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RE: New (to us) Jayco 31BHDS
Congrats on the 31 BHDS! I have a almost identical (mine is a G2) and the DW and I loved it. The sales manager at my dealer pulled his with a Tahoe SUV and reported no problems but I elected to pulled mine with an Excursion at first then a Suburban 2500. For short distances in idea conditions I wouldn't have a problem towing the trailer with less than the 3/4 vehicles if it was within (or close) to the ratings if it had strong power and excellent brakes but I think if it involves mountains and adverse weather/winds the larger/powerful the better for my tastes. I am not knocking those that pull it with less because I had to pull mines home from the dealer with my Explorer because I hadn't bought the Ex yet.
The day I picked it up from the dealer we immediately went on a road trip from IL to Key West which was new experience for my family. Trips like those that build life long memories really justify the expense becaues those memories are priceless. Later on we would take it on a few local trips to airshows and camp grounds for the weekend and I will pull up next to tents and such and the trailer would be the center of conversations. The quality and durability of the Jayco line surpassed my expectations. I have to warn you we also kept ours on the side drive for a few weeks and enjoyed it so much that my DW didn't want me to put it in storage when winter came. She talked about her "condo on wheels" that whole winter. Sadly with a change in family/job status it is on the selling block now but we know that we will be back in RV'ing soon again. Enjoy!
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rowekmr
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12/15/09 02:15am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Newbie Questions on renting a MH
What kind of mileage are you guys getting with your combination? Some of the rental fleet have the Chev 6.0, most have the Ford V-10 with 5 sp trans and a few still have the 7.4 or 7.5 big blocks. I assume the older big blocks drink the most with the V-10 and 6.0 better, am I close?
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rowekmr
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12/14/09 06:49pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Newbie Questions on renting a MH
Stennis
Very good point and I didn't think of that until yesterday. We looked at people selling tickets and companion tickets and nothing fizzled yet. I could reasonable save a few days that option amd have more time there but of course miss out on the journey which although rushed this time is what we wanted to check out. But I am still searching, problem is I am planning on leaving Fri and that is very short notice and it appears the RV's in FL or much more in price this time of year than here.
Renting is a good idea if one is considering purchasing something similar. Money that could go toward purchasing something but well spent if you find you do not like that option. Perhaps I should have done that on a couple of occassions.
It may not work out when you do the numbers but what would be the relative cost of flying to and from your destination and renting there? If one plans in advance and bargain shops, sometimes real good air fares can be found. Perhaps less than the two days of rental saved and the fuel cost associated with the trip. It might also reduce the problems with the little one.
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rowekmr
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12/14/09 12:20pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Newbie Questions on renting a MH
First of all thanks for all the replies so far and Steve thanks for your insight into your situation because ours is so similiar to yours.
As for our trip this time it will only be a total of 6 days. We will spend 1-2 days going there and 2 days there and 1-2 days back. I wish it could be 2-3 weeks (or all winter) but the 3 kids cost enough to have me work most of my time ;)
How long will you be staying in the motorhome?
Two or three weeks or all winter?
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rowekmr
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12/14/09 11:45am |
Class C Motorhomes
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Newbie Questions on renting a MH
Hello Group
My family have been towing our 31' TT from IL to FL each winter and have noticed our youngest doesn't like the confines of our TV for too long (she can really cry loud). Also when we pull over to get a quick nap everyone moving from the TV to the TT is a little pain plus the fact we don't have stand alone power in the TT when we boondock leaving us without most creature comforts is reason to look for alternative.
This year we are going to rent a motorhome for the trip and see how it goes. Most places have a 25', 29', and a 31 with a slide and a few have some gas Class A's. Since we are going to be travelling only a few days I thought the Class C would be great plus their added benefit of being a lot cheaper. This trip will just be me, my wife and my 3 yr old so I was leaning towards the 25' but see that most only have 2 front seats and a couch and I was considering the 29's or 31's that have a 3rd seat.
So my questions are with a V-10 (most have) will there be a difference in mileage and hill climbing power between the 3 sizes? Do you think 3 people will feel "comfortable" in a 25'? The lowest in price is the CruiseAmericacom site but was wondering are their specific models "stripped" down or commercialized compared to the others. We don't like their huge graphics but most others have some sort of decals on them. Has anyone heard of or used the Cheap-motorhome-rentalcom site they seem to have more standard models albiet with smaller rental decals on them and the ones that I have found locally that don't charge 2X-3x the price so I guess I can live with being a mobile billboard for now.
Thanks
Joe
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rowekmr
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12/13/09 03:32pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: $11,000 gets me a duramax ally in my 01 suburban !!
I also checked out the videos on youtube and this is a really thorough transformation. The way some were speaking on it I thought it was a chop shop special but it looks the company is making SUV's that Chevy should have for the newer body styles.
What is the est mileage on the duramax for city/hghwy driving? I read that the 7.3 Powerstroke can dramatically increase its hp/tq with a programmer, exhaust and some bolt on mods is the Duramax similiar?
There are several youtube videos on this (duraburb) and it looks like a clean install. Let us know how it goes!
