Eagle HT towing testimonial with HT truck

[sub1187]

I towed my 2017 HT Eagle 24.5ckts with an 2004 Ford F-150 with max tow. It did a decent job but heavy downhill braking needs help and climbing was hard on the 5.4l triton. 1/2 tons have the power but there are drawbacks. Like turning radius.

[Jktb]

I experienced a 2" rear suspension squat after hitching the 5th wheel. It was not a problem until night when all on-coming traffic started flashing their bright lights even though I was using low beam. I installed a set of air bags and the truck can now be raised to the original height with the 5th wheel attached. Inflating the bags to level the truck does, however, cause the distance between the top of the tailgate and bottom of the trailer to decrease but I haven't had a problem.

[TnHiker]

As you can see in my signature I have a Eagle HT 29.5 FBDS. I just weighed it the other day here is my results:

Total overall Weight (truck & camper) = 18,340
Camper W/Truck hooked but off scale = 8,600
Truck Weight with 34 gal of fuel = 7,650
Calculated Pin weight = 2,090
5R with all my stuff = 10,690

In my opinion this is too much camper for a 1/2 ton truck. When you are at the very limit of the tow rating there is no safety margin. If my camper brakes fail for some reason I can still stop this camper in a reasonable distance, if the GPS assumes I can ascend a 10% grade for 3 miles I can without a problem, and most of the time I have me, the DW, and 2 grandsons onboard. I want some safety margin. You just have to decide what you are comfortable with. If you are looking at a smaller HT 5er you might be OK. My 29.5 FBDS is 34' 6" total length.

[bdreinv]

See lots of 1/2 tons out there equated to the max, in Arizona lots of mountains.Many look like accidents waiting to happen! Be bought our 1 ton 2006 should be the last truck we will need.Thanks

[Half Ton Heavy]

Originally Posted by GraftonGuns

Hi. I have a 2017 Eagle HT 27.5 RLTS and tow it with my 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L engine. I live in upstate NY and it is pretty hilly. I have not had any issues towing my 5th wheel at all. Hope this helps.

Can I guess from your signature that you found the F150 wanting?

[Satchmo]

I'm purchasing a 2019 Chevy 2500 diesel...I'm hoping it will be a huge jump from my 1500 towing my 287BHBE....

[chad59]

I had a 2016 5.3 Silverado was not bad but needed more power. Stepped into a 2017 6.2 Silverado plenty of power but 1/2 ton is just squirrelly. Moved up to a 2018 Ram Cummins power but couldn't get out of its own way WORST transmission EVER in any vehicle I have driven "Including 3 on the Tree" LOL traded it in in under 6 months and got a 2018 Duramax/Allison Best towing experience I have ever had. Tows great and PLENTY of power over the Cummins. Added the Banks intake,5" exhaust, Derringer/iDash and it is running like a champ. Just did Yuma to Mt. Rushmore to Yellow Stone and back averaging 15.3 at 65-70MPH and 2 1/2 tanks of DEF in 3900 Miles. Best vehicle I have ever purchased.

[TxLoser]

Average looks to be 11. Great truck. I’ve got the same. They do drink some Def when towing. My 2016 didn’t use Def like my 2019. I’d like to pick up the Idash setup as well.

[chad59]

iDash has so much to offer. reads anything you can imagine on these trucks.

[TxLoser]

How accurate have you found the DEF level on idash? On my truck’s display it go’s straight from OK to you’re going to need a tow soon.

[Satchmo]

Thanks Chad !!!!

[chad59]

It is pretty close, but does not give a true gauge like the fuel.

[chad59]

Originally Posted by Satchmo

Thanks Chad !!!!

You are Welcome.

[Marko]

King Pin Stabilizer Recommendations for a 2016 Jayco Eagle HT 27.5 RLTS.

Been thinking about getting a king pin stabilizer cause the front of the rig (bedroom) becomes a little shakey when either I or DW moves around the. I do have the Lippert power Stabliser system with auto level but the front bedroom is still shakey. I have a Husky hitch and Reese Revolution king pin. Any suggestions would be appreciated so thanks in advance.

Marko