Tow vehicle for your Eagle HT28.5rsts

[Packerbacker_TX]

Originally Posted by jamer

Taking delivery of our 2018 HT 28.5 RSTS this week. Upped the tv to a 2016 250 super duty Lariat 3.73 rear 8 ft box, screw, gasser. Had a 2014 150 Platinum screw 3.31 rear, eco boost twin turbo. Not nearly enough to tow the HT. Yes, they all say half ton towable, but personally I would rather have more towing capacity with a 3/4 ton.

Jamer - I really do feel like the "HT" is false advertising on the most part. Finding a half ton truck that can actually tow this beast is like looking for a Unicorn. We just got our loaded Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS and here's the sticker info:

GVWR: 10,130
GAWR (FRONT): 5,145
GAWR (REAR): 5,145
Tires: ST235/85R16E (80 PSI)
Yellow sticker - Recreational Vehicle Trailer Cargo Carrying Capacity should never exceed 685 LBS. Caution: A full load of water equals 357 LBS of cargo.
The weight of this recreational vehicle trailer as completed at the factory with full propane and generator fuel is 9,445 LBS.
The GCWR of this recreational vehicle trailer is 13,130 LBS.

My 2015 F150 XLT had a max tow package rated around 11,500lbs and a payload capacity of 1,699lbs. While it might have pulled this beast, it would be way over on payload capacity. If you do some simple math, take the GVWR x 20% to get the approximate king pin weight (2,026 lbs). Throw in passengers, dog, cooler, stuff and it's more like 850 lbs. over payload (or 120% capacity).

If you did have one of those 2WD, single cab, long bed max payload/max towing unicorns, you may just get away with it. Personally, I'd rather have too much truck than not enough truck when towing. My F250 affords me a payload of 3,029 lbs., not to mention the beefier suspension.

[AK49er]

Originally Posted by Packerbacker_TX

We're back from our maiden voyage to the coast and130 miles of first timer fun! I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with the way the 5'r handles with the Andersen hitch and the Morryde pin box/king pin. Everything just swivels off that pivot point. It didn't feel like the trailer was pushing me around. We passed a few semi trucks and I didn't even notice. I'm giving this trip 2 thumbs up!!

Good for you! Did you happen to notice how much bed clearance you had when fully loaded? Were you able to tow level? One other thing that was brought to my attention was the distance from the rear jack to ground, that was with auto levelers. I was hoping for a good report with the Anderson hitch and you confirmed it. Thank-you.

[Packerbacker_TX]

Originally Posted by AK49er

Good for you! Did you happen to notice how much bed clearance you had when fully loaded? Were you able to tow level? One other thing that was brought to my attention was the distance from the rear jack to ground, that was with auto levelers. I was hoping for a good report with the Anderson hitch and you confirmed it. Thank-you.

Regarding bed clearance, the Andersen hitch allows you to adjust the ball up or down. I set the ball to the middle setting and the 5'r was level in the front. Also, the rear jacks sit a bit lower than the front but you still have plenty of clearance.

[AK49er]

Thank-you for your time. Enjoy!

[Quick Step]

We are picking up our 2017 28.5 on Thursday and will be pulling with a 2015 F250 6.2L CC SB 3.73 rear along with a B&W 16K Patriot hitch. But we don't have the 16" tires. Will that make very much of a difference as far as being level when towing?

[Chrisb-24]

We have a 2016, 28.5 RSTS and I pull it with a 2012 Chevy 1500, with a 5.3L I have installed the firestone ride-right air bag system which is a must. I haven't had any trouble pulling it so far. We went to Las Vegas back in March and there was some serious hills we had to go over but had no issues. We will be upgrading to a new pickup next year but I'm staying with the Chevy 1500 1/2 Ton but I will order it with the 6.2L engine. Chevy doesn't offer the 6.2L gaser in a 3/4 Ton and it's about $7500.00 more than the 1/2 Ton. I'm not a desiel fan for the price and maintance cost.
Have a great day Bud and I hope this helps you.

