New Potential Owner

mikefarm · 02-21-2014, 09:35 AM

I'm just wanting to get some feedback that I'm nuts or not

. We currently own a Jayco 29L at around 5500lbs, looking to upgrade that to a 2014 Sunset Trail Reserve ST32BH.

Current tow vehicle is a 2014 QX56 with a tow rating of 8500lbs. The QX handles very nicely with the Jayco barely know it's back there. Have a Reese CAM based weight distribution/sway setup.

I know this will be putting me close to max weight with all the gear when we're loaded up..

avvidclif · 02-21-2014, 10:53 AM

IMHO Too much trailer. GVWR of the trailer is 9714.

mikefarm · 02-21-2014, 10:57 AM

am I missing something around GVWR that's really 'trailer weight' plus what it can carry - that's completely up to me on what I put into the trailer?

Beamer5 · 02-21-2014, 12:05 PM

Yes, GVWR means nothing just the capacity, it could be 15,000lbs just means it has stronger axles. I think payload will be the biggest issue and the length of the trailer with the short wheel base SUV. Do you know your QX's payload?

mikefarm · 02-21-2014, 12:20 PM

I can go lookup the payload or look on the door - not sure I'd consider the QX a 'short wheelbase SUV' it's nearly the same size as a Suburban or Yukon XL.

**DavisK** · 02-21-2014, 12:53 PM

It's a short wheelbase. It is only 121 inches. My little TrailBlazer had a 129" wheelbase. A Suburban or Yukon has a 130" wheelbase. My Silverado has a 154" wheelbase.

Beamer5 · 02-21-2014, 01:43 PM

Mike your tongue weight will be close to 1100 pounds after adding LP and a battery or two, then loading your front pass through and under bed storage. From what I can see the payload may be around 1600lbs. That would leave you with 500lbs for passengers, pets gear..... You asked for our opinion and I just wouldn't do it, the trailer's yellow sticker will be about 7500lbs, with only 1000lbs of "stuff" added you will be maxed out. I would either consider the Superlite line or a stouter tow vehicle, maybe the 300BH although the length is still and issue in my opinion.

http://www.crossroadsrv.com/sunset-t...ategory_id=103

avvidclif · 02-21-2014, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefarm

am I missing something around GVWR that's really 'trailer weight' plus what it can carry - that's completely up to me on what I put into the trailer?

What you said is true. BUT the shipping weight is ~7200, that's a bare bones model. Now add any options added plus a battery and 2 tanks of propane plus whatever options the dealer adds, min of 125 lbs. Now add your normal supplies, sewer hose, water hose, power cords etc, figure maybe another 100 lbs. Fill the water tank and there's another 300+. Kitchen cooking supplies, bath towels, and the list goes on.

You are allowed 1 change of socks and underwear

All I can say is when you load up to go camping you will probably over the rated towing weight of your vehicle.

For grins you know the listed weight of your trailer, now go weigh it before you empty it out, make sure it' ready to go. It might scare you.

You asked for opinions and got them. If you're going to ignore them why ask in the first place.

**Lloyd** · 02-21-2014, 07:16 PM

Now boys---play nice.

RADMiller · 02-21-2014, 08:48 PM

Hey, just an "aside"....what wheelbase is considered short or long? My f250 SRW has a WB 156". is that considered a long wheelbase?

Beamer5 · 02-21-2014, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RADMiller

Hey, just an "aside"....what wheelbase is considered short or long? My f250 SRW has a WB 156". is that considered a long wheelbase?

Yes.

cw3jason · 02-22-2014, 05:26 AM

Rule of thumb: Wheelbase should be at least 110in for a 20ft trailer
every extra foot of trailer add 4" of wheel base.
21=114
22=118
Etc.
Again this is just a guide, but I hope it helps

avvidclif · 02-22-2014, 06:42 AM

Sorry, Lloyd.... I'll try to do better.....

OhioMark · 02-23-2014, 07:55 AM

Hi Mikefarm,

I think I can help you here...So familiar. Here's the bad news...those dry weights are rubbish. As others said, that's stripped out..I was looking at the same unit last year when we upgraded from our Jayco 26L but my truck has a 9800# tow and the numbers were too much tongue weight and with cargo and passengers, you probably over on weight in total. Just my opinion, but you have too much trailer with the ST32BH. Here's the good news, our friends at Crossroads have a lighter trailer that is very close to that unit, the ST300BH. Its 6098# dry. You lose the bigger bathroom+door and fireplace. A bit less fancy.. on the countertops, fridge panels. Thats it. and you lose close to 1200 lbs. We towed alot last year with our 2013. Ohio to Montana and back, Gettysburg, etc and we wanted to be safe. Best decision we ever made.

BTW, you have a great SUV but its not for towing a 35 foot trailer.Stick with a super light trailer. Stick with Sunset Trail..I researched for nearly a year..no one makes a lighter trailer with the amenities and you cant beat the price.

mikefarm · 02-28-2014, 07:16 AM

Well guys after all this good feedback and some sleepless nights we've decided to go with the ST32BH - fortunately we came up with a way to upgrade our tow vehicle and are leaving here in about 45 mins to go pickup my 2500 Mega Cab RAM

I think we'll have more truck than we need this way! Camping on! (now if this darn snow would just stop!!)

Beamer5 · 02-28-2014, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefarm

Well guys after all this good feedback and some sleepless nights we've decided to go with the ST32BH - fortunately we came up with a way to upgrade our tow vehicle and are leaving here in about 45 mins to go pickup my 2500 Mega Cab RAM

I think we'll have more truck than we need this way! Camping on! (now if this darn snow would just stop!!)

Good decision! Glad we could help. Have fun!

avvidclif · 02-28-2014, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefarm

Well guys after all this good feedback and some sleepless nights we've decided to go with the ST32BH - fortunately we came up with a way to upgrade our tow vehicle and are leaving here in about 45 mins to go pickup my 2500 Mega Cab RAM

I think we'll have more truck than we need this way! Camping on! (now if this darn snow would just stop!!)

Now you're cooking. A nice truck and a new trailer, good combo.. Made for each other..

coastn · 02-28-2014, 10:38 AM

Congrats on the new combo!

Just returned from a month long camp to AZ & CA towing with my new RAM and couldn't be happier. Regrettably, I'm now out to shovel last night's snowfall. C'mon April when we're out on the road again.

OhioMark · 02-28-2014, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefarm

Well guys after all this good feedback and some sleepless nights we've decided to go with the ST32BH - fortunately we came up with a way to upgrade our tow vehicle and are leaving here in about 45 mins to go pickup my 2500 Mega Cab RAM

I think we'll have more truck than we need this way! Camping on! (now if this darn snow would just stop!!)

I'm relieved and glad you went that route, but now my envy and jealousy is kicking in! I wanted the 2500 Mega Cab with the 32BH, but I needed the mpg's for my long work commute as it would be my daily driver. And it would'nt fit in my garage

The back seat area is bigger than our first pop-up!

mikefarm · 02-28-2014, 01:24 PM

I was a little worried about it fitting in the garage,enough that I drove it home before we signed on the dotted line

. Let's just say there isn't much room left and you're definitely not walking infront or behind the truck. Shoot so far the 2500 gets better MPG than my old QX, I pulled a solid 21MPG on the highway home from the dealer, same stretch of road with the QX was 16!

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