Researching Before 1st Purchase
Hello All! Last year I started getting it in my head that I wanted to get a travel trailer, and have been doing a good bit of research. The wife has finally started coming around to the idea, and ...
Forum Discussion
Here is my first hand experience in regard to a new versus used and a half ton truck. I spent a year watching this forum before purchasing. I read everything people had to say about trucks, trailers and weight. My wife and I purchased our first TT last year. We went with new because of price, interest, and warranty. We bought a Keystone 2920BH for us and our daughter. I had a 2013 F-150 3.5 ecoboost and towing package. The trailer is 5385 empty and 1815 carrying capacity. Technically according to Ford, the sticker on the door, and the dealership, the truck was well within limits. It's a pretty light trailer.
Our first trip was out west to Yellowstone, 1400 miles each way. The gas mileage averaged 10mpg over the whole trip. (Not Bad) It chewed up the right hand drive tire, wore out the left rear tire almost as bad, and had to have an axle seal replaced after I got back (under warranty).
Going down the mountain was absolutely the worst part of the entire trip. The engine braking was insufficient and I had to use the breaks a lot to slow the trailer down the Big Horn mountain range. The trailer handled great but the truck sagged in the rear even with a weight distribution hitch. All in all buying the trailer was a great decision. We loved the trailer and the campgrounds. Every one we meet were friendly and glad to help or answer any questions we had.
That said we have a trip to Maine in June and Disney in the fall already planned and booked. But I now have a new F-250 with the 6.2l V8 to carry my family and the trailer around the country. In my opinion safety and feeling comfortable are most important. It's hard to enjoy the journey if you are "white knuckling it" the whole trip. If your tow vehicle is right at its limits or close to it go bigger. 30 ft is a lot of trailer for a half ton.
Again my opinion and experience.
Our first trip was out west to Yellowstone, 1400 miles each way. The gas mileage averaged 10mpg over the whole trip. (Not Bad) It chewed up the right hand drive tire, wore out the left rear tire almost as bad, and had to have an axle seal replaced after I got back (under warranty).
Going down the mountain was absolutely the worst part of the entire trip. The engine braking was insufficient and I had to use the breaks a lot to slow the trailer down the Big Horn mountain range. The trailer handled great but the truck sagged in the rear even with a weight distribution hitch. All in all buying the trailer was a great decision. We loved the trailer and the campgrounds. Every one we meet were friendly and glad to help or answer any questions we had.
That said we have a trip to Maine in June and Disney in the fall already planned and booked. But I now have a new F-250 with the 6.2l V8 to carry my family and the trailer around the country. In my opinion safety and feeling comfortable are most important. It's hard to enjoy the journey if you are "white knuckling it" the whole trip. If your tow vehicle is right at its limits or close to it go bigger. 30 ft is a lot of trailer for a half ton.
Again my opinion and experience.