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rowekmr
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12/10/09 06:25pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Shuttle Bus tow rating
That is a really nice looking vehicle, instead of looking like a shuttle bus it looks like a custom conversion. Was that how it looked when you got it or did you customize it it to look that way? Would soundproofing help with the noise? Thanks for the reponse.
Joe
I have been seeing some mid to late 90's Ford shuttle buses for sale in the classifieds for pretty low prices. They appear to be on an E450 frame with dual rear wheels and have either a 460 big block or 7.3 powerstroke diesel engines. I didn’t see any hitches on the rear and wonder if one could be mounted how much could these possibly tow? Some have decent mileage for the year and stated they were corporate owned and on a scheduled maintenance program so I wonder their suitability for towing a travel trailer.
We had to get a hitch custom made for ours. I tow about 6000 lbs with no problems, but there is no reason it couldn't be set-up to tow a lot more. It's a diesel and its loud in the cab.
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs199.snc1/6735_1195784219321_1369941973_552123_3682108_n.jpg
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rowekmr
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12/09/09 01:17am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Shuttle Bus tow rating
I have had a 460 before and a V-10 I would lean for the 7.3L and try some of the diesel mods I read that increase hp/mileage. IIRC the cutaways don't have the intercooler though so I wonder if the mods are limited or is there an aftermarket intercooler for them.
PS - I'd recommend also looking for V10. Super reliable (much more so than the 460) and smoother and quieter than the 7.3L.
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rowekmr
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12/07/09 06:56pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Shuttle Bus tow rating
Is there something I can visually inspect to tell if it is compliant with Ford's spec?
How do they ride? Does the body shudder over bumps like the old metal school buses I rode as a child or is the fiberglass (or whatever its made of) less noise?
They do have all the HD components in the drivetrain/brakes/steering correct?
The towing capacity will be 20,000 pounds minus the loaded weight of the bus. You could make it simple and go by GVWR, so 20,000-14,050 = 5,950 pounds and that will be your minimum.
There could be an additional limitation if the frame was not extended right, so you should inspect the rear frame section and make sure it was done in accordance to Ford QVM Q-18. Most shuttle busses will comply. But when compliant with Q18 then the 20,000 pound GCWR stands.
For a hitch receiver, most E350 van hitch receivers will fit. I know my Hidden Hitch came with the proper shims to fit the flat frame rails of the cutaways (the vans have a slight indent for the crush zone).
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rowekmr
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12/07/09 06:55pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Shuttle Bus tow rating
I have been seeing some mid to late 90's Ford shuttle buses for sale in the classifieds for pretty low prices. They appear to be on an E450 frame with dual rear wheels and have either a 460 big block or 7.3 powerstroke diesel engines. I didn’t see any hitches on the rear and wonder if one could be mounted how much could these possibly tow? Some have decent mileage for the year and stated they were corporate owned and on a scheduled maintenance program so I wonder their suitability for towing a travel trailer.
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rowekmr
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12/07/09 04:33pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: $11,000 gets me a duramax ally in my 01 suburban !!
I second this! I hope in spite of the previous posts he still keeps us posted with the progress, I await them.
We are right in the middle of an entire forum that confirms PT Barnum's rules do indeed make sense. We come here to talk and ask about some very expensive and rapid depreciating hobbies. Most of us spend untold sums of money on those trailers that mostly sit there waiting for a weekend or that week vacation. We buy trucks to pull those trailers a few times a year and try to convince ourselves we're doing the right thing in the name of clean fun. We often read of various customizing projects and enjoy doing so. Mark knows what he wants, he also knows what he will get out of the project. Put me on the "Hey Go For IT!" section of this debate. His money, his family and his equipment.
Mark, just keep us all posted with the progress and outcome of the swap.
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rowekmr
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12/07/09 03:24pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: QX56 or Excursion, that is the question
There is some really good info in this thread on TV weight ratings and towing TT's. Joe (Crappie Fisherman) shows his extensive knowledge and background on the components of the Excursion and its capability. Before I ask my question I just have to say Joe's past posts really helped me get my own combination dialed in and my first trip with my TT I took my family of 5 from Chicago to Key West through a winter storm, rain storm, FL high humidity/heat and in between all that some good inclines all without incident (GCVW of 17.3K). My trip schedule has no weather cancellation allowance so I have to drive through whatever is churning outside. I have driven through snow storms where the semi trucks were pulling onto the shoulder, strong wind storms and the worst…Chicago's rush hour traffic!
I have also towed trailers (non RV's) over 7K pounds with a Sierra 1500 p/u (4.8L), 2 Explorers (5.0L and 4.6L) and can attest the half ton/SUV can pull moderate loads very capably when properly equipped. I have pulled my 26' and my buddy's 27' boat with my Excursion and my Explorer and the difference between the two TV wasn't as glaring as I thought. I used to tow a 28' boat with a E250 extended (7.3L) and had to rent a U haul Sierra while it was in the shop. I ended up selling the van and just renting the U Haul Sierra when I needed to move it. I can shamefully admit that I even towed my 31' TT home with my Explorer (before I got the Ex) when it was empty which is something I wouldn't suggest or endorse. I know the OP said the Suburban was out of the question but when my Ex was sold I pulled my TT with a ¾ Suburban (7.4) and have also pulled a loaded car trailer and it definitely can hold its own towing. I have read the the newer ones with the 8.1 have even more power.
