Momentum 336M future owner / new forum member

[serban]

My wife and I have recently retired and spent 3 months in Florida this past winter. We used to rent a place for two or three weeks every winter and bring our motorcycle down to Florida with us, but this time we decided to take our 24ft Forest River travel trailer instead. We love this trailer but it became obvious that it is way too small for such a long stay; plus we missed our motorcycle. So we are upgrading to a Grand Design Momentum 336m to make the best of both worlds (we are going to order it tomorrow); this is the reason for joining the forum. Anyways I just wanted to say hi and am looking forward to exchanging information with as many of you as possible.

Serban, Angie and Zoey (Vizsla)

P.S. - I know that Momentum 336M is a new model this year but if there are any owners out there I would like to hear your first impressions

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Does that come with the 8,000 lb. axles, and disc brakes? I was wondering because the GVWR is 17,000 lbs. and they're usually 18,000 lbs. with the heavier axles.

 

[serban]

i was going to go with the standard 7000 lb and ABS (not disk) brakes. But now, if i'm thinking about it, that might not be adequate. The dry trailer weighs 14200 lb, fully loaded 17000 lb and the pin weight 2600 lb (unloaded). If one loads the trailer uniformly, the pin will weigh just over 3000 lb which means each axle will be loaded right below 7000 lb. However, with the 1000 lb motorcycle in the back garage, the uniform loading assumption might not be valid anymore and might result in overloading the axles (of course assuming loading all the way to GVWR). I might have to change to the heavier axles ... All i have to do now is sell it to the wife (upgrade is approx 6000 dollars)
But the one upgrade I am going to get for sure is the full body paint.

 

[FT4NOW]

Any reason you are choosing the 336 over the 376? Nearly identical floor plan, but more room and cargo capacity in the 376. Seems like cargo capacity will be very low in the 336. Dry weights don't include propane or batteries.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

If you go with the 336M, absolutely get the 8,000 lb. axles. You're almost guaranteed to be overweight if you don't. Ours is not too much different dry weight-wise, and we are overweight when fully loaded.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Now this is JMO, and I don't get involved in many discussions about weights, but I firmly believe a trailer over 15,000 lbs. should be pulled by a dually. Like I said, JMO.

 

[serban]

Any reason you are choosing the 336 over the 376? Nearly identical floor plan, but more room and cargo capacity in the 376. Seems like cargo capacity will be very low in the 336. Dry weights don't include propane or batteries.

One of the reasons is the tow vehicle, SRW as opposed to DRW. I don't mind the dually but the wife does so that's that. Also the 336M seems to make better use of the space, especially the front living area where they changed the position of the theatre seats and TV. That plus some other changes around the kitchen/dinning are resulted in a 4 ft overall reduction. Bedroom/garage are unchanged. You are right about the underfloor storage.

 

[serban]

Now this is JMO, and I don't get involved in many discussions about weights, but I firmly believe a trailer over 15,000 lbs. should be pulled by a dually. Like I said, JMO.

The tow vehicle is a F-350 6.7 high output diesel SRW. Also comes with the 3.55 axle ratio to give it more towing power.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

FWIW, it's not the towing power that is the issue, the carrying capacity and stability is why I feel the way I do.

 

[serban]

If you go with the 336M, absolutely get the 8,000 lb. axles. You're almost guaranteed to be overweight if you don't. Ours is not too much different dry weight-wise, and we are overweight when fully loaded.

Did you check the axle load on the scale? Do you have the 7000lb axles, your GVWR is identical to 336M

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Yes, I have the 7,000 lb. axles, but I installed 4,000 lb. springs last year. I have 14,400 lbs. on the axles and 3,100 lbs. on the pin. So yup, over on the GVWR, and over on the axle weight.

 

[serban]

Yes, I have the 7,000 lb. axles, but I installed 4,000 lb. springs last year. I have 14,400 lbs. on the axles and 3,100 lbs. on the pin. So yup, over on the GVWR, and over on the axle weight.

You convinced me on the 8000 lb axles, thank you sir. We'll see if I can get the dealer to pitch in for part of the upgrade price.

 

[Soundsailor]

Hey [MENTION=54599]serban[/MENTION], welcome to the forum. Looks like you've already gotten lots of good advice from some of your fellow forum members, let us know how you make out.

 

[serban]

FWIW, it's not the towing power that is the issue, the carrying capacity and stability is why I feel the way I do.

After much research I decided to change the order (just in time) to a dually. Same 6.7 l diesel engine. Thank you for the advice.

 

[FT4NOW]

After much research I decided to change the order (just in time) to a dually. Same 6.7 l diesel engine. Thank you for the advice.

Good choice...does that mean the 376 is up for consideration? I know you mentioned reasons for going with the 336, but if cargo capacity is important to you on the trailer, might want to consider.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

After much research I decided to change the order (just in time) to a dually. Same 6.7 l diesel engine. Thank you for the advice.

I know you'll be happy with it, my 2018 Ram does a great job of towing our 351, it'll pass everything except a fuel station.

 

[huntindog]

i was going to go with the standard 7000 lb and ABS (not disk) brakes. But now, if i'm thinking about it, that might not be adequate. The dry trailer weighs 14200 lb, fully loaded 17000 lb and the pin weight 2600 lb (unloaded). If one loads the trailer uniformly, the pin will weigh just over 3000 lb which means each axle will be loaded right below 7000 lb. However, with the 1000 lb motorcycle in the back garage, the uniform loading assumption might not be valid anymore and might result in overloading the axles (of course assuming loading all the way to GVWR). I might have to change to the heavier axles ... All i have to do now is sell it to the wife (upgrade is approx 6000 dollars)
But the one upgrade I am going to get for sure is the full body paint.

Full body paint Rocks!

 

[KenSher]

Now this is JMO, and I don't get involved in many discussions about weights, but I firmly believe a trailer over 15,000 lbs. should be pulled by a dually. Like I said, JMO.

You're CORRECT. Be safe. Some States can also be problematic if NOT driving a Dually for a larger RV - CALIFORNIA is one. We have a 2019 381M Toyhauler and enjoy life with our General. Safe Travels Always!

 

[jlk111]

After much research I decided to change the order (just in time) to a dually. Same 6.7 l diesel engine. Thank you for the advice.

Glad your wife gave in to getting the dually. It will be a lot less stress towing and a more enjoyable trip if you are not white knuckling at times. Usually by the fourth or fifth time I ask my wife about something, re-worded differently each time of course, she finally agrees. She told me years ago if I keep asking over and over I must mean it. LOL