Am I am being overly ambitious?

[jsxtreme01]

Good evening everyone!

My wife and I are looking to purchase our first RV to take our kids camping. We were suggested Grand Design from several friends. A little background, my family consists of myself, wife, 3yo and 1yo. Total weight for us is about 425 pounds right now. No dogs or any other pets.

Our tow vehicle is a 21 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 eTorque and 3.92 gears. Below are the numbers of my truck taken directly from the stickers on the door;
GVWR 7,100
Curb Weight 5,596
GCVWR 17,000
Towing 11,400
Payload 1,504
GAWR Front 3,900
GAWR Rear 4,100

We were instantly drawn to the Imagine 2400BH (7495 Gross; 5725 Dry; Hitch 505) We also like the Imagine XLS 23BHE (6995 Gross; 5325 Dry; Hitch 504), but definitely prefer the 2400 BH.

So, what is the realistic loaded tongue rating of the Grand Design's? It may be a loaded question and I'm sorry if it is. Based on our current weights and figuring in 100 pounds of cargo in the truck, 100 pounds for WDH, our max tongue weight to be within payload would be 850 pounds (11% of 7495), that would still give me 29 pounds to spare. Am I being overly ambitious thinking the 2400BH is doable? Or do I need to be shifting my focus to the XLS23BHE based on the numbers? Thank you in advance!

 

[NB Canada]

You should be fine
But keep in mind your curb weight is likely higher giving less payload. Any options added at the dealer are not in that. A quick stop on a cat scale will give your exact curb weight

I have a bit more payload but I also have more family,dogs and kayaks. My GMC also has a trailer pkg with integrated trailer brakes

I have a 800-1200lb Husky Centreline.


But as I have noticed on here before I have seen similar set ups and the person says they had a terrible experience. White knuckles and all so it is a mystery
Maybe it is perception or lack of experience. Maybe it is the trucks. I have been a GMC guy forever

Goodluck


Edit: I suspect my loaded tongue weight will be between 800-900 but likely closer to 800
Will be loading the trailer over the next month


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[NB Canada]

As far as the two trailers depending on you and your families height the 2400 is much taller
My family is tall so showering with head in the skylight is not for me.
The front storage on the 2400 is much larger allowing our folding chairs to fit
And I am not a fan of the plumbing necessary for the sink to be on the slide


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[el Rojo]

Welcome to the forum.

Red

 

[jmbopp]

The published tongue weight is unrealistic, 800-900# would be more like it.
I had a F150 with 1486# payload. With my wife and I ready to camp I was 200# over on my gross and rear axle towing our 2650.
Rather than spec out a new F150 I made the jump to a F250. No payload issues and it's a much more stable towing vehicle.

 

[NB Canada]

The published tongue weight is unrealistic, 800-900# would be more like it.
I had a F150 with 1486# payload. With my wife and I ready to camp I was 200# over on my gross and rear axle towing our 2650.
Rather than spec out a new F150 I made the jump to a F250. No payload issues and it's a much more stable towing vehicle.

The OP said he expects the TW to be 850

Rear kitchen trailers like you have do not tow well
Imo they shouldn’t even be made

The 2400 tows like a dream


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[Heavy Half Ton]

The math is actually fairly simple on an accurate estimation.
You have 1500 lbs of payload. From that, subtract yourself and family, groceries, generator, wood, etc. I’ll guess after loading everything up, that was 700 lbs. Subtract 100 lbs for a wd hitch. That leaves you with 700 lbs of payload left. 700 lbs divided by .13 is about 5380 lbs, which is the MAX LOADED TRAILER WEIGHT. That implies a empty trailer weight of 4500 lbs or so.

 

[Chewwi]

Good evening everyone!

My wife and I are looking to purchase our first RV to take our kids camping. We were suggested Grand Design from several friends. A little background, my family consists of myself, wife, 3yo and 1yo. Total weight for us is about 425 pounds right now. No dogs or any other pets.

Our tow vehicle is a 21 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 eTorque and 3.92 gears. Below are the numbers of my truck taken directly from the stickers on the door;
GVWR 7,100
Curb Weight 5,596
GCVWR 17,000
Towing 11,400
Payload 1,504
GAWR Front 3,900
GAWR Rear 4,100

We were instantly drawn to the Imagine 2400BH (7495 Gross; 5725 Dry; Hitch 505) We also like the Imagine XLS 23BHE (6995 Gross; 5325 Dry; Hitch 504), but definitely prefer the 2400 BH.

So, what is the realistic loaded tongue rating of the Grand Design's? It may be a loaded question and I'm sorry if it is. Based on our current weights and figuring in 100 pounds of cargo in the truck, 100 pounds for WDH, our max tongue weight to be within payload would be 850 pounds (11% of 7495), that would still give me 29 pounds to spare. Am I being overly ambitious thinking the 2400BH is doable? Or do I need to be shifting my focus to the XLS23BHE based on the numbers? Thank you in advance!

