Steel cowboy
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Posts: 1290
Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.
Spring Hill, Fl.
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« on: August 06, 2017, 09:33:57 PM » |
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First a little history. I recently purchased a 2017 explorer that I was assured could tow a 5000 lb. trailer. It soon became apparent the dealer was not educated enough since I could not purchase a trailer much more than 3500 lbs. it could tow safely. It has to do with the total capacity of the trailer fully loaded and the 10% rule, which basically is for safety reasons. a vehicle that can tow 5000 lb.'s would need 500 lb.'s taken off the weight of the trailer to have a safe towing capability. Ok that puts the trailer @ 4500 lb.'s, now put 1000 lb.'s of stuff in it and your over again. See my problem. Now after repeated E mails to Ford manufacture, they took the action of letting me trade it in minus $1000 from what I paid for it for another vehicle from Ford. The new dealer I was told to go see was excellent. They treated me fair and gave me a fantastic deal on a new F-150 with all the bells and whistle's I have yet to figure out. The new truck can tow 10,700 Lb.'s it has the 3.5 Ecoboost. Now I'm looking at travel trailers or toy haulers that can carry my bike and 2 small dogs. I would like to stay at around 8000 lb.'s. Any ideas, do they make a travel trailer that can haul my bike or do I need to go with a toy hauler. 
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2001 black interstate 2003 Jupiter Orange wing
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LandElephant
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« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2017, 02:30:54 AM » |
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The first mistake in buying a trailer is getting the tow vehicle first. It limits your selection. But, since you have a new truck the first question I would ask is how much comfort are you looking for.
I would assume you will be limited to less than 25 foot tag a long or a small fifth wheel. Pulling weight shouldn't be your only concern. Stability, braking, and pulling torque really dictates your selection.
Tips? Don't buy the first one you look at. Make a list of what you plan to use it for and what you can live with and live without. For example if you are hauling you Valk then how much other support equipment are you taking. Storage space. Bathroom that fits your size if you a larger adult. Weekends or semi residence.
If comfort isn't your major concern don't rule out some of the higher end horse trailers that have a living space in from. Less weight with more hauling area.
I learned from experience. I pulled a 25 foot toyhauler tag a long with a Ford E-150 van for a year. Lived out of it as a construction traveler. Moved up to a Ford E-350 V10. The E-150 got 3.5 mpg pulling the trailer. Through the west when I hit a grade I'd be doing 25 to 35 mph screaming uphill. V10 took care of that problem.
I now pull a 40' toyhauler with a Dodge 3500 dually diesel. Even with that I only get 9.8 mpg at 60 mph. Good enough for me.
Hope that helps.
Charlie Morse Landelephant
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Rams
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Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2017, 05:48:56 AM » |
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I faced similar issues when searching for my RV Toy Hauler. But, I trailer a lot and had a good idea as to what I wanted, just had to find one that suited my wants/needs and also was within my budget. I won't say I'm not a fan of towing with a 1/2 ton pick up but, I would caution you to stay within the towing capability of the vehicle you have. Many folks max out the capability by going as big as they can and then wonder why they don't have the power and braking they need to safely tow. Personally, I preferred the fifth wheel version RV. Mine is a 26.5 foot, the bike loads nicely and fits inside the RV. But, that's me, other folks don't want to be bothered with the internal load (bike) while traveling. But, it works for me. I've also set up my "rig" so I can tow another bike trailer behind my RV Toy Hauler. Tandem trailers offer up a challenge for some. I was reared on a ranch/farm and have been tandem trailering since I was a kid so, it's not as big a deal for me but, backing up tandem trailers is a challenge, I don't care who you are. If you decide to go with a bumper pull trailer, the option to haul the bike in the back of the pick up is always there but, there are challenges that go along with loading and unloading our bikes. I can tell you all about that. The results of not paying attention can be both expensive and painful. Been there, done that. Power to tow, braking, weight and balance of the load and maneuvering through traffic (whether it's passing other vehicles or working your way through a Wally World parking lot are skills some folks never seem to develop. The results of not paying attention can also be expensive. Personally, I love my RV/Toy Hauler and really enjoy using it. Beats the heck out of looking for a hotel after a long day in the driver's seat. Fuel is my greatest expense. Both of my trucks have Cummins diesels, I normally expect to get about 13 to 14 mpg when towing the RV. Winds will greatly effect that though. I have gotten as much as 17 mpg when I had a tail wind.  Recently going to Inzane in Billings, MT, I encountered 40 to 45 mph headwinds, I attempted to slow down and try and save some on fuel, didn't help much. Maintaining 60 mph into a 40 mph headwind is equivalent to cruising at 100 mph. I could actually watch the fuel gage drop.  My own experience has taught me to carry two spare tires with every trailer I pull. Your experience may be different but, I've learned the hard way that when one tire goes, you may not be aware of it until the second tire blows and you're running on the rims. It's happened before and could happen again. A couple of towing tips, every time you tow and stop, check the trailer tires and wheel bearings for heat the first thing you do when pulling over. Heat is your first indication of a failure about to happen. It won't always work but, heat is your best indicator. Also, always check the tire pressures on every tire on your rig after you've loaded up. While I won't tell you I've never had a problem, I've towed well over 2 millions miles and have been lucky with the few incidents that have occurred.
