Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Jayco RV Owners Forum
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-15-2015, 10:57 AM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Hatfield
Posts: 57
New Tow Vehicle

we are in the process of getting a new tow vehicle for our 2015 24FBS. We currently have a 2004 Silverado with 5.3L and 373 gears. It also has a tow package. We have no issues with the vehicle pulling other than I feel it is at it's upper weight limit. Weighed at CAT scale 3,000 steer 3940 drive and 5500 trailer.
My question is this. Is a 2500 over kill for this trailer? Dealer tells me the 1500 can handle the trailer. I don't want to have to make decisions on what we take based on weight.
Any thoughts?
__________________
2015 Jayco 24 FBS
2015 Silverado 2500 LTZ Duramax
Blue Ox WDH
FashaPa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 11:17 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: New Richmond
Posts: 247
2500 would be good choice. Something I think about myself, though after 3000+ miles towing this year I'm satisfied for time being.

Larry J
2015 SLX 264BHW (4692lbs w/o water)
2007 RAM 1500 (392 gears) 5.7L, Equalizer sway & distribution.
LarryJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 11:43 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Iraqvet05's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 1,710
You will not regret jumping to a 2500. I pull our 26BH the first year with an 2007 1500, 5.3 with 3.42 gears. I never felt the combo was up to the task and even with a dealer installed WDH, the TT seems to push the truck around. The 5.3/4 speed lacked power in the hills and I opted to sell the 1500 and bought an older 2500.

Handling difference between the 1500 and 2500 was very noticeable. I gained rear disk brakes in the 2500, a stiffer suspension that resulted in less porpoising and better weight management that resulted in improved payload capacity and steering control...no more white knuckle driving. One thing I miss is the softer ride in the 1500 and I wished I was in the position to buy a 2008 or newer with the 6 speed but I would not go back to towing our TT with a 1500.
__________________
2018 28BHBE
2017 Ford F250 XLT, 6.2 gasser
2013 26BH (traded)
Iraqvet05 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 12:16 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
TWP723's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Abingdon
Posts: 6,177
3/4 ton if it were me.

Wait a minute...

THAT IS ME!
__________________
2013 Jayco Eagle 328 RLTS
2021 Keystone Montana 3121RL
2013 F350 6.7L 4x4 CCLB
W/Air Lift air bags (front & rear)
Equal-I-Zer™ WDH & B&W Companion
TWP723 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 12:18 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Taft
Posts: 137
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iraqvet05 View Post
You will not regret jumping to a 2500. I pull our 26BH the first year with an 2007 1500, 5.3 with 3.42 gears. I never felt the combo was up to the task and even with a dealer installed WDH, the TT seems to push the truck around. The 5.3/4 speed lacked power in the hills and I opted to sell the 1500 and bought an older 2500.

Handling difference between the 1500 and 2500 was very noticeable. I gained rear disk brakes in the 2500, a stiffer suspension that resulted in less porpoising and better weight management that resulted in improved payload capacity and steering control...no more white knuckle driving. One thing I miss is the softer ride in the 1500 and I wished I was in the position to buy a 2008 or newer with the 6 speed but I would not go back to towing our TT with a 1500.
Count your self lucky you didn't go with the newer 1500.The way you described your towing experience with your 07 1500 was the same the same towing experience I had with my 13 1500.

Op:it's not over kill,get a 2500 if it's in your budget.
__________________
2015 Jay Flight 26BH Elite
2015 Chevy Silverado 2500,LT,4x4,6.0L
Honda EU2000I and Honda EU2000I Companion Generators.
WrenZ71 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 12:35 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Fraser Valley
Posts: 306
I agree if the 2500 is in your budget, then go for it! Also gives you more options later on should you decide you want a larger trailer or a fifth wheel.

But the 1/2 ton should pull your current trailer without any problems. We have the same 24FBS Elite and our F150 does the job just fine. So if you don't want to spend more money right now, you might want to consider sticking with your half ton for now and upgrading later if you feel it doesn't do the trick.
__________________
Proud Yukoner
2010 Ford F-150 Supercrew Lariat
2016 Whitehawk 27 DSRL
2014 Jayflight 24FBS Elite (Sold)
ykcamom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 12:59 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
ALJO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sparwood, BC
Posts: 2,800
Send a message via Skype™ to ALJO
The dealer is right your 5.3 V8 Rears 3.73 can tow the TT (5500 lbs). Because of the V8 I would say comfortable. I pull that weight (GTW 5900 lbs) with a Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi V8 but have rears 3.92. It does' it with ease here in the mountains. Keep your money and stick with the 5.3 L and be sure you're using a proper WDH with sway control. 1/2 tons have softer ride and ask your self how many miles will the TT be behind the TV?
__________________
2014 Ram 1500 CrewCab 4x4 5.7 Hemi 3.92 Rear and Air Lift 1000
2005 Jayco Jay Feather LGT - 29Y GVWR-7000 lbs.
Dexter Axle Lift 4-9/16" - installed with sub-frame.
Pro Series 1200 lbs. WDH with Double Sway Bar.
Champion 3100/2800 watt Inverter/Generator-Onboard Solar Power
ALJO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 01:00 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Modesto
Posts: 276
Overkill? What's that?
__________________
2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost with 3.31 rear drive
2016 White Hawk 23MRB
tylersdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 01:10 PM   #9
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Sault Ste Marie
Posts: 47
It is easy for others to spend you money but comparing a 2004 5.3 litre to a 2015 5.3 and assuming it is the same engine is wrong. The 2015 engine has been improved with more horsepower and at the same time better gas mileage. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples see what your old truck had for horsepower and compare it to the specs of the new ones, and then decide if how much your towing something is worth the extra 3 or 4 thousand dollars or more for a 2500.
Jake is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 01:23 PM   #10
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Hatfield
Posts: 57
New Tow vehicle

