daveengstrand
luck wi.
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Joined: 03/01/2006
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It boils down to whether or not you want to stay within mfgr's capacities. Our 38RL3 weighed 15,400 empty and 18,300 as we have it loaded going down the road. We have 4000 on the pin. Even a F350 with Tow Boss isn't rated for that in all categories. I'm sure it would pull it just fine but, it would be over the cargo capacity of the truck and GAWR of the rear which is actually limited more by the tires than the axle itself. Some are not willing to go over ratings at all, some by a few lbs., and some will go way over. Each has to make that decision for themselves.
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BruceStarkey
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 05/02/2004
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I can certainly agree with the "individual choice" part. But as to the veracity of towing claims made by the "big three" and how much of an actual difference to your personal safety/security they make, weeeelll?
Considering that the overall mass of an F450/550 4500/5500 class changes very little from that of a 350/3500 series of truck, also the difference in size of brakes axles & frames etc., I would submit that your tow ratings by the big three are established more by that rear end differential than by brakes, axles engine/transmissions or frame specs. They also uprate them on their ability to remain cool while towing by adding 7 or 8 additional radiators for engine/tranny/fuel so that the same drivetrain can withstand additional punishment and none of that has anything to do with your personal safety or security but rather indemnifying the big three from warranty claims.
Big three manufacturer's stated specifications go more towards establishing parameters for them to ajudicate warranty claims than providing you with a truck that will tow with greater safety, security or longevity, for that matter.
These are anecdotal opinions only and not meant to dissuade anyone from upgrading to a higher RATED truck. I'm trying to say that "in my opinion only" that higher rated vehicle may in fact simply have been changed in areas that have nothing to do with actual performance or abilities.
These threads start with a query of what kind of truck do I need to tow this trailer and very quickly evolve into a "Tow Vehicle" discussion and if I'm to receive a flaming for above "opinion" let's move it over on the "Tow Vehicle Forum" where we can really let loose.
* This post was
edited 04/29/08 09:35am by BruceStarkey *
Today is just the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!
'04' International 4400 LoPro 310Hp/950FtLbs 10Spd Harley/RV Toter
'05' Mobile Suites 38RL3
'01' Harley Ultra in the bike barn.
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Powderpuff
Texas
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Joined: 03/15/2007
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We own a 36CK1 Mobile Suite and pull with a GMC 1 ton dually allison engine. Most have mentioned the pin weight. Well, heres an incident that may be of help to you - someone pulled in front of us one time then slammed on their breaks nearly causing a major crash. We were so glad we made the choice for a larger truck with better ability to stop quicker. That size of trailer needs a bigger truck to assist in stopping. We made the mistake and purchased the wrong truck the first time (a Ford 250) and sure glad we up graded. We might not be RVing today if we had not changed tow vehicles.
Just my two cents worth. And we Love our Mobile Suite glad we decided on this one.
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2 DA WDS
Sherman, Il, USA
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Joined: 09/16/2002
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BruceStarkey wrote:I can certainly agree with the "individual choice" part. But as to the veracity of towing claims made by the "big three" and how much of an actual difference to your personal safety/security they make, weeeelll?
Considering that the overall mass of an F450/550 4500/5500 class changes very little from that of a 350/3500 series of truck, also the difference in size of brakes axles & frames etc., I would submit that your tow ratings by the big three are established more by that rear end differential than by brakes, axles engine/transmissions or frame specs. They also uprate them on their ability to remain cool while towing by adding 7 or 8 additional radiators for engine/tranny/fuel so that the same drivetrain can withstand additional punishment and none of that has anything to do with your personal safety or security but rather indemnifying the big three from warranty claims.
Big three manufacturer's stated specifications go more towards establishing parameters for them to ajudicate warranty claims than providing you with a truck that will tow with greater safety, security or longevity, for that matter.
These are anecdotal opinions only and not meant to dissuade anyone from upgrading to a higher RATED truck. I'm trying to say that "in my opinion only" that higher rated vehicle may in fact simply have been changed in areas that have nothing to do with actual performance or abilities.
These threads start with a query of what kind of truck do I need to tow this trailer and very quickly evolve into a "Tow Vehicle" discussion and if I'm to receive a flaming for above "opinion" let's move it over on the "Tow Vehicle Forum" where we can really let loose.
My feelings exactly Bruce. If you throw a diesel in a F350 its GVWR magically becomes higher than a gasser. Its just a cya for warranty avoidance.
Happy Trails
Tom & Cheryl
2001 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually 8.1 Road Tamer air suspension
2005 Mobile Suites RE3 S.O.I.T.C. Charter Member #1646 Prodigy
TomTom GPS
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Gunship Guy
Florida
Senior Member
Joined: 08/09/2003
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We've really enjoyed our MS. It has never been back to a dealership for service. The couple minor things that went wrong were fixed by me with parts shipped free of charge from the factory (a water valve and light switch). Factory support is outstanding in all ways.
The trailer is rock solid and feels more like a home than a recreational vehicle. We have not been disappointed in any way with the purchase of this trailer.
Insulation is great. We've camped in the winter and only needed an electric heater to keep the inside temp at 74. We don't use the furnace. Even though there are two 15K air conditioners we only turn on one. It gets too cold with both running. The thick walls and insulation drastically reduce outside noise.
Volvo 770
2006 Mobile Suites 38RL3
PICS OF STUFF
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Fiverdude
Southeast
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Joined: 12/18/2003
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NO experience with these (yet). I too am looking at Doubletrees for a newer fiver to update from our HR. We saw a 36RSSB3 Select nearby that we liked, but I think this model may be a bit heavy for my DRW F350. Even though smaller & it only has a queen size bed, I'd like to see a Mobile 32TK3.
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butkus21
On Galveston Bay
Senior Member
Joined: 02/22/2004
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Although we've only had the MS for a short time, we love it!
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Terri
Mobile Suite 36 RS3
05 F350 FX4 Lariat PSD CC DRW
05 GMC C4500
Click for pics
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Veebyes
Bermuda
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Joined: 11/24/2003
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Fiverdude, the MS 32TK3 was at the top of our list, if we were going to have to buy new. Drooled all over it at a couple of shows. We wound up with our Alpenlite 34Ltd which is very similar in floorplan & specs to the MS 32TK3 but is close to the MS Elite series in the purdy stuff. There is nothing wrong with buying used, if you know what you want & are prepared to play the waiting game till it shows up for sale. Ours was 6 months old. The previous owner had not researched the RV lifestyle. He wanted it sold & it was the worst possible time of year to sell, fall.
The MS are nice. I would not hesitate in putting them on the prefered list if buying again.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
RV: slightly pre enjoyed 2006 Alpenlite 34RLR LTD
2006 Chevy 3500 crew cab LT 6.6L Diesel
Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995
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Cat320
Western AR
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Joined: 11/01/2005
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Powderpuff wrote:We own a 36CK1 Mobile Suite and pull with a GMC 1 ton dually allison engine. Most have mentioned the pin weight. Well, heres an incident that may be of help to you - someone pulled in front of us one time then slammed on their breaks nearly causing a major crash. We were so glad we made the choice for a larger truck with better ability to stop quicker. That size of trailer needs a bigger truck to assist in stopping. We made the mistake and purchased the wrong truck the first time (a Ford 250) and sure glad we up graded. We might not be RVing today if we had not changed tow vehicles.
Just my two cents worth. And we Love our Mobile Suite glad we decided on this one.
With a MS, you do not have a 'larger truck' you have a smaller truck.
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