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« Last Edit: August 07, 2017, 05:57:49 AM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2017, 05:50:31 AM » |
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The first mistake in buying a trailer is getting the tow vehicle first. It limits your selection. But, since you have a new truck the first question I would ask is how much comfort are you looking for.
I would assume you will be limited to less than 25 foot tag a long or a small fifth wheel. Pulling weight shouldn't be your only concern. Stability, braking, and pulling torque really dictates your selection.
Tips? Don't buy the first one you look at. Make a list of what you plan to use it for and what you can live with and live without. For example if you are hauling you Valk then how much other support equipment are you taking. Storage space. Bathroom that fits your size if you a larger adult. Weekends or semi residence.
If comfort isn't your major concern don't rule out some of the higher end horse trailers that have a living space in from. Less weight with more hauling area.
I learned from experience. I pulled a 25 foot toyhauler tag a long with a Ford E-150 van for a year. Lived out of it as a construction traveler. Moved up to a Ford E-350 V10. The E-150 got 3.5 mpg pulling the trailer. Through the west when I hit a grade I'd be doing 25 to 35 mph screaming uphill. V10 took care of that problem.
I now pull a 40' toyhauler with a Dodge 3500 dually diesel. Even with that I only get 9.8 mpg at 60 mph. Good enough for me.
Hope that helps.
Charlie Morse Landelephant
So Charlie - you're basically saying "There's no replacement for displacement " in the engine compartment.... a comment that I would agree with.
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2017, 06:15:59 AM » |
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So Charlie - you're basically saying "There's no replacement for displacement " in the engine compartment.... a comment that I would agree with. [/quote] In the past I would have agreed with that statement. Displacement alone is not the only consideration anymore. I have two new F150's, one with the 2.7 EB and one with the 3.5 EB. The twin turbos are very impressive and they have come a long way from the turbos of 10 years ago. In Fords case the 3.5 EB is rated for more HP and torque than the V8 option. When the 2017 Raptor came out with a high output 3.5 EB many of the "purists" screamed bloody murder about the loss of the mighty V8 offering from the year before. The fact is the smaller EB put out more HP and torque than it's predecessor. For 2018 the Raptors 3.5 EB has 450 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque and the 5.0 V8 has 395HP and 400 lb-ft of torque. Displacement just ain't what it used to be. 
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Gavin_Sons
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Posts: 7109
VRCC# 32796
columbus indiana
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« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2017, 07:41:02 AM » |
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So Charlie - you're basically saying "There's no replacement for displacement " in the engine compartment.... a comment that I would agree with.
In the past I would have agreed with that statement. Displacement alone is not the only consideration anymore. I have two new F150's, one with the 2.7 EB and one with the 3.5 EB. The twin turbos are very impressive and they have come a long way from the turbos of 10 years ago. In Fords case the 3.5 EB is rated for more HP and torque than the V8 option. When the 2017 Raptor came out with a high output 3.5 EB many of the "purists" screamed bloody murder about the loss of the mighty V8 offering from the year before. The fact is the smaller EB put out more HP and torque than it's predecessor. For 2018 the Raptors 3.5 EB has 450 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque and the 5.0 V8 has 395HP and 400 lb-ft of torque. Displacement just ain't what it used to be.  [/quote] I'll stick with my v8. Which will last longer? I'm not sold on those little v6's yet. Plus it's in a for and that kinda makes me sick. As I'm sitting at the Toyota dealer waiting on the Tundra to get done being serviced. 
