Input Needed on Travel Trailer

[RedZilla]

Not our first travel trailer but would be the longest we’ve had and with the Tremor. Last big trailer we had, I was pulling with a f350 diesel so didn’t worry about much!! Thanks for the reply!!

That's good. Your wording and lack of specifics for your truck kind of made me think first timer. Often times people go big the first time around also without knowing how that plays out in the camping situations.

We had a Jayco Eagle several years ago, 34' with a single super slide. It was nice and enjoyable, but we pretty much stuck to more spacious and newer campgrounds. You could try towing it without WD hitching and see what you think. You may get flashed by oncoming vehicles a lot if you are a little nose high. I pulled a 36' Cougar 8500lb for a friend about a year ago with my F350 and it pulled really nice with no WD. The 7.3 is enjoyable to tow with.

 

[Panther88]

Doesn't effect the capacity, but you may want to up the AC to 15000 BTU... But I am in Florida

I believe the one we are looking at does.

 

[pods8]

Cause LOTS of people max GVWR on their travel trailer......

Frankly I suspect many do if being honest. Plenty of trailers roll out of the factory over listed unloaded weight (mine did), then people load all kinds of crap into them, add full tanks (if someone doesn't know better or situationally needs to, water and other "liquids" are heavy) and yeah I expect folks are over GVWR when many trailers don't have that much payload built into them. Now well built trailers and fifth wheels often have much more payload built into them so far less an issue there but the bulk of travel trailers are a bit lean on capacity.

 

[Panther88]

As others have said, that’s a long trailer And you might have issues finding campgrounds to handle it.

Just looking at the specs, it looks like the air conditioning is on the small side and may not work for you in the summer, also the fresh, gray and black water tanks look small is you plan on boondocking for any length of time. Propane looks a little lite as well.

The truck should handle it, but I’m not sure I’d want to try and make any semi tight turns with it.

I think the AC on the specific unit we are looking at is upgraded and most likely no boondocking.

 

[Sjmcken81]

I think the AC on the specific unit we are looking at is upgraded and most likely no boondocking.

First, our tow vehicle is similar, F250 Patti Tremor with 7.3 gasser. Our payload is 2600lbs, gvwr of 10k, and our TT is 34’…38’ is a lot of trailer and a whole lot of Sail…definitely Suggest a wdh.

Just got back from 6 day camp trip 2 hours away. Our Grand Design Reflection TT is 34’, advertised as 810lbs tongue weight dry…load at the Cat scales is more like 1200lbs wet. So, your 1200lbs empty tongue weight is more likely 1500lbs Wet. Also, at the Cat scales with TT 8700lbs on it’s axels, wife, myself, two German Shepherd dogs, and some gear in the bed, the truck weighted 9400lbs…600lbs payload remaining….went back to Cat scales the next day for a re-weigh without the trailer, but with passengers, dogs, stuff in the bed, and hitching gear…weighed 8200lbs, confirming the 1200lbs tongue weight.

We have a Weigh Safe True Tow wdh on 2” receiver shank that is rated for 1500lbs tongue weight and 15k tow…Weigh Safe TT in 2.5” receiver shank is 2200lbs tongue weight and 22k towing. If you go Weigh Safe TT, I’d suggest the 2.5” shank version…we carried it over from our prior tow vehicle.

Finally, at 38’ TT, one a/c will Not cut it in the heat in my opinion, and we live in Virginia…we have two, one 15k and one 13.5k that requires 50amp service…you trailer specs showed 30amp service, that can’t be correct…sounds like a Jayco Eagle, so should have 50amp service.

Edit: looked on Jayco’s site, it’s a Jay Flight…30amp service on 38’ TT and single a/c wouldn’t cut it for us in the heat.

Just my thoughts based on your post.

Obtw, our Tremor with WS TT wdh pulled Fantastically…night and day different from replaced F150 max tow 6.2l v8. Unbelievably better. It was a nice drive/tow.

 

[RedZilla]

BTW since the subject of WD hitch has already been mentioned several times, the WeighSafe has very good reviews on this and other forums. It's kind of fool proof with the provided smart phone app and knowing the tongue weight every time you load is essential in my book when it comes to large travel trailers.

