RE: Tow speed
Obviously road conditions dictate a lot, but generally, on interstates I'm about 65 mph (though on our recent trip out west, the truck seemed to settle in at 67 mph), on other highways, usually not more than 60-62 mph, again depending on lots of factors. Sometimes slower...
RE: Hensley site and the word JACKKNIFE
"Under the infamous 'bump' conditions...couldn't the TT continue to PUSH the rear of the TV around and cause a JACKNIFE?"
I'm thinking the only way that situation could cause a jacknife would be if you didn't have any TT brakes. The 'bump' happens when the the brakes are applied on the TV and the TT brakes have not engaged to an equal or greater extent (for whatever reason), then the hitch 'slides' over to a side, causing a 'bump'. The reason some experience 'the bump' is because some brake controllers are slower to react to applying the TT brakes after the TV brakes are applied. If the controller has the feature and is properly set up, you won't have 'the bump'.
The only way I think one could experince a jacknife with the Hensley would be if the TT and TV both went out of control at the same time - say, turning on a highway curve, and the road becomes completely iced over. I could see the rig sliding and going out of control. During the course of these movements the TT COULD easily come around and jacknife the rig.
I can't think of any other way...
RE: New to the group
Welcome to the forum! You're wise to seek feedback and opinions before you buy!
Actually, your 2003 Denali has the 6.0 motor. The 6.2 engines started in the newest gen of Denali's and Escalades. As others have said, I agree you should keep the weight of the TT to no more than about 80% of the tow rating, or in your case about 6300 lbs. This, along with the short wheel base Tv (I'm assuming it the Denali, not the XL), will limit you choices for TT's (assuming you want to do this safely). But, there are still plenty out there to fit your needs.
Good luck, keep us 'posted' and ask more questions!
RE: TV & TT.....good match???
You should be okay towing as long as you are using weight-distributing hitch and some type of sway control. I had a Durango with a Hemi and pulled our TT okay, but was straining in the mountains. Too much for my liking, so got a bigger TV/engine. Our TT is a bit lighter than yours and with lower frontal area which should make it easier to pull. As long as you know going into it that you'll have to rev the heck out of the Hemi, and still sometimes might wish for more power in the mountains, you'll be okay. Oh, and much better if you have the 17' wheels rather than the popular 20' wheels on your Ram. The 20's look great, but are not best for towing.
Finally, I think you got a pretty good deal on your TT. There is a dealer in our area who has been advertising the same TT - some for $14,999, some for $14,500 or thereabouts. A lot of TT for the $ !!
Best wishes and enjoy your travels!!
p.s. As another pointed our, be careful to not put too much weight in your TV - watch your GWVR
RE: helping sell a camper
Sheeeessssshhh!
You guys are a little rough on the OP. He was just offering his OPINION. The guy didn't have to take it all in as the TRUTH! Do you believe everything you hear or someone tells you, whether solicited or not? I didn't think so. I think you have to lighten up.
Sure, we all have an ethical responsibility to not tell someone stuff that is misleading or incorrect. But, who could really disagree with what the OP said? Does anyone really think the Tundra would have problems pulling the PUP?? Okay, maybe he crashed the converstion, but maybe he was eager to share his experience and thoughts about the vehicle in question. The prospective buyer didn't have to believe him. Come on...lighten up!
Favorite feature on your TT and why
Just an informal survey of favorite features of your TT. Anything unique or special to your TT??
Your feedback might just get me thinking about something I hadn't run into or thought of...
RE: would this set up work?
More info would be helpful, but even with that said, I think with the info you provided, you should be fine. Big hills and mountains probably will slow you a bit, but flats would be fine. Just watch the GVWR of the van and not load it up like crazy.
RE: Got the new TV! Now need a trailer
Having recently purchased the exact same TV as yours, except for the year and it's a Yukon XL, I can share your excitement. Ours, too, only had 20,000 mi when purchased 3/31/08.