[Packerbacker_TX]

Originally Posted by Chrisb-24

We have a 2016, 28.5 RSTS and I pull it with a 2012 Chevy 1500, with a 5.3L I have installed the firestone ride-right air bag system which is a must. I haven't had any trouble pulling it so far. We went to Las Vegas back in March and there was some serious hills we had to go over but had no issues. We will be upgrading to a new pickup next year but I'm staying with the Chevy 1500 1/2 Ton but I will order it with the 6.2L engine. Chevy doesn't offer the 6.2L gaser in a 3/4 Ton and it's about $7500.00 more than the 1/2 Ton. I'm not a desiel fan for the price and maintance cost.
Have a great day Bud and I hope this helps you.

A quick look and it seems like there isn't much that's changed regarding this Jayco model trailer over the years with same type layout and features. The specs suggest the unloaded king pin weight is 1,657 lbs which seems a bit light. A quick google on that model Chevy and it looks like the upper end of the payload is 1,950 lbs. So even if this was an unloaded trailer w/no cargo and your Chevy has the MAX payload available, that only leaves you enough for your hitch and a driver before your maxed out. Not pointing any fingers but I think most people like to give themselves a little wiggle room if they can. Air bags won't do anything for payload and all half tons use light duty floating axles.

Don't feel too bad, I had a nice 2015 F150 3.5L EB w/max tow package and payload was only 1,699 lbs. I'm sure I could pull it all day but I was way under on payload, so I got an F250. Good luck and drive safe amigo!

[repacs0103]

Originally Posted by Quick Step

We are picking up our 2017 28.5 on Thursday and will be pulling with a 2015 F250 6.2L CC SB 3.73 rear along with a B&W 16K Patriot hitch. But we don't have the 16" tires. Will that make very much of a difference as far as being level when towing?

If your truck is a 2wd you will have zero issues. If it's a 4x4 you will likely be a bit nose high but nothing that dropping to the lower holes on the spring hangers can't mostly take care of.




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[richie t]

Tow our 28.5 RSTS with a 2015 Dodge Ram 2500 long bed; gas without any problems. Definitely go with a 3/4 ton.

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[jamer]

Congrats on the purchase! We have an Eagle HT 28.5 and tow with a 2016 250 Ford Super Duty, 4x4,crew cab, long bed, 6.2 L gasser. Had a 2014 Platinum F150 was a beautiful truck but not for the new coach. So upgraded to the Super Duty. So far all is good.l Heading to Colorado in a month. Florida Trip Nov. for 3 months. Go with a least a 3/4 or 1 ton. You will not be sorry.

[Newt5005]

I have a 2017 Eagke ht 28.5. My tow vehicle is a 2009 Dodge quad cab diesel. I purchased the truck to tow my older Jayco, a 2006 Eagle 291rlts, which I no longer own. The truck pulls and stops the 28.5 like a dream. Much more truck than it needs. Hope my input helps

[videoguy]

We tow our 17 28.5 RSTS with a 16 Silverado 2500 6.0l gas engine and couldn't be happier with this combo. Our RV has 16 inch wheels but my truck has taller than stock tires so It tows just a bit nose high but I have no issues.

I was a little worried that I might regret not getting the diesel, but after towing our 5er several times totaling over 1500 miles, I can say that I made the right decision getting the gasser!

Good luck with your TV shopping!

[JeremiahM]

Originally Posted by videoguy

We tow our 17 28.5 RSTS with a 16 Silverado 2500 6.0l gas engine and couldn't be happier with this combo. Our RV has 16 inch wheels but my truck has taller than stock tires so It tows just a bit nose high but I have no issues.

I was a little worried that I might regret not getting the diesel, but after towing our 5er several times totaling over 1500 miles, I can say that I made the right decision getting the gasser!

Good luck with your TV shopping!

Not a dig on you because I love diesels, but I am curious what makes you feel so strong you made the right choice with the gasser and not the diesel, again, truly just curious, not starting a p###ing match.

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[Packerbacker_TX]

Originally Posted by JeremiahM

Not a dig on you because I love diesels, but I am curious what makes you feel so strong you made the right choice with the gasser and not the diesel, again, truly just curious, not starting a p###ing match.



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When I was comparing F250's at Ford, I gave some thought to my gas vs. diesel options. Here's what I concluded for myself:

* The FORD diesel puts out 440HP and 900 torque.

* The FORD gas puts out 385HP and 430 torque.

* The diesel option was about $10K more expensive with higher maintenance.

* Fuel costs are about the same for gas and diesel right now.

* I believe the diesel engine weighs more, thus lower payload rating.



