Starbuc71 162 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 We just returned from a fabulous week at the fort. This was the first trip we took pulling ou RV with the new truck we bought. My trusty 08 4x4 tundra hit 100k and almost 6 years and I thought it was time for a new truck. Since our TT weighs almost 9500 pounds I really wanted a 3/4 ton GM truck with preferably a diesel. But unfortunately the 2500 series I wanted was wayyyyyyyyy out of our price range. So we ended up wih a beautiful GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab 4x4. The truck has the right rear end to give it a 10500 tow capacity. Low and behold it was a bear to tow just from outside Tampa to the fort. I'm hoping if I keep tweaking with the weight distribution I may make it better. Due to the weight factor we are kind of limited to shorter trips. Now we may be considering downsizing. I really hate to since this TT was everything we wanted. We are still thinking about it but if anyone may be interested here is the linkhttp://rubiconhaulers.com/floorplan/2900We paid almost $40k for this about 10 months ago. It has every option and a bunch of upgrades. Send me a pm for more info Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 That trailers hitch weight is alot for a half ton at almost 1400 pounds. It only leaves you a couple hundred pounds for passengers. The specs for that trailer are very close to mine. We actually looked at that camper at the RV show it is a nice camper. It's a high profile camper like ours that catches a lot of air(bad for handling and power). We had a 05 ford f350 diesel and it just never had enough power to pull it. It would hold the weight just didn't pull it good(not enough power). We went back and forth about getting rid of the camper and going smaller but we like our camper. So we bought a new ford diesel and that fixed the problem for us. We delt with this issue for 3 years before we bought the new truck. I know my post doesn't help you but I do know how you feel. Hope you can make it work. Just wondering how did the Toyota do with this camper? If you have enough power and it's more of a suspension problem you might want to look at add a leafs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starbuc71 162 Posted April 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 That trailers hitch weight is alot for a half ton at almost 1400 pounds. It only leaves you a couple hundred pounds for passengers. The specs for that trailer are very close to mine. We actually looked at that camper at the RV show it is a nice camper. It's a high profile camper like ours that catches a lot of air(bad for handling and power). We had a 05 ford f350 diesel and it just never had enough power to pull it. It would hold the weight just didn't pull it good(not enough power). We went back and forth about getting rid of the camper and going smaller but we like our camper. So we bought a new ford diesel and that fixed the problem for us. We delt with this issue for 3 years before we bought the new truck. I know my post doesn't help you but I do know how you feel. Hope you can make it work. Just wondering how did the Toyota do with this camper? If you have enough power and it's more of a suspension problem you might want to look at add a leafs.Actually the Toyota did a great job. We pulled it to Tenn. and back last year with no issues. I thought towing on flat land for less than 100 miles would not be a problem since the Toyota did the job. Getting a new truck is not an option since we have only had this one for 2 months and to be honestly i can't justify a large diesel for 4 trips a year. I am going to upgrade my hitch to a 1500# system vs the 1200 I have and see what happens. If not we will ave to find something we like that is lighter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 I didn't mean for you to buy a new truck I was just telling you our story. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 We have a 1400lb equalizer Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ImDownWithDisney 342 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 That's a lot of camper for any half ton truck. Have you considered a slightly older 3/4 ton? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starbuc71 162 Posted April 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 That's a lot of camper for any half ton truck. Have you considered a slightly older 3/4 ton?No different truck. The truck is more important to me than the RV since I use the truck 365 days a year and th camper only 4 trips a year. I need to see what the trade in value is for the RV. I expect to loose my shirt but can't afford to loose my pants also. If I can good a good trade in price or find a buyer I think that will be the route Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ImDownWithDisney 342 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Maybe a Hensley Arrow and some E rates tires would be cheaper then taking a hit on the camper? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fugarwe(MN John(Juanito)) 23 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Couple of suggestions. Don't know where the four trips are, but perhaps if the camper could be stored closer to the destinations? Figure out what the loss would be on the camper when you sell it, add it to the value of your current truck. Does that put you in the price range of the truck you need? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BuckeyeFortMama 43 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 We traded our 3 year old TT last year for our current 5th wheel at an RV show and they gave us nearly what we paid for it brand new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starbuc71 162 Posted April 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Maybe a Hensley Arrow and some E rates tires would be cheaper then taking a hit on the camper?That arrow hitch is pretty slick. Must be an arm and a leg...lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starbuc71 162 Posted April 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2013 Well after many different scenarios I believe I have the issue solved. Low and behold when I took the TT back to storage last week I was backing it in at a 25 degree angle and snapped the left side of the dual cam arm that holds the torsion bar. This is the second time within 6 months this has happened. When I went to the trailer store close to me the guys Said they have seen this a few times. I told him my left side has always been harder to latch up compare to the right side. He Said it could be many variables. Since I bought this hitch used and pieced it back together every time something broke. I am just going to get a new hitch set up. The trailer guys swear by the husky centerline distribution hitch so I am going with it. Review say the hitch is awesome but the only thing people complained about was that it has to be hitched up properly and straight. Many have said if you do not latch the bar up right, it can come back at you and really hurt you. I should have it installed this Friday so I hope this will solve my weight distribution issues and sway issues. The truck has always had the power. I think it was the hitch not right which caused all the issues. Anyone else have a centerline hitch? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 7, 2013 Report Share Posted April 7, 2013 Well after many different scenarios I believe I have the issue solved. Low and behold when I took the TT back to storage last week I was backing it in at a 25 degree angle and snapped the left side of the dual cam arm that holds the torsion bar. This is the second time within 6 months this has happened. When I went to the trailer store close to me the guys Said they have seen this a few times. I told him my left side has always been harder to latch up compare to the right side. He Said it could be many variables. Since I bought this hitch used and pieced it back together every time something broke. I am just going to get a new hitch set up. The trailer guys swear by the husky centerline distribution hitch so I am going with it. Review say the hitch is awesome but the only thing people complained about was that it has to be hitched up properly and straight. Many have said if you do not latch the bar up right, it can come back at you and really hurt you. I should have it installed this Friday so I hope this will solve my weight distribution issues and sway issues. The truck has always had the power. I think it was the hitch not right which caused all the issues. Anyone else have a centerline hitch?Glad you figured it out hope it works for you. Keep us posted. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Humphrey Bear…Rob 42 Posted April 17, 2013 Report Share Posted April 17, 2013 Let us know how the hitch works! I've got a 24AS Desert Fox and it is a chunk of lead also. I use the 14k Equalizer and have no problems. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 18, 2013 Report Share Posted April 18, 2013 Let us know how the hitch works! I've got a 24AS Desert Fox and it is a chunk of lead also. I use the 14k Equalizer and have no problems. I like your tag. 1970 model wife. LOL. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Humphrey Bear…Rob 42 Posted April 19, 2013 Report Share Posted April 19, 2013 I like your tag. 1970 model wife. LOL. Our running joke is the warranty has run out on her...too late to take her back. Mileage on on her is much higher than rig!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starbuc71 162 Posted April 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2013 Well, I got the hitch installed on Friday. Still not doing it. I think the hitch needs to be dialed in and I may have to get a longer shank due to the lift on my truck. I am so over this. I had no problems towing our TT with my old tundra. If the new shank does not work along with tweaking it, adding a leaf spring or two will be my next and final option. If that does not work I will have to find a dealer with a lightweight unit that will work for us and a dealer that will give me a decent price on trade. I am sooooooo over this BS Quote Link to post Share on other sites
alexwyattmommy 181 Posted April 22, 2013 Report Share Posted April 22, 2013 This frustration has got to be wearing on you. I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. I wish I could help, but my job is to load up the camper and unload the camper. I don't handle the towing of the camper. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 Well, I got the hitch installed on Friday. Still not doing it. I think the hitch needs to be dialed in and I may have to get a longer shank due to the lift on my truck. I am so over this. I had no problems towing our TT with my old tundra. If the new shank does not work along with tweaking it, adding a leaf spring or two will be my next and final option. If that does not work I will have to find a dealer with a lightweight unit that will work for us and a dealer that will give me a decent price on trade. I am sooooooo over this BSSorry it's still not working. Hope you get it worked out This frustration has got to be wearing on you. I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. I wish I could help, but my job is to load up the camper and unload the camper. I don't handle the towing of the camper.You should drive the camper to my DW helps drive when I'm to tired. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
alexwyattmommy 181 Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 It's not the camper, it's the truck. Hubby says no way to letting me drive the truck at all. And to be fair, I've had at least 2 mailboxes jump out at me before. Behind me, those sneaky boxes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cypressaggie 0 Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 WE are adding air bags to our Tundra this week. I here that will increase handling, etc. We have a Outback 30 ft bunkhouse, so big tt. We can't justify spending the money on a new/used truck right now. We want diesel, but not the payment. So we are going to twick what we have. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starbuc71 162 Posted April 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 WE are adding air bags to our Tundra this week. I here that will increase handling, etc. We have a Outback 30 ft bunkhouse, so big tt. We can't justify spending the money on a new/used truck right now. We want diesel, but not the payment. So we are going to twick what we have.Good luck with the air bags, I spent $500 on mine and with max pressure at 90psi they barely help. My tongue weight is 1000 pounds and now it seems I have a small leak on the left side that the trailer guys can't find Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. It's experiences like this that make the hotels look appealing. LOL. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Us guys can be protective of our new trucks. It's not the camper, it's the truck. Hubby says no way to letting me drive the truck at all. And to be fair, I've had at least 2 mailboxes jump out at me before. Behind me, those sneaky boxes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LONE-STAR 370 Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Try the airless air bag.http://www.supersprings.com/newsletter_oct2009_sumo_rear_announcement.asp Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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