Can we tow it?

[jstalt2jat]

Hi all,



We are looking at upgrading from our Pioneer 24BH TT and are really impressed with what we see from Crossroads. I am loving the floor plans for the CF30QB, CF31QB and CF32BL. My concern is that the GVWR is abovethe tow rating for our 2009 Ram 2500HD QC LB with 4.10 axle. I believe it is rated at 10650. Is it safe to tow any of these floorplans with our current vehicle?

[Chrisnan23]

I'm towing a CF29RK with my F250 SD no problems.

[fhenn]

I have the Cf32BL, I tow it with a 2005 Dodge 5.9L CDT swb Tow s fine right in the middle of my tow range. One of the reason we went back to CrossRoads was the weight of the unit and the pin weight. Mind you my truck has a 6 cylinder in it un like Chris who has a V10

[gtoguy1967]

Originally Posted by Chrisnan23

I'm towing a CF29RK with my F250 SD no problems.

I beg to differ, I remember an incident at the rally a few years ago, and I know a mail carrier that still is looking for you.

[gtoguy1967]

You don't say what motor is in your truck ? Either way I think you will be fine. My dad had a Dodge Ram 1500 and I have towed other campers with it and I thought it was low on power. I might be a little spoiled though with my oil burner.

[Chrisnan23]

Originally Posted by gtoguy1967

I beg to differ, I remember an incident at the rally a few years ago, and I know a mail carrier that still is looking for you.

Disclaimer...Disclaimer...



The truck tows the trailer just fine, the driver is another story...

[Hunter11]

I am going to guess that by the numbers you gave as your max GVWR running a 4.10 rear gear that your truck is a Hemi. If you don't load the trailer very heavy you would probably be fine towing. You could put a set of Timbrens or airbags on it to give the rear more support. If it is a Hemi don't count on much for fuel mileage and expect it to scream on hills.

[Lloyd]

It's hard to believe your Dodge is only rated at 10650. But if that is a true figure---I think you could get drastically over loaded. The 3 5ers you stated range from 11894 to 12000 loaded.

[Dayle1]

First, Cruisers have some pretty big carrying capacities, these units are 3436 lbs, 3435 lbs and 2768 lbs respectively. So, if you find a way to load them that much, then yes you will exceed your truck's maximum tow rating. People frequently consider 1500 lbs as a reasonable addition for personal gear, food, etc. You may want to do your own weight analysis.



Second, the impact of exceeding GCVWR or "maximum trailer weight" is reduced towing performance, slower acceleration, worse fuel mileage and probably worse drivetrain reliability. But there may not be a noticable difference between 500 lbs under GCVWR and 500 lbs over GCVWR. Only you can determine what level of performance is acceptable, but you might seek more inputs from other RVers with a similiar truck and towing similiar weights regardless of trailer brand.

[dalemac377]

I tow fine with my F-250. My max tow rating is 11,800. My '07 cruiser weighed in at 9600 loaded. My truck has the 5.4L 3 valve, 5 speed auto, 4.10 rear end, 2wd. Gas mileage is 8 to 8.5 mpg. Works fine for me because I don't tow over 62-63 mph and don't use truck for much other than towing. You should be okay.

[artgpo]

We have a brand new CF31QB being towed with a 2009 Silverado 2500HD Duramax.Crew Cab, long bed, max towing pkg including 3:73 rear. We picked up the coach on Thursday and so far have towed over 400 miles. It tows well but mpg has gone from 20 empty to just over 10. I bought the truck a couple of days prior to ordering the coach.

[KHUNLINDA2003]

The issue is not if you can move the trailer with your present truck the issue is whether or not it is SAFE to to tow the trailer. If it is over your rating your ability to stop will be compromised. Control in a crosswind may also be compromised. The suggestion to get helper air bags is a good suggestion and probably a necessity.

[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by KHUNLINDA2003

The issue is not if you can move the trailer with your present truck the issue is whether or not it is SAFE to to tow the trailer. Â*If it is over your rating your ability to stop will be compromised.

Well, this may not be entirely a valid issue. First, tow ratings are NEVER based on the tow vehicle's ability to stop the trailer. The trailer brakes are designed to stop the trailers weight (well at least all the weight that is carried by the trailer axles). The truck brakes are required to stop all of the weight on the truck's axles. As long as the truck is under it's GVWR, it will be fine, it doesn't matter if the truck is at GVWR due to a trailer's pin weight or due to a solo truck's cargo in the bed. One might even argue that the truck's brakes are designed to stop it's full GVWR plus 2000 lbs (the point at which many states require brakes on trailers).



Another point to consider is that GCVWR and "maximum trailer weight" will vary in a truck series based on drivetrain options (engine, axle ratio, etc.). But in almost all cases, GVWR and size of the truck's brakes remain unchanged. So, a small gas motor and a heavy diesel will have the same brakes and GVWR but different trailer weight limitations.

