Eagle HT Series - Truck

Planemaker · 08-19-2018, 02:42 PM

My wife and I are looking at getting into traveling the country as we near retirement. Initially, we will be taking short trips closer to home in the Midwest for practice and then take longer trips (4 to 6 weeks) across the US.

We've been looking at TT's for a several weeks now and yesterday saw the Eagle HT 27.5RLTS which fits most of our wants.

With the 5th wheel trailer decision done, now it's time to turn my attention to the truck that will be pulling the trailer.

I'm looking at either a Ram 2500 or F250 with a diesel option. It appears as though the diesel option significantly reduces the payload capacity of the truck (2,440 pounds in the case of the 2500 and I have yet to find an answer for the F250). When combined with a hitch weight of 1,560 pounds and an estimated hitch weight of 250 pounds and passenger weight of 350 pounds, there is precious little left over for cargo.

This leaves me with two choices:
1. Upgrade to Ram 3500 or F350 - diesel
or
2. Go with a gas powered rig

Was wondering if the fine folks on this forum might weigh in with some real world experiences and recommendations for either option.

oldmanAZ · 08-19-2018, 02:53 PM

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on, finding the right trailer, paying attention to tow vehicle PAYLOAD, up coming retirement, and becoming a RVers!

If you search the forum, you'll find lots of info/opinions on gas vs diesel. IMO, neither answer is wrong, but there are pros and cons to each. In the end, it will depend upon your preferences and uses. Enjoy the journey!

triplebvalp · 08-19-2018, 03:16 PM

Planemaker, See my sig for our rig. I am happy with the gasser however, have not pulled in any significant mountains. I suspect the gasser will struggle somewhat but would do the job. In retrospect, I kinda wish I had opted for a diesel and if I were going diesel, it would be a 3500 because of the payload issue. My gasser payload is 2723lbs. BTW, I think you might be over estimating the weight of the FW hitch.

NewBlackDak · 08-19-2018, 03:16 PM

An eagle UT is a near perfect match for a diesel 2500.

robkelly · 08-19-2018, 03:35 PM

Welcome!

My suggestion is to go with the 3500 diesel right off the bat. That way you’re covered if you decide to go with a bigger rig - don’t ask me how I know ��

sobuck1 · 08-19-2018, 03:49 PM

I ordered my truck, 6.2 gasser, 8 ft bed, 430 gears, Sunroof power mirrors, my payload is 3652 I pull a HT RSTS 28.5 never a problem with power , BTW I opted for 2 WD I don'nt go off roading

Planemaker · 08-19-2018, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sobuck1

I ordered my truck, 6.2 gasser, 8 ft bed, 430 gears, Sunroof power mirrors, my payload is 3652 I pull a HT RSTS 28.5 never a problem with power , BTW I opted for 2 WD I don'nt go off roading

Opting for a 2 WD certainly reduces price significantly for a 3500.

Planemaker · 08-19-2018, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robkelly

Welcome!

My suggestion is to go with the 3500 diesel right off the bat. That way you’re covered if you decide to go with a bigger rig - don’t ask me how I know ��

I like how you think, I've been looking at used 3500 with 2WD and they seem to be reasonably price.

I don't intend to go off road and this will be used exclusively to pull the trailer. Hence no need for 4wd.

GHen · 08-19-2018, 05:10 PM

We have a 2017 Chevy 2500 diesel and a 2017 Eagle 291 rsts. It tows like it not even behind me, up major NW passes and with the Allison transmission and exhaust brakes I hardly ever touch the brakes going down the steepest grades. A perfect match in my opinion. It would have only been a few thousand more for a 3500 and I kinda wish it upgraded, but only because I might get a bigger 5th.
Your 27.5 is a few thousand pounds lighter than mine, you won’t regret the purchase of a Chevy 2500. All the big three truck makers make great trucks now, lol even RAM is way better than it was in the past.

When checking hitch weight, did you actually check the weights on a loaded rig? With full water behind the axels you may find its set up just fine. Mine is...

2nOZ · 08-19-2018, 05:11 PM

We have the 2018 28.5 Eagle HT pulling it with a 2017 F250 4X4 gasser 6.5’ bed. (See signature). 3000 lb payload. We are very happy with our set up. Our pin weight is 1960 lbs as weighed loaded for camping. Hitch weighs 147 pounds. The F250 diesel 4X4 has a payload of around 2100 lbs. we looked at them before deciding in the gasser. It may be difficult to find a 4x2 around the area and then again, maybe not. I have used the 4WD drive once pulling the camper up a gravel incline from our camping spot at a Yogi Bear campground. We are very close to you so feel free to PM me is you like.

