Is This To Much Trailer For My Truck?

nordicgod55 · 03-28-2008, 11:40 AM

I have a 2004 Titan CC, short bed, with the big tow package. I am thinking of purchasing a 2006 Dutchman Tundra 27FK-DSBS super-lite travel trailer. The unloaded vehicle weight of the tt is 6217 lbs with a GVWR of 7600. The dry hitch weight is 626.* All of this seems to meet the criteria of what my Titan can tow. The issue that I have is that the tt is 32'4" in length overall (bumper to tongue) and has 2 slides, which may be too much for my truck.* But with the sway bar, weight distribution hitch and Prodigy brake controller, on paper, I should be able to tow this tt.Has anyone out their towed a tt this length and weight, and if so, did they run into any problems? Thanks,Nordicgod55

**bbomar** · 03-28-2008, 11:56 AM

Yes! Too Big!!!

Shane06fl · 03-28-2008, 12:09 PM

By listed weight numbers it is not to big. But for real world numbers it is at that 85% threshold ( not many people subscribe to that rule of thumb) and the lenght is too long for any short wheel base vehicle. Power isn't the problem and many people are towing a same size rig without issues but IMO it's too big.

Derwud · 03-28-2008, 01:00 PM

Sorry, but WAY to long. Yes you will hear from some that will and do tow that long with the Titan, but IMHO they are an accident waiting to happen.

Smoke05 · 03-28-2008, 01:21 PM

I tow a 30fter with no issues. Primus brake controller, dual cam sway protection. I am also running LT load range E tires. People quick to cite wheelbase and length need to consider set up as well. An F350 extended cab is not significantly longer than a Titan. There is a chart out there but it has no logical cut off for tow vehicle and trailer length. In other words if you look at it the tow vehicle length for a 30ft trailer is almost unachievable.

Jerrygfd · 03-28-2008, 03:02 PM

I tow a 28' TT without any problems and Greg (PRG) suggested Air Bags and new rear shocks when I asked his opinion about my setup. I'm still undecided because I still looking at just changing the factory shocks front and rear or go for the 4" Performance package. Try RV.net forums and go to the Travel Trailer link and ask fellow RV owners. Anyway, IMO I looked at your size trailer and longer but felt the length was too long. Your trailer weight numbers are similar to mine and I haven't had any difficulties yet but have only owned my trailer for three weeks now and still need to tow more under various conditions.

young dank · 03-28-2008, 04:51 PM

I have a 30 footer and its gvwr is 8500 I have a King Cab, no big tow, no modifications and I do just fine, prodigy brake controler, rv gave me an equilizer hitch and sway bar. only problem I have is sway when being passed by rigs. I just slow down when I see them coming.

Derwud · 03-28-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by young dank

only problem I have is sway when being passed by rigs. I just slow down when I see them coming.

That is not good. I would not be proud of that... Get some air bags and slow down....

Mrhavasu · 03-28-2008, 05:08 PM

I am buying a 27ft toyhauler that will weight in just under 8k dry. I will not haul toys or water with it, but I am not worried about the length either. Proper set up and driving are more important. I also will not exceed any weight ratings.
Terry

mperry@mac.com · 03-28-2008, 05:27 PM

I have an 05 CC 4X4 big tow, etc. I tow a 30' Fifth wheel with NO issues it pulls great! I had a 20' TT and it was extremely frustrating (swaying). My 5th wheel is a Rockwood Ultralight. The TT your considering might be a nightmare, it's just too long. The weight seems ok though.

White Lightning · 03-28-2008, 05:56 PM

I tow a 27 footer without problems, but it weighs 6500 loaded with water (no slides). I can honestly say the truck handles it well, but I do feel it under nasty crosswinds. I do have a properly adjusted weight distribution hitch, and dual friction sway control. I feel that you could physically tow the 32 footer, but you will not be happy under high wind conditions, even with sway control. A longer wheelbase vehicle offeres more stability, but the key with the 3/4 tons is shear weight. A comparibly equipped 2500 Dodge Ram outweighs a Titan by almost 1000 lbs.

