbs. The empty weight of the truck is just a little over 6,000lbs (it is the crew cab model with 8' bed). My biggest question is whether I will need a WD hitch and sway control. The existing receiver on the truck is a Class III (6000/600) so I will either need to upgrade to a Class IV or use a WD hitch. The question is which option.

If a truck of this size and capability has no need for a WD hitch pulling what I'm looking at buying, I'd much rather just upgrade the receiver to a Class IV. However if the consensus is that WD is preferred, then I could just stay with the existing receiver. Assuming a 7,000lb loaded trailer at 10%, that's only 700lbs on the hitch. I've carried 2,500lbs in the bed of the truck before and it handled great. Of course that weight was distributed both in front of and behind the rear axle. This 700lbs will all be behind the axle. Thoughts? I'm hoping that others with a similar truck/trailer combo will chime in with what works for them.

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! I would like to be as prepared as possible before I show up at the dealership to take delivery.

[MarkTwain]

RDMueller wrote:
After 5 seasons of camping in our little Forest River 176 PUP, we are planning on upgrading to a TT. We haven't picked a specific trailer yet, but most of the units we are interested in are in the 24-27' range with empty weights ranging from around 5000-6000 lbs.

Towing the PUP with my Ram 2500 was a non-issue, for the most part didn't even know it was back there! No brakes, no need for WD hitch or sway control, very minimal impact on mileage. When buying the PUP, no prep was needed for the truck, the dealer just rolled the pup over to my truck and helped me hitch it up and I drove away. I'm guessing things will be a bit more involved with the TT, and I want to be ready.

First off, I do know I have plenty of truck for what I'm planning to buy. The GVWR is 8,800lbs and the GCVWR is 20,000lbs. The empty weight of the truck is just a little over 6,000lbs (it is the crew cab model with 8' bed). My biggest question is whether I will need a WD hitch and sway control. The existing receiver on the truck is a Class III (6000/600) so I will either need to upgrade to a Class IV or use a WD hitch. The question is which option.

If a truck of this size and capability has no need for a WD hitch pulling what I'm looking at buying, I'd much rather just upgrade the receiver to a Class IV. However if the consensus is that WD is preferred, then I could just stay with the existing receiver. Assuming a 7,000lb loaded trailer at 10%, that's only 700lbs on the hitch. I've carried 2,500lbs in the bed of the truck before and it handled great. Of course that weight was distributed both in front of and behind the rear axle. This 700lbs will all be behind the axle. Thoughts? I'm hoping that others with a similar truck/trailer combo will chime in with what works for them.

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! I would like to be as prepared as possible before I show up at the dealership to take delivery.

I am an RVer that prefers to take the route of "overkill". Many on the forum would not support this position, the additional costs and that is fine--its america and everyone gets to make there own choices:)
1. I suggest the upgrade to a class IV receiver
2. I suggest the Reese Dual Cam WD hitch
Most combinations will work just fine going down a straight highway with no wind gusts or not being involved in an accident situation. Its when less than perfect driving conditions occur that your rig will be put to the test. There is no penalty for the "over kill" program:)

[FrankShore]

Get A Class IV and a WD/Sway Bar Combo, a brake controller and you'll be good to go!