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2017, 08:14:11 AM » |
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I'll stick with my v8. Which will last longer? I'm not sold on those little v6's yet. Plus it's in a for and that kinda makes me sick. As I'm sitting at the Toyota dealer waiting on the Tundra to get done being serviced. Grin Hope the frame doesn't rust out on that Toyota before the engine gives up.  I put 100K on my last 3.5 EB with nothing but oil changes.
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Gavin_Sons
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VRCC# 32796
columbus indiana
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« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2017, 08:21:04 AM » |
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I'll stick with my v8. Which will last longer? I'm not sold on those little v6's yet. Plus it's in a for and that kinda makes me sick. As I'm sitting at the Toyota dealer waiting on the Tundra to get done being serviced. Grin Hope the frame doesn't rust out on that Toyota before the engine gives up.  I put 100K on my last 3.5 EB with nothing but oil changes. That's funny, I had an 05 with the frame issue, no rust on my frame though, I put 225k on that truck with nothing but oil changes and tires. I was just kidding about the fords, my friends have them and like them. I'm just not sold on that little v6 with a turbo yet.
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2017, 08:35:14 AM » |
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Peak numbers aren't everything - I'd really want to see the torque and horsepower curves of both before making a decision. Factor that into what RPM range you would be using when doing your load and then you could make a better decision.
I'd much rather drive a vehicle with a lower peak, but much broader range , on the torque curve. That's one thing I'm taking away from my VW diesel experiance. And something tells me that the normally aspirated V8 may hold some advantage here - and get better fuel mileage doing it to boot. Screaming the EB at peak is not very conducive to good fuel economy. It's also what makes our Valks so much fun - pulls like a train down low, but it also has a very good peak.
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #11 on: August 07, 2017, 08:42:08 AM » |
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I'll stick with my v8. Which will last longer? I'm not sold on those little v6's yet. Plus it's in a for and that kinda makes me sick. As I'm sitting at the Toyota dealer waiting on the Tundra to get done being serviced. Grin Hope the frame doesn't rust out on that Toyota before the engine gives up.  I put 100K on my last 3.5 EB with nothing but oil changes. That's funny, I had an 05 with the frame issue, no rust on my frame though, I put 225k on that truck with nothing but oil changes and tires. I was just kidding about the fords, my friends have them and like them. I'm just not sold on that little v6 with a turbo yet. I know your just teasin', so was I. I saw a monochrome dark grey Tundra this weekend and it was a really nice looking truck. As you can see, I am kinda a FORD guy. LOL http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?pid=17220&fullsize=1
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« Last Edit: August 07, 2017, 08:44:36 AM by Dave Ritsema »
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Rams
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Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2017, 08:52:02 AM » |
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The tow vehicle decision has already been made, the OP is asking for help in determining what kind of RV to acquire.
Personally, I prefer a fifth wheel or goose neck trailer. The trailer load/weight is shared with the front suspension of the tow vehicle in a fifth wheel/gooseneck set up. This dramatically helps in handling and braking. This allows more flexibility in how you load the RV. Never ever load any trailer tail heavy unless you like the tail wagging while you travel down the road. Often times resulting in accidents. A fifth wheel/goose neck RV trailer tracks more closely to the tow vehicle while cornering. But, it does place a hitch in the back of your pick up and restricts what you can put back there while towing that RV. If you go that route, be sure to invest in either a removable hitch or one that folds down.
My fifth wheel RV Toy Hauler has been further converted to a goose neck hitch with bolt on/in gussets. I added the gussets due to reported trailer frame flexing issues I was told about. Mine does not flex. I'm told others have had an issue with this. Or, you could stay with a fifth wheel set up, nothing wrong with that. I modified mine because I already have two other goose neck trailers and didn't want to add a fifth wheel hitch to my bed. To each their own.
