Towing Grand Design Imagine 2600RB

[bricknhank]

Greetings from a newbie to the RV life, Grand Design and the forum. I just picked up my new GD Imagine 2600rb last week. My tow vehicle is a 2020 Ram 1500 Longhorn with a 5.7 Hemi and a 3:21 gear. As you may know the trailer is 5800lbs dry and a gross wt of 7850lbs. My maiden voyage picking up the trailer was disappointing. I have an equalizer hitch so there was no squat or sway but I quickly determined that the 1500 was inadequate. The truck was constantly in 4th gear sometimes 5th and winding a lot of RPM’s, and of course this was dry with no load in the truck or the trailer on flat IL roads. And yes, I was using tow/haul. In fairness to me (and the truck) when I bought the truck in 2020 I had no idea that I would be considering jumping into the RV arena. I love the GD Imagine and can’t wait until then weather breaks so we can start camping but I am in the market for a 3/4 ton truck. I’m leaning towards An F-250 but weighing out all of my options.

[theclarks]

Knowing what I know now I would skip the 3/4 and go to a 1 ton. When were camper hunting I knew the current truck was maxed out (2004 Avalanche) so we needed a new truck but didn't know what camper. We bought 2016 3/4 gas truck, then we found the Grand Design brand and the Imagine 2800BH. The next show DW found the 337RLS, knowing we didn't have enough pony's. We thought though the 303RLS would would work, but we soon found the 3/4 wasn't enough and was 500#s over the GVWR of the 3/4. We now have a 1 ton and the 337, equipped the same a 1 ton is not much more than a 3/4.

[Silverado2016]

Been there done that.. we had a 1/2 ton Tundra and it didn’t like the hills at all. We moved to a 3/4 ton Duramax and have wished I had done that 20 years ago. As far as brands go, I think it’s up to you on that. They all have pros and cons. Good luck finding one..

[bricknhank]

The truck won’t be dedicated to just towing. The one ton might ride a bit rough for daily driving when I’m not towing.

[FT4NOW]

1 ton and 3/4 ton ride about the same when unloaded. You should test drive both of the same brand and see what you think.

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[Jerryr]

^^^. What FT4 said. At least with Ford products a 250 and 350 ride the same unloaded. The extra spring leaf doesn’t come in until you have weight on the back.

The bigger problem today is finding a truck that you want on a lot. Even if you find one pricing is horrible.

[lcallander]

When we bought our Solitude in June, we almost had to back out of the contract because we couldn't find a 3500. We scoured all the neighboring states - looking for anything - new or used. We had a Ram 1500 and knew that wouldn't cut it. Going full time, knowing we'd be in mountains and all sorts of crazy terrain (hence the whole purpose for RV!), we didn't want to white knuckle during our travels. Finally found a Ram3500 diesel. My advice whether 250/2500 or 350/3500 - GO DIESEL if you can. You can typically tow more (and I'm sure somebody here will chime in with lots more technical pros to diesel). We discovered the Engine brakes (having never owned a diesel before) and thank heavens every time we go through a mountain range that we have those engine brakes!!!

Good luck & happy travels!

[bricknhank]

Yes, inventory is very low on 3/4 & 1 ton Ford, Chevy, GMC and Ram trucks. ☹️ And, many dealers are charging premium fees over sticker ☹️☹️

[FT4NOW]

Yes, inventory is very low on 3/4 & 1 ton Ford, Chevy, GMC and Ram trucks. [emoji3525] And, many dealers are charging premium fees over sticker [emoji3525][emoji3525]

You might have better luck ordering a truck, that's probably the best way to get any discount, although the wait time varies between manufacturers and depending on options picked.

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[bricknhank]

You might have better luck ordering a truck, that's probably the best way to get any discount, although the wait time varies between manufacturers and depending on options picked.

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I agree based on the notes that I have seen on the window stickers saying $X thousands premium fees☹️