tow vehicle for Rockwood 2608BS

[Missedbootcamp]

just bought Rockwood 2608BS, NEED truck to pick it up--Will travel all over U.S.  What size truck do we need. Please and Thank YOU--we were going to Excapade Rally to Boot Camp to learn this and now its been cancelled

[Second Chance]

It's not about pulling/towing capacity - it's about payload. The Rockwood 2608BS has a GVWR of 8,796 lbs. That means it will put about 1,050 lbs. on the tongue (loaded hitch weight that goes on the truck). You will need a truck with enough payload capacity left over after you subtract fuel, passengers, "stuff," and about 100 lbs. for a good weight-distributing hitch. Then you can start thinking about the powertrain and what the truck will pull. There are many good threads on this and other forums on the topic. Search for terms like "payload," "GVWR," "capacity" and "tow vehicle" combined in the same thread(s). There's a lot more to it than a simple answer to a simple question.- but I'm glad you bought the trailer first and then asked about a tow vehicle.

Rob

[Customer1]

Always go bigger than you think you need.  The stability and comfort of a larger truck is priceless and you really can't have too much truck.  The price difference between a half ton and a one ton is minimal.

I would suggest a 3/4 ton minimum.  You want a vehicle that is stable and secure on the worst day in the worst conditions.

Edited April 28, 2020 by Customer1

[Tee Jay]

Consider a 1 ton (3500) series truck, as it will also handle most of the future upgrades and changes that may occur in your trailer selection.  The footprint and driving are similar across the three trucks (1500, 2500, 3500) unless you get into the long bed dually.    Changes in recent years make all three trucks ride about the same empty, but it really becomes noticeable when you put a load on them, the heavier trucks adjust and the lighter ones just sag.  Trucks are spendy, so go for the heavy one first.

[Missedbootcamp]

On 4/27/2020 at 4:06 PM, Second Chance said:

It's not about pulling/towing capacity - it's about payload. The Rockwood 2608BS has a GVWR of 8,796 lbs. That means it will put about 1,050 lbs. on the tongue (loaded hitch weight that goes on the truck). You will need a truck with enough payload capacity left over after you subtract fuel, passengers, "stuff," and about 100 lbs. for a good weight-distributing hitch. Then you can start thinking about the powertrain and what the truck will pull. There are many good threads on this and other forums on the topic. Search for terms like "payload," "GVWR," "capacity" and "tow vehicle" combined in the same thread(s). There's a lot more to it than a simple answer to a simple question.- but I'm glad you bought the trailer first and then asked about a tow vehicle.

Rob

Very grateful- growing neurons which I need to do at my age.

Do RVers/truckers ever use ratios such as  Gross Weight of Tow Vehicle to Gross Weight of Trailer  to determine the safe range of weight differentials between tow vehicle and trailer?

Edited April 29, 2020 by Missedbootcamp

[Missedbootcamp]

On 4/27/2020 at 9:27 PM, Customer1 said:

Always go bigger than you think you need.  The stability and comfort of a larger truck is priceless and you really can't have too much truck.  The price difference between a half ton and a one ton is minimal.

I would suggest a 3/4 ton minimum.  You want a vehicle that is stable and secure on the worst day in the worst conditions.

Thanks so much. Nice to get unbiased info.  

[Missedbootcamp]

On 4/28/2020 at 12:16 AM, Tee Jay said:

Consider a 1 ton (3500) series truck, as it will also handle most of the future upgrades and changes that may occur in your trailer selection.  The footprint and driving are similar across the three trucks (1500, 2500, 3500) unless you get into the long bed dually.    Changes in recent years make all three trucks ride about the same empty, but it really becomes noticeable when you put a load on them, the heavier trucks adjust and the lighter ones just sag.  Trucks are spendy, so go for the heavy one first.

Thanks for help.  Good info

[Missedbootcamp]

On 4/28/2020 at 12:16 AM, Tee Jay said:

Consider a 1 ton (3500) series truck, as it will also handle most of the future upgrades and changes that may occur in your trailer selection.  The footprint and driving are similar across the three trucks (1500, 2500, 3500) unless you get into the long bed dually.    Changes in recent years make all three trucks ride about the same empty, but it really becomes noticeable when you put a load on them, the heavier trucks adjust and the lighter ones just sag.  Trucks are spendy, so go for the heavy one first.

Thanks for help.  Good info

[Kirk W]

Check out the information on truck selection from Changin Gears website. 

[Second Chance]

17 hours ago, Missedbootcamp said:

Do RVers/truckers ever use ratios such as  Gross Weight of Tow Vehicle to Gross Weight of Trailer  to determine the safe range of weight differentials between tow vehicle and trailer?

Not really. We go by GCVWR of the tow vehicle, the payload capacity of the TV, the tongue/pin weight of the trailer, axle and tire capacities, GVWR of the trailer, etc.

Rob

[Missedbootcamp]

7 hours ago, Second Chance said:

Not really. We go by GCVWR of the tow vehicle, the payload capacity of the TV, the tongue/pin weight of the trailer, axle and tire capacities, GVWR of the trailer, etc.

Rob

Good answer, thanks.

[rickeieio]

Don't forget to calculate your weights and balances.  There's more to it than just how much the trailer weighs.  How the weight is distributed, both fore/aft and how high, all play into what will yield a nice ride while staying in control.  The motor/power is pretty far down the list in safety.  Axle/brake ratings are near the top.

[trailertraveler]

Welcome to the Escapees Forum! Another issue to consider is the wheelbase of the tow vehicle in relation to the length of the trailer. Here is an article that explains this relationship and gives some guidance.

[Missedbootcamp]

On 5/29/2020 at 8:55 PM, rickeieio said:

Don't forget to calculate your weights and balances.  There's more to it than just how much the trailer weighs.  How the weight is distributed, both fore/aft and how high, all play into what will yield a nice ride while staying in control.  The motor/power is pretty far down the list in safety.  Axle/brake ratings are near the top.

Thanks. sure wish Escapees had the Boot Camp but you are stepping up for them.