Smoke05 · 03-28-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derwud

That is not good. I would not be proud of that... Get some air bags and slow down....

Durwood, Air bags aren't going to change physics. What he is experiencing is referred to the bow wave effect and is quite common. I had the same occur with my 24ft TT and anyone who has been towing a camper will say they have felt it. Simply put when a big rig rolls down the highway it is pushing air around it like a large boat pushes aside water. When it passes you the wall of air presses out against your rig causing it push out and suck in. This is one reason sway control, hitch setup and proper loading are so important. It happens to everyone who tows a big boxy trailer to some degree. Yes, even the big rigs. The sway control, proper hitch and loading keep it totally controlled. I have towed in 40mph winds. Yes, there was sway. Then again anything towing that day had sway from 5th wheels to tractor trailers. I had no white knuckles nor do I have any grey hairs. Reduce speed according to conditions. Having properly set up braking and a good brake controller are also key.

Little known tidbit is keeping below 65 mph is safer and also many of the ST rated tires sold with campers are only rated to 65mph top speed.

Smoke05 · 03-28-2008, 07:53 PM

FWIW Here are some wheelbases for you.

Titan CC Shortbed - 139.8"

F250 extended cab short wheelbase - 141.8"
F250 crew cab short wheelbase - 156.2"

Bear in mind that most trucks I see towing TT's in my neck of the woods are the short wheelbase models with primarily extended cabs where they have all of a 2" advantage in wheelbase. Also keep in mind these trucks are also usually towing a 30fter that is far heavier than the one mentioned in the original post and that pretty much kills the Super Duty's curb weight advantage. For obvious reasons the 5er guys n gals like the LWB models.

young dank · 03-28-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoke05

Durwood, Air bags aren't going to change physics. What he is experiencing is referred to the bow wave effect and is quite common. I had the same occur with my 24ft TT and anyone who has been towing a camper will say they have felt it. Simply put when a big rig rolls down the highway it is pushing air around it like a large boat pushes aside water. When it passes you the wall of air presses out against your rig causing it push out and suck in. This is one reason sway control, hitch setup and proper loading are so important. It happens to everyone who tows a big boxy trailer to some degree. Yes, even the big rigs. The sway control, proper hitch and loading keep it totally controlled. I have towed in 40mph winds. Yes, there was sway. Then again anything towing that day had sway from 5th wheels to tractor trailers. I had no white knuckles nor do I have any grey hairs. Reduce speed according to conditions. Having properly set up braking and a good brake controller are also key.

Little known tidbit is keeping below 65 mph is safer and also many of the ST rated tires sold with campers are only rated to 65mph top speed.

thanks man, I really don't go over 65 unless its a str8 away and I might do 70. but other than that. its 60 and my titan doesn't have any problems other than cross winds. and my titan is loaded and the trailer has stuff in it. but its not a problem cause I am a cautious person. had truck and trailer over 2 years, no problems or anything.

Derwud · 03-28-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoke05

Durwood, Air bags aren't going to change physics. What he is experiencing is referred to the bow wave effect and is quite common. I had the same occur with my 24ft TT and anyone who has been towing a camper will say they have felt it. Simply put when a big rig rolls down the highway it is pushing air around it like a large boat pushes aside water. When it passes you the wall of air presses out against your rig causing it push out and suck in. This is one reason sway control, hitch setup and proper loading are so important. It happens to everyone who tows a big boxy trailer to some degree. Yes, even the big rigs. The sway control, proper hitch and loading keep it totally controlled. I have towed in 40mph winds. Yes, there was sway. Then again anything towing that day had sway from 5th wheels to tractor trailers. I had no white knuckles nor do I have any grey hairs. Reduce speed according to conditions. Having properly set up braking and a good brake controller are also key.

Little known tidbit is keeping below 65 mph is safer and also many of the ST rated tires sold with campers are only rated to 65mph top speed.

First Stroke05, it's Derwud..

Trust me I understand the Physics of why you get sway from passing Trucks. And trust me Air bags with seperate lines will help.. See they are like extra springs you need in order to keep your truck and trailer stable..

I've towed in 40+mph winds and I don't have sway... But what do I know.