otterslide
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Re: Reliable truck+lightweight TT RVing Setup
Grit dog wrote: ^ By this post alone, it is evident that you're not too familiar with vehicles (like the F150 5.0 is actually about the most troublefree pickup one could buy for the past 8 years, and I'm not even a Ford guy. Tacomas are rare? Small choice of trucks? I could think of probably 15 significantly different offerings in the mid size and 1/2 ton truck classes without thinking very hard.) You do realize that If talking full size, that SUVs have the same chassis and drivetrain, right? So you're not gaining reliability, you're losing bed space in favor of 3rd row seats. Same with alot of midsize, same components as their truck relatives. From that perspective, they will yank around a small trailer just fine too. Just buy whatever flavor you like with good towing capacity and then go find a camper that you like. I did say the F150 with 5L seems like it would be the least troublesome, meaning the most reliable. It's true I don't know a lot about what's available though. Tacomas used listings are pretty low here. There are some of course, but compared to F150 there are 2-3 times more F150's than Tacomas, so it's easier to find a good one for a better price. Also used Toyotas generally tend to be more heavily used and beat up compared to American cars. I'm used to buying compact cars where there are hundreds of them all over the place, so it's a lot easier to get something in good condition. Compared to what I'm used to, trucks are rare.. Small market, few trucks, and plenty that weren't maintained well. I wanted to buy private and there are extremely few private listings. I know some SUV drivetrains are same/similar to trucks, but for example Highlander tows 5000 and Tacoma 6500.446Views0likes0CommentsRe: Reliable truck+lightweight TT RVing Setup
Crowe wrote: Look into one of the 150/1500 with a 3.0 diesel. That will give you the best MPG solo or towing, and be a way better platform than any Honda. Problem with this is the extra cost of the diesel. It will take a long time to make up the difference with mileage savings. "Reliable" is very subjective. You can get a lemon at any time. Find a truck within your budget that you are comfortable with. If you are thinking small, don't rule out an SUV-that can give you some possible extra versatility. You don't necessarily need to go to a V8 engine. The Ford F150 with the Ecoboost engine gives decent economy with good power. Someone suggested a pop-up. My only caveat with those (I speak from experience) is that folding the wet tent sides can be a PITA. The upside is they are relatively inexpensive and easy to tow. Good ideas. I already figured out that diesel is out of the question. Even the Dodge dealer told me to forget about the Ecodiesel because it's too much trouble.. F150 is appealing, it seems like it would be the least troublesome, maybe with the 5L engine. But I've seen so many bad things come from Ford I don't think I can make myself own one. Probably F150 is their best product, but they surely made a lot of other unreliable models. I think Tacoma would be more reliable, but they're so rare and expensive. I was just thinking today that I should look at some SUVs since there is such a small choice of trucks I don't have plans of hauling construction materials any time soon.. although that was a great bonus. Any ideas for a good SUV? Thanks!446Views0likes0CommentsReliable truck+lightweight TT RVing Setup
I'm looking for some lightweight truck+TT ideas. The TT has to have a toilet and shower, around 18-22ft. I recently saw a Honda Ridgeline pulling a decently sized Jayco, looked around 20 feet. That seemed interesting, as I want the best gas mileage and the lightest combined weight. I'm wondering what other lightweight setups there are that have worked well for people. My current car is Toyota Corolla, so I'm a bit leery about jumping to a V8. The Airstream 22 is quite light and looks amazing, but more than I want to spend. And ideas of reliable lightweight truck/trailer combinations are appreciated. We are two people, both of us are not too tall so a lower ceiling is okay.3.5KViews0likes20CommentsRe: Ideas for a truck to pull 6500lb trailer?
MitchF150 wrote: I had my little #5000 TT for 16 years and traded it in for 1/2 the price I paid for it brand new back in 2002! Good luck! Mitch Which trailer model did you have? Thanks again, I'm narrowing down on a few trucks in my area now. I'll try to get something with enough extra towing capacity.1.9KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Ideas for a truck to pull 6500lb trailer?
MitchF150 wrote: If the trailer GVWR is #5800, that's the max it can weigh.. You must mean that's it's "dry weight" and when you load it up, it can go up to it's GVWR. That was about the dry weight for my trailer. It's GVWR is #7000. I've got 82,000 miles on my 13 F150 Ecoboost and it's only been in the shop for the couple of recalls on it (brake booster and transmission reflash of the program). Oh, my truck has a 'tow rating' of #11,300... I feel maxed out with my #7000 TT. You will not enjoy towing a #6000 TT with that V6 Ram at all... I say that knowing what a difference it was towing a #5000 TT with my truck and then getting the #7000 TT with the same truck... Big difference! But, every truck is different and no matter what make, model you get, there will ALWAYS be some that are a POS and some that shine.. Good luck! Mitch Ok, looks like I misunderstood what GVWR is, so the trailer will be a bit lighter than I thought then. Dry Weight 3,914 lbs. Payload Capacity 1,526 lbs. GVWR 5,800 lbs. Hitch Weight 380 lbs. You have a pretty strong truck, and fast too. Surprising that you need such a big buffer to feel good towing. How much worse does the MPG get when you're towing vs. not towing? Thanks.1.9KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Ideas for a truck to pull 6500lb trailer?
