Does anyone know of free websites so I can figure out what size truck I need to purchase? There is just so much information I don't know where to start. And then how about websites to compare Fords vs Dodge vs GMC?
Lucky Mike said
03:58 PM May 8, 2014
lets start with Trailer loaded weight & pin weight.......knowing that will give you a better idea of pricing out your truck.
you always get the specs and the trailer first.......makes it alot easier to find the truck that will pull it.....
RickandJanice said
06:54 PM May 8, 2014
Like Lucky Mike says, get your trailer specs. first. However, I would strongly recommend that whatever you choose, stay with dual rear wheels on this size coach. With the higher profile and heavier pin weight, you will have much more stability by going with a dually. Right now all of the Big 3 have about the same tow ratings of the 1 ton (350 / 3500) models but I'm not sure about the heavier (450 / 550) models and know very little about the medium duty rigs. Weights will be the key in determining where to start though.
-- Edited by RickandJanice on Thursday 8th of May 2014 06:54:59 PM
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
08:15 PM May 8, 2014
What model and year Cameo? Most are well into the newer dually 350/3500 and UP category. Our Carrilite weighs in at 18k with a pin of 4500 with little water on board. We're moving to an HDT as soon as possible.
njb1957 said
11:52 AM May 9, 2014
Gross weight is 15,999, Dry 13,650
Hitch weight is 2,780
How do I find the pin weight?
So far I hear get a dually - for stability when driving.
Don't get a 6.0l. Not sure why. But what about 6.4 or 6.7? I see mostly 6.0 for used trucks.
3/4 ton or 1 ton?
I will be buying used.
RV is a 2011 37cksls.
Thanks for all your input so far. :)
Lucky Mike said
12:05 PM May 9, 2014
I would definitely start out with a 1 ton dually with a 20 or 25k hitch.....
is this your unit....if so Im sharing its spec's so others with more exp. will chime in
pin weight and hitch weight are the same thing....
BiggarView said
12:09 PM May 9, 2014
The hitch weight you list of 2780 is the empty trailer pin weight. At gross weight you could expect 20-25% of your cargo, water etc. to be added to that. Therefore 15999 less 13650 equals 2349 net cargo weight. 20% of that is 470 or 25% is 587 lbs. add either of those numbers to the 2780 and you have the pin weight on your hitch at gross trailer weight (+ or -) You are looking at from 3250 lbs to 3367 lbs. of weight on your hitch. Approximately. So far, any one of the newer(ish) 3500 duallies looks more than capable of towing it and stopping it, if you don't load a bunch of really heavy extra stuff on the truck.
I have heard a lot of dissing of the 6.4 Ford engine not so much on the 6.0 or the 6.7 GM Duramax seems well liked as is the Dodge Cummins.
Better off with the one ton.
My opinion only FWIW
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 9th of May 2014 06:09:44 PM
bigboomer said
01:57 PM May 9, 2014
Everyone has his or her own opinion on this but here is mine. There is certainly a lot to consider, but for me there was one thing and one thing only...stopping the trailer you towing behind your truck. All of the pick-ups today say they can tow X. Who has who beat for towing capacity....that's great but with using the theory of inertia, once you get an object moving you can keep it moving unless there is a sudden change to that objects motion, i.e. braking! In essence any of the pick-ups will get your trailer rolling but until you experience that same trailer pushing you thru and intersection with the brakes mashed to the floor on a panic stop, you will not believe that you need truck designed for both starting and stopping.
Based on our CGVWR we can tow up to 23,000 with Bigboomer, but I would not try and approach that max capacity and trying to leave a little insurance in reserve. Our present rig has weighed in fully loaded at just 16,000. The new rig we pick up next Saturday will be by design weigh in just around 17,000 fully loaded. The first thing we will do is weigh in at the scales for our records and knowledge.
Again, just my opinion but I do not trust a auto manufacturers numbers who are in a competition for who has the biggest truck!
