Grand Design 2970RL Tow Vehicle Question

[kelly2307]

We have been shopping for rv's and have decided we like the 2970RL the best of all we have looked at. The 2970RL is about 7300lbs dry weight. I have an F150 SuperCrew with 3.5 twin turbo and max towing package. The vehicle is rated at max towing capacity of 11,300. This trailer is well within the limits of this vehicle. With that said I'm see all kids of posts saying don't do it. The trailer is too long and sway is a problem in cross winds. Also, that this vehicle is going have problems in the mountains. Is there anyone in this forum towing this trailer with a simular vehicle who is happy with this set up? If this is just too much trailer for this truck we will just have to go back and start looking again. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[attaboy]

I know of several forum members pulling the 2970rl but most are using a 3/4 ton truck.
I hope you find a member using a 1/2 ton.

Bob A.

 

[Redapple63]

There are five things you need to look at.

Payload
Front and rear axle weight ratings
Tire loading ratings
Gross Combined Weight Rating
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The three that matter the most are
Front and rear axle weight ratings
Tire Loading
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Your fully loaded rig must fall within the limits of these items.

Actually legally you must meet all five.

Payload: The total amount your truck can have as part if it’s payload (in the cab and bed) pin or hitch weight count as payload

Front and rear axle weight ratings: The total amount that axle can carry.

Tire Loading: The total amount of weight that tire can support at its max air pressure

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The total amount your truck can weigh with its payload

Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating: Total weight with your rig hitched up

The rig you have chosen is right at the top edge of the limits for an F150.
You may want to look into a 250 or 350.

Don’t join the second truck club, it’s an expensive one.

Good Luck with your decision.

Bill

 

[jnoyes]

We tow a 2970RL with what is technically a half-ton, a 2019 Nissan Titan XD, but I don’t know if I’d compare that directly with an F150. It weighs almost 7000 lbs empty, has 4900 lb axles, and factory load range E tires. We also have used a Hensley hitch since day one. We have zero sway and are well within the truck’s limits, and more importantly it is totally comfortable on the road. No white knuckle stress.

That said, the 2970 is a big, long travel trailer. It can easily put 1150lbs on the hitch, and pass 8000lbs loaded, even more if you carry any fresh water.

Just my opinion, but aren’t F150s fairly light these days? I feel like it might get pushed around pretty badly by a 2970. I definitely wouldn’t do it without a properly set up Hensley or ProPride hitch. You’d likely be the dog being wagged by the tail. I’m thinking it might not be comfortable, even if your numbers are passable.

I’d be happy to send you our CAT scale tickets if you like. It might give you some hard data to work with. PM me your email if you want. But I think your issue might not be the numbers, it’s gonna be the level of comfort you have behind the wheel. Hopefully someone with an F150 will weigh in as well.

 

[kelly2307]

I know of several forum members pulling the 2970rl but most are using a 3/4 ton truck.
I hope you find a member using a 1/2 ton.

Bob A.

Thanks for the reply. I have not towed a trailer since the lat 1980's. I want to get this right because I don't want to be uncomfortable with whatever I'm towing. I hate to got through the process of trading in my half ton for a 3/4 ton, but it's starting to look like its that or downsize the trailer.

 

[jnoyes]

Well, I’ll put my vote in for the 2970 as the “right” trailer. It certainly was for us. The only thing worse than doing the two truck thing would be getting both the truck AND the trailer wrong, lol.

 

[Flip94ta]

I think it’s too much trailer for the F150. Many folks post the same question with the 2800BH. It’s almost a monthly post on here, “can my F150 tow a….”

I think an honest limit for the F150 is a 30ft Imagine. I own one, it puts 900lbs on the hitch. If you are comfortable with all passengers, cargo and 900lb hitch weight not exceeding your payload then that is the right sized trailer for you. The 32ft Imagines put 1000-1200lbs on the tongue and most say the F150 feels nervous with that load. Now you are asking about a 34ft? That’s just too much in my humble opinion. A 5500lb truck will be blown all over the place by a 8000lb plus travel trailer.

Ford and the other manufacturers love their crazy tow ratings for marketing but really that’s them towing a load of steel on a flatbed trailer to achieve the ratings. The frontal area and box like nature of a large travel trailer is a completely different animal with wind and passing vehicles causing lots of stability issues.

 

[fmartinmn]

We have been shopping for rv's and have decided we like the 2970RL the best of all we have looked at. The 2970RL is about 7300lbs dry weight. I have an F150 SuperCrew with 3.5 twin turbo and max towing package. The vehicle is rated at max towing capacity of 11,300. This trailer is well within the limits of this vehicle. With that said I'm see all kids of posts saying don't do it. The trailer is too long and sway is a problem in cross winds. Also, that this vehicle is going have problems in the mountains. Is there anyone in this forum towing this trailer with a simular vehicle who is happy with this set up? If this is just too much trailer for this truck we will just have to go back and start looking again. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

We had that set up two trucks ago. Our F150 had the max tow package, 3.73 gear set, but not the Heavy Duty suspension package. Even towing with a ProPride for sway control and Sumo springs for sag, I felt the F150 suspension was too soft. I towed it ok (no white knuckles) but not great. My RAM 1500 with 3.92 gears and Sumo springs did a much better job, but did not have the payload. We went to a 3/4 T RAM gasser and that did fine towing but not climbing. Based on my personal experience, if I were to go with a 2970RL again, it would be with a 3/4T or 1 T diesel. Best wishes, Frank. (edit) [MENTION=7033]sande005[/MENTION] tows a 2670MK with an F150 with Heavy Duty suspension. I think he does quite well. Maybe he will chime in.

