TT’s. How long is too long?

30' is my magic number.

Gman

That's a pretty slick set-up with the floor jack. I like that feature.

I was going to ask you, since you're using that Reese hitch...did you cringe a little when the holes were drilled in your TT frame for those cam supports? And you ever had any issues with those self tapping bolts?

waynec1957 wrote:


Ideally, I'd like to keep all the weights (TW, GCVWR, payload, etc.) somewhere around 80-85% of the max which should give me and the equipment a nice cushion. I never would have thought about that had I not read what these good folks had experienced.

Something I stumbled across and wondered if anyone had any experience with was a portable trailer tongue weight scale
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

If they work, it might be a handy tool to have

Yes, reserve capacity is your friend. These "bricks" we haul down the road have a lot of wind drag and is very noticeable above 45mph. The frontal area of the TT exposed to the wind eats up tow ratings. The bigger the area or the faster the speed the more reserve you use.

60 sq feet of frontal area is recognized by some manufacture where "performance" can be affected. Ford says this and other mfg's too. Just they never declare how much performance is lost... They are letting you know, there will be a loss and we told you so...

They also do not have a separate tow rating for a boat, open flat deck trailer, 6 foot wide cargo trailer or the 8 foot wide 11.5" tall bricks we tow. Or a open utility trailer with a high grate ramp sticking up 6 to 7 feet in the air... amazing the power they eat, empty even. So the experienced RV'er after learning the hard way or being fortunate enough to have a buddy help them, they can overcome the under powered TV. Can it pull it and can it pull it pleasurably are 2 different statements.

So keep your reserve and have a pleasurably tow in any set of conditions, up or down hill.

The Sherline, yes I have one and a good thing to have. They should be included in any new camper as part of the deal. And along with an explanation on why good TW percentage is so important for towing and how to help you load the floor plan you just bought so that it comes out that way. And...so you buy the right size WD bars the first time.

Here is mine during the loading process. That pic was a few pounds ago...

I have a tongue weight scale. The Sherline was very useful tool when I had my TT. I used it regularly to check and adjust the TW.

JBarca wrote:

waynec1957 wrote:
I appreciate all the feedback. This is an example of the fact RV people are among the most helpful people out there. I’ll keep checking back as we continue our search.

snip..

So…to the original question of how long is too long, I guess there’s more to consider here than just length. In our case, given what we’re looking for, longer is also going to mean heavier and at least to some degree more difficult to maneuver.

We bought this new TV because our other set-up was way too taxing on me and the truck plus we were too limited in what we could upgrade to. I’m not getting any younger and have my limits (which has to factor into this) and this new TV has limits (as John correctly points out). There’s no reason to push me or the truck any harder than necessary. Based on the input you’ve all given here, we’re going to visit a couple of RV shows over the winter, do some more looking, and see what we come up with.

Yes, you right. Camper folks are a good bunch. Never had a problem striking up a conversation with my fellow camper neighbor in a CG. And any one of them would be glad to help if ever asked. Many would help even without asking. The world would be a better place if more would go camping.

Now to your new camper, the good news is this is not your 1st time buy and you are a whole lot more educated the 2nd time around. Your doing the right thing, trying to educate yourself to help make the right choice, for you and DW.

Keeping an open mind, listen and then make up your own mind. A lot of our opinions may not even apply to your situation, however if they make you think about it and maybe point out a few things you didn't think of, well, your ahead of the game.

Good luck with the hunt.

John

PS. Since you are into the numbers, find a truck scale in your area, fill up the truck with fuel and get a real front and rear axle weight. Now you know what truck options add up to. It is not that hard to be off 200 to 300# from online weight calculators. In case you did not know, GM has one of the better ways to get close to a truck weight, try here GM trucks

Go, year, light cars/trucks ordering info,
Then click on the truck bowtie symbol,
Then in the top far right under model, select your truck from the pull down list.
Then go to model and weights (bottom left) and fill out all the options. Come to the end and it gives you axle weights for all the options.

Or pay ~ $8 at a truck stop scale and get certified real weights

You're right John. This time around I know more what to look for than the last time. The only thing I had ever pulled before the TT we have now, aside from the occasional utility trailer or some other piece of equipment, was a 16' pop-up.

