Towing Question

[scasey5]

Hello everyone, newbie here hoping to get some advice. I am looking at getting a G2 32BHDS, just want to make sure i can tow it comfortably with my truck. I have a 2010 2500 5.7L Hemi with 4:10 gears. The weight of the truck full of gas and a driver is 6,300 Lbs. They say the towing capacity of the truck is 10,600 lbs. The Jayco 32Bhds weighs 7,880 empty, and 9,950 Lbs. is it's max weight according to the brochure. I would definitly get a anti-sway and weight distribution hitch set-up, do you think this will work. I don't want to be white knuckled the whole time i am pulling it. Honesty please. Thanks.

[Shin Pond Hunter]

First off, welcome to the forum/first post.

I had a similar set-up a few years back (v-10 Dodge chipped out, pulling a 29' fiver). It was fine on the flat roads, but, struggled on elevations. Stopping power is crucial. I am assuming you have a tow package??? Tranny cooler, extra oil cooler, HD brakes, etc...

Personally, I like overkill - more truck than camper. However, I am not the weight police...

[Spike99]

As a suggestion, never use Trailer's "dry" weight number. It would be like using a "dry weight" (aka: unloaded weight) of a small utility trailer. re: Utility trailer unloaded weight is 1,000 lbs but its rated to pull a max of 3,000 lbs. When sizing for Tow Vehicle, suggest sizing for trailer's MAX weight (loaded weight). For example, your Jayco TT is sized for "max" 9,950 lbs. In reality, this is closer to the weight of trailer's "average" load. For example, Dry Weight + trailer options (like AC, LP tanks) + user cargo. For sizing, I'd use trailer's GVW (aka: max loaded weight). re: 9,800 lbs. For details, surf: http://www.jayco.com/php/products/fl...44&mod_id=1245

If TV has max pulling power of 10,600 lbs (as per its manual) and TT is scale weight around 9,800 lbs, then math wise, one is legal. But, more stuff (passengers, stuff in TV's rear cargo box) that is added inside the TV, that "max" 10,600 lbs pulling power number becomes lower. Much lower...

Based on numbers, don't think I'd consistantly pull with "on the edge" numbers. Especially on the steep hills and/or against the strong wind. At times, climbing hills and fighting head wind can feel like pulling an addition 1,500 lbs.

If wondering, my Jayco 29FBS was towed with a F250 Diesel Pickup. And, it pulled it with ease. For a 32 foot TT, I'd recommend diesel. Then again, I like more TV then TT as well...

Hope this helps in your research....

.

[hammerdown]

With the engine and rear you have you will be fine.

[Crabman]

I agree with Hammerdown.

[Seann45]

Welcome to the group

Check the drivers door post of your truck it should give you all the info you need and be current for your truck as it left the factory..

[rescuebub]

I'm towing ours with a similar setup, and mine does very well. The WD/sway setup is huge. I agree with the others that you will probably be on the higher end of the trailer weight as a norm. Just watch the tongue weight verses your trucks specs. If all the numbers line up, you'll probably be okay. It may not win any drag races, but it should get you there without giving you a heart attack first! Good luck and happy camping!

[Terry]

Welcome! Spend the money on a good hitch system and break controller and enjoy your new setup!

[clutch]

My brother in law tows an Eagle 320RLDS with a Ford F250 v8. He did add a set of Firestone air bags last winter and he said it towed much better with the truck sitting level. He too is crowding the weight limits. He travels from Michigan to Arizona with his set up. Welcome to the site.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

It also depends on how often you tow. I plan on towing only a couple of times a year in state (the snowbird thing) so a late model F150 will handle the 330RLTS I'm planning on getting. The TV will have only the shell on the bed and a hundred pounds (or less) of stuff in the shell's toolboxes. There will be only one or two people in the TV.

If I planned on moving the TT more than 2-4 times a year, however, I would have to upgrade to the F250. Even though the F150 is rated for the load (barely), it won't hold up well under the continuous load so the heavier duty truck would be needed. Also, the heavier the TV is in comparison to the TT, the less likely you will run into a tail wagging the dog situation. I'm not worried about that since, with me towing so infrequently, I can just take my sweet time getting to where I'm going.

The advantage to the lighter truck is much better fuel mileage when not using as a TV. The F150s can also be had with a shorter bed which is easier to park, especially when driving a screw (SuperCrew).