 

[Calbar]

We have been shopping for rv's and have decided we like the 2970RL the best of all we have looked at. The 2970RL is about 7300lbs dry weight. I have an F150 SuperCrew with 3.5 twin turbo and max towing package. The vehicle is rated at max towing capacity of 11,300. This trailer is well within the limits of this vehicle. With that said I'm see all kids of posts saying don't do it. The trailer is too long and sway is a problem in cross winds. Also, that this vehicle is going have problems in the mountains. Is there anyone in this forum towing this trailer with a simular vehicle who is happy with this set up? If this is just too much trailer for this truck we will just have to go back and start looking again. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

I am going to chime in on this one as I towed a Reflection 297RSTS which is the Reflection equivalent of the Imagine 2970RL but about 800 lbs heavier with a 2009 Tundra and a Reese Straightline hitch. I never had any issues towing or stopping the trailer with the Tundra or had any lack of power. I towed the 297RSTS for over 10,000km (6000 miles) too. I did find one time when the cross winds were very strong that the setup would shift over close to the other lane but would not say it was white knuckle towing by any means. I also know that the hitch on the Tundra is much beefer than the hitches on an F150 and has a higher rating as well. If I were you rather than trade the F150 right away try it and see how you feel with it. Get a good WDH with sway control setup properly and see how the setup handles. If you are not happy with it get the bigger truck then. I personally would not even bother with a 250 or 2500 just go right to the 350 or 3500 once and be done.

I did trade up to a 3500 Ram and tow the 297RSTS with that. Plan is to upgrade to 5th wheel before this truck needs to be traded in so that is the only reason why I went with a bigger truck. I still notice heavy cross winds push me around some with this truck too. All to be expected when you pull a 34' sail behind you.

Rob

 

[goducks14]

That TT will weigh close to 8500lbs loaded and at 34' long will be a big load for any 1/2 ton. Under ideal conditions it will be just okay. As soon as you hit some winds or are in a panic brake situation is when things will get dicey.
If you tow in the mtns much then descending will always be a chore.
Any of the new 3/4 ton gas trucks would be great for that TT. A 3/4 ton diesel would be the best. I tow 31' and 9500lbs and have a 3500 CTD. I came from a 2500 gas and the diesel is sooo much more enjoyable.

Me personally I don't like being in a just get by situation. I like overkill as that makes whatever you're doing easier. Camping's about getting out a traveling and having fun. The last thing you want to do is hate towing. If you get the right setup then you'll find any excuse to get out on the road.

I live in the PNW and travel all kinds of roads from wide open windy desert hwys to steep long grades in the mtns. I realize that a diesel isn't for everyone but if someone's in the mtns and doing a lot more than weekend warrior trips and towing over 8,000lbs a diesel make a huge difference.

 

[zadiemay]

We got the 2970RL & Love it. We had not an f150, but Ram 1500 that was supposed to be able to tow 10200#. Hubby tried it twice. On the second trip out, I got him to go across the CAT scales. We were over on Payload/Pin/Hitch weight - Rear axles were overloaded by about 400# and we didn't have water in it. I talked him into & am still paying for the 2500 we upgraded to, and WE are much happier and feel much more able to handle the camper better. We would highly recommend, just get a ¾ to 1t truck and then get the right trailer for you! (part of the 2x truck gang)

 

[CaptPicardo]

I think it’s too much trailer for the F150. Many folks post the same question with the 2800BH. It’s almost a monthly post on here, “can my F150 tow a….”

I think an honest limit for the F150 is a 30ft Imagine. I own one, it puts 900lbs on the hitch. If you are comfortable with all passengers, cargo and 900lb hitch weight not exceeding your payload then that is the right sized trailer for you. The 32ft Imagines put 1000-1200lbs on the tongue and most say the F150 feels nervous with that load. Now you are asking about a 34ft? That’s just too much in my humble opinion. A 5500lb truck will be blown all over the place by a 8000lb plus travel trailer.

Ford and the other manufacturers love their crazy tow ratings for marketing but really that’s them towing a load of steel on a flatbed trailer to achieve the ratings. The frontal area and box like nature of a large travel trailer is a completely different animal with wind and passing vehicles causing lots of stability issues.

Amen and second on what Flip94a said.

 

[MotorCityBear]

I am in a similar situation.

I ordered a 2022 Ram 1500, 5.7L eTorque engine, 3.92, air suspension etc. Ram claims it will tow 12,500, which I find hard to believe.