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2017, 08:54:03 AM » |
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Peak numbers aren't everything - I'd really want to see the torque and horsepower curves of both before making a decision. Factor that into what RPM range you would be using when doing your load and then you could make a better decision.
I'd much rather drive a vehicle with a lower peak, but much broader range , on the torque curve. That's one thing I'm taking away from my VW diesel experiance. And something tells me that the normally aspirated V8 may hold some advantage here - and get better fuel mileage doing it to boot. Screaming the EB at peak is not very conducive to good fuel economy. It's also what makes our Valks so much fun - pulls like a train down low, but it also has a very good peak.
You should not listen to what something told you.  Thats the beauty of twin turbo's and why the eco motors are rated higher for towing. 
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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LandElephant
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« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2017, 09:27:32 AM » |
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Actually I'm not saying that at all. You can have all the horsepower you want, but it doesn't get to the rearend you ain't got sqawt. My truck runs a 4 : 11 rearend with 725 ftlbs of torgue pulling 18, 000 lbs of trailer. It also has a six speed transmission without overdrive.
I was trying to show that there are other factors when hauling a trailer. I have dual wheel rearend for stabilty fr om crosswinds (drive across Oklahoma or the Panhandle of Texas).
Heavy suspension to keep it level for easier pulling. With the smaller engines and suspension you have a tendency damage the vehicle. Smaller is not always better. But, it's your equipment. Just 15 years of pulling trailers.
Charlie Morse Landelephant
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VMODON
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« Reply #15 on: August 07, 2017, 09:54:07 AM » |
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Livin Lite makes a line of RV/Toy Hauler that is made completely from aluminum,zero wood in the trailer including cabinets and countertops. I have a 2017 TT in the shop right now for roofing issues, if I need to I'll look for a better quality rig.
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Steel cowboy
Member
    
Posts: 1290
Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.
Spring Hill, Fl.
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« Reply #16 on: August 07, 2017, 10:47:12 AM » |
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I Thank everybody for some great inputs, I am going to stay away from Fifth wheelers for now and concentrate on a travel trailer toy hauler style. I'm aware that what ever I put in the bed and inside the cab has to be included in the total weight. We used to own a pop up that I installed a bike rack on the back end and watched it fish tail all the way to fort wilderness. On the trip back I put all the bikes on the roof of the minivan and all was good on the way home. That camper taught me a lot. I've seen the travel trailers that offer a flat area in front of the camper shell, but I don't think it would be to practical. I've owned utility trailer to boat trailers so as far as towing and backing up, I won't have a problem with it. I think 8000 lb's is were I want to be at. Keep the info coming, I'm lots of taking notes.
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2001 black interstate 2003 Jupiter Orange wing
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #17 on: August 07, 2017, 11:14:43 AM » |
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I Thank everybody for some great inputs, I am going to stay away from Fifth wheelers for now and concentrate on a travel trailer toy hauler style. I'm aware that what ever I put in the bed and inside the cab has to be included in the total weight. We used to own a pop up that I installed a bike rack on the back end and watched it fish tail all the way to fort wilderness. On the trip back I put all the bikes on the roof of the minivan and all was good on the way home. That camper taught me a lot. I've seen the travel trailers that offer a flat area in front of the camper shell, but I don't think it would be to practical. I've owned utility trailer to boat trailers so as far as towing and backing up, I won't have a problem with it. I think 8000 lb's is were I want to be at. Keep the info coming, I'm lots of taking notes.
At some point you may want to consider coming up to Elkhart Indiana for a few days after you narrow down what you like. There are so many manufacturers here you could look at dozens of units in a few days if that was your mission. 
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Rams
Member
    
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2017, 06:44:26 PM » |
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What you pull is your decision. I understand a fifth wheel/goose neck is not for everyone. But, I will remind you that my RV is in fact, a toy hauler. Having said that, once you've pulled and backed a fifth wheel/goose neck few times, you'll never want a bumper pull behind you again. Been there, done that. I also agree that a trip to several RV dealers is not only good for the soul but, can help you make a more weighed decision on what you want versus what's available and could end up saving you some money. Don't jump on the first "deal" that comes along, consider and weigh it against the options. Best wishes in what ever you decide. BTW, regardless of what you get, get brakes on all axles. I guarantee that at some point you'll be glad you did.  Edited: Don't forget to check out Craigslist, it's full of RVs and based on what I'm seeing, prices are normally cheaper. That may not be true in your area but, worth checking out.
