Eagle HT towing testimonial with HT truck

[Chrisdon]

here is what our specs are for our F150 with the HD, we are thinking of getting the 2017 28.5 rsts, but worried about payload so we may go with the 24 the hitch is almost 300 pounds lighter

[Archie]

[QUOTE=therealbc;470842]Hello,
We currently have a 267BH and may be upgrading to something slightly larger with a third (minimum) bunk. We have an F-150 eco 3.55 LB 4x4 and I am interested in the HT fifth wheels. Just looking for some testimonials from people with HT trucks that tow these trailers....I know it's best to have a 3/4 ton at least so please don't reply saying that. POINT TAKEN. I have lots of experience towing but just looking for some other point of views...
thanks![/QUOTE

Be careful if you purchase a 1/2 ton. Don't make the same mistake I did. I purchased a new 2015 Ford super cab Eco payload spec rated at 2170 and by the time the factory put on a spare tire and radio the yellow sticker (driver's door) MAX PAYLOAD dropped to 1800#. By the time we added passenger Wt., hitch and cooler= 600# Leaving us with only 1200#of payload left. The pin weight of our 2017 Eagle HT 27.5RLTS loaded is 1800 # plus.
As mentioned earlier you will need at least a max tow package( to stay within (mfg. recommendations). I could not locate a max Ford in stock and would have to be ordered (Big Bucks) I found a new 3/4 ton loaded at much less $$ that fits in my garage. More than happy with our setup!!!

[Big1]

[QUOTE=Archie;472808]

Originally Posted by therealbc

Hello,
We currently have a 267BH and may be upgrading to something slightly larger with a third (minimum) bunk. We have an F-150 eco 3.55 LB 4x4 and I am interested in the HT fifth wheels. Just looking for some testimonials from people with HT trucks that tow these trailers....I know it's best to have a 3/4 ton at least so please don't reply saying that. POINT TAKEN. I have lots of experience towing but just looking for some other point of views...
thanks![/QUOTE

Be careful if you purchase a 1/2 ton. Don't make the same mistake I did. I purchased a new 2015 Ford super cab Eco payload spec rated at 2170 and by the time the factory put on a spare tire and radio the yellow sticker (driver's door) MAX PAYLOAD dropped to 1800#. By the time we added passenger Wt., hitch and cooler= 600# Leaving us with only 1200#of payload left. The pin weight of our 2017 Eagle HT 27.5RLTS loaded is 1800 # plus.
As mentioned earlier you will need at least a max tow package( to stay within (mfg. recommendations). I could not locate a max Ford in stock and would have to be ordered (Big Bucks) I found a new 3/4 ton loaded at much less $$ that fits in my garage. More than happy with our setup!!!

Nice setup, is your 3/4 gas or diesel?

[Archie]

[QUOTE=Big1;472876]

Originally Posted by Archie

Nice setup, is your 3/4 gas or diesel?

Thanks ! Gas- looked at diesel but the additional $8K to $10K cost and a payload loss of 369 lbs. was a no go!

[Big1]

[QUOTE=Archie;472984]

Originally Posted by Big1

Thanks ! Gas- looked at diesel but the additional $8K to $10K cost and a payload loss of 369 lbs. was a no go!

Amen on that , the wife and I are looking to get a fiver one day soon and I know the truck I have will pull something like you have but for now we are enjoying ours.

This next summer we are planning on going to Las Vegas for vacation and looking forward to it. We only had ours TT a few month now and we didn't get too much use out of it so next summer. Thank you sir for your reply.

[tularockstar]

For us the extra $8k was well worth it for the Cummins Diesel in our 2015 Ram 2500HD. The extra torque and turbo are awesome and the mileage is even slightly better than the gas version.

[QUOTE=Archie;472984]

Originally Posted by Big1

Thanks ! Gas- looked at diesel but the additional $8K to $10K cost and a payload loss of 369 lbs. was a no go!

[Archie]

[QUOTE=tularockstar;473191]For us the extra $8k was well worth it for the Cummins Diesel in our 2015 Ram 2500HD. The extra torque and turbo are awesome and the mileage is even slightly better than the gas version.

I do think the Cummings is the best choice for a diesel and I'm sure yours is a great truck. But the 2500 Ram Diesel that I looked at had a similar payload as the 2500 Chevrolet Diesel ( per yellow sticker on driver's side) of approx. 2350 lbs. Between a full tank of gas (2) adults and (1) grandchild, hitch and misc. I added 600 lbs., or better stated took away 600 lbs and now I''m down to 1750 lbs of available payload. My fifth wheel (2017 27.5RLTS) has a pin weight of over 1800 lbs loaded. I always want to stay well within the Mfg. Spec. If I was going to purchase a diesel I would look at nothing less than a 3500 and as I stated earlier I like the Cummings, but at my age I don't think I will live long enough to drive that 100K to 150K miles to break even. I'm more than pleased with the performance of our Chevrolet, Jayco combination as I'm sure you are with yours. Thanks for your comment.

