Posted: 5/28/2025 11:59:57 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TexCorriente][Edited]
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Hello, I'm shopping for a TT for my family. 2 young kids, wife and I. Plus a few dogs. I want to stay below $30k I like old stuff, and the older travel trailers like Airstreams and Avions attract me. I'm not looking to restore anything, and we don't need anything decked to the 9s with satellite systems etc. Don't need built-in BBQ grill and outdoor TV etc. Everybody I know with trailers has trouble with slides, so I want to avoid them. Needs really are: Cold AC functional bathroom (not a toilet/sink/shower combo, but actual shower stall) Queen bed and two twins 80s era Avions (34') in good shape seem to be in my price range and I love the look. Newer stuff for less than $30k look to be wood frame shitboxes... Anyways, does anyone have an Avion 34 or similar that can give me their thoughts? |
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| What's your tow vehicle? Avions and Airstreams are heavy as fuck. You'll need a diesel 3/4-ton+ to tow those bad boys. |
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I have a DRW f350 that ought to do the job You mean the old ads showing station wagons cruising over mountain passes with these things aren't believable?  Edit: I just took a look at a 1989 34ft Avion nearby Walking through it, you can feel how solid it is. No floor bounce or creaks, and quiet inside. This one has been worked over a bit. Needs a new fridge. They added a 2nd AC unit and 50 amp panel. The guy bought it (2nd owner) and renovated it for his daughter to live in for 5 years. It has extensive maintenance logs dating back to purchase... seems like a solid enough example Asking $25k? I have a few more to check out. I'd like to find a 29' to see how well it would serve. No chance getting my wife to pull anything bigger than a 16' Casita, so that is not really a factor. 
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That looks good for its age. I see why you are interested. I don’t think I’ve ever seen three axles on a bumper pull. It must weigh a LOT! Hence the need for a bigger truck. And you may need that 1ton to pull that comfortably Can’t argue with your logic, but do keep in mind that many campgrounds have age restrictions on campers, but I would think that a picture of that would help bypass those problems. |
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Something to keep in mind on size is once you get out of Texas anything over 30' total length can be too long to fit into camping spots. I've shoe-horned my 35' TT into some "must be no longer than 25ft" spots but only with careful planning, and finding online pictures of specific camping spots with enough room for a large rear overhang. It helps to really know how to back a trailer but I've still been inches from a ruined trip, truly barely making it into the spot with inches to spare. I'm one of those people you know who have had trouble with slides! We will probably still get a slide on the next trailer though. We have kids and a dog, and are going to go smaller with the next trailer so space is at a premium. Everything is a tradeoff, we're going shorter to fit into a larger number of small state/national parks. If you're mainly parking at private RV sites then length won't be as much of an issue. I'd never heard of Avions but they look amazing for what they are, the weights are surprisingly light too. |
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Originally Posted By lizARdman15: That looks good for its age. I see why you are interested. I don’t think I’ve ever seen three axles on a bumper pull. It must weigh a LOT! Hence the need for a bigger truck. And you may need that 1ton to pull that comfortably Can’t argue with your logic, but do keep in mind that many campgrounds have age restrictions on campers, but I would think that a picture of that would help bypass those problems. This 34' has a 9500lb GVWR. I honestly don't know what a comparable stick built RV would be These Avions actually have independent suspensions, pretty cool. Originally Posted By Cpn_Ron: Something to keep in mind on size is once you get out of Texas anything over 30' total length can be too long to fit into camping spots. I've shoe-horned my 35' TT into some "must be no longer than 25ft" spots but only with careful planning, and finding online pictures of specific camping spots with enough room for a large rear overhang. It helps to really know how to back a trailer but I've still been inches from a ruined trip, truly barely making it into the spot with inches to spare. I'm one of those people you know who have had trouble with slides! We will probably still get a slide on the next trailer though. We have kids and a dog, and are going to go smaller with the next trailer so space is at a premium. Everything is a tradeoff, we're going shorter to fit into a larger number of small state/national parks. If you're mainly parking at private RV sites then length won't be as much of an issue. I'd never heard of Avions but they look amazing for what they are, the weights are surprisingly light too. Ha, I think i saw y'all arrive at Wolfy's last year. I was wondering how long your trailer was. What dies it weigh? I did like the ground clearance you had While im pretty good at backing, I think im going to target 30' or less. Seems like Avion made far more ot these 34s, so my selection does narrow some. But I don't want to getvin to some NPs and not limit myself, if the interior space allows |