I also ordered a 2022 Imagine 2670MK. Just under 7,000 lbs. empty and gross weight of 8,500. Both should be here in early March.

I sure hope I have enough truck.

 

[Pap and Mimi]

We pulled our 2970 with a f150 and we were over weight on payload, and probably rear axle. I added air bags and Helwig rear bar but just not enough truck. Local camping trips weren’t too bad, but one trip in the Appalachian mountains and we knew a F250 would be necessary.

 

[attaboy]

I am in a similar situation.

I ordered a 2022 Ram 1500, 5.7L eTorque engine, 3.92, air suspension etc. Ram claims it will tow 12,500, which I find hard to believe.

I also ordered a 2022 Imagine 2670MK. Just under 7,000 lbs. empty and gross weight of 8,500. Both should be here in early March.

I sure hope I have enough truck.

Speaking from experience with a slightly smaller trailer.
The problem is not towing, wind, trucks passing and especially emergency braking is where
the problem arises. A very good WDH is essential, we use the Propride.
Your truck will not enjoy Mont Eagle north of Chattanooga.
Going up your engine will strain to maintain speed, going down your brakes will suffer.

When we started, we were camping close to home and using 2 lane roads, our Ram 1500
had no problems at all with the good WDH. Speed about 55 occasional truck coming head on, no problem.
Braking was good because we were driving slower and fewer idiots. Once we ventured onto the Expressways
everything changed to the negatives already mentioned.
Good Luck:
Bob A.

 

[BobnColo]

well.....Guess I will be the huckleberry for the weight police lol. I have that exact set up. (see sig) First off, I have many years with a variety if pull trailers, 5th wheels and class A motorhome, plus being a former owner operator hauling produce, chemicals and sand and gravel, whatever all over the us and Canada. Now having thrown out my bonafides, here is the deal. I have pulled this unit over 8,000 miles since I bought it new last year and not had any problems. Would a 3/4 ton or bigger help? Probably, but I have pulled this unit everywhere from Colorado to California and the across Arizona to Arkansas and back to Colorado. Hills are no concern for the twin turbo 3.5. Downhill is as hard as you want to make it. Take it slow and use the tow haul feature and let the trans and downhill braking work for you. We are full timing since retiring last year and spending the winter in Arizona. Will be heading across Texas to our fishing ground in Arkansas in April. Last weigh in before leaving Colorado in November was right at limits but no issues with hills or braking.
I am using an EQ4 hitch and it works. You are going to notice wind and truck wash, but coming from the trucking industry, you get that in semi's as well.
I will say this, if you are uncomfortable with pulling it, don't. There are a lot of people out there pulling stuff for the first time and with no or very little experience, so don't be that guy. Good luck on your decision, be safe.

 

[MotorCityBear]

I guess the confusion (and concern) for me is the Ram dealer is telling me one thing and some of the feedback here suggests I may experience issues towing the Imagine 2670 with a half ton truck (supposedly rated at 12,500 towing capacity).

 

[goducks14]

I guess the confusion (and concern) for me is the Ram dealer is telling me one thing and some of the feedback here suggests I may experience issues towing the Imagine 2670 with a half ton truck (supposedly rated at 12,500 towing capacity).

If I were you I'd get a Pro Pride WDH for that 2670. Most all of the heavy stuff will be in the rear of the TT. Dry TW (690) is barely 10% and could be barely 10% or less when loaded. Dry weight will be around 7300lbs delivered and loaded around 8300 lbs. An 8300lb TT needs a TW around 1030 lbs. Not sure what your payload on the truck will be or how much stuff you'll load but it looks iffy to me.
JMO but any TT over 7,000 loaded is 3/4 ton territory. 8300lbs is really pushing the average 1/2 ton truck.

 

[Wileykid]

I guess the confusion (and concern) for me is the Ram dealer is telling me one thing and some of the feedback here suggests I may experience issues towing the Imagine 2670 with a half ton truck (supposedly rated at 12,500 towing capacity).

Dealer only wants to sell, and hey, the brochure says you can do it (not really). Most salesman have no understanding the actual dynamics of towing. Most have never towed anything beyond a Uhaul trailer. When I bought my truck several years ago, I was asking about the payload, they all quoted the brochure. I asked about the actual sticker payload, and none of the ones I was dealing with knew about it, and I had to explain and direct them where to look. Had them even send me a picture of the sticker. Guy that I did buy my truck from, actually admitted he had no idea about payload with a trailer.

One of the towing abilities is determined using a flatbed trailer with weights on it. Vastly different then a billboard that you will be towing, although Ford does have a limitation on the frontal area of a trailer being towed that most people do not know about. People here are giving you the no nonsense numbers.

 

[lsj49ws]

We have a 2970RL and love it. We started pulling with our F150 3.7 turbo since we had upgraded our trailer. After a couple of outings I discovered this truck just was not adequate. I could only pull slow and trucks would push me around when they passed me. Hills were a killer. Took me a long time to find one but I was able to get an F250 6.7 diesel super duty. If you can work it in your budget try to upgrade.