[tularockstar]

Yes, I do see your points. And, my comment was not to influence anyone in any way. It was just the combo we ended up with. And, since there is only two of us and not even close to 100lbs in the bed, it was ideal for us.

Good luck with your set up and happy camping.

[QUOTE=Archie;473219]

Originally Posted by tularockstar

For us the extra $8k was well worth it for the Cummins Diesel in our 2015 Ram 2500HD. The extra torque and turbo are awesome and the mileage is even slightly better than the gas version.



I do think the Cummings is the best choice for a diesel and I'm sure yours is a great truck. But the 2500 Ram Diesel that I looked at had a similar payload as the 2500 Chevrolet Diesel ( per yellow sticker on driver's side) of approx. 2350 lbs. Between a full tank of gas (2) adults and (1) grandchild, hitch and misc. I added 600 lbs., or better stated took away 600 lbs and now I''m down to 1750 lbs of available payload. My fifth wheel (2017 27.5RLTS) has a pin weight of over 1800 lbs loaded. I always want to stay well within the Mfg. Spec. If I was going to purchase a diesel I would look at nothing less than a 3500 and as I stated earlier I like the Cummings, but at my age I don't think I will live long enough to drive that 100K to 150K miles to break even. I'm more than pleased with the performance of our Chevrolet, Jayco combination as I'm sure you are with yours. Thanks for your comment.

[Big1]

[QUOTE=tularockstar;473191]For us the extra $8k was well worth it for the Cummins Diesel in our 2015 Ram 2500HD. The extra torque and turbo are awesome and the mileage is even slightly better than the gas version.


Roger that.

[Colorado_Bill]

[QUOTE=Archie;473219]

Originally Posted by tularockstar

If I was going to purchase a diesel I would look at nothing less than a 3500 and as I stated earlier I like the Cummings, but at my age I don't think I will live long enough to drive that 100K to 150K miles to break even. I'm more than pleased with the performance of our Chevrolet, Jayco combination as I'm sure you are with yours. Thanks for your comment.

I am going to get a fifth wheel from Jayco in the spring and I am looking for a truck right now. Without any hesitation, diesel was the way I was going to go. F250 6.7L diesel but ... I started looking at long term cost of ownership and I got scared. Busted turbo is like $3,500 not installed. Bad diesel and you need to replace fuel rail and injectors, leaking head cylinder gaskets costing thousands to replace. I figured it was the Ford syndrome so I checked Ram in a Google search and I was finding the same high price for repairs. Those trucks are not cheap to buy so I know that I would not be able to afford the repairs if something broke. So now, I know that I will not get the 900 lbs of torque and I am looking to get a gas engine that will pull my new trailer.

[Archie]

[QUOTE=Colorado_Bill;473967]

Originally Posted by Archie

I am going to get a fifth wheel from Jayco in the spring and I am looking for a truck right now. Without any hesitation, diesel was the way I was going to go. F250 6.7L diesel but ... I started looking at long term cost of ownership and I got scared. Busted turbo is like $3,500 not installed. Bad diesel and you need to replace fuel rail and injectors, leaking head cylinder gaskets costing thousands to replace. I figured it was the Ford syndrome so I checked Ram in a Google search and I was finding the same high price for repairs. Those trucks are not cheap to buy so I know that I would not be able to afford the repairs if something broke. So now, I know that I will not get the 900 lbs of torque and I am looking to get a gas engine that will pull my new trailer.

My son has run a diesel for about 5 years (lives up north) and has always had problems with cold weather starting and maintenance issues. He is now purchasing a gas truck. It also appears the 3/4 ton diesels are a little light on payload ( even my loaded 2017 Jayco 27.5RLTS HT would be over) That being said if one was purchasing a 5er in that 14K to 18k I think a diesel is almost a must have. I have always been a Ford fan but our chev. 2500 HD DBLl cab with the 6.0 pulls the Smokey Mountains at 50 MPH at a little over 3K. My last trip we averaged 10 MPG. Try them all out and see what one suits you the best. Happy Trails !

[RetiredGuy]

Greetings Archie,
I have a "new" 2017 24.5 CKTS and am having a heck of a time finding a 3/4 ton truck that fits under the 60" nose height. I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD on hold, but it has a 58" top of tailgate to ground measurement. What, if any, trailer modifications did you have to perform to be able to utilize your pictured Chevrolet truck? Were you able to get the recommended 5 to 6 inch space between the truck bed and trailer nose?
Thank You for any info you can provide.
RetiredGuy

[TxLoser]

I think that last reply was from 2016. I’ve got a 2016 2500HD. With my hitch, a B&W in the middle position, I have about 6” of clearance. I also have my leaf springs in the lowest hole on the trailer. I run a little nose high, but nothing I’m too concerned about. 1.5-2 degrees nose high. I think you’ll be fine. Also, I’m running 15” wheels. With the 16” wheel option it’s sits a bit higher yet. Hope this helps.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[RetiredGuy]

