Safe to Tow??? Transcend Xplor 264BHX

[jaycolawill]

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Looking at 2 RV's, but really banging my head when it comes to determining if I can safely tow either of these with my truck. Wondering if some kind soul can help me out, please. I did run the numbers through a spreadsheet from Understanding GVWR & Payload - Keep Your Daydream
and the checkboxes were all "green" but would love another set of eyes on this.

My Truck:
CC15543-2018 SILVERADO 1500 2WD CREW CAB
ENGINE, 5.3L V8 ECOTEC3
TRAILERING EQUIPMENT PKG INCL: AUTO LOCK REAR DIFF
REAR AXLE 3.42 RATIO
CURB WEIGHT - 5,450 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
GCVWR - 15,000 LBS
PAYLOAD - 1,762 LBS
TOW CAPACITY - 9,400 LBS

MY ESTIMATED PAYLOAD:
5 passengers - 700 LBS
Cargo - 200 LBS
Est. Total = 900 LBS

RV Options #1 - Transcend Xplor 264BHX
UVW - 6,505 LBS
GVWR - 7,695 LBS
HITCH - 635 LBS

My other option would be which is a bit lighter.

RV Option #2- Jayco 235MBH
UVW - 5,620 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
HITCH - 645 LBS


Would I be safe to tow either of these RV's? Or do I need to find a lighter camper?

Thank you!

 

[Insist on live music]

Perhaps input error? Check your rear axle gear again. My gear is 2.42. I use 2018 Silverado 4x4 model 1500 with tow package and 5.3 liter gasoline engine. (1/2 ton). I pull 32ft GD "Imagine" UVW - 6,845 LBS. It's a bit under-powered. Tow speed 63. It pulls nice although a passing 18-wheeler will push me around. (I should be using 2500 model a 3/4 ton.) I use and YOU should too . . . use weight distribution bars that dramatically lessen "pin" weight. I also, have 1 "sway" bar. Other thoughts. . . a length of 26 to 28 is a good size. (24ft too short). I have a 32ft and it can be difficult to get in / out of gas stations. Jayco USED TO have a good reputation prior to being sold 2016. Go with the Grand Design.

 

[NB Canada]

Both of those trailers will have you over your limits
Will it self destruct? Not likely
Is it safe? I would do it but I can’t speak for you

Those trailers will have 850-900 lbs on the nose to ensure a good towing experience

Then with the weight of the hitch60-80 lbs
You will be over your base numbers
Keep in mind if you are going off of the door sticker for payload that the actual number can be much less as that doesn’t include any dealer accessories or old French fries etc.

Best thing to do is take a few minutes with all of the stuff that will go camping and weigh your truck at a cat scale and see what you actually have left for payload

Good luck

 

[Second Chance]

There's a great thread on the forum in the Reference section started by a former moderator. Read through it:

Towing capacity

Rob

 

[NB Canada]

Perhaps input error? Check your rear axle gear again. My gear is 2.42. I use 2018 Silverado 4x4 model 1500 with tow package and 5.3 liter gasoline engine. (1/2 ton). I pull 32ft GD "Imagine" UVW - 6,845 LBS. It's a bit under-powered. Tow speed 63. It pulls nice although a passing 18-wheeler will push me around. (I should be using 2500 model a 3/4 ton.) I use and YOU should too . . . use weight distribution bars that dramatically lessen "pin" weight. I also, have 1 "sway" bar. Other thoughts. . . a length of 26 to 28 is a good size. (24ft too short). I have a 32ft and it can be difficult to get in / out of gas stations. Jayco USED TO have a good reputation prior to being sold 2016. Go with the Grand Design.

He would be correct about his gear ratio

Same as mine 3.42

 

[JKellerJr]

He would be correct about his gear ratio

Same as mine 3.42

Perhaps input error? Check your rear axle gear again. My gear is 2.42. I use 2018 Silverado 4x4 model 1500 with tow package and 5.3 liter gasoline engine. (1/2 ton).

Yea, I think its the other way around. I don't think I've ever seen as low (or high depending on how you look at it) as a 2.42 in a truck. Especially one with a tow package.

 

[NB Canada]

Yea, I think its the other way around. I don't think I've ever seen as low (or high depending on how you look at it) as a 2.42 in a truck. Especially one with a tow package.

It would be great on fuel cruising the highway just take forever to get to speed

 

[txloser]

Jayco USED TO have a good reputation prior to being sold 2016. Go with the Grand Design.

The weight stuff posted is all spot on, but to this point I quoted, I agree.

