Ask an honest question...

[Iraqvet05]

A guy responded to my Facebook Marketplace ad where I’m selling my TT. He asked if the camper was 1/2 ton towable and I replied “it depends”.

I don’t want to put someone in the position of buying a camper that’s too heavy for their vehicle. I sort of fell victim to that when we bought our 26BH and the salesman said “it will tow with no problem “. Well, not all 1500s/F150s are created equally and some tow that 5,000 lb brick with little issue where others struggle. Little did I know that the 1500 Silverado I had with the 5.3, 4 speed transmission and 3.42 gears would turn out to be a lackluster towing combo. I sold that truck after one towing season and went to a more capable truck and never looked back.

The guy sounded inexperienced but he had a 2018 1500 Silverado. If equipped with the V8 and a 6 or 8 speed, he’s probably way ahead of the game more than I was with my Silverado. I gave him the dry weight of my TT and suggested he join here or RV.net and ask questions.

I’m not in a hurry to sell my camper, I just hope someone with little experience will take the time to do some leg work and make informed buying decisions so they can enjoy the camper as much as I have.

[Crabman]

You did the right thing, since he asked. There are hundreds of combinations and variables in half ton trucks.

[TCNashville]

When I sell the Eagle the add will state that you must have a 3/4 ton truck to tow/purchase this trailer @ 8700lbs dry with 1225lbs on the tongue. You're doing the right thing Iraqvet05.

[jaycojay]

The Silverado will tow the 26BH. We tow ours with it's little brother , the Colorado!

[Tumbleweed44]

Iraqvet05...Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

[BJR]

Originally Posted by jaycojay

The Silverado will tow the 26BH. We tow ours with it's little brother , the Colorado!

In many configurations the 1500 will tow less than 7,000 by the ratings. 3.08 gears are common at one of our local dealerships and there is no combination of motor/cab that gets you over 7,000 lb.


If I were on the other side I'd appreciate not buying something that my truck struggles with (especially a 2018 truck I am not going to want to upgrade anytime soon)

[Hangar11]

I contacted my Dodge Dealer and he sent me a very detailed vehicle / towing info sheet.
Very specific down to the weight dist, tongue weight , max weight etc.
My TT dealer said my truck could handle the TT we were buying. Hey was correct according to the chart, BUT we only had 400 pounds to spare. A bit too tight for me....
The dealer sheet was helpful.... BUT, common sense applies here too... Buyer needs to understand, if your running a rig at near max weight everything needs to be right, brakes, tires , load balance , etc.

[wabirch]

Hats off to you, good way to represent.

[Hangar11]

Originally Posted by Hangar11

I contacted my Dodge Dealer and he sent me a very detailed vehicle / towing info sheet.
Very specific down to the weight dist, tongue weight , max weight etc.
My TT dealer said my truck could handle the TT we were buying. Hey was correct according to the chart, BUT we only had 400 pounds to spare. A bit too tight for me....
The dealer sheet was helpful.... BUT, common sense applies here too... Buyer needs to understand, if your running a rig at near max weight everything needs to be right, brakes, tires , load balance , etc.

EDIT attached the pdf from the dealer, maybe someone else can use it...

[Crabman]

And of course never focus only on the tow weight rating. Many vehicles will run out of payload long before they reach the max tow rating. Many manufacturers and even consumers tout an impressive tow rating but ignore payload.

[cekkk]

Good for you !

[Octopus Prime]

Glad you were honest with him as also directed him to where he can get good info.

Looks like you're moving to a bigger camper. What have you decided on?
I remember you saying your older child was feeling closed-in when using the bunks.

[Atlee]

I discouraged a couple from buying my former trailer. I really wanted to sell my trailer, but couldn't in good faith sell it to this couple. They clearly did not have enough truck to pull my trailer. It was a mid-sized Toyota pick-up. This young couple was definitely not very well versed in towing trailers.

[Iraqvet05]

Originally Posted by Octopus Prime

Glad you were honest with him as also directed him to where he can get good info.

Looks like you're moving to a bigger camper. What have you decided on?
I remember you saying your older child was feeling closed-in when using the bunks.

We are leaning toward a 28BHBE or 28BHS but need to visit the dealer with the kids to walk thru those floor models.

[Siamese]

Yeah, it'd be difficult to tell someone their under-sized vehicle would be up to the task.

If they were new to trailering, I would probably tell them, NEVER NEVER take towing advice from the seller, whether it's a dealer or a private seller. Unbiased information is available online. I'll sell you the trailer, but it's up to you to determine whether your vehicle is appropriate.

[Octopus Prime]

Originally Posted by Atlee

I discouraged a couple from buying my former trailer. I really wanted to sell my trailer, but couldn't in good faith sell it to this couple. They clearly did not have enough truck to pull my trailer. It was a mid-sized Toyota pick-up. This young couple was definitely not very well versed in towing trailers.

Glad you were honest with them. Towing is one of those things few of us know going in.

[bdreinv]

Uhh don't for get the driver also! Thanks

[Ford ECO]

One other thing to check on is the wind resistance chart most

[Ford ECO]

One other important thing to check on is the wind resistance chart. Most TV manufactures publish one. Weight is one thing , wind resistance is another thing entirely .