I decided on the 6.2L gasser because ultimately I didn't need that much power/torque for my 5'r and I didn't like the extra expense that comes with a diesel. Does that mean diesels aren't worth the trouble? Heck no! If you need a real work truck, I'd get a diesel. If you're towing a camper around on the occasional weekend, gas will do fine.

[videoguy]

Originally Posted by JeremiahM

Not a dig on you because I love diesels, but I am curious what makes you feel so strong you made the right choice with the gasser and not the diesel, again, truly just curious, not starting a p###ing match.

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For me the cons against a diesel were; initial cost, maintenance costs, reduced payload with 6.6 2500, DEF, potential emissions and injector issues. I love the sound of a v8 vs diesel the 6.0 is super reliable too.

All that torque and towing mileage sure would be great though. I have never owned or even driven a new deisel so I can't say that I wouldn't get hooked if I did

[JeremiahM]

Originally Posted by Packerbacker_TX

When I was comparing F250's at Ford, I gave some thought to my gas vs. diesel options. Here's what I concluded for myself:

* The FORD diesel puts out 440HP and 900 torque.

* The FORD gas puts out 385HP and 430 torque.

* The diesel option was about $10K more expensive with higher maintenance.

* Fuel costs are about the same for gas and diesel right now.

* I believe the diesel engine weighs more, thus lower payload rating.



I decided on the 6.2L gasser because ultimately I didn't need that much power/torque for my 5'r and I didn't like the extra expense that comes with a diesel. Does that mean diesels aren't worth the trouble? Heck no! If you need a real work truck, I'd get a diesel. If you're towing a camper around on the occasional weekend, gas will do fine.

Valid points from both of you, i still own an older diesel so the maintenance cost isn't much different as mine doesn't have the emissions pieces. Plus, just pulling a few smaller trips, I can see where the upfront cost alone would never be paid, so gas would make sense.

Originally Posted by videoguy

For me the cons against a diesel were; initial cost, maintenance costs, reduced payload with 6.6 2500, DEF, potential emissions and injector issues. I love the sound of a v8 vs diesel the 6.0 is super reliable too.

All that torque and towing mileage sure would be great though. I have never owned or even driven a new deisel so I can't say that I wouldn't get hooked if I did

I too was in this boat, as for sound and all, but then road in a friend's truck while pulling, and he let me drive it. It was over from there, I got hooked on the power, and actually prefer the sound of diesel now too.

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[Archie]

Originally Posted by videoguy

We tow our 17 28.5 RSTS with a 16 Silverado 2500 6.0l gas engine and couldn't be happier with this combo. Our RV has 16 inch wheels but my truck has taller than stock tires so It tows just a bit nose high but I have no issues.

I was a little worried that I might regret not getting the diesel, but after towing our 5er several times totaling over 1500 miles, I can say that I made the right decision getting the gasser!

Good luck with your TV shopping!

I second your rational ! we have a 2017 27.5RLTS HT and the pin weight plus hitch, passengers (scaled) 2400 lbs. I looked at 3/4 2017 GMC diesel and the (door sticker- Combined weight of occupants and cargo) was 2150 lbs. Although our 3/4 2016 6.0 HD has much less torque and HP than a diesel and we won't win the race over the mountain- more importantly we will not be exceeding mfg. spec. We've traveled many times over the Smokey's at 50mph-3200 RPM. Our last Truck and RV- I think we made the right choice also. Certainly believe Diesels are a great choice (1 ton) in the heavier 5ers.

[hyperactive]

Originally Posted by videoguy

We tow our 17 28.5 RSTS with a 16 Silverado 2500 6.0l gas engine and couldn't be happier with this combo. Our RV has 16 inch wheels but my truck has taller than stock tires so It tows just a bit nose high but I have no issues.

I was a little worried that I might regret not getting the diesel, but after towing our 5er several times totaling over 1500 miles, I can say that I made the right decision getting the gasser!

Good luck with your TV shopping!

Hi videoguy, is your Silverado 2 or 4 wheel drive? I have the same camper and am thinking of buying a truck like yours. Does it tow level and are you happy with the 6.0 ?

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[2nOZ]

I tow our 2018 28.5 RSTS Eagle HT with a 2017 F250 Lariat FX4 6.2L gasser.

[videoguy]

My truck is 4 wheel drive. I now have 27,000 miles and still love the 6.0.