Having owned both brands recently, GD is the better choice. I don’t know that one is built better than the other. What I do know is when there’s warranty work needed, GD wins hands down. Jayco takes forever to approve things. They won’t accept your photos or info, and their customer service is severely lacking in comparison.

Jayco makes nice trailers. My wife still misses our Jayco FW and doesn’t like our Solitude. We have different ideas of what makes a trailer a good trailer. Lol.

 

[NB Canada]

The weight stuff posted is all spot on, but to this point I quoted, I agree.

Having owned both brands recently, GD is the better choice. I don’t know that one is built better than the other. What I do know is when there’s warranty work needed, GD wins hands down. Jayco takes forever to approve things. They won’t accept your photos or info, and their customer service is severely lacking in comparison.

Jayco makes nice trailers. My wife still misses our Jayco FW and doesn’t like our Solitude. We have different ideas of what makes a trailer a good trailer. Lol.

Complete opposite for me. Had a 2010 Jayco before this 2021 Imagine

In the 7 years of using the Jayco I only had two failures. The little bathroom fan. Jayco agreed to send me an upgraded Fantastic fan and I installed it. The other was the sail switch failed in the furnace

This Grand Design has had over many things I have had to get repaired

I preferred my Jayco for quality. They just didn’t have the storage of the Imagine

 

[Wileykid]

Complete opposite for me. Had a 2010 Jayco before this 2021 Imagine

In the 7 years of using the Jayco I only had two failures. The little bathroom fan. Jayco agreed to send me an upgraded Fantastic fan and I installed it. The other was the sail switch failed in the furnace

This Grand Design has had over many things I have had to get repaired

I preferred my Jayco for quality. They just didn’t have the storage of the Imagine

Had a 2004 Jayco class "c" for some time. Loved it, and just a couple of minor things, but like all trailers, that was back then. Since Jayco was bought out, quality has suffered, like most other trailers. Seems the trailers back then was the "good ole days" and hard to compare them to newer ones.

 

[terryriddle]

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Looking at 2 RV's, but really banging my head when it comes to determining if I can safely tow either of these with my truck. Wondering if some kind soul can help me out, please. I did run the numbers through a spreadsheet from Understanding GVWR & Payload - Keep Your Daydream
and the checkboxes were all "green" but would love another set of eyes on this.

My Truck:
CC15543-2018 SILVERADO 1500 2WD CREW CAB
ENGINE, 5.3L V8 ECOTEC3
TRAILERING EQUIPMENT PKG INCL: AUTO LOCK REAR DIFF
REAR AXLE 3.42 RATIO
CURB WEIGHT - 5,450 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
GCVWR - 15,000 LBS
PAYLOAD - 1,762 LBS
TOW CAPACITY - 9,400 LBS

MY ESTIMATED PAYLOAD:
5 passengers - 700 LBS
Cargo - 200 LBS
Est. Total = 900 LBS

RV Options #1 - Transcend Xplor 264BHX
UVW - 6,505 LBS
GVWR - 7,695 LBS
HITCH - 635 LBS

My other option would be which is a bit lighter.

RV Option #2- Jayco 235MBH
UVW - 5,620 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
HITCH - 645 LBS


Would I be safe to tow either of these RV's? Or do I need to find a lighter camper?

Thank you!

That says the axle weight of the two truck axles and the total loaded weight of the planned RV can not weigh more than 7,000 lbs when added together. Two capacity and payload are other safety issues, but GVWR is a legal weight for the manufacture/roadway.

 

[straightshooter]

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Looking at 2 RV's, but really banging my head when it comes to determining if I can safely tow either of these with my truck. Wondering if some kind soul can help me out, please. I did run the numbers through a spreadsheet from Understanding GVWR & Payload - Keep Your Daydream
and the checkboxes were all "green" but would love another set of eyes on this.

My Truck:
CC15543-2018 SILVERADO 1500 2WD CREW CAB
ENGINE, 5.3L V8 ECOTEC3
TRAILERING EQUIPMENT PKG INCL: AUTO LOCK REAR DIFF
REAR AXLE 3.42 RATIO
CURB WEIGHT - 5,450 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
GCVWR - 15,000 LBS
PAYLOAD - 1,762 LBS
TOW CAPACITY - 9,400 LBS

MY ESTIMATED PAYLOAD:
5 passengers - 700 LBS
Cargo - 200 LBS
Est. Total = 900 LBS

RV Options #1 - Transcend Xplor 264BHX
UVW - 6,505 LBS
GVWR - 7,695 LBS
HITCH - 635 LBS

My other option would be which is a bit lighter.

RV Option #2- Jayco 235MBH0
UVW - 5,620 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
HITCH - 645 LBS


Would I be safe to tow either of these RV's? Or do I need to find a lighter camper?