[GeorgeG]

Originally Posted by artgpo

It tows well but mpg has gone from 20 empty to just over 10. I bought the truck a couple of days prior to ordering the coach.

It sounds just about right. I believe that your gross weight for towing a fifth wheel is around 14,200 lbs, atleast that is what it is for my 2006. The gross weight for your 5ver is around 12,000 lbs. You have to think of the weight you are pulling and the wind drag with the height of your 5ver. I average anywhere between 10 - 14 mpg pulling my 5ver, depending on speed. My best mpg is around 62-63 mph with cruise control on, slower or faster the mpg drops. If Igo 55 mph I will get around 8.5 - 9 mpg. Going to Myrtle Beach last week I averaged 11.5 mpg and 10.5 coming home. I have no problem pulling or stopping, in fact I had to do a panic stop on 95 on the way home (due to a truck loosing a tire and swerving) and the DW said "this stops a lot better than I ever imagined with the trailer in tow".

[KHUNLINDA2003]

If you read the instructions on the Tenoska (not sure of spelling)brake controller they do not recommend pulling a trailer that is more than 60% of your vehicle weight, not GVWR. Mass does matter. Trailer brakes according to the brake controller manufacturer are to assist and can be adjusted as to the amount of assist you wish to supply. If it were me I would do some research on the internet and get advice from professionals. Maybe you could call brake controller companies, or even your truck manufacturer.

[jgerni]

I'm guessing you've got the 5.7...you will probably be on the upper end of what you will want to pull with that truck. Since you've got the 4.10 gears it will probably bejust adaquate. Your truck will pull simliar to the Chevy 6.0 and has similar capacities. Maybe some of those guys will chime in.

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I have the CF31QB and I definitly know it's back there and my truck is rated to pull 13,400lbs.<O:P></O:P>



Edited by: jgerni

[scott]

I believe this will come down to how you are going to travel with your setup. I'm in the same situation as you with a 3/4 ton truck, gas motor, and 4:10 gear and weight being right on the edge of to much. I don't venture far from home with our longest trips in the range of 150 to 200 miles one way. I don't have to deal with mountains or anything extreme. That being said, I am comfortable with the performance of my setup. I don't have air bags and everything sets and rides nice even with the2000 lb hitch weight. With a regular break controller setup I have no issues stopping the trailer. Even when the occasional moron decides to pull out in front of me. If I were to start traveling longerdistances from home and pulling thru mountains I would be changingto the diesel version of my truck. Dieselshavegreater towing capacities and more torque. As formileage, it's irrelavent in myopinion. To pull you need power, the get power you need fuel.Edited by: scott

[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by KHUNLINDA2003

If you read the instructions on the Tenoska (not sure of spelling)brake controller they do not recommend pulling a trailer that is more than 60% of your vehicle weight, not GVWR. Â*Mass does matter. Â*Trailer brakes according to the brake controller manufacturer are to assist and can be adjusted as to the amount of assist you wish to supply. Â*If it were me I would do some research on the internet and get advice from professionals. Maybe you could call brake controller companies, or even your truck manufacturer.Â*

That is interesting about the brake controller manufacturers inputs. But that means that a 7000 lbs truck carrying 2200 lbs of cargo and pin weight, (which would be right at the truck's GVWR of 9200 lbs) can only tow 5520 lbs? It would be a very, very rare fiver owner using a 2500HD to ONLY tow 5520 lbs. And depending on gas or diesel, that would also be only about 50%, plus or minus, of what each of the truck manufacturers state as tow ratings. Most tow vehicles are rated to tow more than their GVWR.



As for the trailer brakes being only to assist, sounds like they just don't want to set too high of expectations for the performance of their brake controller. Trailer brakes are totally effective at stopping the trailer's weight, otherwise what is the point of having an emergency breakaway mechanism? Just to kind of slow the trailer? Don't think DOT would accept that, nor should any owner. It is well understood that having the trailer "push" the tow vehicle during a stop is very undesirable as it risks fishtailing and loss of vehicle control. I personally experienced such an event about 40 yrs ago, once was enough.

[ryeja]

Originally Posted by scott

Dieselshavegreater towing capacities and more torque.

Not true. Read some specs. Diesels are heavier in the front end reducing towing capacities as well as4 wheel drive vs.2 wheel drive.

[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by ryeja

Not true. Read some specs. Diesels are heavier in the front end reducing towing capacities as well asÂ*4 wheel drive vs.Â*2 wheel drive.

Actually, it is generally correct, diesels can tow more so they have "greater towing capacities", but you are also right, because the diesel (or 4wd) is heavier, they have less carrying capacity. But these are different ratings and with different setups, either one may be the limiting rating.