My husband & I are looking at our first experience with owning a TT. We found one that we love, but I'm scared to death of towing it. Some of the research/dealers/salesman say we're just fine and within the limits of our truck. However, Google results and forums have me terrified.
Here's the setup: we're looking at a 29' TT with a dry weight of 5050 lbs. We've got a WD hitch and anti-sway bars. My husband drives a 2007 Nissan Titan XE 4x4 withOUT the big tow package. According to the owners manual we are set up to tow 6500 lbs. We are buying this camper not for long haul camping, mainly just trips within 2 hours of home with other family members and friends. I'm not sure what other specs I would need to include, but does this seem like too much for our truck? I know you must get posts like this constantly, so I appreciate your input. I'd rather be safe than sorry before we sign the paperwork on it. This is what I've come up with so far, I tried to be liberal on weights of cargo/stuff.
I think you are pushing it with the weight. The Titan's 6500 tow capacity is probably with one 150# person driving and no gas in the tank! If that's the case, all your stuff and other people weight needs to come off the towing capacity.
"Can" you do it? Probably, especially given you live in the flatlands of FL. "Should" you do it and risk an overloaded truck, potential poor handling, and premature wear & tear on your truck? Your choice!
You have done some good homework...I'd verify a couple numbers before making the move to buy.
Todd
Todd
1993 Ford E-350 pushed by a 1988 Wilderness 24' TT
If it had the big tow package, yes. I do not know what the package includes that raises tow rating by 4000 pounds. They all have the same engine and trans. Axle ratio maybe? Trans cooler? I say as long as you get a good transmission cooler, you are probably good with that RV.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS 2012 VW Passat TDI
APT wrote: If it had the big tow package, yes. I do not know what the package includes that raises tow rating by 4000 pounds. They all have the same engine and trans. Axle ratio maybe? Trans cooler? I say as long as you get a good transmission cooler, you are probably good with that RV.
Big tow package includes tranny cooler, tanny temp guage, tow mirrors, heavy duty battery, and 3:36 rear end. Non - big tow has 2:93 rear end. Difference between the two, like comparing 3:73 to 4:10.
OP - Yes, you should consider adding the trans cooler. You are pushing it on TT weight vs tow capacity. Your tranny is going to get HOT. Your list of esitmated weights should include 100 lbs for the WD hitch and sway bars. Your estimated passenger / cargo weight in the truck, does not leave enough payload capacity to handle the TT tongue weight. Your tongue weight could go as high as 900 lbs.
Go out and weigh the whole setup loaded ready to go camping.
Weigh it axle by axle
Then look up the specifications of your TV, as that is what it is rated for.
There are somethings not easily or able to add after the fact. Factory
tow options also has stuff like larger alternator, battery, and the
biggie...software in the ECU (engine control unit).
Also, decide if you believe in the ratings or not.
If not, then do whatever you wish, but know that that is risk management decision
AKA...gambling
Made up this diagram from another members diagram that shows the relationship
of all the specifications/limits/ratings/etc. They all play together in concert
and are not stand alone ratings. howmuchcanitow
This is a good thread of another with a similar to your situation. This might
help you figure out your setup
[url=http://forums.woodalls.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26116259/gotomsg/26117195.cfm#26117195]Tow Vehicle for a Large Family and Hybrid [url]
-Ben Picture of my rig
1996 GMC SLT Suburban 3/4 ton K3500/7.4L/4:1/+150Kmiles orig owner...
1980 Chevy Silverado C10/long bed/"BUILT" 5.7L/3:73/1 ton helper springs/+329Kmiles, bought it from dad...
1998 Mazda B2500 (1/2 ton) pickup, 2nd owner...
Praise Dyno Brake equiped and all have "nose bleed" braking!
Previous trucks/offroaders: 40's Jeep restored in mid 60's / 69 DuneBuggy (approx +1K lb: VW pan/200hpCorvair: eng, cam, dual carb'w velocity stacks'n 18" runners, 4spd transaxle) made myself from ground up / 1970 Toyota FJ40 / 1973 K5 Blazer (2dr Tahoe, 1 ton axles front/rear, +255K miles when sold it)...
Sold the boat (looking for another): Trophy with twin 150's...
51 cylinders in household, what's yours?...
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