Thank you!

GVWR - Curb Weight should equal payload capacity. 7000 - 5450 = 1550 for Payload capacity. How did you get 1,762????

 

[Cary_309]

Both of those trailers will have you over your limits
Will it self destruct? Not likely
Is it safe? I would do it but I can’t speak for you

Those trailers will have 850-900 lbs on the nose to ensure a good towing experience

Then with the weight of the hitch60-80 lbs
You will be over your base numbers
Keep in mind if you are going off of the door sticker for payload that the actual number can be much less as that doesn’t include any dealer accessories or old French fries etc.

Best thing to do is take a few minutes with all of the stuff that will go camping and weigh your truck at a cat scale and see what you actually have left for payload

Good luck

Just out of curiosity, are your 850-900 lbs tongue weights through personal experience? I'm no expert but I was taught to calculate percentage hitch weight was to divide the unloaded tongue weight by the UVM (x100 to get a percentage) then use that number on the GVWR to get the theoretical max tongue weight. For this it would be 635/6505=0.097 x 100, basically 10%. Taking 10% of the GVWR of 7,000 would be a fully maxed tongue weight of 700 lbs. That plus the estimated 900 for the truck would be 1,600 lbs., super tight but if the 1762 payload is correct (notwithstanding straightshooter's comment) then he should be OK. Was I taught incorrectly, am I missing something, or ???

 

[NB Canada]

Just out of curiosity, are your 850-900 lbs tongue weights through personal experience? I'm no expert but I was taught to calculate percentage hitch weight was to divide the unloaded tongue weight by the UVM (x100 to get a percentage) then use that number on the GVWR to get the theoretical max tongue weight. For this it would be 635/6505=0.097 x 100, basically 10%. Taking 10% of the GVWR of 7,000 would be a fully maxed tongue weight of 700 lbs. That plus the estimated 900 for the truck would be 1,600 lbs., super tight but if the 1762 payload is correct (notwithstanding straightshooter's comment) then he should be OK. Was I taught incorrectly, am I missing something, or ???

For you first question. Yes it is what my smaller 2400bh has for tw Cat scaled

10 percent is for a boat or flat deck ,not a travel trailer that has a huge front that will lift the tongue as it goes down the road
Imo even 12 isn’t good. I would always aim for 15 percent
I achieved this automatically just by putting my stuff in the trailer. Yes I use glassware and correll dishes. Tools lots. Spare parts lots so maybe I have heavier stuff but my trailer tows amazing

Next thing that you need to look at is the advertised TW of 635, in this example, is the factory base weight before anything is put in the trailer. The scaled sheet that gets put in the trailer once it leaves the factory will have a higher number than this (unsure why the manufacturer does this, it is wrong imo)
Then the dealer will add 40 lbs of propane and a battery. It will be approximately 150 lbs heavier than the advertised TW before a single piece of personal property is added

Now for the OPs situation (who I guess hasn’t participated in the conversation) has a conflict in their own numbers they posted above
Gvwr -curb equals payload

Would his setup self destruct? Unlikely but he will be over his trucks specs guaranteed

 

[dsullivan]

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Looking at 2 RV's, but really banging my head when it comes to determining if I can safely tow either of these with my truck. Wondering if some kind soul can help me out, please. I did run the numbers through a spreadsheet from Understanding GVWR & Payload - Keep Your Daydream
and the checkboxes were all "green" but would love another set of eyes on this.

My Truck:
CC15543-2018 SILVERADO 1500 2WD CREW CAB
ENGINE, 5.3L V8 ECOTEC3
TRAILERING EQUIPMENT PKG INCL: AUTO LOCK REAR DIFF
REAR AXLE 3.42 RATIO
CURB WEIGHT - 5,450 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
GCVWR - 15,000 LBS
PAYLOAD - 1,762 LBS
TOW CAPACITY - 9,400 LBS

MY ESTIMATED PAYLOAD:
5 passengers - 700 LBS
Cargo - 200 LBS
Est. Total = 900 LBS

RV Options #1 - Transcend Xplor 264BHX
UVW - 6,505 LBS
GVWR - 7,695 LBS
HITCH - 635 LBS

My other option would be which is a bit lighter.

RV Option #2- Jayco 235MBH
UVW - 5,620 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
HITCH - 645 LBS


Would I be safe to tow either of these RV's? Or do I need to find a lighter camper?

Thank you!

I had a 2018 silverado extended cab with a 5.3 , I pulled a 295rl 5th wheel with it , I had no problems went cross country with it. I have since bought a 2024 2500 hd which handles the trailer with ease . I think you would have no problems towing the grand design. From what i see online and youtube I would not buy a Jayco anymore.