IMO, the 2400BH very doable. Unless you pack the kitchen sink or gold bars, it’s pretty hard to get close to the RVs GVWR. Fully loaded for travel the tongue weight on our 2600RB, measured using a tongue weight guage, is 750 lbs. That is an increase of only 126 lbs over the factory delivered tongue weight. That even includes about 110 lbs for the battery and propane tanks. We don’t dry camp so our fresh water tank only has about 10 gals when we tow. If your conservative on what you take with you, you should not have a problem.

Of course there are always the 2500 and 3500 crowd that thinks no RV can ever be towed by a mere 1500.


2020 2600RB,
2017 Silverado Crew Cab 1500, 6.2L

 

[jmbopp]

The OP said he expects the TW to be 850

Rear kitchen trailers like you have do not tow well
Imo they shouldn’t even be made

The 2400 tows like a dream


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

??? Never had an issue with sway towing it. My wife loves the rear window and counter space.

 

[Tgunter5]

We have a 2400BH and towed it without issues using a 2015 silverado 1500. Our limiting factor was the GVWR. Like yours, ours was also 7100 and after taking it to the scales we were at 7060!!!! Still within limits and it towed great, just cant pack much in the truck if you wanna be within your numbers. You'll get lots of opinions saying you need a bigger truck or not. My experience is the half-ton did its job WITHOUT issue, but it definitely does not compare to a bigger truck. With a new GVWR of 10650, its something I don't even think about anymore. As first-timers with a new modern day pick-up and new trailer, you will be fine and will make LOTS of great family memories. CONGRATS on your purchase and happpy camping!!!!!!

 

[jsxtreme01]

First off guys, thank you for all the responses and advice.

I should have added a bit more of information. The truck has the trailer brake controller installed and the class IV hitch. My wife and I were seriously looking at the 2500 because we knew we wouldn't have to sweat the payload as much. Our thought processes was that this truck is my daily driver. I am only 5 miles from work and realistically we probably are going to be only able to do a weekend a month based on our respective schedules at this moment in time. Trust me, I know getting a 2500 will solve all of these issues! Unfortunately, there was a price difference between the two and we are trying to be conscious of that.

My name of the game is to be smart about towing and of course be safe. I have been looking at the weigh safe true tow WDH and have been advised to look at anderson, propride and blue ox as well. So, I know these factor into the overall payload reduction. I guess where I'm confused is about loading equipment. I understand some camping chairs and small supplies in the truck, but isn't a majority of the load safely distributed in the trailer, being cautions to not go over the limit?

 

[NB Canada]

Most everything can be stored in the trailer

Some people like to justify their opinion of needing a bigger truck because of generators and firewood and groceries??? Trying to add unnecessary weight to the trucks payload
If you are like us which you seem to be ,a generator will never be needed and most states(I know provinces do) discourage firewood transporting so other than bikes and like you say maybe a chair or two everything is packed in the trailer
The 2400 Bh has a very large cargo capacity which as a weekend warrior you will not fill it up that much

As far as a hitch I personally would never spend that crazy amount of money for a propride. Nothing is worth that Just because isn’t a good enough answer for me. Equalizer E4 is likely the most popular and a top quality hitch
The weigh safe is more designed for toy haulers imo where the payload distribution can change drastically
Most of us have out trailers loaded one way and it stays that way so once the hitch is adjusted you are good to go
Like I have mentioned I have the Husky Centreline and I am very impressed

Go find a 2400 and make some memories


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[Tgunter5]

If your close to your payload capacity then you want to load the truck with as little as possible. A few trips to the CAT scale might be good also if your concerned about load placement in relation to tongue weight. A good WDH is going to be a necessity.

 

[jproctor9]

We have a 2400BH and tow with a 2019 F150 3.5EB 157WB (payload = 1697). Me, wife, child, dog, and "stuff" approximately 500lb. Tongue weight (from Sherline scale) is 875. We load most everything in the trailer before heading out. I have not run across scales but plan to once new hitch is installed. All that said...

F150 tows OK with Andersen WDH but not great. I have not been able to get the hitch dialed in as much as I'd like. A bit too much pushing around from passing trucks (and even larger SUVs). It was great with our previous trailer (a hybrid), but I have decided that we needed a better hitch. Ordered a Propride last week as I decided the extra cost was worth it if I was going to tow close to payload limit.

For "local" trips (<3 hours), my current setup would be fine as I keep speeds below 65mph and avoid interstates. I actually enjoy driving two lane roads and seeing the country. However, we will do longer trips and that is the reason for the upgraded hitch.

As for the truck, we actually "upgraded" to the 2019 3.5 from a 2013 5.0. The "old" truck only had payload = 1311 and the torque curve on the 5.0 leaves a lot to be desired for towing. The 3.5 is a MUCH better towing engine (the 10 speed tranny is a nice bonus).

I am very confident that the F150 will be a capable and safe tow vehicle for this camper with an upgraded hitch. Would a F250 be better? Yes. But it's my daily driver and I have parking garages to deal with. Ah the life of an urban dweller.

I hope this is helpful. Once I get the Propride and get it installed, I am happy to provide additional thoughts on comparison.