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Originally Posted By TexCorriente: This 34' has a 9500lb GVWR. I honestly don't know what a comparable stick built RV would be These Avions actually have independent suspensions, pretty cool. Ha, I think i saw y'all arrive at Wolfy's last year. I was wondering how long your trailer was. What dies it weigh? I did like the ground clearance you had While im pretty good at backing, I think im going to target 30' or less. Seems like Avion made far more ot these 34s, so my selection does narrow some. But I don't want to getvin to some NPs and not limit myself, if the interior space allows It has a dry weight of around 6500lbs and gross weight of about 9400lbs. I found online somewhere the 34' Avions are around 7,000lbs dry which somehow puts it in an almost identical weight class. I don't know how that's possible with how sturdy the frame was built but it lines up with the 9500lb GVWR. edit: I'm sure you know this but just in case, my trailer is nominally a "31' Travel Trailer" but that's just the box length while overall length is 35'. Just like with dry weight(sometimes measured without appliances or propane tanks), trailer manufacturers play with their own definitions for length. Please make sure you're aware of the actual overall length when comparing travel trailers. I've seen box length advertised as "trailer length" before. Btw on the Tin Can Tourists site they state the manufacturer claims the 34xb weighed 7890lbs dry, the other number I quoted above came from an etrailer post. 8,000lbs seems closer to believable but still light for how they claim to have built them. |
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Update: I've decided to look for a high quality, 4-season aluminum frame + Azdel trailer in the 24 to 26' range Ground clearance, better insulation, storage being big drivers. I REALLY like the layout of the Lance 2445. Looks like a manageable size even for my F150, and my kids love the bunk beds. It is a bit less than 30' overall, which I understand is important for NPs out west I found a 2021 that looks pretty good in pics that I think I can get for $30k. Also a 2020 in that price range. Opinions? Are the 'Covid Years' to be avoided even on the higher end, Aluminum frame trailers? Other brands I've looked at with bunkhouse models in the size range, based on recommendations here, are Arctic Fox / Northwoods / Nash and Outdoor RV |
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Originally Posted By TexCorriente: Update: I've decided to look for a high quality, 4-season aluminum frame + Azdel trailer in the 24 to 26' range Ground clearance, better insulation, storage being big drivers. I REALLY like the layout of the Lance 2445. Looks like a manageable size even for my F150, and my kids love the bunk beds. It is a bit less than 30' overall, which I understand is important for NPs out west I found a 2021 that looks pretty good in pics that I think I can get for $30k. Also a 2020 in that price range. Opinions? Are the 'Covid Years' to be avoided even on the higher end, Aluminum frame trailers? Other brands I've looked at with bunkhouse models in the size range, based on recommendations here, are Arctic Fox / Northwoods / Nash and Outdoor RV Looks like the GVWR on that is above 6k lbs. If so, I'd reconsider towing it with an F150, especially anywhere that isn't flat*. Take it from someone who just towed a 5500 lb. trailer from Indianapolis back here. While my truck did it without complaint, having more torque would have been great going up all the hills. Definitely stayed out of the fast lane. Gravel/rock mountain roads and/or snow and ice? Forget about it. My wife has a 350, so we're covered. About the scamdemic years, it's so damned hit-or-miss. Mine's a 2022 Apex Nano. The dealership (Bish's) did their own inspection before I even went over there, and then I was thorough when I saw it in-person. In other words, make sure you can inspect it yourself. It helped that I looked at a couple identical models/years in town here (they wouldn't budge on the price) and I could gain some confidence on the build quality before I even considered driving halfway across the country. Big thumb's up for Bish's: they were straightforward and honest the whole way. Great comms and coordination. No attempted screw-over or high-pressure sales tactics. It was clear that they didn't want this trailer coming back to them for a service appointment if it could be avoided. *Driving through Custer State Park yesterday on winding roads, I did see a ~2020 F150 towing a 29' trailer. Not my idea of a good time, but they obviously got that far. |
