Eagle HT 28.5RSTS Which truck; Which hitch & more

[nynethead]

You don’t need to worry about having a slider hitch with a standard bed. The HT models have an angled nose and can be turned almost 90 degrees. I have a 2018 29.5bhds and never use slide. I have a 2020 Chevy 2500hd has on order and I am having a factory non sliding hitch installed

[WA5thwheeler]

First the diesel question: having had two smaller trailers with a gas truck, switched to RAM 2500HD and Eagle 28.5 RLTS and would never go back to gas for towing. The first major mountains you meet will make you glad you spent the extra $$. Seldom need the brakes, & can easily tow uphill at speed limits.

The nose high problem was solved with a $400 change to put spring saddles on top of axles rather than make a bunch of smaller adjustments Have a BW hitch but very seldom use the slider. Would probably opt for a long bed rather than the slider if doing it again.

[Bigdomino]

I don’t understand the leveling issue. So what if the trailer is an inch or so off from level? What impact is that going to have? Thanks for educating me on this.

Steve.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by Bigdomino

I don’t understand the leveling issue. So what if the trailer is an inch or so off from level? What impact is that going to have? Thanks for educating me on this.

Steve.

Theoretically it puts more load on the fivers rear tires. I am a bit unlevel but don't worry about it since I have an Eagle HT model (light) with 16" Goodyear Endurance tires with a higher load rating than the factory 15" Chinabombs.

[PEEWEEH]

I tow a 2020 eagle by 25.5 reok behind a 06 gov 2500hd4x4 6l gas. It does fine. A bigger gas tank would be nice but packing an xtra 5gallons in a can is ez. Figure the cost this way: dollars per mile. Not miles per gallon. Gas always wins unless your towing 80k pounds

[2nOZ]

Congratulations on your new tow vehicle!

[BLTravels]

It looks like which truck has been answered. The gas versus diesel issue has also been debated since the beginning of time. I think if I hit the mountain areas of the country more often, I would definitely find a way to have a diesel. But the deciding factors for my going with a large gas engine was that I wanted to stay with a 3/4 ton truck, $$$ and most of all but seldom mentioned...the increased payload. You loose a 1000 #s with the diesel and even with a 28.5 and truck fully loaded for camping...I am just safely short of my max. The diesel would put me way over the safety margin. If I hit the mountains on a regular basis and wanted a diesel, I would have to go to a 1 ton truck. But right now it is almost scary that I hardly know that the 28.5 is behing me it tows so well with my combination. I am also not level and with the help of so many here on the forum have made some adjustments and the next is to go to 16" wheels. But the key for me was that once I loaded up truck and camper everything moved closer to level dramatically and again thanks to the forum telling me being a little unlevel isn't critical IF you are not adding excess weight on the rear axles. Adding a TPMS helped me monitor and see that the rear tires heat up no more than the front which is a big plus. Next is to hit the scales to be sure of all weights. Good luck with your new setup.

[Pammac36]

Nice truck! You will love it!

[Cenvalleysteel]

Originally Posted by 02camp

Decisions, decisions, decisions... My brain is in overload with so many questions. I'm thinking about buying an HT 28.5RSTS that is on a dealer's lot with some very nice options like back up camera and solar. But some things I just don't understand. The first thing I don't get is he didn't go with the 16" tire upgrade. With 15" tires, will I be able to get the camper to ride level attached to an F-250/350 or Ram 2500/3500? A few other things left me scratching my head but can easily be overcome. I haven't purchased the TV yet. But that leads to more help or advise. I'd like to stick with either the Ford 7.3 gas or Hemi 6.4. I really want to stay away from a diesel since it will spend most of it's time parked in the driveway which I think is not good. I've been told diesels want to be worked. I know the gassers are fine on flat roads but how will these do in the hills? Then finally how much of an angle can I achieve with a non slider B&W Companion hitch without blowing out my back glass? I really don't want a back breaking slider hitch to take in and out of the bed. My second choice would be the Pullrite 2600 similar to the Andersen.

We have a Ram 2500 4X4 Short Bed with the Pullrite slider for our HTX 5er. It didn't come with the 16's but I will add them when I need to replace the tires. I would rather have steel wheels so the wheel exchange won't bother me one bit. I installed a correct track system which raised the 5er 2" but it needs a little more to ride level. I could probably drop the pin another hole and gain another inch or so too. There is 7" of bed clearance now. Tows great and I can get a full 90 degrees turn if needed.

[F350guy]

Originally Posted by 02camp

Well, the tow vehicle question has been answered, meet Blanche.

Is it a 6.2 or 7.3?

[02camp]

Originally Posted by F350guy

Is it a 6.2 or 7.3?

She has the 7.3 Godzilla. Named her Blanche. Still no fiver to pull but getting closer.

[02camp]

Settled on the camper today... Ordered a 2021 Eagle HT 27RS. This floorplan is almost identical to the 28.5RSTS except no closet slide and no outdoor kitchen. Dealer says 8-12 week delivery time. This is a conservative time estimate. Only decision left is which hitch. Looking tomorrow at a B&W Companion Slider. I'm debating between that, the Companion non-slider, Pullrite 2600 or the Andersen Ultimate. If I go with the slider, that's where it will stay.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by 02camp

Settled on the camper today... Ordered a 2021 Eagle HT 27RS. This floorplan is almost identical to the 28.5RSTS except no closet slide and no outdoor kitchen. Dealer says 8-12 week delivery time. This is a conservative time estimate. Only decision left is which hitch. Looking tomorrow at a B&W Companion Slider. I'm debating between that, the Companion non-slider, Pullrite 2600 or the Andersen Ultimate. If I go with the slider, that's where it will stay.

I will never have another back breaking heavy hitch. Got an Andersen Ultimate and happy as can be with it. I can remove it in 5 minutes and hang it on the wall when I'm not using it all by myself.

[TxLoser]

Andersen Ultimate or Non-Slider B&W. With the front cap design as it is, you really don’t need a slider.

[02camp]

Thanks for the good reviews on AUH. I am concerned with possibly voiding the warranty on the frame. I understand Andersen's warranty. I've got a little time to make my decision. I guess I should have the same warranty concerns with the Pullrite 2600. There is a used "like new" Companion Slider an individual has for sale locally. Just waiting for a time that works for both of us to go have a look.