 

[Supercup]

Edit: Looking at the following travel trailer. I have a 2022 F250 Tremor 7.3 gas. What should my concerns be? Is the trailer doable for hitch weight? What item would you recommend if it is doable as far as maximizing towing safety?Have read some of the trailer/camping threads but thought I need more info for this specific trailer. Thanks for any input/suggestions.

Trailer falls within your truck specs
Since the spec sheet you included had a VIN I presume it is a built trailer - ask the dealer to take a photo of the "sticker" on the trailer that shows the "actual" weight of that trailer - vs the Mfg. generic specs - be sure you know what you are getting - mfg. weight for shipping - sticker should be on trailer (see example photo).
You will want to add a WD hitch - like a weigh safe - to help offset squat and control sway - link https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/true-tow-weight-distribution-hitch/
Trailer itself - is heavy empty - 2,1xx cargo capacity is not that much - can use that up pretty quick.
Water - 40 gallons is very limited - would expect in a trailer that size 80 gal +
Gray - 39 gal - pretty typical
Black 39 gal - pretty typical
Not a lot of water - unless you are always at a RV park with water and dump on-site, so you can cycle water quickly - for dry camping that is good for a two days with a full trailer at best - or no showers!
13,500 BTU is not enough 15K BTU is better but trailer that size needs 2 units to be comfortable in warm weather - Know it is ducted?
8 cu ft. fridge - ok for the weekend - but for week or longer is small - even going 10 cu. ft. helps
6 gallon water tank - small - 10 gal would be better for larger trailer - also always look at pump flow rate - how many gallons per minute is flow - 3 is typical with water heater
30 amp vs 50 amp - on a trailer that size I would want 50 amp - especially if you plan to add solar and another HVAC unit.
Insulation - not noted - be sure you know what your are getting - R7 in walls etc - keeping you cool or warm pending outside weather
Total length - 38' +/- - long for a bumper pull - I prefer a 24' to 28' trailer - which will be 30' - 34' overall length - just much easier to manuever - over 30' I would prefer to move to a gooseneck/5th wheel - they trailer much better than a bumper pull. But with your truck pin weight may make that not feasible.

GLWD

 

[ccw]

Since the spec sheet you included had a VIN I presume it is a built trailer - ask the dealer to take a photo of the "sticker" on the trailer that shows the "actual" weight of that trailer - vs the Mfg. generic specs - be sure you know what you are getting - mfg. weight for shipping - sticker should be on trailer (see example photo).

This is a fantastic point! Always better to see an actual sticker if possible than rely on online, generalized specs. Great call-out, @Supercup.

 

[Panther88]

Found the info y’all are talking about. And the sticker on my door jam says my payload capacity is 2749lbs.

 

[Panther88]

And looking at the spec sheet it has two AC units but only 30amp that I can see. We will almost always be at state parks or corp of engineer parks here in Texas. We usually try to find full hookups when possible.

 

[Panther88]

Trailer falls within your truck specs
Since the spec sheet you included had a VIN I presume it is a built trailer - ask the dealer to take a photo of the "sticker" on the trailer that shows the "actual" weight of that trailer - vs the Mfg. generic specs - be sure you know what you are getting - mfg. weight for shipping - sticker should be on trailer (see example photo).
You will want to add a WD hitch - like a weigh safe - to help offset squat and control sway - link https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/true-tow-weight-distribution-hitch/
Trailer itself - is heavy empty - 2,1xx cargo capacity is not that much - can use that up pretty quick.
Water - 40 gallons is very limited - would expect in a trailer that size 80 gal +
Gray - 39 gal - pretty typical
Black 39 gal - pretty typical
Not a lot of water - unless you are always at a RV park with water and dump on-site, so you can cycle water quickly - for dry camping that is good for a two days with a full trailer at best - or no showers!
13,500 BTU is not enough 15K BTU is better but trailer that size needs 2 units to be comfortable in warm weather - Know it is ducted?
8 cu ft. fridge - ok for the weekend - but for week or longer is small - even going 10 cu. ft. helps
6 gallon water tank - small - 10 gal would be better for larger trailer - also always look at pump flow rate - how many gallons per minute is flow - 3 is typical with water heater
30 amp vs 50 amp - on a trailer that size I would want 50 amp - especially if you plan to add solar and another HVAC unit.
Insulation - not noted - be sure you know what your are getting - R7 in walls etc - keeping you cool or warm pending outside weather
Total length - 38' +/- - long for a bumper pull - I prefer a 24' to 28' trailer - which will be 30' - 34' overall length - just much easier to manuever - over 30' I would prefer to move to a gooseneck/5th wheel - they trailer much better than a bumper pull. But with your truck pin weight may make that not feasible.

