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.

[DutchmenSport]

When we changed froma PUP to a TT we embraced the WD hitch system, sway bar, the whole enchilada! And would not even consider anything less. What we did not expect was the claustrophobic feeling not having tent sides. Eventually that went away and the hard sides are now welcome, more than welcome. But it took a little adjusting not experiencing that "open" feeling.

[RDMueller]

Terryallan wrote:
But the bathroom does come in handy at night.

Yep, that and just having more room and storage is what it's all about for us. We will miss the simplicity and versatility of the PUP though. It was so light, that in most CG's, we would unhitch and then my wife and I would just roll it around into the exact position we wanted it in. Many trade offs, but the on board bathroom is going to be really nice!

[Terryallan]

2

[Terryallan]

RDMueller wrote:

Doug33 wrote:
Are you looking for what to expect in general going to a TT, or just regarding the towing aspect?

Both really. I was specifically interested in the towing aspect, but anything I need to know that will make the transition go smoothly would be helpful. We had camping in the PUP down to a science, and although I'm sure much will be the same, there will also be a lot of new things to learn.

Honestly. The TT will tow as good, and more than likely BETTER than the pup. That is what I found when we moved to a TT from a pup. Yes with the WDH it will take more time to hookup. But a correctly setup WDH will make the TT follow right along.

Biggest difference, Backing in and leveling. You will need more room, and some of the sites you really like. you can no longer get into. Plus you will need twice as many leveling blocks. And the TT will shake more when setup. (longer).

2nd big difference. Setting up, and hooking up at the CG. While you won't have to crank the top up, the setup time will not get shorter or easier. More hoses, and tanks to deal with. In short, pup camping is more simple than TT camping. For us, I'm still not sure going from a pup to a TT was an upgrade. But the bathroom does come in handy at night.

[BarneyS]

I would be really surprised if your hitch is not a class III/IV combined. Every Dodge 2500 I have ever seen had that hitch on it including the 1999 model I had. Newer ones are higher.

The hitch should have two sets of numbers on it someplace. One set for weight carrying and one set for use with weight distribution.
Those numbers for that year Dodge are usually 500/1000 meaning 5OOlbs tongue weight carrying and 1000lbs tongue weight using weight distribution.
Those numbers translate into a Class III WC and class IV with WD.

I doubt if you need to purchase a new hitch for your truck but I would certainly encourage you to use a weight distribution hitch. Your tongue weight could very well be right around 1000lb when you are loaded and ready to go camping.
Barney

[RDMueller]

Doug33 wrote:
Are you looking for what to expect in general going to a TT, or just regarding the towing aspect?

Both really. I was specifically interested in the towing aspect, but anything I need to know that will make the transition go smoothly would be helpful. We had camping in the PUP down to a science, and although I'm sure much will be the same, there will also be a lot of new things to learn.

[chr_]

beemerphile1 wrote:
You need a WDH with a 24-27' TT. Check out the Equal-i-zer brand.

2X on this. The Equalizer also acts as a sway control. I have one and tow a 6K# 25' TT with a Sport Trac and it is the most stable combo I have ever pulled.

[Drew_K]

I've towed TT's and enclosed car trailers with and without a weight distribution hitch with my F250. My truck would handle it fine without the WDH but it was noticeably more comfortable and stable with the WDH. And that's with my 3/4 ton truck. I'd definitely get one for a 1/2 ton with that size TT. And fortunately you do have plenty of truck for the size TT you're considering.

[RDMueller]

Ok then, WD with sway control it is. I too am a fan of overkill and I'd much rather have a "little more" than I need instead of "not quite enough," especially when it comes to towing. Thanks for the input!

[Doug33]

Are you looking for what to expect in general going to a TT, or just regarding the towing aspect?

[Campfire_Time]

Sway control is one of those really inexpensive things that you don't need until you need it. Even if your 2500 doesn't need a W/D hitch for that trailer, don't be without sway control.

[old_guy]

with a TT that big I wouldn't tow it across the street with out a WDH and sway control on it. some people think they are invincible and can get away with out these things but some day it will come around and bite them in the ***. I would also check to make sure you have a towing package on your 2500, at least a tranny cooler. it is a must have.

[Steeljag]

beemerphile1 wrote:
You need a WDH with a 24-27' TT. Check out the Equal-i-zer brand.

X2

[the_bear_II]

It can get real scary really fast without a WDH and stabilizer.

The TT can wag the dog so to speak. Wind, passing semis, wet pavement, ruts, train tracks plus more can act to cause stability problems with a mid-sized TT.

[beemerphile1]

You need a WDH with a 24-27' TT. Check out the Equal-i-zer brand.