Now on to my question...I have notice in the last few years the tow rating on the larger SUV's like the Expedition, and those from Nissan/Toyota/Infiniti slowly crept up around 9000 pounds or more. I also notice their engines get more hp/tq and the trans get extra gears and the brakes get bigger and some advertise the vehicle frames are stronger. I understand that they generally have shorter wheel bases, and less payload than the ¾ tons but I don't understand the general suspicion about their capabilities for moderate loads. Of the replies to the OP the positive response about the QX56 towing capabilities were from owners who have towed with them but then the posts against it were from posters who didn't report that they drove or towed with one. The OP originally stated that his trailer weight would be around 7,000 lbs and I looked up QX56 rating to be 8900/9000 in Trailer Life. Assuming he is within the GVWR and GCWR why wouldn't the truck be capable and safe pulling a load less than 85% of what it is rated for?
Joe
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rowekmr
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12/02/09 02:59am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: QX56 or Excursion, that is the question
I'd go with the QX56. I think the TT weight and length are well within its capabilities from what I read (ie I haven't driven one). I drove an Ex for 2 years and mines was missing a little on the drivetrain refinement and creature comforts of the imports.
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rowekmr
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11/29/09 02:57am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Chevy Suburban tow capacity
I would recommend trying the current stock combination first. The Suburban is a very capable tow vehicle and should have no problems pulling that trailer stock unless you just like improve/modify it with bolt ons.
Someone else recommended something about getting an air filter for the Burb that is much higher performing, a chip for the transmission that makes torque adjustable on the fly (I probably understood that wrong), and insure I have a transmission cooler.
I'm a knob on these matters, please dumb it down for me :?
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rowekmr
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11/29/09 02:51am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Who is towing w/ Ford Explorer SportTrac?
I have the Explorer which I believe is the same platform (except I have 3rd row seats instead of p/u bed) as the Sport Trac. The 4.6 3V engine has plenty of power for me and the 6sp trans is really better than the older 4 sp for pulling loads in so much as the rear end ratio is now 3.55 but it is rated to tow more than the older 5.0's that had the 3.73 rear ratio. Its really a versatile vehicle, I have the 4x4 model but at slightly over legal speeds I can get 24-25 mpg.
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rowekmr
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10/20/09 02:39am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: monroe reflex vs magnum gaz
I replaced the stock shocks on a 98 Explorer 5.0 AWD with 76K miles with reflex front and air shocks rear and didn't notice a difference on our pot holed streets here with regards to ride harshness. I later replaced the stock shocks on a 99 Excursion at 92K with Reflex again and again didn't notice the difference when empty. I was going to try the Bilsteins because they seem to be more recommended by users but I couldn't get them in time for my trip so I settled for Reflex shocks again and i actually couldn't feel a difference between them and the stock shocks when empty. I didn't get a chance to tow with the stock ones on so can't make a comparison of them when towing.
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rowekmr
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10/14/09 03:18pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Tow Vehicle Question
For 23' trailer I think the truck in stock form will do fine (and be comfortably within rating). While you did not mention your rear end gear ratio, the torque of those vortec motors are very good at moving loads so I see no need to swap gears unless it is a preference for you. I think a well designed CAI kit with a free flowing filter and aftermarket exhaust will increase airflow, hp/tq and efficiency (slightly) without sacrificing low end torque which is what moves a load. Headers performance depend on the design and some can cause you to lose low end torque so I would check with the manufacturer to ensure suitability for towing (and check their dyno sheets). Custom progamming is a artform as much as science, the results I read on towing sites/forums are wide range from severe disappointment to excitement by the owners.
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rowekmr
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10/13/09 03:45pm |
Towing
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How to sell a TT
Hello
What is the most effective way to market a used travel trailer for sale? There has been a change in our family status that now have us looking to sale our "gently" used travel trailer. Are the classifieds the best way (if so which ones) or hand made postings at local RV parks? Someone told me word of mouth but how do I get the word spread?
Joe
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rowekmr
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10/13/09 03:15pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 2000 Suburban 2500, OK for Toyhauler?
I had a 99 Suburban 2500 albiet an older model with the 7.4L and I towed a 9,000 trailer TT no problem.
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rowekmr
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10/09/09 02:33pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Anyone Towing With a Tundra?????
I am impressed, I just checked the Toyota.com site and looked at the features/specs on the Tundra (and Sequoia) and I like they clearly state curb weight and GVWR and GCWR AND tow capacity. I know the Toyota builds great cars and but didn't know the power and technical sophistication of their drivetrain in those trucks. Its ironic the tow capacity of their "normal" pick up and SUV surpass many of our domestic trucks incl the "legendary" Suburban 2500.
weight is 9200 lb
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rowekmr
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10/05/09 11:19pm |
Tow Vehicles
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