GLWD


View attachment 115427

Thanks so much for the info. Really helping me understand what to consider. Thanks!! And if you think of anything else please share!

 

[mds2004]

And looking at the spec sheet it has two AC units but only 30amp that I can see. We will almost always be at state parks or corp of engineer parks here in Texas. We usually try to find full hookups when possible.

Look up several of your state parks websites and up max length to double check you are okay. Many of the national parks and state parks we go to on the other side of the country say 35' max, if not even under 30'. My 5th wheel is 34'10'' and I still have to work around finding campgrounds with available sites. Private parks we have an easier time finding sites that work.

 

[RedZilla]

Thanks so much for the info. Really helping me understand what to consider. Thanks!! And if you think of anything else please share!

That sticker info helps a ton. You have much more to work with there. I really think you are going to be in good shape with the right hitch as long as you watch your weights. Since you plan on camping with full hookups, I would advise traveling with empty water tank to conserve cargo capacity.

 

[BigBoyToyz]

I have the same truck and pull a 36 foot TT. Get a weight distribution hitch and you'll be fine. Check out his video I made of my set-up. Hopefully there will be some stuff in there you'll find useful.

 

[Panther88]

BTW since the subject of WD hitch has already been mentioned several times, the WeighSafe has very good reviews on this and other forums. It's kind of fool proof with the provided smart phone app and knowing the tongue weight every time you load is essential in my book when it comes to large travel trailers.

I was looking at those this morning online. Seems like a great system.

 

[Jrflyin]

I tow a 38ft Sporttrek. The truck does great. You will average 8-10mpg depending on terrain, speed, and wind. A WDH IMO is required, there are many different options. I use a Husky centerline which is similar to the Weighsafe. The other option is pricey but nothing beats it, that is the Pro Pride. You will feel some sway with the husky or weighsafe, the Pro Pride you will not

 

[stufarmer]

If you have the option, or opportunity to compare travel trailers made by
Out Doors RV do so, they're worth your time.

 

[Panther88]

I tow a 38ft Sporttrek. The truck does great. You will average 8-10mpg depending on terrain, speed, and wind. A WDH IMO is required, there are many different options. I use a Husky centerline which is similar to the Weighsafe. The other option is pricey but nothing beats it, that is the Pro Pride. You will feel some sway with the husky or weighsafe, the Pro Pride you will not

Thanks for the info. Which model sporttrek? Was going to compare to what I’m looking at. You have f250 gas?

 

[Jrflyin]

Thanks for the info. Which model sporttrek? Was going to compare to what I’m looking at. You have f250 gas?

It’s a 2019 332VBH. Yes 7.3 gas

 

[Tim in Castle Rock]

Edit: Looking at the following travel trailer. I have a 2022 F250 Tremor 7.3 gas. What should my concerns be? Is the trailer doable for hitch weight? What item would you recommend if it is doable as far as maximizing towing safety?Have read some of the trailer/camping threads but thought I need more info for this specific trailer. Thanks for any input/suggestions.

Yep! That's a big rig my friend. I'm running a 28' ATC (all aluminium) toy hauler trailer - at 8,000 pounds with the generator - and would not want to go any bigger. In retrospect, I should have gone with a 25' - at around 6,000 pounds dry. We pulled the 28' trailer - with a full load - incl. a UTV, ebikes, grills, etc. - to a college football game - 500 miles away - and it cost us a buck a mile. So $1,000 for the round trip plus your camping expense if you're on grid. The biggest issue was gassing up every 90-120 minutes for fuel. I'm going 75 mph however. We're in CO - so we've crossed off that RV trip to Alaska or Florida. The F350 will pull a house for sure. You just have to feed that beast.