Thank you all for responses. My concern is suspension based. The 5.3 L with the 3.73 gears pulls forever, even with the 4 speed tranny. The rear axle is only rated for 3,000lbs. The day I weighed it I had the truck cap, some 4x4 pieces used for leveling and a road trip grill. This plus my wife and I along with the tongue weight put me over axle limit by 900lbs. This is why I don't want to have to make weight decisions on the grandchildren's bikes etc. Maybe I am over thinking it.
__________________
2015 Jayco 24 FBS
2015 Silverado 2500 LTZ Duramax
Blue Ox WDH
FashaPa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 01:27 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Stingray75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Black River Falls, Wi
Posts: 1,154
The 2016 MY Silverado / Sierra are rumored to include the 8 speed trans which will improve mileage when empty and address gear hunt when towing. The new 1500/150 trucks can handle 5500 pounds which is my guess for your trailer weight.
__________________
2019 Pinnacle 36 FBTS
2016 Silverado 3500 CC SRW DuraMax/Allison
1975 Corvette for the sunny days n dry roads
2017 RZR for the rainy days n muddy roads
Stingray75 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 03:45 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
fielro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Trussville, Al
Posts: 2,093
I just upgraded my TV from a 2003 Z71 1500 to a 2015 Chevy 2500 Duramax Diesel. Could not believe the difference in towing. Go for the 2500, you'll be glad you did
__________________
Ron, Barbara & rescues Beamer (Lab mix), Buddy (Cavalier spaniel), Ruger (Golden retriever), Stanley (Bassett/Springer mix) and 3 grandsons
2012 Jayco Feather 29L BH
2015 Chevy 2500 HD Duramax and Equalizer WDH
fielro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 04:10 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: York
Posts: 134
Of course a diesel will tow better than a 1/2 ton gasser but that does not by any mean$ make it a necessity. If the trailer specs out to be in the safe towing range of a 1500 series there is no real reason to spend thousands more on a truck that isn't needed.
Knauby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 05:44 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Crofton, MD
Posts: 286
We pull our 26BH just fine with a 2010 1500, so I'm sure you would be fine. Pulled it last year with a 2006 Tahoe - it did okay, but I find the longer wheelbase of the crewcab and the 6 speed transmission make a night and day difference. Would I like a new 2500 Duramax... sure, but trucks these days are astronomically priced - was a stretch for me just to get a late model 1500...
__________________

2019 Open Range 374BHS
2107 Chevrolet 3500HD dually
Gone campin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 05:55 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: MD
Posts: 3,856
If your buying something go ahead and get the 2500 now. Then if you upgrade trailers you already have a great tow vehicle. And no such thing as overkill lol...
__________________
2017 JayFlight 28BHBE
2014 JayFlight Swift 264BH (Sold)
2007 GMC 2500 Sierra Classic Crew Cab LBZ Duramax / 6spd Allison
SouthCo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 07:32 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 223
I'd consider how much you tow. My TT is also my daily driver and it spends a relatively small amount of its time actually towing. Gas mileage and ride comfort for the 48 weeks a year I'm not camping makes the decision easier for me.
__________________
2013 Jay Flight 26BH
2017 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4x4
KiltDog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 07:37 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
olyelr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kewadin, MI
Posts: 193
If you can swing the payment on a 2500, dont mind the worse MPG, and the harsh suspension dosnt bother you, then by all means get it. Otherwise, your half ton will handle it just fine.

Me? I think along the lines of the few others above.... overkill?????? Whats that????
__________________
2016 Jayflight 28BHBE Elite
2016 RAM 2500 Laramie Power Wagon (4x4, 6.4 Hemi, 4.10 gears).

olyelr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 08:37 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: MD
Posts: 3,856
New Tow Vehicle

Quote:
Originally Posted by KiltDog View Post
I'd consider how much you tow. My TT is also my daily driver and it spends a relatively small amount of its time actually towing. Gas mileage and ride comfort for the 48 weeks a year I'm not camping makes the decision easier for me.

If my tow vehicle was my daily driver and I only camped a few times a year, I'd have a smaller camper than I do now. Why spend for a bigger camper for little use.. Not judging at all. I laugh a little when I see someone buy a bigger camper and then say a suitable tow vehicle is just not in the budget. The horse is more important than the cart. Don't put the cart before the horse. My 2007 2500 duramax is as comfortable as my 2010 1500 was and neither are my daily driver. OP doesn't need a 2500 but if he is upgrading, a 2500 is not much more and gas mileage is not a lot different. A diesel 2500 is better mpg than 1500 gas... A gas 2500 is not much different mpg than a 1500 but will still tow a better.
__________________
2017 JayFlight 28BHBE
2014 JayFlight Swift 264BH (Sold)
2007 GMC 2500 Sierra Classic Crew Cab LBZ Duramax / 6spd Allison
SouthCo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2015, 09:34 PM   #19
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Lake helen,fl.
Posts: 77
I agree with southco I use to pull with a 5.7 liter tundra now I pull with a 6.7 liter ford diesel night and day difference way better fuel economy and you know that the vehicle will handle anything,there isnt any second guessing once you leave your house,and that's very comforting to me.
Gutshot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2015, 04:20 AM   #20
Member
 
pmames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Woodstock
Posts: 57
We pull our 24 FBS with a Ram 1500 Hemi quad cab with tow package and 20 in wheels. No issues, it does a great job.
__________________
2014 Hemi with tow package
2015 Jay Flight 24FBS
Woodstock GA.
pmames is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:24 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.