Travel Trailer towing opinions/experiences?

258 Views 14 Replies 5 Participants Last post by EDank, 3 d ago

Reinharm

Discussion Starter · 9 d ago

So I'm contemplating getting an Airstream that's 28' 6600lbs + 1000lbs cargo capacity so total gross weight 7600 and 900lbs tongue weight. So by the numbers my 2018 Lariat 6.5 bed, towing package, pro trailer assist, 3.55 elec. diff and 11,300lb tow max should handle this trailer without a problem. But then I know there's always some "problem" or regret!! Anybody who tows this combination I would sincerely appreciate any feedback. I've only towed a cargo trailer probably 5000 to 6000lbs from MN to CO round trip and the truck did it fine just sucked down DEF and avg. as I recall ~13-14 MPG. Should I expect approximately the same with the heavier, longer trailer?? Of course, the RV sales guy says I'm "golden" but he'll say anything to sell an expense trailer. I did communicate with someone selling a slightly larger 30' trailer of the same brand and when I asked what they towed it with they said a Ram Etorque and they wished they had a 3/4 ton. So that's my fear....

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Dunrollin

· #2 · 9 d ago

Just a couple of things. First, even an Airstream will be a drag with the wind load, but certainly better than a traditional cube shaped RV. Second, you have to consider bikes, food, luggage, canoes, liquid in the tanks, weight of passengers and so on. I took mine across a scale once and I was heavier than I thought.

PeteK

· #3 · 9 d ago (Edited)

Dunrollin or anyone else, l have pretty much the same question because I'm looking at renting and towing a RV toy hauler this summer. My 2021 also is a Lariat, with towing package, trailer assist with trailer bark controller, and 3.55 rear. What is the reasonable upper limit on towing if you have the towing option?

Sure, the engine and trans may be "capable" of towing 10,000+ lbs, but there are also practical limits. I fully expect I won't be able to go up long grades in the Rockies at 70MPH, and other limits. In particular, really steep roads, like getting into some camping areas, may not be possible. I'd hate to get halfway up a narrow gravel road and start slipping, then have to figure out how to back it down the way I came up. I haven't dug deeply into the online manual for towing info--can you tow in 4A? 4WD?

Reinharm

Discussion Starter · #4 · 9 d ago

Dunrollin said:
Just a couple of things. First, even an Airstream will be a drag with the wind load, but certainly better than a traditional cube shaped RV. Second, you have to consider bikes, food, luggage, canoes, liquid in the tanks, weight of passengers and so on. I took mine across a scale once and I was heavier than I thought.

Sure that's understood they are plenty of people (unknowingly) towing more than the total rated GVWR on the truck and trailer. Just looking for experiences with that much weight assuming I'm at the total maximums for the trailer 7600 + 1349 + 8949 Lbs around. Can you share your towing experience or is it not comparable to mine?

Dunrollin

· #5 · 9 d ago

Here is the camper I used to pull:

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Plant Tire

It is a little over 4,000 pounds empty and 500 pound tongue weight. I used a weight distribution hitch. I had no issues towing it at all and I did pull it in the mountains of WV and VA. Just lock out 9 and 10 and watch the temperatures.

I never felt like I needed a F250. This was my max so I can't really comment on maxing this truck out. I would probably do it though. (Just to annoy my wife).

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Reinharm

Discussion Starter · #6 · 9 d ago

Dunrollin said:
Here is the camper I used to pull:

View attachment 2905

It is a little over 4,000 pounds empty and 500 pound tongue weight. I used a weight distribution hitch. I had no issues towing it at all and I did pull it in the mountains of WV and VA. Just lock out 9 and 10 and watch the temperatures.

I never felt like I needed a F250. This was my max so I can't really comment on maxing this truck out. I would probably do it though. (Just to annoy my wife).

Thanks for the reply. This probably is comparable to my one-time experience with the cargo trailer in terms of weights. When you say "lockout 9-10" how is that done?

Dunrollin

· #7 · 9 d ago (Edited)

There is a button on the gear shift lever that can be used to lock out the upper gears. I have the gears lighted on the dash and as each is locked out their light goes off. 9 and 10 are overdrives and not too useful for towing in the hills. When I was towing the same load here in FL I didn't always lock them out.

ETA Here is a description of locking out from the 2018 owners manual:

Progressive Range Selection
Progressive Range Selection gives you the ability to lockout gears from the automatic shifting range. This may provide you with an improved driving experience, for example, in slippery conditions or when experiencing a steep slope.
With the transmission in drive (D), press the – button to active PRS. The available and selected gears are indicated on the instrument cluster.
All available gears display with the current gear indicated. Press the – button again to lock out gears beginning with the highest gear. Only the available gears display and the transmission automatically shifts between the available gears. Press the + button to unlock gears to allow the transmission to shift to higher gears. The transmission shifts automatically within the gear range you select.
Brake-Shift Interlock

WARNING: When doing this procedure, you need to take the transmission out of park (P) which means your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully apply the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheels chocks if appropriate.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the stoplamps are working.

Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents moving the gearshift lever from park (P) when the ignition is in the on position and the brake pedal is not pressed.

Reinharm

Discussion Starter · #8 · 9 d ago

Huh, good to know. On the topic of the 10-speed transmission, I've noticed that in the last several months I've had about a half dozen or so incidents of hard downshifts where the transmission "clunked" one case pretty severely and it's never down anything like that before. I know there are some discussions about clearing the TCM of the adaptive tables. The truck did have a recall or CSP and the dealer allegedly "reprogrammed" the TCM about a year or so ago. Is this something that the owner can do or do you have to bring it to the dealer? Unfortunately, my dealers are skunks...

Dunrollin

· #9 · 9 d ago

I am pretty sure you can clear the transmission memory in forscan. It might be as easy as just disconnecting the battery. I found this in a mustang 10 R 80 manual. “
This feature is designed to increase durability and provide consistent shift feel over the life of your vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may have firm or soft shifts. This operation is normal and does not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process fully updates transmission operation.

Additionally, whenever you disconnect the battery or install a new battery, the system must relearn the strategy.”

EDank

· #10 · 7 d ago

I’ve towed boat trailers a few times now. My personal boat is a 25’ center console with the trailer full of fuel it comes in 8200 lbs. my brother in law’s boat is over 9000 lbs. both trips were over 4000 miles trips. I found with his trailer I had to lock out 9th and sometimes 8th gear. On our trucks 8th, 9th and 10th gears are all overdrives. Getting up to speed was never an issue. I’m actually surprised how well this engine transmission and rear end gear set (3:55 ratio) work. I just sold a 2013 Ram with the 6.7 Cummins.
my only complaint is the tires. They are not LT tires and there is a fair amount of squirm. The sidewalls are not up to the task for towing. I’ll be installing a set of load range E tires before my next trip down to Florida.
With the right load equalization hitch setup I feel that Airstream trailer and truck will be a nice combination. Yes the truck is a 1/2 ton but it’s no slouch. Just drive smart.

Reactions: 2

beaker

· #11 · 3 d ago

One thing that I have transitioned to is more frequent use of low range. There are a lot a places where the vehicle can get the job done in high, but the strain on the engine and transmission is far lower when the load is run through gear reduction. This does not apply on paved roads with moderate or sharp turns, but is an easy choice when towing on steep gravel roads.

Reactions: 1

Reinharm

Discussion Starter · #12 · 3 d ago

EDank said:
I’ve towed boat trailers a few times now. My personal boat is a 25’ center console with the trailer full of fuel it comes in 8200 lbs. my brother in law’s boat is over 9000 lbs. both trips were over 4000 miles trips. I found with his trailer I had to lock out 9th and sometimes 8th gear. On our trucks 8th, 9th and 10th gears are all overdrives. Getting up to speed was never an issue. I’m actually surprised how well this engine transmission and rear end gear set (3:55 ratio) work. I just sold a 2013 Ram with the 6.7 Cummins.
my only complaint is the tires. They are not LT tires and there is a fair amount of squirm. The sidewalls are not up to the task for towing. I’ll be installing a set of load range E tires before my next trip down to Florida.
With the right load equalization hitch setup I feel that Airstream trailer and truck will be a nice combination. Yes the truck is a 1/2 ton but it’s no slouch. Just drive smart.

Can you remember what the MPG was while towing?

EDank

· #13 · 3 d ago

Depending on average speed. If I kept my speed below 65 I was seeing 13-14mpg above 65 it dropped off to 12-13 mpg. DEF usage 2.5 gal every 2nd tank of fuel. So 2.5 gallons of DEF every 540 miles. These trucks drink DEF way more than my 2013 2500 RAM did. Towing the MPG was about the same MPG as the RAM.

Reinharm

Discussion Starter · #14 · 3 d ago

That was also my one-time experience towing a cargo trailer (~6500-7000lbs). I was surprised at the def consumption but I never owned a diesel before so maybe this is just the way it is when towing you are belching more particulates. My feeling is that the truck can probably handle a Airstream in the 7000-9000 lbs catagory fine just have a jug(s) of DEF ready...

EDank

· #15 · 3 d ago

I think the truck will do the job. Just keep in mind that it’s not a 3/4 ton truck. Drive smart and you will be fine. People get in trouble when the don’t think ahead. A 3/4 ton or larger truck can be a bit more forgiving and people forget how much they are towing until they get in trouble. Do your homework and use a good trailer shop to set up your hitch. Don’t go cheap.

Reactions: 1

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