Thank You for the quick response!
Both Jayco and my dealer dance around this topic and Jayco will not divulge any info on trailer modifications. Here's my rundown:
2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD - the bed box is 56" at the cab and 58" at the tailgate. Hoping for a 2" "squat" when I load the trailer onto the truck. Est. pin weight at 2k lbs.
Reese Revolution pin box - per Jayco, this is height adjustable.
Reese Titan 16k hitch - adjust range between 14 to 18 inches.
My trailer has the 16 tire upgrade and can be raised at the leaf spring ends fairly easily, although not sure it will be one to one at the nose.
Is your truck height the same at the tailgate?
Any additional info thoughts you can provide is appreciated.
Thanks!!
RetiredGuy

[TxLoser]

Originally Posted by RetiredGuy

Thank You for the quick response!
Both Jayco and my dealer dance around this topic and Jayco will not divulge any info on trailer modifications. Here's my rundown:
2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD - the bed box is 56" at the cab and 58" at the tailgate. Hoping for a 2" "squat" when I load the trailer onto the truck. Est. pin weight at 2k lbs.
Reese Revolution pin box - per Jayco, this is height adjustable.
Reese Titan 16k hitch - adjust range between 14 to 18 inches.
My trailer has the 16 tire upgrade and can be raised at the leaf spring ends fairly easily, although not sure it will be one to one at the nose.
Is your truck height the same at the tailgate?
Any additional info thoughts you can provide is appreciated.
Thanks!!
RetiredGuy

My truck should be the same, however I've never actually measured. Chevy hasn't done anything with the box or rear end since 2015.5. You'll be a bit nose high, but again, nothing I'd worry about. This past week, I made a couple navigation errors that led to Uturns on some pretty uneven surfaces. Never dragged the rear of the trailer or touched the bed with the front.

[RetiredGuy]

Thank You for your assistance.
Greatly appreciated!
RetiredGuy

[Archie]

Originally Posted by RetiredGuy

Greetings Archie,
I have a "new" 2017 24.5 CKTS and am having a heck of a time finding a 3/4 ton truck that fits under the 60" nose height. I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD on hold, but it has a 58" top of tailgate to ground measurement. What, if any, trailer modifications did you have to perform to be able to utilize your pictured Chevrolet truck? Were you able to get the recommended 5 to 6 inch space between the truck bed and trailer nose?
Thank You for any info you can provide.
RetiredGuy

Great to be retired,
My 2016 Chev. Dbbl (20" tires) cab sits 58" to 59" at tailgate. Our 27.5RLTS came with 16" tires. We have the Revolution pin box and went with the Reese Tiatan 20k hitch. We had about 5" clearance at bed rails and about 1.5" high at front of 5er. When I replaced the hangar bushings with the MoRyde heavy duty shackle kit and lowered the springs to the lower hole in the springs, I now have very close to 6" clearance at the bed rails and less than 1" high in the front. Although I never measured it, the rear of the truck drops considerably with 5er weight and the truck actually looks very level.

Archie

[JMBO]

We pull a 26.5 BHS HT Eagle with our Ford 2017 F 150 Eco Boost. It pulls very well. We enjoy our HT very much, good quality comfortable trailer with bunks for the kids. Without beating a dead horse we arewtihin our specs.

[ChuckMc879]

I've got a 2016 Ford F150 Lariet, SuperCrew 4x4 w/ max towing package.

It sat a little low when I was pulling my 2016 Jayco Eagle 338 RETS, (39'-3" hitch to bumper), but I never had any problems with power. I would have upgraded my suspension with air bags to improve the stability but the truck had plenty of power. Max towing speed on the tires was 60mph and at that speed, it felt like the tail was wagging the dog.

Without getting into personal reasons for the trade, We now pull a 2018 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5 BHOK with the same truck. I just completed a cross country trip, 4800 miles pulling the trailer through 17 states this last August and September 2018. No snow or ice on the trip but, nearly everything else was encountered on this trip, including navigating through South Philadelphia and the Philly International airport while towing the trailer.

We needed to add a fifth-wheel hitch and a sidewinder kingpin assembly to tow with the 5 1/2' bed and it's nearly perfect. I think it's about a 1/2" off, but that's an installation issue, not a concept or capacity one. The Eco-boost had no issue pulling either trailer. Oh, my maximum speed increased as well. There was no issue maintaining any speed limit through Texas (85 MPH), but the trade-off is a significantly reduced gas mileage. On the other hand, I've got the increased mileage while I'm not pulling.

I did run into a couple of minor issues on the trip, but nothing related to towing handling or capacity. There my be a few things that could improve the ride through the back county roads of the New Jersey Pinelands but, overall the combo would be tough to beat.

[oldmanAZ]

Thanks for the info and welcome to the JOF.