 

[Heavy Half Ton]

We have a 2400BH and tow with a 2019 F150 3.5EB 157WB (payload = 1697). Me, wife, child, dog, and "stuff" approximately 500lb. Tongue weight (from Sherline scale) is 875. We load most everything in the trailer before heading out. I have not run across scales but plan to once new hitch is installed. All that said...

F150 tows OK with Andersen WDH but not great. I have not been able to get the hitch dialed in as much as I'd like. A bit too much pushing around from passing trucks (and even larger SUVs). It was great with our previous trailer (a hybrid), but I have decided that we needed a better hitch. Ordered a Propride last week as I decided the extra cost was worth it if I was going to tow close to payload limit.

For "local" trips (<3 hours), my current setup would be fine as I keep speeds below 65mph and avoid interstates. I actually enjoy driving two lane roads and seeing the country. However, we will do longer trips and that is the reason for the upgraded hitch.

As for the truck, we actually "upgraded" to the 2019 3.5 from a 2013 5.0. The "old" truck only had payload = 1311 and the torque curve on the 5.0 leaves a lot to be desired for towing. The 3.5 is a MUCH better towing engine (the 10 speed tranny is a nice bonus).

I am very confident that the F150 will be a capable and safe tow vehicle for this camper with an upgraded hitch. Would a F250 be better? Yes. But it's my daily driver and I have parking garages to deal with. Ah the life of an urban dweller.

I hope this is helpful. Once I get the Propride and get it installed, I am happy to provide additional thoughts on comparison.

If you don’t already have LT tires on the truck, try that next.

 

[jproctor9]

If you don’t already have LT tires on the truck, try that next.

I probably should have included that, as well...

Cooper Discoverer AT3 LTX Load Range E (love these tires...had them on 2013 and put them on 2019 when we bought it)

Also added Sumo Springs to rear leafs. Added these to 2013 and liked how they added a little "heft" to the suspension under load. They are installed so they do not influence unloaded ride.

 

[jsxtreme01]

Thanks for the information guys. Looking at the payload number of 1500. I'll subtract 500 pounds for family weight, 100 pounds for hitch and 100 pounds in the truck for cargo. That's 700 pounds and gives me 800 pounds max for tongue weight. I'm not sure if I'm not going to be under that number. I would have to keep the tongue weight at 10% max for this to work. I have enough power to tow it, just not enough comfortable payload!

 

[NB Canada]

Thanks for the information guys. Looking at the payload number of 1500. I'll subtract 500 pounds for family weight, 100 pounds for hitch and 100 pounds in the truck for cargo. That's 700 pounds and gives me 800 pounds max for tongue weight. I'm not sure if I'm not going to be under that number. I would have to keep the tongue weight at 10% max for this to work. I have enough power to tow it, just not enough comfortable payload!

Entirely up to you. I disagree but you have to drive it

By looking at the numbers you will be under payload

You are going off of GVWR for the trailer and if you are a weekend warrior you will be well under that number

Good luck in your search


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[jsxtreme01]

Entirely up to you. I disagree but you have to drive it

By looking at the numbers you will be under payload

You are going off of GVWR for the trailer and if you are a weekend warrior you will be well under that number

Good luck in your search


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

I would love for this to work. Out of curiosity, how would you break down the numbers based on the 1500 payload? My wife also likes the Image XLS 23BHE as well. That is about 4 pounds lighter dry.

For weekends or even extended out to 4 days, how much weight of supplies would you expect? Less than 1000 pounds including supplies, propane and batteries?

As you can see, I tend to go worst case and overthink things. My wife constantly yells at me! haha

 

[NB Canada]

I would love for this to work. Out of curiosity, how would you break down the numbers based on the 1500 payload? My wife also likes the Image XLS 23BHE as well. That is about 4 pounds lighter dry.

For weekends or even extended out to 4 days, how much weight of supplies would you expect? Less than 1000 pounds including supplies, propane and batteries?

As you can see, I tend to go worst case and overthink things. My wife constantly yells at me! haha

Imo 800 lbs is easily doable for a TW

Unsure what this 100 lbs of cargo is that is in your calculations
Even with it your are at 1500 so good to go imo
I am not one that requires a “buffer”. Many are I am not

I traded in a Jayco Hybrid that had a cargo capacity less than 400 lbs. I know I was over that but no where near 1000 lbs in cargo
Everything I had in the Jayco will go into our 2400bh

The only additional stuff is I tossed all of the aluminium pots and pans and plastic servingwear and upgraded to heavy cookware and corelle and glass. No more plastic for us ever
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use plastic to save weight
I would guess my cargo weight will be 700-800lbs
That is a lot of stuff
The heaviest are the BBQ and my box of tools
Once I get it loaded I will take it out to the farm and weigh it on the scale

At the end of the day you have to tow it. I have noticed time and time again on these forums of people with smaller trailers than mine and bigger trucks have “white knuckle” experiences and people with exact towing combos that I have and just get terrified to drive it so a lot is driver perception and ability
Yes I get suck/push from semi’s that if I had a big heavy diesel I may not notice as much but it isn’t anything to be concerned about
You see a truck coming and it sucks you toward them a bit and then it pushes you back out. It isn’t even anything you have to correct for but many may feel that and panic. To me it is barely noticed
YMMV


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew