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    323bhs vs 308

    So we are trying to decide between the 323 or the 308 travel trailer version. The problem is the weight. We have a 2011 gmc sierra denali hd with duramax 4x4. You always see people pulling these huge 5th wheels with a 3/4 ton truck and I wonder how. Our first choice is the 323 but the truck has a gvwr of 10k lbs. it weighs 7900 with full tank and me in it. Now add a hitch and the camper pin is 1900 dry, boom looks overweight. How do the specs on the truck say it has a payload of 2750? I don't get it. Can anyone explain? If the weight is a no go I guess we go with the travel trailer. But of course the dealer just looks at the towing capacity and says the truck will be fine.

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    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    You numbers don't add up. By comparison to current MY specs, GVWR at 10,000 and Payload at 2750 agree with your numbers, but curb weight is quoted as 7300. Are you sure about your curb weight being 7900 ? That's 600 lbs of driver and/or accessories added after the truck was manufactured.
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

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    When I drove on the scale the truck was 8100. That is with me in it, (200) and the topper on (180) . The front axle weighed 4680. Rear was 3420. I get confused with all the calculations. Capacities on door say rr 6200. Fr 5200. If both of those are loaded up doesn't that go over the gvwr?

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    Your four wheel drive axle, driveshaft and transfer case cost you some weight carrying.

    My 323BHS weighs just over 11K and the dry pin weight is just over 2K. My SuperDuty 3/4 ton has the camper package with the extra leaf on the rear springs off the 1 ton. But I'm essentially max'd out, even though I have plenty of pulling power.

    When I lowered the trailer on the B&W Patriot hitch, my truck's rear end only squatted a couple of inches. That's with AirRide bags on the rear pumped up to only 11 lbs.

    Many owners would go with the 323 and just be slightly overloaded. We all know all factory weight carry ratings of the past have been very conservative--at least 20%.

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    Site Sponsor Sandi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aazahn View Post
    So we are trying to decide between the 323 or the 308 travel trailer version. The problem is the weight. We have a 2011 gmc sierra denali hd with duramax 4x4. You always see people pulling these huge 5th wheels with a 3/4 ton truck and I wonder how. Our first choice is the 323 but the truck has a gvwr of 10k lbs. it weighs 7900 with full tank and me in it. Now add a hitch and the camper pin is 1900 dry, boom looks overweight. How do the specs on the truck say it has a payload of 2750? I don't get it. Can anyone explain? If the weight is a no go I guess we go with the travel trailer. But of course the dealer just looks at the towing capacity and says the truck will be fine.

    We have the same truck as you and pull a 369Rl which is even heavier than the 323 I believe. We have no issues at all. We have air bags and Goodyear tires. She rides like a dream!
    Allen and Sandi-Lexington, KY
    Home of fast horses and beautiful women!
    2015 Chevrolet Duramax 4 x 4 3500 HD LTZ
    2014 Solitude 369 RL-Oct. 2014
    2016 Momentum 376 TH-April 2016

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    We ended up going with the 323bhs. Picking it up on Saturday.

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    Big Traveler
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    Congrats! You will not be dissappointed. Welcome to the Grand Design family.
    Scott and Jan Platt Ocala, FL
    Cameron(Son) & Chica(chihuahua)
    2014 Reflection 337RLS
    2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 4X4, Crew Cab, Dually, Diesel
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Site Sponsor Steve and Cill's Avatar
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    Congratulations Aazahn on your new 323!

    Steve

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    Thanks, I seem to be visiting pictures of in online a lot, Will be nice to be able to see it in the driveway.

  10. #10
    Site Sponsor Sandi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aazahn View Post
    Thanks, I seem to be visiting pictures of in online a lot, Will be nice to be able to see it in the driveway.
    I'm quite sure that is what all of us did before we were able to pick up our units! It's so exciting! Heck I still get on all the time and look at pics of the new models!
    Congrats and I hope your waiting time goes quickly!
    Allen and Sandi-Lexington, KY
    Home of fast horses and beautiful women!
    2015 Chevrolet Duramax 4 x 4 3500 HD LTZ
    2014 Solitude 369 RL-Oct. 2014
    2016 Momentum 376 TH-April 2016

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