Towing my Sandpiper 36.5 RLT

shields71646 · 12-01-2009, 09:50 PM

I am new to RV's, so I probably should have ask this question before buying both truck and camper. My truck is a 08 Dodge 2500 4x4 with the 6.7 diesel. I just purchased a 05 Sandpiper 36.5 RLT.
Going to try and pick it up tommorrow. Does anyone think that I will have a problem pulling it?

Dave_Monica · 12-01-2009, 10:10 PM

Do you know what the trailer weighs...it's pin weight?

I looked but was unable find anything on Forest River's site or 'googgling' that year and model.

Dave

shields71646 · 12-01-2009, 10:27 PM

The GVWR is 13,400

Dave_Monica · 12-01-2009, 11:18 PM

Should be all right...not as heavy as I would have guessed.
It'd be a perfect opportunity to weigh your set-up on the return trip...should get front and rear axle weight of the truck along with the trailer axle weight hooked up. Also should get the front and rear axle weights of the truck uncoupled. That will give you base info before you start loading it up. First trip out, repeat the same weighing procedure and compare to the ratings for your truck and trailer.

Trying to educate myself as we're making the jump to a 5th wheel also. Lots of information to digest!

Good Luck,

Dave

machunt · 02-08-2010, 08:10 AM

Remember to look at the total weight of truck and trailer both loaded, this is what is messing me up.

rockwood06 · 02-08-2010, 08:41 AM

My truck is rated for 10,500 lbs, my camper is rated at 7,940 lbs fully loaded. My wife and I are at 100 lbs each

so subtract the 200 lbs from 10,500 and that is what I can tow. Remember the more you put in your tow vehicle the less you can tow. My camper weighs 66,000 lbs empty or what is called dry weight. Most people do not load there campers to full capacity.
Make sure you use the proper hitch system.

mtnguy · 02-08-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockwood06

My camper weighs 66,000 lbs empty or what is called dry weight.

You might want to get rid of a 0 in that weight, rockwood06.

But, what is a 0 among friends.

rockwood06 · 02-08-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

You might want to get rid of a 0 in that weight, rockwood06.

But, what is a 0 among friends.

There I go again, thanks mtnguy......6,600 lbs this is more realistic.

intents · 02-09-2010, 06:41 AM

I noticed this interesting thread and thought I would chime in with what I got.
I have a 2006 Dodge 3500, non-dually, Megacab (5.9L diesel). I have the 2008 Sierra 40SPTS toy hauler. Trailer says 16,500lbs dry. Fully loaded, It weighs more like <=19,000lbs. I have no problems towing with my truck. I am pretty sure I am exceeding the mfg's suggested weight limit, but Dodge is known to under rate themselves. I am not easy on the throttle, and get avg. 10mpg doing 75-80 miles an hour. Almost sounds like bragging here, but the trucks are capable if you know what you are doing and have the necessary monitoring.

rockwood06 · 02-09-2010, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intents

I noticed this interesting thread and thought I would chime in with what I got.
I have a 2006 Dodge 3500, non-dually, Megacab (5.9L diesel). I have the 2008 Sierra 40SPTS toy hauler. Trailer says 16,500lbs dry. Fully loaded, It weighs more like <=19,000lbs. I have no problems towing with my truck. I am pretty sure I am exceeding the mfg's suggested weight limit, but Dodge is known to under rate themselves. I am not easy on the throttle, and get avg. 10mpg doing 75-80 miles an hour. Almost sounds like bragging here, but the trucks are capable if you know what you are doing and have the necessary monitoring.

This is interesting, if you don't mine me asking what is the max tow capacity on your 3500?