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« Last Edit: August 07, 2017, 06:51:13 PM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2017, 06:55:13 PM » |
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I would go with a 20-25 foot max toy hauler bumper hitch will be fine. 25 foot will be pushing it though for a 1/2 ton truck. Do not care what Ford or GM or Toyota, etc. say will pull 10000+ lbs., I never would with a 1/2 ton truck even come close to 10K lbs., maybe pushing 8K lbs. max.
I was looking for one awhile ago and never EVER would go NEW toy hauler or for that matter any camper/RV/Toy Hauler brand new when there are dozens weekly for sale on craigslist at less than 1/2 the price of new. Buy private party to save you a few grand vs. going even used at a dealer, I would, just go over it all to make sure it all works. Same thing buying used for any motorcycle or ATV, I will never buy new when so many good used ones out there worth buying used.
I sort of like one like this looks new but still a tad bit too much moola for me. https://rmn.craigslist.org/tro/d/wildwood-sport-toy-hauler/6230874259.html
I have seen dozens used ones the past year in that 8-10K range say 2004 on up gently used. Do not go too old though, say 10-15 years tops old and preferably one that was stored inside for most of it out of the elements.
GM, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota trucks are all fine 1/2 ton trucks with my opinion GM being the weakest with their 5.3L V8 and wimpy rear axle ratio in the 1/2 ton truck. Toyota tundra has best rear axle ratio at 4.10 with their 5.7L V8 while the 3.5L Ford ecoboost has most torque and quickest off the line as well, just not sure about their long term reliability.
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Ken Tarver
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« Reply #20 on: August 08, 2017, 08:37:00 AM » |
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I've also been toying with the idea of getting into the rv'ing experience. Haven't been on a sales lot for a long time though. I got online to the Livin Lite webpage last night, those do look very nice and accommodating for some casual rv and bike adventures. Will have to check out our local sales lots to see if they carry that line.
Ken
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Steel cowboy
Member
    
Posts: 1290
Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.
Spring Hill, Fl.
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« Reply #21 on: August 08, 2017, 09:49:46 AM » |
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Dave, I'll be in Indiana some time around the middle of September. I'm going to visit my niece in Stone Mountain Georgia and then up to Indiana for my other niece. I have never been to her house and I don't know the exact location yet. But will be taking the truck up, beats taking the jeep. LOL. Maybe tow the valk up ???
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2001 black interstate 2003 Jupiter Orange wing
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #22 on: August 08, 2017, 10:10:10 AM » |
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Dave, I'll be in Indiana some time around the middle of September. I'm going to visit my niece in Stone Mountain Georgia and then up to Indiana for my other niece. I have never been to her house and I don't know the exact location yet. But will be taking the truck up, beats taking the jeep. LOL. Maybe tow the valk up ???
Maybe you can tow a new unit home! 
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Mr Whiskey
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« Reply #23 on: August 12, 2017, 06:21:23 AM » |
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I Thank everybody for some great inputs, I am going to stay away from Fifth wheelers for now and concentrate on a travel trailer toy hauler style. Keep the info coming, I'm lots of taking notes. So, here's my take on it... We've got the Wing in the back of F350 diesel dually, with a 22' travel trailer in tow. (Gets 20mpg fully loaded on interstate.) We chose this particular set up for only one reason, we like some pretty small outta the way places. With this rig I still need 45' spots & a fairly level place to unload bike. If I wasn't frequenting small primitive campgrounds, it would definitely be a fifth wheel toy hauler. As someone else here said, once you pull fifth wheel you'll never want another bumper pull. I jus' didn't want the length involved in a fifth wheel toy hauler. To get something comfortable with a garage capable of hauling the Wing I was gonna need a much longer trailer & would be limited to "RV" type camping, that's jus' not our thing. The smaller toy haulers (with the bike in the living space) are barely capable of handling an 800+lb machine IMO. Not to mention unstrapping the bike & going out in the rain with it every night, jus' to hafta go out first thing in the morn & reload/strap the slick wet monster again to get underway? No, the "type" camping we do determined the size rig we were lookin' for, & the limitations/conveniences desired in a rig that size ultimately determined the set up we needed. I guess I'm sayin' a lot depends on "how" you camp. (We tend to go someplace & stay awhile.) If you're not plannin' little bitty, out in the woods, forest service type primitive campgrounds, I'd strongly urge you to reconsider your stance on fifth wheels (I think you'd be glad ya did) & whichever way you eventually go, it's gotta be 2 axle for a bike this big. Best of on your search 
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Peace, Whiskey.
