First RV towing specs on 2500RL

**TakeMeHome** · 07-11-2022, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by ManageIT

I started out with a Tundra pulling a Transcend 247BH. I'm sure I was over the payload capacity. Didn't really bother me for shorter trips in the state, but I didn't like it when taking longer trips. We bought a 1-ton dually knowing that we were going to upgrade to the 5th wheel we have now.

Said all that to say, if you expect to travel mostly short trips close to home, you may be fine in the short term until you can afford to upgrade trucks. If you plan to travel long distances right away, the HD truck will pay off. I used to get pretty tense with the Tundra. Not so much with the F350.

Thanks very good point. Basically I would be driving it once 5 hours away on all flat terrain from Va to SC where I would then be living out of it for work when I don't run home on the weekends leaving it in place. Then vacations a few times a year to West Va, NC, or Fl. We would not be doing a country tour at this time though that is a dream some day when work becomes remote or retired.

**ManageIT** · 07-11-2022, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by TakeMeHome

Thanks good point. Basically I would be driving it once 5 hours away all flat from Va to SC where I would be living of it for work when I don't run home on the weekends leaving it in place. Then vacations a few times a year to West Va, NC, or Fl. We would not be during a country tour in it at this time though that is a dream when work would be remote or retired.

You will probably be fine (ducking now to avoid objects thrown by tow police). All us forum members err on the side of caution because we are RV nerds. However, I can't tell you how many big trailers I see in campground with half-tons and even SUVs parked in front of them. Passed a 30' bumper pull being pulled by a Honda Pilot yesterday. Ignorance is bliss...

Keep your speed down and you follow distance large.

**uwskier** · 07-11-2022, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Ynot4me2

I'm afraid he dealt you some BS. The wdh will redistribute weight off you rear tv axle and onto the front. Tongue weight is tongue and is subtracted from the TV payload. Then there's the GRAR to look at the GVWR and GCWR.

A trip to the scales will reveal otherwise. Engaged WDH does indeed relocate weight from the TV to the trailer axles. It's not as simple as taking 100% of tongue weight and subtracting that from the payload number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg

**Ynot4me2** · 07-11-2022, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by uwskier

A trip to the scales will reveal otherwise. Engaged WDH does indeed relocate weight from the TV to the trailer axles. It's not as simple as taking 100% of tongue weight and subtracting that from the payload number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg

As you can see from these slips, only the weight on the TV axle changed. Now mind you, I was simply returning from the dealer on this trip, not packed for a trip. My tt axle didn't change

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**uwskier** · 07-11-2022, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Ynot4me2

As you can see from these slips, only the weight on the TV axle changed. Now mind you, I was simply returning from the dealer on this trip, not packed for a trip. My tt axle didn't change

Interesting. Where'd the extra 240 lbs go?

**Capt Bob** · 07-11-2022, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by TakeMeHome

I will have to look at something smaller by Grand Design but didn't see one I liked at a glance. I was looking for a closed off bedroom so choices are limited.

Well you only stated the required "closed bedroom" so you might take a look at a 22 RBE.

Thinking out loud.

Good luck.

**Ynot4me2** · 07-11-2022, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by uwskier

Interesting. Where'd the extra 240 lbs go?

Good question. I can guarantee you that I was in the TV. Lol.

**BigSam** · 07-16-2022, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by TakeMeHome

Hello,

Like many first-time buyers I am coming to grip with what I can tow with my existing truck may not be as capable as I wanted. We are looking at a 2500RL if some kind owners here could lend some time to input on the following:

I own a 2019 F-150 2.7l ecoboost supercrew 4x4 short bed. It's max pull with weight distribution hitch is 7600lbs. The payload sticker in the door jam is 1577. The research I found searching was to take the max loaded on the trailer which in the case of the 2500rl is 7,495 GVWR and times it by 12% to estimate the hitch weight which is 900lbs. We will not pull it with more than a few gallons of water for flushing a few times and washing hands. Do you think 800lbs is a good estimate loaded otherwise? If so here would be my payload:

800lbs hitch
330lbs wife and I (we are smaller and I padded)
80lbs dogs
212lbs gas full tank
50lbs misc truck side packing

That leaves only 100lbs remaining on my trucks payload sticker. Am I looking at this correct and is that safe? We are looking for something to take into the mountains at some point but will be used full time in South Carolina for my work residence instead of hotel staying. I think I could safely transport it empty to my RV park but looking for any input from the experts here.

Thanks for your time,

Bob

I have a 2500RL and I think your truck is under powered, both for torque and weight. I have a F150, but with the V8 engine and tow package. I have a super cab, not the crew cab. I have no problems and have been through the Rockies, Smokies and Ozarks. I think you will end up needing more carrying capacity and horse power/torque. Would hate to have to be worrying if I had enough truck all the time.

**TakeMeHome** · 07-16-2022, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by BigSam

I have a 2500RL and I think your truck is under powered, both for torque and weight. I have a F150, but with the V8 engine and tow package. I have a super cab, not the crew cab. I have no problems and have been through the Rockies, Smokies and Ozarks. I think you will end up needing more carrying capacity and horse power/torque. Would hate to have to be worrying if I had enough truck all the time.

Thanks, to start I’m only pulling to South Carolina so no inclines and it will sit there to work and live without moving. What’s the payload on your F150?

**Malco1** · 07-16-2022, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by ManageIT

I started out with a Tundra pulling a Transcend 247BH. I'm sure I was over the payload capacity. Didn't really bother me for shorter trips in the state, but I didn't like it when taking longer trips. We bought a 1-ton dually knowing that we were going to upgrade to the 5th wheel we have now.

Said all that to say, if you expect to travel mostly short trips close to home, you may be fine in the short term until you can afford to upgrade trucks. If you plan to travel long distances right away, the HD truck will pay off. I used to get pretty tense with the Tundra. Not so much with the F350.

I never had a F-150, but I did Have a Tundra. Then I went from the Tundra to a Ram 1500. The Tundra was way more truck than the Ram1500. In opinion the Ram 1500 was nothing more than a passenger car with a pickup truck body.