Estein99
MO
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Joined: 07/27/2008
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OK, I am needing some real people to give me some real life info. We just upgraded from a light weight TT to a Cardinal 35 that is almost 40' long and weighs just over 12K empty. It was a used unit that was way too good of deal to pass up. I am pulling with a 05 F250 6.0L diesel crew cab short box. 95% of our camping is local and only have to pull the camper 5 miles from our storage to the lake. According to the dealer we purchased the camper we are fine and should have no problems. If you ask the truck dealership they tell us we are way over weight and are only asking for trouble. If I keep the truck I will difinately add the ride rite air bags to help the squat.
I am curious to hear from anyone else that is pulling something about this size with a 3/4 ton SRW truck. I know all you dually guys swear by your trucks and say you would never pull anything that big without a dually.
Also, has anyone had any luck with a performance chip? If I was a full timer I would definatly spend the extra cash and upgrade but I just don't have the extra cash to spend on a dually at this time.
I look forward to your feedback!
Thanks!
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skylos
Issaquah, WA
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Joined: 06/10/2009
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I have a 1994 F250 7.3L TurboDiesel - not even a dually - which I use to on occaison pull a 35' 1992 Carriage Commander, which is probably not dissimilar in its weight.
I think you want to make sure you have a good brake controller. Replacing my old one with a new Tekonsha P3 made HUGE amounts of difference in stopping, which is a good thing and made me much more comfortable.
Your risk factors are elevated because your truck's duty rating is marginal compared to the load it is pulling. You may want to keep it down to 60mph or so to mitigate the risk of lack of handling at high speeds and lateral accelerations due to loading.
Performance is irrelevant (imo) You'll get there regardless, enjoy the ride. The chips are Way too expensive for what you get.
Keep your brakes tip-top, keep good tires on all 8 hubs, and drive careful, you'll get there.
If you want a more forgiving configuration, buy a big towing rig. But who can afford it?
Skylos
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Your problem won't be POWER it'll be payload capacity. You'll be WAY over yours.
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles)
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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kennethwooster
Perryton Tx USA
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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I'm running a 05 F350 SRW, which will rate about the same weights as you. My trailer is probably a few hundred pounds lighter then yours when empty. We are right on the edge of the weight limits. We have plenty of power. I would not chip the 6.0. We pull up into the Colorado Mountains several times a year which is a little over 400 miles. I would say if you stay local you will be fine.
kenneth wooster- school bus driver & teacher
wife Diana-adult probation officer
365BSQS Quad slide 2007 Quantum
Ford F350 2005 model, 4X4 FX, King Ranch
18K SuperGlide Hitch
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JR45
Warren/OR/USA
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Joined: 03/17/2002
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a performance chip is one way to stretch the head bolt's. I think you are over on payload capacity, you will have the power to pull it that 5 miles but for longer trips F350 or F450 dually. On the road that 12K empty will turn into 15.5 road ready.
JR
06 F350 4x4 PSD Lariat FX4 CC LB
Coolant Filtration System
PressurePro Monitors
2003 Alpenlite Limited
Reese Signature 18K hitch
Fifth Airborne
Ridgewood 30RK
3 Slides
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fordsooperdooty
Orange Kounty Kalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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I'm a believe firmly in two things...
1) the right that a free thinking, normal person over the age 18 should be able to pretty much do as he/she wishes as long as he/she doesn't violate my right or the rights of others to live and do what they want to do.
2) Making an informed decision based on all the available information generally involves at some point a tiny little voice in your head either saying "sounds good, go fer it" or "for God Sake don't do it you'll kill yourself!"
Ergo...Human survival has always been based on listening to the tiny little voices in your head!
A Jayco is not just an RV, it's a way of life! 
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
You should have a 3,000 pound cargo rating, so if you take it to a scale, you will find that you are probably within the weight ratings on everything.
At least you don't have a 2004 F-250 with a limited 8,800 pound GVWR, and cargo rating in the 1,500 pound range.
Yes you will have plenty of power, and those 12" disk brakes are going to stop the combo just fine.
It does not matter that you will only tow it 5 miles on most trips. That time you drive it to the dealer for service, it still needs to stop when required. And I would be taking it on longer trips, you will soon get bored going to the same place each trip!
Good Luck,
Fred.
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steelpony5555
Copperas Cove Texas
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Joined: 10/26/2007
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Just make sure you have E rated tires and you'll be fine. Take a look on the Interstate and you'll see lots of trucks and 5ers of the same weight going down the hwy. My 5er loaded is 12500 lbs and my Dodge does very well with it cross country. I was concerned as you are until I pulled out of the lot with it. I also watched the all the trucks towing big 5ers and figured someone knows something cause that's alot of RV'ers out there with the same truck and trailer I am buying. Just don't overload your tires and axles. I am about 400 lbs over my trucks gross but it don't know it so don't tell it. The advice about the brake controller is excellent. That is one place you don't want to go cheap on, it makes a heck of a difference.
03 Alpenlite Valhalla
07 Dodge 2500 Lone Star Edition 5.9 diesel
07 Honda Goldwing Burnt orange of course! (My new Baby)
06 Chrysler 300 Touring
Margarita machine---nothing better then sittin in the shade on a hot day sippin a Margie!
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Splashers3
Oakville, MD
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Joined: 06/12/2008
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Get the trailer weighed at a scale - then compare the GVRAWR and your tires rated load capacity....do not go over, that will dictate what you should do.
My trailer (in sig) puts me over my truck's GVWR (in sig), however, I am well under tire capacity and rear axle WR. The trailer handles very well, I do watch my speed limits (60-63), and have my brakes checked often. Having the Allison transmission electronic braking system helps save wear on my brakes.
Only had 1 real quick stop, and she did fine.
2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD D/A
Ride Rite Airbags, Trail Air Pin Box, Garmin Nuvi 350,
Blue Ox Bed Saver, TST Tire Monitor
2009 Cedar Creek Silverback, GII, 32 WRL
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craig7h
Marion, Iowa
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Joined: 03/23/2002
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If you are only going that far I would not worry about it. However if you start "traveling" I would update your truck. Not only do you need something that will be safe you will need something that you can enjoy driving while pulling.
I know you will enjoy your cardinal. come over to the cardinal web site cardinalrvclub.org
Craig
06 RAM 3500 diesel power
08 35' Cardinal
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