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Old 01-11-2010, 12:52 AM   #1
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I’ve been reading this forum and others trying to decide which Zinger to buy.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" />

We really want a bunk house and slide for space.



My tow vehicle is a 2005 F150 Super Crew Lariat Shortbed, 5.4V8, automatic, 3:55, new LT2 tires.

The GVWR on my door says 7200 lbs, but the Ford fleet website says 8200 lbs – 500lbs for 18� wheels= 7800 lbs.



I would like to buy a 2010/09 QB32.

The dry weight is 6440 lbs. My gear will be another 1200 Lbs.

Most trips will be with a boat, so my wife will drive that vehicle with the kids.

The road will be flat (SW Ohio) and within 100 miles most times.



The other option is a 2010/09 Zinger ZT26BL.

It only has 2 bunks (vs. 4) and has no door for them, but dry weight is 5974 lbs.



My buddy who has been pulling 5ers and TT for 25 years thinks I will be solid and fine.

I want more than his opinion before I buy one in February at the RV show.



Can you provide any wisdom?



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Old 01-11-2010, 02:15 AM   #2
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i have the quad bunk unit. i started off towing with my wifes suburban (1500) and it was o.k. but we were a little overweight. i moved up to my current setup f350 v10 and its much more comfortable. honestly i think your pushing it. dont forget getting going is one thing but stoping is another. see if your dealer will let you "take it for a drive". if you decide to go ahead and buy the quad bunk you should seriously consider timberens or air bags for the rear.good luck with your decesion.
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Old 01-11-2010, 03:44 AM   #3
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I had the ST31QB with a Yukon. I think the Sunset Trails are a little lighter (in general) than the Zingers. I would agree with Spinella - we were OK, but it was a little scary at times.
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Old 01-11-2010, 07:20 AM   #4
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X3

You're pushing the limits and there is no safety cushion. You could get by as pulling the traileris alot easier than stopping the trailer!</span>
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Old 01-11-2010, 11:26 AM   #5
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I have pulled with a marginal tow vehicke in the past its not fun if you plan on upgrading tow vehicle in near future it might work
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Old 01-11-2010, 03:35 PM   #6
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I asked the same questions before I purchase a 2006 Zinger 32QB and my tow vehicle is a 2000 Silverado 1500 5.3 3.73. Dry weight on my 32QB is 6000lbs and after researching my 1500 is approx the same tow rating as your F150. Like you, most of my towing will be done on flat terrain, however I just came back from a trip to the mountains and had no problem with towing in 3rd gear (2000 to 2500rpms)and was able to maintain 60 to 65 mph except on step grades where I would drop to 55mph. The original owner of the 32QB I bought had the exact same F150 as you and had no issues as well towing the 32QB.
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Old 01-12-2010, 07:20 AM   #7
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Stopping shouldn't be a big issue as the camper should stop it's self and then some, At least that's how I have my brake controller set up, I would worry more about how the truck would handle at speed, Passing trucks on the highway, Hills , Curves.

I think that truck will tow this camper but as others have said your on the line limit wise I think.
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Old 01-12-2010, 09:41 AM   #8
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also be careful with the posted "dry weight" thats with no batteries, propane and ANY options. your trailer loaded will definitly weigh more than you think. 8500 lbs is very easy to achive. i'll say it again i did it for a season and a half. it was'nt horrible but i had moments. good luck.
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Old 01-13-2010, 07:08 AM   #9
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go for the smaller trailer or you will end up smoking the transmission on that truck.
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Old 01-15-2010, 08:21 AM   #10
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Thanks for everyones feedback.



I stopped by the camper store today and after some good discussions and a call to my Ford dealer (2 actually), I have found out I have a 3.73 verse the 3.55 which the previous own told me it was.



My Ford manual states I can town 8700 lbs with my truck.

Does that change anyones input on my inital selection of the 32QB?

If it does change your mind, does ZT29DB @ 7069 lbs dry sound too heavy?

That would leave me a 1700 lb cushion.

Most of the camping gear and family will be in the other tow vehicle with the boat.
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Old 01-15-2010, 08:37 AM   #11
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As others have pointed out that is the dry weight without gear, liquids, fuel, food, clothing and etc. Most of us can easiliy add another 1000# to the dry weight, if not more. By the time you add the weight of passengers in the truck you probably have precious little room for error.

Is that worth the risk?
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Old 01-15-2010, 10:19 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by new2rving
Thanks for everyones feedback.



I stopped by the camper store today and after some good discussions and a call to my Ford dealer (2 actually), I have found out I have a 3.73 verse the 3.55 which the previous own told me it was.



My Ford manual states I can town 8700 lbs with my truck.

Does that change anyones input on my inital selection of the 32QB?

If it does change your mind, does ZT29DB @ 7069 lbs dry sound too heavy?

That would leave me a 1700 lb cushion.

Most of the camping gear and family will be in the other tow vehicle with the boat.


well thats better. i'll give you my opinion. the 32qb dry weight with options(batterys propane awning &amp; slide awning spare tire and mount) will really be more like 6500lbs. if you load your trailer with your weight in mind, i think you'll be alright. invest in air bags for the rear suspension. make sure you buy a good anti sway hitch.(i have the reese dual cam and i love it). also make sure you brakes are in good shape on your truck. make sure your tires are inflated to the maxed reccommendations. i dont think you should entertain the 29b. we had the same problem. we wanted the 31sb and it was heavy than the 32qb...just enough to say its not worth the risk. so we bought the 32qb and never regreted it. i've since upgraded my truck and of coarse i want a bigger trailer.we'll see. ask your dealer if you can hitch up and take a test pull. i would think that the way things are economically that they would'nt say no. bring it up to speed and see how it feels. good luck and keep us posted with your progress.Edited by: spinella
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Old 01-18-2010, 11:26 AM   #13
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no matter which camper you buy your getting a great product. the problem is it seems you are putting your truck to the test with the bigger campers.i am towing my 32 ft with a 2500 surburbanthat has an 8.1 in it, i dont even feel it behind my truck.i bought this truck for towing because i use to be close to the max with my old camper and truck and its no fun towing that way, plus the problems you start to have by putting all that stress on your truck.try asking this question on http:www.rvnet/forum/ under tow vehicles you should get the answers your looking for there.
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Old 01-22-2010, 11:56 AM   #14
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Thanks again everyone.



I've found a Sunset Trail 29BH.

Its weighton the scale is 5641 lbs.

I think this will be better suited for my weight needs.
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Old 01-23-2010, 01:17 AM   #15
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good choice and good luck.
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Old 01-31-2010, 12:57 AM   #16
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I am towing about the same weight with a Chevy and its rated about the same as the Ford. Did take a long trip past summer and did ok but did work the truck hard on the 8500 ft mts. I did install a temp guage for the trans. and temp did not get over 240 deg. Good Luck
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