Honestly, I didn't know squat about pulling anything bigger until I started reading these forums a few years ago. That's when I started paying attention to the numbers. It's tedious sometimes, but like Lantley says, it'll pay off in the long run.

Ideally, I'd like to keep all the weights (TW, GCVWR, payload, etc.) somewhere around 80-85% of the max which should give me and the equipment a nice cushion. I never would have thought about that had I not read what these good folks had experienced.

Something I stumbled across and wondered if anyone had any experience with was a portable trailer tongue weight scale
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

If they work, it might be a handy tool to have

When I’m buying a trailer, I take into consideration where it is that I will be camping. For me, I prefer to stay at of between the 28’ to 32’ range because we camp a lot at Wisconsin state campgrounds and National Parks. Both of these types of facilities make it pretty hard to back in a 35 to 40 foot trailer into narrow 90 degree back inns. If you have a large enough truck and plan on staying at private facilities that have pull-throughs, trailer lengths may not matter.

waynec1957 wrote:
I appreciate all the feedback. This is an example of the fact RV people are among the most helpful people out there. I’ll keep checking back as we continue our search.

snip..

So…to the original question of how long is too long, I guess there’s more to consider here than just length. In our case, given what we’re looking for, longer is also going to mean heavier and at least to some degree more difficult to maneuver.

We bought this new TV because our other set-up was way too taxing on me and the truck plus we were too limited in what we could upgrade to. I’m not getting any younger and have my limits (which has to factor into this) and this new TV has limits (as John correctly points out). There’s no reason to push me or the truck any harder than necessary. Based on the input you’ve all given here, we’re going to visit a couple of RV shows over the winter, do some more looking, and see what we come up with.

Yes, you right. Camper folks are a good bunch. Never had a problem striking up a conversation with my fellow camper neighbor in a CG. And any one of them would be glad to help if ever asked. Many would help even without asking. The world would be a better place if more would go camping.

Now to your new camper, the good news is this is not your 1st time buy and you are a whole lot more educated the 2nd time around. Your doing the right thing, trying to educate yourself to help make the right choice, for you and DW.

Keeping an open mind, listen and then make up your own mind. A lot of our opinions may not even apply to your situation, however if they make you think about it and maybe point out a few things you didn't think of, well, your ahead of the game.

Good luck with the hunt.

John

PS. Since you are into the numbers, find a truck scale in your area, fill up the truck with fuel and get a real front and rear axle weight. Now you know what truck options add up to. It is not that hard to be off 200 to 300# from online weight calculators. In case you did not know, GM has one of the better ways to get close to a truck weight, try here GM trucks

Go, year, light cars/trucks ordering info,
Then click on the truck bowtie symbol,
Then in the top far right under model, select your truck from the pull down list.
Then go to model and weights (bottom left) and fill out all the options. Come to the end and it gives you axle weights for all the options.

Or pay ~ $8 at a truck stop scale and get certified real weights

Throw that 2,000 lb. plus (dry—not loaded) hitch weight for the fiver in the bed (plus a couple grandkids in the backseat) and we’re right on the brink (or overloaded)—unless I’m figuring this wrong. Assuming payload is calculated at the factory with a 150 lb. driver and 250 lbs of fuel, we can add 400 lbs. of payload back in, but that still leaves a LOT more leeway with the TT.

A TT hitch is about 100 pounds, a fifth wheel hitch is about 200-250 pounds. The hitch weight plus the pin weight almost requires a one ton truck for any large size fifth wheel.

Understand that the Cleveland RV Show in January is excellent. You may find the perfect trailer sitting right there. Take your list of wants, don't wants, don't care. Also, have your tow vehicle info in hand and when the salesman tells you that you can tow much more - like the one he's trying to sell you right then - just walk on. You might also spend some online time with RVW or RVD and even ask for price quotes. Whether or not you buy from either of them, it's a good bargaining tool. And try not to let your heart rule your head, but have fun! Happy shopping!

Sounds like you've digested the info given and are taking the right approach.
It does take time to examine all the angles. your patient slow analytical approach will payoff in the end.
Getting that perfect unit is challenging, even after all the internal and external debate there will be compromise. Good Luck in a the search is always part of the fun!