New to Trailer Life Need Some Assitance :)

[lp618em]

Hello all, completely new at ever trying to tow anything other than a small boat and we are looking at a specific trailer. But I have read enough to make sure weight is proper but the more I look its almost like nothing would be able to tow the big travel trailers.

To be specific we are looking at the ST33BD or similar to sleep 9 people.

The veichle is a 2006 Expedition, 3.73 ratio, Heavy duty tow package which I believe has the extra radiator, 5.4 v8.
GCWR: 14,500 lbs
Trailer Weight: 8,900 lbs
Max Tongue weight: 895 lbs

I want to say the trailer is too big. But then when I look at all the other veichles that can carry 9 people, its like nothing can carry it. The expedition will be holding 9 passengers. So would like a trailer that can be pulled by the Expedition, or another veichle that can carry 9 people.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

[lp618em]

So most trips wil lbe made to the surrounding lakes and areas. However we also make at least one trip to Orlanda from San Antonio, and have plans to go as far north as Canada, and even California. I do not see us being in the RV 24/7 other than when the children get tired. So Im thinking usually everyone in the Rv around 8 pm. This is some serious business rv'ing.

[westend]

Let her get all the way up to a 45' Diesel Pusher and then start the process over, with a budget. Like Speed says,what are your intentions about RV'ing? Is everyone going to be inside 24/7 or will you be camping?

[lp618em]

So we have a VERY large extended family, and almost anytime we leave the state(TX) or go camping the average number of people is 9. I know 9 people is cramped but when it is 9 people we will rarely stay inside the trailer other than to eat. I see in the new truck range there is little difference between a 3/4th and 1 ton but for used there is a little more forgiveness on the 3/4th. But now she is also looking at 5th wheels also which some are heavier and some lighter than what we were originally looking at. So any more thought are truly appreciated. Trying to soke everything in.

[Speedogomer]

When my wife and I were looking at trailers, we kept looking at bigger and bigger units. Every small step up in size offered more features. Pretty soon we were looking at a new truck and 34 ft trailers... she didn't want a smaller trauler after seeing the nice big ones.

I finally had to take a step back, and reevaluate our needs. A big camper is nice And some people will tell you that bigger is better. But take a step back and look at what you need. Do you need all kinds of huge floor space? For us, we realized we spend 90% of our time outside. The only thing we do in a camper is sleep and use the bathroom. After talking, we realized we didn't want a house on wheels, a rolling hotel room suite. We found a TT that met all our needs in a smaller package.

To be honest, I doubt any trailer at any size would be comfortable with 9 people in it, even a 40ft park model. I've been in some massive 5th wheels with 8 people in them, and it feels extremely cramped.

Talk to your family about what you want out of camping. If you want to go to a destination and spend most your time inside the trailer, then get a 1 ton truck and a huge trailer. If you're going to be outside, then get a smaller trailer with 9 beds, and invest in some easy up canopies for shade outside. Maybe go the route we did and get an outside kitchen so you even do all your cooking outside. Even my smaller trailer has 6 separate beds, and in a pinch could sleep 9 people if several of them were kids.

tl/dr: talk about why you want to go camping, you may not need such a large trailer.

[westend]

lp618em wrote:
LOL, well hopefully we would not take that much with us, the most would be clothes and such, no kayaks or bikes.
That woman is lucky I love her. Two trucks for one, just kinda hurts.

You could trade her for another truck, I have a couple of buds that did that (but I think the one that gave up the girl had to also give up the truck in the transaction :B).

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you have a few kids along for the excursion, some of them can bunk in a tent. Usually, they like that (away from Mom and Dad) and are off from under foot in the RV.

Take your time truck shopping, as was mentioned. The price difference between 3/4 and 1 ton is getting closer but you also have to factor in licensing and insurance. In my State, 1 ton falls under commercial plates and that gets you cheaper renewal for the first few years but more expensive after that. Also, with commercial plates, you fall under DOT regulations with inspection and the safety equipment having to be carried and DOT driver's licensing. Just some things to check in your State.

[handye9]

Most 250 / 2500 series trucks, could handle that trailer, but, the small price difference between them and 350 / 3500 series, might be worth while to get some extra cushion, or, additional capacity, just in case there is a fifth wheel in your future. If I had a "do over", I would do the jump to 350 / 3500.

Just like other tow vehicles, you'll find the 3/4 and 1 ton's are not all created equal. Their tow ratings and payloads will vary, depending on options and factory packages. Even with the heavy duty trucks, you don't want to just walk in and say I'll take the red one. You still need to look at ratings and capacities to be sure the one you pick, will do what you want it to do.

Examples:

Some heavy duty trucks will come from the factory with a "snow plow" prep package. That is extra weight that you don't need for towing, and, it reduces the the payload and tow ratings. Probably not enough to rule out your selected trailer, but, it would remove some cushion.

Some come with increased payload packages, that's a good thing for towing.

Some come with what's called "camper packages", that's a good thing, also.

Some come with goose neck / fifth wheel prep. Another good thing, if your're considering a fifth wheel.

[lp618em]

LOL, well hopefully we would not take that much with us, the most would be clothes and such, no kayaks or bikes.
That woman is lucky I love her. Two trucks for one, just kinda hurts.

[PAThwacker]

Jump to 350 series. Did the (9) bikes, (9) kayaks, (9) rice cookers, catch your mind. RVs are designed for family of 4, boast sleeping capacities of 10, but do not have food, clothes, or towels storage for more than a weekend (family of 4).

[lp618em]

Well I want to amke sure I am doing this right, so I am ok with getting a new veichle. The question then is a 250/2500 good enough for an ST33BD or would I need to make the jump to the 350/3500 series? Wife was really bummed at having to get a smaller trailer so I am sacrifing my two truck to get one that can pull the trailer. Also though I want to make sure that we are safe, but that I also don't go out there thick headed and harm someone else as well.

[handye9]

lp618em wrote:
LOL I will have to accept my fate then. So what is a 3/4ths?

I think the 3/4 ths, you are referring to, is 3/4 ton (250 / 2500).

1 ton would be 350 / 3500.

I think your best solutions might be a second vehicle (split up the number of occupants), look at hybrid / expandable trailers, or, look at motor homes that have the sleeping room you require. I did some looking at various RV manufacturer sites. (Forest River, Keystone, Thor, etc) and saw a few units with similar floor plans, that were also lighter weight. However, they wern't light enough to fix your situation. I did see a 31 foot Class C (small motor home) that advertised sleeping for nine people. Dollars and cents wise, maybe the motor home is the way to go.

The trailer, you are looking at, would be a stretch for most SUV's, even without a large number of passengers.

If you go with a second vehicle, the same calculations will need to be done, regarding what that vehicle can tow and carry. Try to leave yourself some cushion in the ratings. Towing near / over any of the ratings, can be quite unpleasant and sometimes dangerous.

[PAThwacker]

3/4 ton pickup. commonly called 250 or 2500 series. No half ton whatever. 9 people, 9 bikes, 9 kayaks,............

[lp618em]

LOL I will have to accept my fate then. So what is a 3/4ths?

[PAThwacker]

No 3/4 sub or excursion. 9 people is a two truck affair. Need 3/4 pickup for trailer and keep the expy for the rest of the team.

You made that bed, and need to pay for it.

[lp618em]

And would we recommend the the diesel Van or Excursion, or which of the trucks? 250-350 or 2500-3500. Im not loyal to one or the other.

[lp618em]

Out of curiosity what is an FW?