REWahoo · 08-19-2018, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planemaker

Was wondering if the fine folks on this forum might weigh in with some real world experiences and recommendations for either option.

See my sig.

We've not had any problem staying under weight requirements with our 2500HD (2,400 payload capacity) but that's because we try to limit (within reason) how much we load in the truck and RV, then pay attention to how we distribute weight in the trailer.

If you don't want to be concerned about any of that, get the one-ton diesel.

EDIT: 4WD has come in handy getting in/out of campsites on a few occasions.

Jim Smyth · 08-19-2018, 05:40 PM

I am like you and started the retirement circuit last year. I pulled into Camp today with our 2017 Jayco 28.5 on the banks of the Mississippi River in Lacrosse, Wi. I went small to start with a F150 Eco and a 28' Rockwood last November. Didnt turn out good and didnt pull well at all. So 4 months later I took the hit and traded it in for a F350 Diesel. We then traded in our Rockwood for what we really wanted (33' Jayco) but settled for the Rockwood due to weight. I now have no issues towing 10K, gets good gas mileage, doesnt squat and has a 3550# Payload. We couldnt be happier. The 350 verse the 250 isnt much more money wise for a whole heck of a lot of Payload. Really think out what you want to accomplish and dont make the mistakes I made.

2naEagle · 08-19-2018, 09:53 PM

If you decide to go diesel go with a 3500/350 SRW.
The truck will drive as good a 2500/250 except when you are towing then it will drive better.

IMHO the diesel will make you a lot better truck.

NewBlackDak · 08-19-2018, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2naEagle

If you decide to go diesel go with a 3500/350 SRW.

The truck will drive as good a 2500/250 except when you are towing then it will drive better.

IMHO the diesel will make you a lot better truck.

This isn’t true with a Ram. The 2500 has a much better ride.

RedHorse1 · 08-20-2018, 07:17 AM

IMHO the payload is useful as a starting point for weight analysis but doesn’t really tell the story. The weight of a 5th sits almost on top of the rear axle and has little effect on the front axle other than changing the steering geometry by causing the rear to squat. While you can be under on the payload you could still overload the rear axle.
That said, I believe a 3/4T will work well for your HT. If you think a larger 5th might be in your future (check your crystal ball��) go with the 1T, price jump is pretty small.
Gas/diesel is a toss up. We went diesel and I love it. Diesel is heavier and more $$ to purchase and maintain but gets great mileage and is very reliable.
Our 6.7 is an OX and it loves to pull.

Skidawg · 08-20-2018, 10:13 AM

I am really surprised the weight police did not pop into this decision making process. Oh well. 2500 gas or diesel and you will be fine. Make/model is up to you and your pocket. I like the RAM's. I say that because they do ride better empty than most other trucks. I also like diesel due to the mileage you get. Again, make/model is your preference but I would as others have, suggest a diesel. As you become accustom to the life on the road, you will appreciate the fact that you went with a diesel. Just my .02. SKIDAWG

richie t · 08-20-2018, 10:39 AM

I have a Dodge Ram 2500 long bed crew cab gasser. Pull a 2017 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5RSTS. No problems towing. Hardly feels like you're towing anything.

Ruth · 08-20-2018, 11:16 AM

Planemaker, See my sig for our tv. We tow mostly in NH and have had no problems. We will be using our new truck next month which is a 2018 Silverado 2500HD High Country. Should not be much different but we will see..

TxLoser · 08-20-2018, 11:37 AM

I think the 2500's are perfect for the HT line. Should be called the 3QT line. I think a gas model would be fine too if geared properly. That being said, we just did Colorado and the added range, less engine noise, and exhaust brake brought a real smile to my face. A gas engine would do the job too. Either way you'll get where your going.

Planemaker · 08-20-2018, 11:41 AM

I really appreciate all of the input from all of you.

At this point, I'm set on going with a diesel. With regards to the F250/2500 or the F350/3500, I'm still a bit on the fence but, I'm heavily leaning toward the F350/3500 because it seems to take the margin for error out of the equation.

Being somewhat novices is seems to me having one less thing to worry about is a good idea.

Good news is that we are several months away from pulling the trigger and still doing our research so, there is time to explore the used market and find a bargain.

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