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #24 on: August 12, 2017, 06:48:36 AM » |
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I like the rig, but how do you get that 'Wing in and out of the truck bed without killing yourself / damaging the bike ? Obviously, the bike is in the truck bed before you hitch up, and it's an 8 foot bed...
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Mr Whiskey
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« Reply #25 on: August 12, 2017, 07:42:21 AM » |
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Peace, Whiskey.
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #26 on: August 12, 2017, 11:02:24 AM » |
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Now you're making me wish for a full size pickup with an 8 foot bed - preferably 3/4 ton or larger 
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Steel cowboy
Member
    
Posts: 1290
Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.
Spring Hill, Fl.
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« Reply #27 on: August 12, 2017, 02:01:18 PM » |
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Whiskey, I would love to put the interstate in the bed, but mine is 5.5 long. it's an F-150 with the 3.5 eco-boost which I believe has a 11,700 towing capacity. I've seen toy haulers with the toy space in front and even one with a roll up door on the right side. weight capacity on the truck bed is 1400 LB's. The bike on the bed (If I could) and trailer tongue weight would overwhelm the rear suspension. Today I looked at a travel Trailer Toy Hauler that was 28' and the guy built a wall with a door to separate the garage, had a sleeper couch next to the door. the garage was 8.5 feet long inside. he removed all the bunk beds and had a tool box and a combo washer-dryer back there. Real nice set up. But I'm still looking.
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2001 black interstate 2003 Jupiter Orange wing
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Jopson
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« Reply #28 on: August 12, 2017, 03:37:31 PM » |
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This is our setup, but only legal in certain states! I have towed this camper with my old truck which was a 2012 F150 5.0 long box with a gooseneck hitch in it it pulled just fine and stopped just fine gas mileage was terrible though! 
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« Last Edit: August 12, 2017, 03:42:18 PM by Jopson »
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Steel cowboy
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Posts: 1290
Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.
Spring Hill, Fl.
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« Reply #29 on: August 12, 2017, 05:37:06 PM » |
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Is that an f-250 with a power stoke diesel. Bed looks to be 6.5.
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2001 black interstate 2003 Jupiter Orange wing
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J.Mencalice
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Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #30 on: August 12, 2017, 05:53:22 PM » |
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There are many, many videos on YouTube from people who have years and years of experiences (good and bad) when it comes to RVing. The ones that I pay attention to are the "full timers" who have life lessons in just about every aspect of buying, equipping, and maintaining a good trailer. There are some good ideas here. I'm planning on retiring next spring and I plan to spend the winter researching makes and models of the best brands of traveling homes out there. There is no need to reinvent the wheel as there are tens of thousands of pilgrims out there who have already done the hard work and I'll take advantage of their wisdom to help me along. My only recommendation from my personal findings is get a diesel for pulling as the torque is so much more available when you need it.  Not pushing Arctic Fox, but there are two videos that I liked in describing how they are constructed; the information offered is good to think on when talking with sales people about how theirs is put together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0sJnazlC0shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD5Sh3kanlo
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« Last Edit: August 12, 2017, 06:11:32 PM by Jmencalice »
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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Jopson
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« Reply #31 on: August 12, 2017, 06:14:48 PM » |
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Is that an f-250 with a power stoke diesel. Bed looks to be 6.5.
