Jim Norman wrote: It is refreshing to see a thread with realistic MPG numbers. Our rig averages just over 6.3MPG. Interesting is that it all depends on where I buy gas. Last trip out NJ Gas, I got 6.3, coming home with West VA gas, I got about 7.6. This is while towing my Jeep Liberty.
The Ford V10 does the job nicely. Never at a disadvantage.
This is good to know. As I stand next to this massive rig, I have to question if that small of an engine can really handle this much size.
We have the 2011 Georgetown 350 bunkhouse and I tow our 4-door Jeep with plenty of power to spare. Our last long trip I averaged 6.6 MPG going from Little Rock to Mystic, CT. I use the Aventa LX tow bar from Blue Ox thats rated for 10,000; overkill, but better that in under.
I don't understand why someone would go out and buy something new that you know you will overload. If it were me and I just had to have this MH, I would ask the dealer to upgrade the hitch to a 7500 lb one and make sure you get the documentation DANGLE THE CARROTT.
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow Golden's Daktari Cavalier King Charles (fur Bearing Children)
Dog Trainer wrote: I don't understand why someone would go out and buy something new that you know you will overload. If it were me and I just had to have this MH, I would ask the dealer to upgrade the hitch to a 7500 lb one and make sure you get the documentation DANGLE THE CARROTT.
Nice thought, but I bet the dealer will say no way, and refuse to do this. Way, way, WAY too much liability there. IIRC from when I researched this, there is not even a hitch receiver made to fit the newer F53 chassis with any more than the 5k rating. You'd be looking at having some custom fabrication/welding in order to do this, as some other posters had done.
I also just bought a 2012 Georgetown MH with bunks (see signature). Excellent choice, BTW, you will love it. I also at one point was considering towing our vehicle on a trailer behind it. I can definitely understand the reasons you'd want to go that route, I did, too! However, even for as strong as the F53 chassis is, I have to agree with what others have said - towing 6500 lbs behind a 22k V10 MH chassis is just NOT a good idea. Either get a dolly, or set your vehicle up for 4 down towing. That, or if you must use the trailer, step up to a DP coach thats rated to handle that much weight.
Why? As some have alluded to, beefing up the 5k limited hitch receiver is just the beginning. You ALSO have to make sure any extensions to the frame that Forest River puts on, is up to the task of handling the extra tongue weight you're going to put on it beyond the 500 lbs Ford rated it for. With a 6500 lb trailer, you will have a minimum of 650-700 lbs of tongue weight, probably more like 900.
Here'e the other big one, and the main reason I nixed the trailer idea: Remember, tongue weight on the end of a long overhang like a MH has, puts a LOT of extra weight on the rear axle! Unless you are very, very careful with how you load the MH itself, you could easily overload the rear axle and put yourself at greater risk for tire blowouts, handling issues, premature suspension wear, etc. Soooo, if you must do this, plan on possibly doing some (expensive!) suspension (and possibly tire) upgrades as well to address the extra load on the rear axle. That, or plan on traveling light, loading carefully, and several trips to the scales to verify you're not overloading the rear axle.
..Also, there is a good chance you'll be past the 26k GCWR limitation of the MH chassis. While that one probably isn't quite as big a concern, it does mean you are asking the drivetrain to handle more weight than Ford recommended for it. I will agree that the V10 and torqueshift transmission is a great drivetrain, and very powerful. It may well handle that load without a problem, but it may not, either. 26k is a LOT of weight, I'd rather not ask the V10 to handle more than that. Any more than that, and you really should be looking for a diesel.
My vote is, get a dolly, tow the vehicle 4 down, or step up to a DP that is rated for that much weight. The Georgetown bunk models are really cool, you're gonna love it (we love ours!). I'd hate to see you tear one up before its time.
Will & Angela
2 children that love camping, Stephen & Allison
2012 FR Georgetown 351DS on F53 (V10) Chassis Our Rig
dalehelman wrote: Have a certified welding shop reinforce your frame and hitch to 10,000lb. Be sure to keep the paper work for the job. It cost me around $800 six years ago.
Exactly what I did, threw in an equaizer hitch, and I converted the trailer brakes to discs on both axles. It stops on a dime and gives back a nickel in change.
Toolman and/or dalehelman: Can either of you elaborate some, on what all was done to your MH chassis to allow this? I researched this once, was not able to find where anyone even makes a receiver for the F53 with more than 5k rating. Did they custom fabricate one, or beef up the existing one? Did they do anything to beef up the rest of the chassis? Who did the work for you?
Did you weigh and verify that you weren't overloading the rear axle with the (loaded) trailer hitched up, and MH fully loaded? Did you have to do any suspension upgrades to address that?
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