Can I tow it?

htxdc · Oct 13, 2017

Greetings all! I'm interested in this travel trailer, 2014 Gulfstream Streamlite Champagne 29BIK. Weight and Dimensions of the RV below:

Dimensions:
Length 34.42 ft. (413 in.)
Width 8 ft. (96 in.)Height 11 ft. (132 in.)
Interior Height 6.67 ft. (80 in.)

Weight
Dry Weight 6,674 lbs.
Payload Capacity 2,986 lbs.
Hitch Weight 920 lbs.

I have a 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 5.7L 3.55 gears, 8500 GVWR. I'm currently running stock Wrangler tires, no lift or level. To make this work I know I would definitely need E Rated tires (currently looking at 275/65r20 tires) and Air Suspension/Tuff Truck Springs.

As always, thank you guys for the help!

UnsatFC · Oct 13, 2017

I think that’s going to put you over your GCWR. You have 4x4 or 4x2?

htxdc · Oct 13, 2017

UnsatFC said:
I think that’s going to put you over your GCWR. You have 4x4 or 4x2?

4x4.

cbsmith · Oct 13, 2017

That’s too much trailer for a 1500. Even if it is close weight wise, at almost 35’ long you should be into a 2500 to get a heavier truck with stiffer suspension to help wit the sway and wind.

UnsatFC · Oct 13, 2017

I agree, too much trailer. Over on your GCWR. Nice trailer though.

GsRAM · Oct 13, 2017

agree with the others. way too much trailer for a half ton truck

suggest you look at TTs 25' overall and under and 6k gvwr and under. good luck

smiley · Oct 13, 2017

Gears kill you on that. Question should be should I do it not can I? I don’t think it would be very comfortable to tow those gears will make takeoff be much more difficult and bumping up the tire will make it even harder. Is that a 6 speed tranny? I had the 3.55s with mine and it sucked towing off the line. Pissed me off enough to get 4.56 gears. I don’t tow heavy often but I like even towing my boat better now. Good luck but I would choose a smaller camper or upgrade the truck.

69GWC · Oct 13, 2017

Dont think you can get 3:55s with the 8sp.

maxx442 · Oct 13, 2017

69GWC said:
Dont think you can get 3:55s with the 8sp.

Yes you can. My old 1500 Outdoorsman had them.

Regardless, as has been stated by others, too much trailer for your truck.

69GWC · Oct 13, 2017

Good to know, wonder why they stopped offering them ?

HvyDuty · Oct 13, 2017

htxdc said:
Greetings all! I'm interested in this travel trailer, 2014 Gulfstream Streamlite Champagne 29BIK. Weight and Dimensions of the RV below:

Dimensions:
Length 34.42 ft. (413 in.)
Width 8 ft. (96 in.)Height 11 ft. (132 in.)
Interior Height 6.67 ft. (80 in.)

Weight
Dry Weight 6,674 lbs.
Payload Capacity 2,986 lbs.
Hitch Weight 920 lbs.

I have a 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 5.7L 3.55 gears, 8500 GVWR. I'm currently running stock Wrangler tires, no lift or level. To make this work I know I would definitely need E Rated tires (currently looking at 275/65r20 tires) and Air Suspension/Tuff Truck Springs.

As always, thank you guys for the help!

I doubt you have a 8500 GVWR its probably 6500-6900.

Take your truck to a CAT scale full of fuel and loaded to camp (family, pets e etc.) to get your curb weight and axle weights. Subtract total from GVWR to get whats left of payload. Now you know what your truck can legally handle on its back. The weight of your trailer and truck should not exceed your GCWR.

If your full-timing it or towing it frequently and/or long distance I would recommend a 2500. Weekends by the local lake on occasion you could get by and maybe not exceed any weight limits. Just you in the truck and all cargo in the trailer.

Get a good weight distributing hitch like and Equalizer or Reese Dual Cam and dial it in correctly.

htxdc · Oct 14, 2017

smiley3303 said:
Gears kill you on that. Question should be should I do it not can I? I don’t think it would be very comfortable to tow those gears will make takeoff be much more difficult and bumping up the tire will make it even harder. Is that a 6 speed tranny? I had the 3.55s with mine and it sucked towing off the line. Pissed me off enough to get 4.56 gears. I don’t tow heavy often but I like even towing my boat better now. Good luck but I would choose a smaller camper or upgrade the truck.

6 speed.

HvyDuty said:
I doubt you have a 8500 GVWR its probably 6500-6900.

Take your truck to a CAT scale full of fuel and loaded to camp (family, pets e etc.) to get your curb weight and axle weights. Subtract total from GVWR to get whats left of payload. Now you know what your truck can legally handle on its back. The weight of your trailer and truck should not exceed your GCWR.

If your full-timing it or towing it frequently and/or long distance I would recommend a 2500. Weekends by the local lake on occasion you could get by and maybe not exceed any weight limits. Just you in the truck and all cargo in the trailer.

Get a good weight distributing hitch like and Equalizer or Reese Dual Cam and dial it in correctly.

Weekends only. After reading RV forums, Facebook groups, etc., a WDH/Sway is a must. Thank you all for the insight/recommendations. Looks like I'll have to upgrade my truck to a 2500 in the near future as well. :favorites13:

cableguy_hd · Oct 14, 2017

tow haul will be your friend. air bags will be fine. shorts trips I'd do it. the gears would be a concern.

billyw · Oct 18, 2017

I think you could probably do it if you're careful and keep things light. Because that trailer is so long, I would very seriously consider a high end hitch like Hensley PP or similar, just to control any induced sway.

Can I tow it?

htxdc

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UnsatFC

Active duty NAVY

htxdc

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cbsmith

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UnsatFC

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GsRAM

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smiley

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69GWC

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maxx442

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69GWC

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HvyDuty

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htxdc

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cableguy_hd

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billyw

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