Yes. Got rid of the f150 as I kept having electrical issues with it. It was a hail damaged truck when I bought it, and I guess some of the electrics got wet. Also found it wasn't man enough to tow my 26ft livestock trailer. Traded it in for the F250, love that powerstroke! F150 did ride better but the 250 outclasses it in every other way. Valk fits just fine in the bed of the 250.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #32 on: August 12, 2017, 07:05:01 PM » |
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This is our setup, but only legal in certain states! I have towed this camper with my old truck which was a 2012 F150 5.0 long box with a gooseneck hitch in it it pulled just fine and stopped just fine gas mileage was terrible though!  I want to see you back that up. Reminds me of backing up a hay wagon in back with a kick bailer in front of it into a tight spot on a farm years ago with a tractor. That old farmer showed me up for sure been doing it for decades, me at the time age 17/18.
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longrider
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« Reply #33 on: August 13, 2017, 06:25:04 AM » |
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I agree with the fifth wheel as a safe towing choice. The Valk and wifes VTX 18R are in there 
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Mr Whiskey
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« Reply #34 on: August 13, 2017, 07:26:21 AM » |
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Whiskey, I would love to put the interstate in the bed, but mine is 5.5 long. it's an F-150 with the 3.5 eco-boost which I believe has a 11,700 towing capacity. I've seen toy haulers with the toy space in front and even one with a roll up door on the right side. weight capacity on the truck bed is 1400 LB's. The bike on the bed (If I could) and trailer tongue weight would overwhelm the rear suspension. Today I looked at a travel Trailer Toy Hauler that was 28' and the guy built a wall with a door to separate the garage, had a sleeper couch next to the door. the garage was 8.5 feet long inside. he removed all the bunk beds and had a tool box and a combo washer-dryer back there. Real nice set up. But I'm still looking. I'd avoid those, they're not really designed for the weight of a Valky, and that's gonna put an awful lot on the hitch. If you're goin' 28' I still say you'd be much more satisfied with the towing, turning, & weight distribution characteristics of a fifth wheel. No way I'd buy a bumper pull toy hauler ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Again, best of luck on your search, jus' tryin' to help 
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Peace, Whiskey.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #35 on: August 13, 2017, 07:34:39 AM » |
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Whiskey, I would love to put the interstate in the bed, but mine is 5.5 long. it's an F-150 with the 3.5 eco-boost which I believe has a 11,700 towing capacity. I've seen toy haulers with the toy space in front and even one with a roll up door on the right side. weight capacity on the truck bed is 1400 LB's. The bike on the bed (If I could) and trailer tongue weight would overwhelm the rear suspension. Today I looked at a travel Trailer Toy Hauler that was 28' and the guy built a wall with a door to separate the garage, had a sleeper couch next to the door. the garage was 8.5 feet long inside. he removed all the bunk beds and had a tool box and a combo washer-dryer back there. Real nice set up. But I'm still looking. I'd avoid those, they're not really designed for the weight of a Valky, and that's gonna put an awful lot on the hitch. If you're goin' 28' I still say you'd be much more satisfied with the towing, turning, & weight distribution characteristics of a fifth wheel. No way I'd buy a bumper pull toy hauler ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Again, best of luck on your search, jus' tryin' to help  I agree. 
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Jopson
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« Reply #36 on: August 13, 2017, 08:15:46 AM » |
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I want to see you back that up. Reminds me of backing up a hay wagon in back with a kick bailer in front of it into a tight spot on a farm years ago with a tractor. That old farmer showed me up for sure been doing it for decades, me at the time age 17/18.
Biggest trouble with backing it all up is seeing the rear trailer round the camper! Otherwise don't do too badly, us farmers can drive anything!! 
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Jopson
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« Reply #37 on: August 13, 2017, 08:25:15 AM » |
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With regards to the towing capacity of the F150, there is guys who have airbagged the rear axle and installed leveling kits to help with hitch capacity and weight distribution. Plenty of guys towing safely with a 1/2 ton. I just upgraded because 9 cows and the livestock trailer was perhaps a bit excessive! 
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Rams
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Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #38 on: August 14, 2017, 05:00:24 AM » |
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Curious as to how your quest is proceeding?
I would encourage you to pull any potential trailer prior to buying, actually hook up and pull that trailer a hundred miles before making a final decision.
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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