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Originally Posted By lew: Looks like the GVWR on that is above 6k lbs. If so, I'd reconsider towing it with an F150, especially anywhere that isn't flat*. Take it from someone who just towed a 5500 lb. trailer from Indianapolis back here. While my truck did it without complaint, having more torque would have been great going up all the hills. Definitely stayed out of the fast lane. Gravel/rock mountain roads and/or snow and ice? Forget about it. My wife has a 350, so we're covered. About the scamdemic years, it's so damned hit-or-miss. Mine's a 2022 Apex Nano. The dealership (Bish's) did their own inspection before I even went over there, and then I was thorough when I saw it in-person. In other words, make sure you can inspect it yourself. It helped that I looked at a couple identical models/years in town here (they wouldn't budge on the price) and I could gain some confidence on the build quality before I even considered driving halfway across the country. Big thumb's up for Bish's: they were straightforward and honest the whole way. Great comms and coordination. No attempted screw-over or high-pressure sales tactics. It was clear that they didn't want this trailer coming back to them for a service appointment if it could be avoided. *Driving through Custer State Park yesterday on winding roads, I did see a ~2020 F150 towing a 29' trailer. Not my idea of a good time, but they obviously got that far. Originally Posted By lew: Originally Posted By TexCorriente: Update: I've decided to look for a high quality, 4-season aluminum frame + Azdel trailer in the 24 to 26' range Ground clearance, better insulation, storage being big drivers. I REALLY like the layout of the Lance 2445. Looks like a manageable size even for my F150, and my kids love the bunk beds. It is a bit less than 30' overall, which I understand is important for NPs out west I found a 2021 that looks pretty good in pics that I think I can get for $30k. Also a 2020 in that price range. Opinions? Are the 'Covid Years' to be avoided even on the higher end, Aluminum frame trailers? Other brands I've looked at with bunkhouse models in the size range, based on recommendations here, are Arctic Fox / Northwoods / Nash and Outdoor RV Looks like the GVWR on that is above 6k lbs. If so, I'd reconsider towing it with an F150, especially anywhere that isn't flat*. Take it from someone who just towed a 5500 lb. trailer from Indianapolis back here. While my truck did it without complaint, having more torque would have been great going up all the hills. Definitely stayed out of the fast lane. Gravel/rock mountain roads and/or snow and ice? Forget about it. My wife has a 350, so we're covered. About the scamdemic years, it's so damned hit-or-miss. Mine's a 2022 Apex Nano. The dealership (Bish's) did their own inspection before I even went over there, and then I was thorough when I saw it in-person. In other words, make sure you can inspect it yourself. It helped that I looked at a couple identical models/years in town here (they wouldn't budge on the price) and I could gain some confidence on the build quality before I even considered driving halfway across the country. Big thumb's up for Bish's: they were straightforward and honest the whole way. Great comms and coordination. No attempted screw-over or high-pressure sales tactics. It was clear that they didn't want this trailer coming back to them for a service appointment if it could be avoided. *Driving through Custer State Park yesterday on winding roads, I did see a ~2020 F150 towing a 29' trailer. Not my idea of a good time, but they obviously got that far. One point about F150s, it all depends on how you ordered/selected the truck. My Tundra is roughly equivalent to the max tow package that came with the F150 around that time. With some of the taller gearing selection in the F150s they can have much lower towing capacities than the 10-11k with the max tow package. I know these numbers change with every model year it’s just good to be aware of your truck’s actual towing capacity. Pedantic maybe but important info just in case. I’ve had to be careful with brake temperatures going down steep mountains with short switchbacks with my 1/2 ton and ~7,500lb (loaded) trailer, that’s just normal truck towing stuff. Tight turns in BFE parks are an issue but with the Lance at five feet shorter I’d be good nearly anywhere. I’ve had zero issues with power, just let that gas powerplant rev! @TexCorriente, your brand selection looks good from everything I’ve heard and read. Until recently I thought Grand Design was a good value/quality mix but their lawsuits from bendy frames makes me glad I dragged my feet on trading mine in. The 2445 looks about exactly like what we’d want for our next trailer, nice choice. |
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I am confused, I am not sure if OP has a F150 or a 350. I've been towing campers for a long time, with various tow trucks, 1/2 and 3/4 ton, gas and diesel. My experience is: 1. compare your truck's cargo capacity with what you load in + hitch weight of the TT Don't exceed 80% of max. 2. there is a relationship between TT length and weight and the truck's length and weight. The longer and heavier the TT is than the truck, the worse the driving experience is going to be. The TT is a huge sail and when the wind or bow wave of a semi push it, the more impact it will have on your truck. This is what moved me to a 3/4 many years ago. I even tried to move back to a heavy tow package truck and it really did not help with this situation. I went back to a heavier truck. My point is it is not just the weight with a TT 3. if you don't have a factory break controller, get a good one like the Tekonsha. Will help a lot. The closer your TT gets to the 80% limit, the more attention you will need to pay to your TT and your truck breaks, and with engine breaking - your transmission temps. 4. My experience has been that 6,000 gross weight is a good cut off for a 1/2 ton. that 2445 is a 25 ft floor but it is really a 29 ft TT. That is going to be pushing it for a 1/2 in my book. I had a 29 ft Funfinder very similar weight and a 1/2. I moved up to a 3/4. I hope this is of help. It takes some thought when making decisions because it could be a costly mistake. Good luck |
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Originally Posted By lew: Looks like the GVWR on that is above 6k lbs. If so, I'd reconsider towing it with an F150, especially anywhere that isn't flat*. Take it from someone who just towed a 5500 lb. trailer from Indianapolis back here. While my truck did it without complaint, having more torque would have been great going up all the hills. Definitely stayed out of the fast lane. Gravel/rock mountain roads and/or snow and ice? Forget about it. My wife has a 350, so we're covered. About the scamdemic years, it's so damned hit-or-miss. Mine's a 2022 Apex Nano. The dealership (Bish's) did their own inspection before I even went over there, and then I was thorough when I saw it in-person. In other words, make sure you can inspect it yourself. It helped that I looked at a couple identical models/years in town here (they wouldn't budge on the price) and I could gain some confidence on the build quality before I even considered driving halfway across the country. Big thumb's up for Bish's: they were straightforward and honest the whole way. Great comms and coordination. No attempted screw-over or high-pressure sales tactics. It was clear that they didn't want this trailer coming back to them for a service appointment if it could be avoided. *Driving through Custer State Park yesterday on winding roads, I did see a ~2020 F150 towing a 29' trailer. Not my idea of a good time, but they obviously got that far. Thanks for sharing your experience I've seen a few trailers im interested in in Bishe's site I found one 2445 on CampingWorld (I know, pretty shit co) and one on another national company that would have to deliver it from SC I'd bring my thermal and my creeper and go through each thoroughly. The order-in co requires a $1k deposit due to transport, but say it is refundable if I dont like it... still wary. Looking like I can justify a new 350 soon for work. But, I really don't want to go up in size on the trailer. No matter what, we will fill whatever we get with crap we end up not touching. It is a compulsion of my wife that I've stopped fighting at this point. I could actually swap out my 2021 F250 with the 7.3l gas with my sales guy. But that thing actually has a much smaller tank than my 150 and range is a per peeve of mine. Ive towed more weight with my 150 without trouble, but that was a heavy bumper pull utility trailer with low wind resistance. Originally Posted By Cpn_Ron: One point about F150s, it all depends on how you ordered/selected the truck. My Tundra is roughly equivalent to the max tow package that came with the F150 around that time. With some of the taller gearing selection in the F150s they can have much lower towing capacities than the 10-11k with the max tow package. I know these numbers change with every model year it’s just good to be aware of your truck’s actual towing capacity. Pedantic maybe but important info just in case. I’ve had to be careful with brake temperatures going down steep mountains with short switchbacks with my 1/2 ton and ~7,500lb (loaded) trailer, that’s just normal truck towing stuff. Tight turns in BFE parks are an issue but with the Lance at five feet shorter I’d be good nearly anywhere. I’ve had zero issues with power, just let that gas powerplant rev! @TexCorriente, your brand selection looks good from everything I’ve heard and read. Until recently I thought Grand Design was a good value/quality mix but their lawsuits from bendy frames makes me glad I dragged my feet on trading mine in. The 2445 looks about exactly like what we’d want for our next trailer, nice choice. Thanks. The 2445 looks ideal to me. Going up in size for reasons above, plus cost and increased systems to mess with. I want to get to the more remote spots. We are in Elkhart, Indiana for a week visiting my in-laws; where most rvs are spawned (thoigh the one time my wife and i did bring a little fiberglass Casita here prior to kids, we got dirty looks). Im going to see what brands I've listed above might be available to see |
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Originally Posted By FreeAmerican: I am confused, I am not sure if OP has a F150 or a 350. I've been towing campers for a long time, with various tow trucks, 1/2 and 3/4 ton, gas and diesel. My experience is: 1. compare your truck's cargo capacity with what you load in + hitch weight of the TT Don't exceed 80% of max. 2. there is a relationship between TT length and weight and the truck's length and weight. The longer and heavier the TT is than the truck, the worse the driving experience is going to be. The TT is a huge sail and when the wind or bow wave of a semi push it, the more impact it will have on your truck. This is what moved me to a 3/4 many years ago. I even tried to move back to a heavy tow package truck and it really did not help with this situation. I went back to a heavier truck. My point is it is not just the weight with a TT 3. if you don't have a factory break controller, get a good one like the Tekonsha. Will help a lot. The closer your TT gets to the 80% limit, the more attention you will need to pay to your TT and your truck breaks, and with engine breaking - your transmission temps. 4. My experience has been that 6,000 gross weight is a good cut off for a 1/2 ton. that 2445 is a 25 ft floor but it is really a 29 ft TT. That is going to be pushing it for a 1/2 in my book. I had a 29 ft Funfinder very similar weight and a 1/2. I moved up to a 3/4. I hope this is of help. It takes some thought when making decisions because it could be a costly mistake. Good luck All good points I have a 2023 150 with the 5.0 motor and brake controller but not Max Tow package. Coming around to it being marginal for what I want, most importantly getting in to mountain passes. Ratings are within bounds in every respect, but you cant argue with physics |
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Originally Posted By TexCorriente: All good points I have a 2023 150 with the 5.0 motor and brake controller but not Max Tow package. Coming around to it being marginal for what I want, most importantly getting in to mountain passes. Ratings are within bounds in every respect, but you cant argue with physics Originally Posted By TexCorriente: Originally Posted By FreeAmerican: I am confused, I am not sure if OP has a F150 or a 350. I've been towing campers for a long time, with various tow trucks, 1/2 and 3/4 ton, gas and diesel. My experience is: 1. compare your truck's cargo capacity with what you load in + hitch weight of the TT Don't exceed 80% of max. 2. there is a relationship between TT length and weight and the truck's length and weight. The longer and heavier the TT is than the truck, the worse the driving experience is going to be. The TT is a huge sail and when the wind or bow wave of a semi push it, the more impact it will have on your truck. This is what moved me to a 3/4 many years ago. I even tried to move back to a heavy tow package truck and it really did not help with this situation. I went back to a heavier truck. My point is it is not just the weight with a TT 3. if you don't have a factory break controller, get a good one like the Tekonsha. Will help a lot. The closer your TT gets to the 80% limit, the more attention you will need to pay to your TT and your truck breaks, and with engine breaking - your transmission temps. 4. My experience has been that 6,000 gross weight is a good cut off for a 1/2 ton. that 2445 is a 25 ft floor but it is really a 29 ft TT. That is going to be pushing it for a 1/2 in my book. I had a 29 ft Funfinder very similar weight and a 1/2. I moved up to a 3/4. I hope this is of help. It takes some thought when making decisions because it could be a costly mistake. Good luck All good points I have a 2023 150 with the 5.0 motor and brake controller but not Max Tow package. Coming around to it being marginal for what I want, most importantly getting in to mountain passes. Ratings are within bounds in every respect, but you cant argue with physics You have a fine truck and I am sure someone will be by to say it will do fine. And it will do it, until it doesn't. I was in your same shoes and let the sales guy talk me into buying. I was returning from SC on 95 north and a double trailer mail truck blew past me and cut me off. The wash was so bad it induced violent trailer sway. It happened in less than a second. I use the manual lever on the brake controller and it pulled right back in line. I pulled over and a guy pulled in behind me that saw it happen. He said he thought the TT was going over. I went straight home and got a heavier truck. If you can swing it, a gas 250 with the base 6.8, you won't know that camper is behind you. Going up mountains, let it rev and eat. The other thing is in the 1/2, when you get where you are going, esp if the drive is a couple of hours, you will be worn out. Move up to the heavier truck and you can go further because you haven't been fighting the TT and truck all day. You won't be so worn out when have to set up camp when you get there. I hope this helps and good luck! |
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Originally Posted By FreeAmerican: I am confused, I am not sure if OP has a F150 or a 350. I've been towing campers for a long time, with various tow trucks, 1/2 and 3/4 ton, gas and diesel. My experience is: 1. compare your truck's cargo capacity with what you load in + hitch weight of the TT Don't exceed 80% of max. 2. there is a relationship between TT length and weight and the truck's length and weight. The longer and heavier the TT is than the truck, the worse the driving experience is going to be. The TT is a huge sail and when the wind or bow wave of a semi push it, the more impact it will have on your truck. This is what moved me to a 3/4 many years ago. I even tried to move back to a heavy tow package truck and it really did not help with this situation. I went back to a heavier truck. My point is it is not just the weight with a TT 3. if you don't have a factory break controller, get a good one like the Tekonsha. Will help a lot. The closer your TT gets to the 80% limit, the more attention you will need to pay to your TT and your truck breaks, and with engine breaking - your transmission temps. 4. My experience has been that 6,000 gross weight is a good cut off for a 1/2 ton. that 2445 is a 25 ft floor but it is really a 29 ft TT. That is going to be pushing it for a 1/2 in my book. I had a 29 ft Funfinder very similar weight and a 1/2. I moved up to a 3/4. I hope this is of help. It takes some thought when making decisions because it could be a costly mistake. Good luck ^110% this… |
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Originally Posted By funnelcake: ^110% this… Originally Posted By funnelcake: Originally Posted By FreeAmerican: I am confused, I am not sure if OP has a F150 or a 350. I've been towing campers for a long time, with various tow trucks, 1/2 and 3/4 ton, gas and diesel. My experience is: 1. compare your truck's cargo capacity with what you load in + hitch weight of the TT Don't exceed 80% of max. 2. there is a relationship between TT length and weight and the truck's length and weight. The longer and heavier the TT is than the truck, the worse the driving experience is going to be. The TT is a huge sail and when the wind or bow wave of a semi push it, the more impact it will have on your truck. This is what moved me to a 3/4 many years ago. I even tried to move back to a heavy tow package truck and it really did not help with this situation. I went back to a heavier truck. My point is it is not just the weight with a TT 3. if you don't have a factory break controller, get a good one like the Tekonsha. Will help a lot. The closer your TT gets to the 80% limit, the more attention you will need to pay to your TT and your truck breaks, and with engine breaking - your transmission temps. 4. My experience has been that 6,000 gross weight is a good cut off for a 1/2 ton. that 2445 is a 25 ft floor but it is really a 29 ft TT. That is going to be pushing it for a 1/2 in my book. I had a 29 ft Funfinder very similar weight and a 1/2. I moved up to a 3/4. I hope this is of help. It takes some thought when making decisions because it could be a costly mistake. Good luck ^110% this… I’ve had very few issues in thousands and thousands of miles of pulling my trailer, but if I was towing in the mountains all the time I’d understand upgrading to a 3/4 ton or better if I had an F150. Although I just looked and my Tundra is as heavy as a supercab F250 with almost the same front brake rotor size, so maybe I’d just add a supercharger for the uphills at elevation. I’ve significantly upgraded the suspension already and it has a 38-gallon fuel tank so once I downsize a bit I will be even further inside my comfort zone. BIG point you made above @FreeAmerican, for everyone else reading. Wind is a huge factor when towing and has been the source for a few close calls. Crosswind gusts can be nasty and I’ve had to grab the trailer brake lever too to calm things down. It’s both the sail area and the lever arm of a longer trailer that cause issues, you can be well within your weight limit and still have problems depending on conditions. |
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Originally Posted By FreeAmerican: The other thing is in the 1/2, when you get where you are going, esp if the drive is a couple of hours, you will be worn out. Move up to the heavier truck and you can go further because you haven't been fighting the TT and truck all day. You won't be so worn out when have to set up camp when you get there. Good advice. |
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Nice lookin' rig. It will definitely outlast a new one, as long as rust isn't an issue. Keep in mind the max weight of the unit with all cargo. Being able to travel with some water in the fresh tank is a plus, if you can do it. Makes emergency bathroom stops doable. We don't have that luxury in our single axle Apex Nano 187RB. |
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Originally Posted By TexCorriente: I have a DRW f350 that ought to do the job You mean the old ads showing station wagons cruising over mountain passes with these things aren't believable? Originally Posted By TexCorriente: I have a 2023 150 with the 5.0 motor and brake controller but not Max Tow package. Coming around to it being marginal for what I want, most importantly getting in to mountain passes. Ratings are within bounds in every respect, but you cant argue with physics  |
Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.---John Adams
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Update: We just rented a 2021, 26' (really 31') travel trailer for a weekend trip to a Texas state park I pulled it with my 150 and had no trouble, but of course we only had minor grades to deal with at low altitude. However, it did get gusty on the way home and I got rocked around more than I'd like. No load distributing hitch, though. Opinions on how much that would help matters? It had the corner bunkhouse we want, a good size fridge, and plenty of room for what we want. Geeze, everything seemed to be falling apart or creaking in some way. I understand that that is just how things are. But all of the systems worked correctly and it was comfortable. North Trail ID26BHSS, 6340lb dry, 7720 gvwr. Anyways, we did decide we really enjoy an RV and I'm going to start the hunt for one of the Outdoors RV or maybe Lance models in a similar size and layout. That'll lead to an f350 because the ones I want are heavier and I do want to go to the mountains |
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Originally Posted By TexCorriente: Update: We just rented a 2021, 26' (really 31') travel trailer for a weekend trip to a Texas state park I pulled it with my 150 and had no trouble, but of course we only had minor grades to deal with at low altitude. However, it did get gusty on the way home and I got rocked around more than I'd like. No load distributing hitch, though. Opinions on how much that would help matters? It had the corner bunkhouse we want, a good size fridge, and plenty of room for what we want. Geeze, everything seemed to be falling apart or creaking in some way. I understand that that is just how things are. But all of the systems worked correctly and it was comfortable. North Trail ID26BHSS, 6340lb dry, 7720 gvwr. Anyways, we did decide we really enjoy an RV and I'm going to start the hunt for one of the Outdoors RV or maybe Lance models in a similar size and layout. That'll lead to an f350 because the ones I want are heavier and I do want to go to the mountains A WDH makes all the difference in the world, especially with some form of sway control depending on which one you choose, and a WDH is 99% chance required on your F150 for the tongue weight. If it's not required per specs then it's at least borderline. At some point though, weight of the tow vehicle matters regardless. You're not wrong with the F350 thoughts if you're going heavier. |
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I've towed similarly-sized trailers with my F150, with and without a weight distribution hitch. Simply put: get the WDH. Big difference in towing experience. If you have the option, go for a bigger truck when towing a trailer that size. My wife's 350 pulls our ~5500 lb. trailer with easy, while my 150 is marginal, especially with the terrain out here. Easier on the truck and, just as importantly, easier on the driver with a more capable vehicle. |
"What is socialism? The most difficult and tortuous way to progress from capitalism to capitalism." -Stated at an intel conference, East Berlin, Oct. 1988
"Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods." -H.L. Mencken
"Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods." -H.L. Mencken
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My camper is a Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DBH. Essentially a different makers version of what you tried. 26' box, 31'+ tongue to bumper and close to 8k lbs loaded out with a weeks supplies I first started hauling it with an F150 with the Max Tow package. It really did a great job towing it and I can't complain. I upgraded to an F250 with the idea I was going to be upgrading to a fifth wheel, but I have not yet. The F250 tows the camper just amazing. It doesn't really know it's back there in the flat lands, but a little more noticeable in the mountains of SC(yes, I realize that SC mountains are tiny compared to western mountains). Not so much that I feel "under trucked" at all, and I still easily accelerate up the hills with my truck The real irony is that I got better gas mileage with the 150 and the 3.5 Ecoboost than I do with the 7.3 gas, even in the hills. |
| The advantage of a heavier truck is going downhill, not uphill. 3/4 ton trucks handle the weight much better. You don't want to be going downhill with a heavy trailer and start fishtailing... Diesels get WAY better fuel economy when loaded as opposed to gas engines. A manual trans diesel will hold up fine towing anything you hook to it... |
Another old guy
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Originally Posted By Ops: The advantage of a heavier truck is going downhill, not uphill. 3/4 ton trucks handle the weight much better. You don't want to be going downhill with a heavy trailer and start fishtailing... Diesels get WAY better fuel economy when loaded as opposed to gas engines. A manual trans diesel will hold up fine towing anything you hook to it... A heavier truck is better both uphill and downhill. Diesels are great... if you're towing most or all of the time. Higher fuel and insurance costs with diesel need to be figured in. |
"What is socialism? The most difficult and tortuous way to progress from capitalism to capitalism." -Stated at an intel conference, East Berlin, Oct. 1988
"Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods." -H.L. Mencken
"Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods." -H.L. Mencken
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NOT A SAFE THREAD I bought one! I ended up seeing the dad of one of my kid's baseball teammates list a 2018, 28' Kodiak Ultimate on facebook. The floor plan is the best i was able to find for our needs. Aluminum frame and azdel. It has bunk beds and a private master with queen bed and separate door. With the slide in it is completely usable, which is great. The owner had a 2nd ac unit installed for the master and upgraded it to 50a. Other than peeling laminate on cabinetry and baseboards, it is in pretty much perfect condition. All systems work, to include auto-level and a systems keypad with Bluetooth control that actually works. Anyways, I got tired of hunting and we made a deal. $17k with good accessories like a WDH and unused total cover and a remote back-up camera and monitor. There's always a better deal out there, but we have a Thanksgiving week trip that I want to use it on. QUESTIONS: What accessories and systems should I look at getting first? Generator: I have a 3500w Predator. I guess running both ACs would probably be too much Thanks   
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Nice, sounds like a good deal. Enjoy! You can get a lot done with a few camping chairs and a folding table. I wouldn’t rush out to buy every odd accessory, it can become expensive. LevelMatePRO is a game changer for leveling a travel trailer, especially when paired with Anderson leaving blocks. |
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Cool! You'll have to figure out preferences over time as far as all the extras go but a few that come to mind, some for now and maybe some for later: Get Tire Pressure Monitors for all four trailer tires. Inspect and grease bearings ASAP. Mystik JT-6 High Temp grease is the best. Back up camera. Bracing for killing sway while parked. I have the "X" shaped tire braces but will get the adjustable diagonal bracing poles for the jacks on the next trailer. (Strong arm jack stabilizer kit) Leveling blocks. There are some cool products I haven't tried, I just have the stackable lego block style. Carry extra, some campsites are far from level. Dehumidifier if stored plugged in or some variety of Damp Rid to keep moisture down inside the trailer to prevent mold/mildew. Upgrade the ceiling exhaust fans to the Fan-Tastic or competitor that move serious air. The stock little computer fan-sized things move very little air. Cartridge filter for your incoming water More drinking water-rated hose than you might think. I carry something over 100' of hose, it helps when your site technically doesn't have a spigot but you can still reach the nearest one. Make sure you have a wye so you can leave yours connected. Electric space heater for cold weather if your trailer has a gas furnace. When plugged in you can use the campsite electricity instead of burning your propane. Bring a good floor jack or a tire-changing ramp; little bottle jacks are really sketchy changing trailer tires. On that note if you have china specials for tires, replace them with Goodyear Endurance immediately. It's worth it. |
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Thanks for the tips, guys! We are on our first trip to family in Buffalo (E. Texas) So far so good, very comfortable Heavy rain im the forecast and soft sandy soil over here had me worried about my F150 getting stuck, so I brought out the big guns. 
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