We just returned from a trip to the Tetons, Yellowstone, up to Montana, to the Badlands in South Dakota. The fuel pump went out which caused us to miss a couple days while the TV was being repaired, but otherwise the TV performed flawlessly. Our TT is 5000 lbs dry, probably about 6000 lbs loaded. The truck did not need to downshift for every little incline, yet was willing and able to do so in the mountains. I'd set the cruise on, say 67 mph, if the TV downshifted at about 65 mph, the truck just kept pulling to about 70 mph before it shifted back down. No lack of power. The truck also felt much more stable, being a 3/4 ton, than the Durango with a Hemi we previously owned.
I think the 12,000 lb tow rating is rediculously high, but I wouldn't hesitate buying a TT with a GVW of 10,000 with this TV.
Although I don't like the rougher ride (3/4 Ton), it was a great truck when towing - not having to worry so much about all the stuff you wanted to throw in the TT and TV.
Best wishes and good luck!!
p.s. Just don't expect great mpg - I get about 10 running around (suburbs), 12-14 hwy, 8 towing
p.s.s. One negative comment - the truck sure flexed a lot more when going over bumps than the Durango. The D felt much more solid in that respect.
RE: Suburban 1500 vs Expedition EL
Sounds like you already know that a 2500 Burb, loaded, older style, would be best for TV, based on what you've said. However, given your choice between the newer Burb and Expy, I'd say the Expy would be better due to 6 sp trans. But, because both the Burb and Expy you're considering would be so close in capabilities, it would really come down to your own choice. Just drive them (er, the misses) and see which one she likes the best. Get the one she likes best and wants to drive every day. Then, shopping for your new TT, get one as light as possible to give yourself some 'headroom' with your family of five. I'd say, make more compromises on the TT (maybe a bit smaller or not as much luxo as you'd like, to keep the weight down), to keep it safe for towing, and get the TV, which will serve as your wife's daily driver, the one she likes best.
Good luck!
RE: Yellowstone
Just got back from a trip which included Yellowstone. Yes, it was beautiful, but we actually liked the Tetons better. In YNP, stayed at Fishing Bridge CG, heard it was tight, and boy was it!! I guess we're just used to some of the state parks that give you lots of room. On the way back we stayed at Custer State Park, SD - great big sites. The tight sites at YNP were fine, I guess, because we didn't spend much time there. Hope you have a great trip!
RE: TT Newbie
Welcome to the forum! No dumb questions here. Maybe some 'dumb' replies! LOL. Hopefully this isn't one of them!
I agree with what's been said so far, not too much to add, except - most of your concern about parking/storing trailer on grass is not so much about the TT but the conditions at the time you want to move it. Example - you store if for the winter, spring comes along and you want to take out the TT. However, due to spring thaw, grass is wet, soft, even muddy in places. You should be able to get it out most of the time with 4x4, but it could be a big mess and chew up the grass a lot. Just sometime to be aware of.
Hope you continue to enjoy your TT!!
RE: Am I crazy? '01 Suburban LT 2500 Autoglide 8.1L - UPDATE
Yes, they did/do put Allisons in TRUCKS but NOT EVER in Suburbans/Yukon XL's. I got mine 3/31/08, '04 4x4 with 20k/mi for $21,500. No leather and sunroof but everything else, most importantly to me, 8.1 with 4.10 rear end. So far, 10 mpg in city, haven't done highway only yet. 8 mpg towing. Like it a lot - came from an '05 Durango HEMI.
RE: Anyone cutting their vacation short?
I agree with you crapie_fisherman. I have had it with worrying about the price of fuel. Most of the people who own RV's work too hard all year to spend their vacation sitting home. I went in today and told them at work I am taking a week off to camp this fall. I'll cut out a trip or two to WalMart, brew my own coffee instead of getting it at McDonalds, pack my lunch each day, drink tap water instead of bottled, whatever it takes to get out and have some fun before I am too old to go.
EXACTLY!