Les
MarkS said
02:27 PM May 9, 2014
Les, how much does big boomer weigh?
njb1957 said
02:29 PM May 9, 2014
Mike
Yes that is my future home on wheels.
bigboomer said
02:43 PM May 9, 2014
Mark,
Boomer weighs in at just over 18,000 fully loaded with the bikes and full load of fuel.
PD CFK said
05:51 PM May 9, 2014
We have what you have and you can see what we pull with in our signature. It's great! No problems. Hope you enjoy as much as we do. Pat and Charlie K
Does anyone know of free websites so I can figure out what size truck I need to purchase? There is just so much information I don't know where to start. And then how about websites to compare Fords vs Dodge vs GMC?
you always get the specs and the trailer first.......makes it alot easier to find the truck that will pull it.....
Like Lucky Mike says, get your trailer specs. first. However, I would strongly recommend that whatever you choose, stay with dual rear wheels on this size coach. With the higher profile and heavier pin weight, you will have much more stability by going with a dually. Right now all of the Big 3 have about the same tow ratings of the 1 ton (350 / 3500) models but I'm not sure about the heavier (450 / 550) models and know very little about the medium duty rigs. Weights will be the key in determining where to start though.
-- Edited by RickandJanice on Thursday 8th of May 2014 06:54:59 PM
Gross weight is 15,999, Dry 13,650
Hitch weight is 2,780
How do I find the pin weight?
So far I hear get a dually - for stability when driving.
Don't get a 6.0l. Not sure why. But what about 6.4 or 6.7? I see mostly 6.0 for used trucks.
3/4 ton or 1 ton?
I will be buying used.
RV is a 2011 37cksls.
Thanks for all your input so far. :)
is this your unit....if so Im sharing its spec's so others with more exp. will chime in
www.exploreusa.com/inventory/136345/New-2011-Carriage-Cameo-37CKSLS.aspx
pin weight and hitch weight are the same thing....
The hitch weight you list of 2780 is the empty trailer pin weight. At gross weight you could expect 20-25% of your cargo, water etc. to be added to that. Therefore 15999 less 13650 equals 2349 net cargo weight. 20% of that is 470 or 25% is 587 lbs. add either of those numbers to the 2780 and you have the pin weight on your hitch at gross trailer weight (+ or -) You are looking at from 3250 lbs to 3367 lbs. of weight on your hitch. Approximately. So far, any one of the newer(ish) 3500 duallies looks more than capable of towing it and stopping it, if you don't load a bunch of really heavy extra stuff on the truck.
I have heard a lot of dissing of the 6.4 Ford engine not so much on the 6.0 or the 6.7 GM Duramax seems well liked as is the Dodge Cummins.
Better off with the one ton.
My opinion only FWIW
Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 9th of May 2014 06:09:44 PM
Everyone has his or her own opinion on this but here is mine. There is certainly a lot to consider, but for me there was one thing and one thing only...stopping the trailer you towing behind your truck. All of the pick-ups today say they can tow X. Who has who beat for towing capacity....that's great but with using the theory of inertia, once you get an object moving you can keep it moving unless there is a sudden change to that objects motion, i.e. braking! In essence any of the pick-ups will get your trailer rolling but until you experience that same trailer pushing you thru and intersection with the brakes mashed to the floor on a panic stop, you will not believe that you need truck designed for both starting and stopping.
Based on our CGVWR we can tow up to 23,000 with Bigboomer, but I would not try and approach that max capacity and trying to leave a little insurance in reserve. Our present rig has weighed in fully loaded at just 16,000. The new rig we pick up next Saturday will be by design weigh in just around 17,000 fully loaded. The first thing we will do is weigh in at the scales for our records and knowledge.
Again, just my opinion but I do not trust a auto manufacturers numbers who are in a competition for who has the biggest truck!
Les
Yes that is my future home on wheels.
Mark,
Boomer weighs in at just over 18,000 fully loaded with the bikes and full load of fuel.