jfkmk wrote: Is the 6500# dry weight or gross weight? If that is gross, a 150/1500 would be more than enough truck. I have a 3.5 150 3.5 eb and it tows a 6000# tt like it isnt there. It is max tow, so it has the bigger gas tank, which is nice to have when towing. When we bought, we knew that the tt we bought would be the biggest we would get. Everyone has their own wants, and ours didn’t include a tt that is as big as a condo. Before buying the truck, I drove my neighbors one year old f250. While some people are “truck people” and love to drive the biggest truck they can find, I am not. Small, nimble cars are what I’m used to, and the 250 diesel was not for me. Since I’m not going to tow anything bigger than what I have, the f150 fits my bill for many years to come. Bottom line, keep your eye on the payload of the truck you’re looking at and you’ll be fine. The GVWR on the tt is 5,800lbs. If I add some food/luggage and things I may end up around 6,000 to 6,500lbs, that's why I was thinking 6500 should work. I definitely want the smallest possible with the best mileage, but I want to make sure it won't have problems pulling the trailer.. I think something like the Ram 1500 with V6 may be cutting it too close, it lists 7,200lbs max tow. That truck would be pretty ideal in terms of mileage for me.1.9KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Ideas for a truck to pull 6500lb trailer?
bikendan wrote: otterslide wrote: I never had a trailer or a truck. I'm looking to buy a trailer that is about 6500lbs, but I need to buy a truck first. So many options and capacities and reliability issues, I have no idea what I should be looking at any more. Looks like a F150 with 2.7 engine would work, but not sure if something like a 2015 model would be reliable. I don't want to spend more than about 20k(USD) for the truck. Ram 1500 Ecoboost also seems to have it's own issues So, I wonder, what are people towing trailers daily finding the best for a 6500lbs trailer? And is there anything specific I have to look for when I buy it? Like tow package, gear ratio, etc? First, i think you meant "Ram 1500 ECODIESEL", not Ecoboost, since the Ecoboost is from Ford. Second, pulling a 6500lbs TT with the 2.7 Ecoboost, will be near its limits. i pull a 27' TT about the same weight loaded, with a 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package and 3.73 rear end. it's a perfect combo and i love the truck. How long have you had the truck, any problems? Yes I meant Ram 1500 ecodiesel, but since I found out about the emission scandal and the software updates and all diesel related problems, I am thinking maybe Ecoboost is a better idea, or just go with a 5.0L from Ford. Our previous Ford was very unreliable, so I am a bit wary going with Ford. Also the contractors around here say it's not reliable, but I'm finding a lot of online info saying they are reliable. So I don't know what to believe any more.540Views0likes0CommentsIdeas for a truck to pull 6500lb trailer?
I never had a trailer or a truck. I'm looking to buy a trailer that is about 6500lbs, but I need to buy a truck first. So many options and capacities and reliability issues, I have no idea what I should be looking at any more. Looks like a F150 with 2.7 engine would work, but not sure if something like a 2015 model would be reliable. I don't want to spend more than about 20k(USD) for the truck. Ram 1500 Ecoboost also seems to have it's own issues especially maintenance and exhaust emission component problems that I often hear about from my neighbor who drives a truck for a living and says all truckers are hit by the new exhaust system rules. So I'd rather not go diesel it seems. Then there's the Toyota Tundra that seems to have the best reliability, but it's terrible on gas, and has some expensive parts if it ever does break down. So, I wonder, what are people towing trailers daily finding the best for a 6500lbs trailer? And is there anything specific I have to look for when I buy it? Like tow package, gear ratio, etc? Any ideas would be appreciated!6KViews0likes29CommentsRe: Starcraft Star Stream 2007 Leaking Skylight
Beverley&Ken wrote: I would definitely pass on that one. If you can see some mould, that maybe all,it may just be the tip. The finished ceiling material is usually laminated to thin Luan (plywood) and that is against the white block foam insulation. The water moisture could have gravitated several feet away from what you can see. I'm not saying that it has, but check the ceiling for soft spots or discolouration. That could lead a big repair. Run Ken Thanks. I'm new to trailer construction so I didn't know what to look for. Thin wood on top of cheap foam will not resist mold well at all.. and it looks like quite a lot of water came down through there because it had just rained and there was water in the tub, so I doubt it's just condensation like the owner said it is. I can't find many StarStreams though, that was the only one here just east of GTA, and there is just one more past London that I haven't seen yet.330Views0likes0CommentsRe: All Aluminum RVs
SidecarFlip wrote: Aluminum rots, just like wood, only slower. I see these AirStreams still selling for high prices from 1960's.. They look like they are still good. StarStreams are protected by good paint/clearcoat as well.. but if water runs on aluminum then it will corrode as you mention for sure..104Views0likes0Comments
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