DerangedMonkey

After weeks of research and searching, I finally have a tow vehicle:



2011 SCREW 3.5EB 7650# GVWR, 1753# payload, 3.73 gears, 4050 RAWR 145" WB, Max Tow.

Now if I just had something to tow............

Seriously Considering:

Open Range LT274rls
31' 8” overall length 28' Box length
Dry 6780#
Gross 8800#

Grand Design 2600RB
Overall length 29' 8”
Dry 5497#
Gross 6995#

Kodiak 291RESL
Overall 32' 4”
Dry 6536#
Gross 8900#

Passengers 375# max (wife and I only weigh 308 combined now)
1000# max in the trailer (I really think we will be 700-800#)
100# WDH
Tongue weight with 1000# in the Open Range above will be around 1000# at 13%.

1000(tongue) + 375(passengers) + 100(hitch) = 1475# payload

What am I missing? 50#'s of misc crap in the truck?

Velosprout

Your numbers seem good, but curious as to why a SuperCrew and such a big camper for just two people. The shorter the camper, the easier to stop at unexpected roadside attractions that might only have a small driveway. My wife and I enjoyed nine-day trips in a 10-foot pop up (8 foot pop up with a 2-foot cargo box on front. Our present 21 foot hybrid with large slide-out can sleep eight, and was purchased to be able to take the kids and grandkids along. For just the two of us, it's more than we need. A second-row seat that remains empty makes no sense, and an empty truck bed means an SUV might be a better choice as a tow vehicle. If you are planning to fill that back seat with friends, family, or kids in the future, plan ahead for their weight accordingly. The same for future bikes, tackle, toys, firewood, etc, in the bed,
Nice looking truck!

DerangedMonkey

1. I like the look of the truck
2. I have 2 teens right now
3. We dont want a smaller camper even if it is just us two
4. I wanted more payload for the what ifs of bikes, extra passengers, etc.
5. I'm an American male and reserve the right to live in excess

I've seen many couples on forums rolling around in 5th wheels and f350's so i figured i was being conservative. Thanks for the reply.

mike243

Sounds like its in the ball park,I have a 28' with queen bed bunks and can sleep 8 if they like each other. It has a 14' slide out that makes it seem much bigger,I wont ever have a camper with out 1.My wifes idea of roughing it means no indoor pool or cable service and thats why we have a 28' and plenty of places to stop with no size limits.Had a popup years ago and they have a purpose but I no longer have any desire to Rough it

acadianbob

Your analysis is good.

The only other thing I would think about is overall trailer length. I would try to limit to 30 feet. Otherwise, that's a pretty big sail back there in a crosswind.

Scarlet

Get what you want, and be Happy! I'm a single guy. I've always wanted to travel and do some sight seeing. Niagara Falls, Statue of Liberty, Gettysburg, Grand Canyon to name a few. So that's one of the reasons I had originally ordered my truck, an '11 F150 Supercrew with the 6.2 and Max Tow. Then on to the travel trailer. An '11 Keystone Bullet Premiere 29REPR. Dry was about 5,900lbs, GVWR was 7,600lbs., overall length was 33.6'. It felt fine on the back of the truck. Having back issues thou, I couldn't handle it alone, so I had to sell her. Today, even thou I still get bad days, I've been keeping up with stretching and exercise and my back feels pretty good. Wish I had it now......

DerangedMonkey

Thanks for all the replies. I have been reading up a lot on this forum not only about length but also weight and payload and it has been very helpful. 30+ feet seems really long to me and that is why i am leaning towards the open range since the box is just at 28 feet. We are wanting a little larger trailer to have the "living room" feel rather than just a dinette and couch with an awkwardly placed entertainment center. We plan to be partial timers with a home base, but be on the road for several weeks at a time. So we want a little more comfort without having to go to a 5th wheel and super duty truck. We will be renting a 21 footer this summer to get a feel for towing and the logistics of owning a camper before taking the plunge.

Ricktwuhk

Is there something wrong with you? Researching first before acting? Are you nuts? And reading vs. asking questions that are answered multiple times a day?

Ok, now we know you are nuts. You're going to spend hundreds of dollars to try something out before spending tens of thousands to discover you either bought wrong or hate the lifestyle? MODERATORS - ban this radical!


Sir, I salute you!

PawPaw

I think 7K pounds gross is heavy enough for these F-150's no matter what package the truck has. Running in the hills or mountains you'll see why! Looks like they forgot the towing mirrors with the max tow package. Also some LT tires would be worth buying if you don't have them already. Good luck with your decision.

JJM

Nonsense. I've pulled 10k enclosed like it wasn't even there. Without a WDH.