 

[MtnGuy]

Beware of “listed “ hitch weights. The listed hitch weight of my 2024 Imagine XLS 22 MLE on the Grand Design website is 608 lbs. The hitch weight on my stat sheet was 704 lbs. Coming back empty from the dealer it was 760 lbs. (included propane and 2 series 24 wet cell batteries). Ready to camp it is now 900 lbs.

 

[KurtD]

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Looking at 2 RV's, but really banging my head when it comes to determining if I can safely tow either of these with my truck. Wondering if some kind soul can help me out, please. I did run the numbers through a spreadsheet from Understanding GVWR & Payload - Keep Your Daydream
and the checkboxes were all "green" but would love another set of eyes on this.

My Truck:
CC15543-2018 SILVERADO 1500 2WD CREW CAB
ENGINE, 5.3L V8 ECOTEC3
TRAILERING EQUIPMENT PKG INCL: AUTO LOCK REAR DIFF
REAR AXLE 3.42 RATIO
CURB WEIGHT - 5,450 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
GCVWR - 15,000 LBS
PAYLOAD - 1,762 LBS
TOW CAPACITY - 9,400 LBS

MY ESTIMATED PAYLOAD:
5 passengers - 700 LBS
Cargo - 200 LBS
Est. Total = 900 LBS

RV Options #1 - Transcend Xplor 264BHX
UVW - 6,505 LBS
GVWR - 7,695 LBS
HITCH - 635 LBS

My other option would be which is a bit lighter.

RV Option #2- Jayco 235MBH
UVW - 5,620 LBS
GVWR - 7,000 LBS
HITCH - 645 LBS


Would I be safe to tow either of these RV's? Or do I need to find a lighter camper?

Thank you!

I vote Option #1 - but trade-in your truck for a F150 hybrid dual V6, w on board generator (RV gem) and over 13k tow cap. More power is better. I found in my research that you may be in the green running the numbers, but you don't want to tow unless you have a lot of wiggle room. Other factors might include high altitude, hill gradients, driving habits, etc. Knock at least 10% off of your starting GVWR from your drivetrain. Happy travels.

 

[huntindog]

Perhaps input error? Check your rear axle gear again. My gear is 2.42. I use 2018 Silverado 4x4 model 1500 with tow package and 5.3 liter gasoline engine. (1/2 ton). I pull 32ft GD "Imagine" UVW - 6,845 LBS. It's a bit under-powered. Tow speed 63. It pulls nice although a passing 18-wheeler will push me around. (I should be using 2500 model a 3/4 ton.) I use and YOU should too . . . use weight distribution bars that dramatically lessen "pin" weight. I also, have 1 "sway" bar. Other thoughts. . . a length of 26 to 28 is a good size. (24ft too short). I have a 32ft and it can be difficult to get in / out of gas stations. Jayco USED TO have a good reputation prior to being sold 2016. Go with the Grand Design.

A WD hitch does NOT lesssen TW (pin weight) It distributes it.

 

[Cary_309]

For you first question. Yes it is what my smaller 2400bh has for tw Cat scaled

10 percent is for a boat or flat deck ,not a travel trailer that has a huge front that will lift the tongue as it goes down the road
Imo even 12 isn’t good. I would always aim for 15 percent
I achieved this automatically just by putting my stuff in the trailer. Yes I use glassware and correll dishes. Tools lots. Spare parts lots so maybe I have heavier stuff but my trailer tows amazing

Next thing that you need to look at is the advertised TW of 635, in this example, is the factory base weight before anything is put in the trailer. The scaled sheet that gets put in the trailer once it leaves the factory will have a higher number than this (unsure why the manufacturer does this, it is wrong imo)
Then the dealer will add 40 lbs of propane and a battery. It will be approximately 150 lbs heavier than the advertised TW before a single piece of personal property is added

Now for the OPs situation (who I guess hasn’t participated in the conversation) has a conflict in their own numbers they posted above
Gvwr -curb equals payload

Would his setup self destruct? Unlikely but he will be over his trucks specs guaranteed

Ah, excellent information, thanks NB Canada, I will re-evaluate my previous weight calculation methods. As you may have noticed, we have a 5er with a 3/4T diesel and my initial calculations showed me I was OK. I don't have a CAT scale close by but was able to weigh the trailer alone in full "travel" mode, the truck alone, and the truck/trailer combination, all from what I can tell are within limits. We're pretty light trailer-wise, 9,900 lbs loaded so we're well under the GVWR of 11,000. Always interested in evaluating my knowledge base.