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After a long time playing around about RVs, my 'boss' and i bought a bumper pull. I am sure folks are out there with various experiences. Have 2016 2500 RAM w/Cummins. 4x4. RV goes around 8,600 lbs. loaded. Specific thoughts about tow speeds, use of tow mode, use of cruise control would be helpful. Electricity? Speeds that product best mileage. Use of RV campsites. Use of truck/rest stops. Any info very much appreciated.
I have a smaller RV a 16ft KZ Sportsman it uses a 30 amp hookup. I pulled it to Chama NM a few weeks back with my Dodge Ram 1500, other than the gusty wind we had a great time and no problems. Good luck with your RV.
That's a lot of variables... I would definitely use the tow mode all the time, period! You can use your cruise, but watch the hills, slow down and take you time climbing them and going down them. An extra 5 minutes isn't gonna kill you, but going to fast just might! I would air bag the rear end, it helps with the ride tremendously! a weight distribution hitch and sway control is a must. Drive how you feel comfortable, I usually see the best mileage at about 55-65. Watch cross winds and drafts from semis, the first couple times can be a little interesting. Purchase a good generator rated for the wattage you need... without specifics, I would go with a 4000 or 5000 gen set. I only camp in the national forest, but some campgrounds are really nice, and I always dump before heading home. I also don't pull fully loaded with water and stuff. I usually get water near where I am going to camp and get ice and other items close by as well. No need to pull all that extra weight for nothing. PM me if need more specifics, and I will shoot you my number.
Hope this helped!
I have a 26 foot bumper pull that is just south of 8000 lbs. I tow it with a 2014 Ram w/ the Cummins. Pulls it like it isn't back there but the MPG gets worse than some of my compatriots who pull larger 5th wheels. I think its an aerodynamic thing. I haven't really found a sweet spot for economy unless I am on a slower speed hwy. I get about 10 MPG at 65 mph. 9 mpg/at 70 to 75. My nephew pulls a 35' 5th wheel with his 2003 Dodge PU with the 5.9 cummins and a manual transmission. He is getting 11 to 12 mpg when we are pulling the same terrain.
Your rig should have a tow/haul mode in the lower center of your dash. Changes the shift points a bit and is recommended. I live in the mountain west and still can utilize the cruise control with no issues unless I am pulling or descending a grade more than 4%.
I am following along here as well. I just bought a used Class A. My family loves camping and I am hopeful that it will provide for more comfy travel than pulling my old TT. A lot of things about camping apply whether you have a TT, 5th wheel or Motorhome. We were taking some really long trips and with 3 small children crammed into my truck it took some of the fun away for me.
60-65 mph will give the best mileage regardless of engine and size.
I chipped mine last summer and put it into tow/haul mode. Also put airbags over the rear axles and it has made a difference.
In addition to the good advice above, always remember what the two best days of RV ownership are.... ;-)
Stay up on the maintenance and winterizing. I pull the domestic water pump out my class C at the end of the season and take it indoors because I got tired of replacing them in spring. Blow the water lines out, drain the holding tanks, and disconnect all batteries and put them on a tender. Put fuel stabilizer in the generator, or run it dry.
Most of all, realize there’s always something to fix on a RV, so familiarize yourself with all the systems, and bring the necessary tools and spare parts to address the common failure items when you travel. Few things ruin as many vacations as RV problems.
Matt
Just bought a tool kit and volt meter today. Trying to get some of the basics in addition to good sam membership and roadside assistance. Born and raised on a farm, but not ashamed to call for help!!
Don't forget Walmart, lots of them will let you use their parking lot for over night camping.
Terry
Great info, guys. Truck is a top end RAM so has the tow mode and brake controller. I think a 3.42 rear as rpms of engine is just loafing at 60mph, < 1,400. Have premier AAA which covers RV I think. Looking to chg insurance over to AAA anyway. Walmart sure is in the picture! Excellent info from you all! Beginning to even write like an Okie though a transplant. Heat index is 112 here right now and looking forward to a few short trips to get used to it. Scar: looking at two 2000 Hondas caged on gate on the rear. Should run things. When you say airbag the rear, do you mean the truck? If so, cost? To start off we will be using NY public campgrounds during the summer heat here in OK. They allow a 2-week stay and are well appointed. Have to rotate campgrounds but easily doable. Keep thoughts coming!
Thanks, freeglee.....I had forgotten those things. Used to pull a horse trailer long ago and need to remember to place hand on hubs! Tks.
Another vote for bearing buddies. Also make absolutely positively sure to winterize when cold weather come. Frozen lines can cause lots of problems. I sold my 38 foot Newmar fifth wheel and miss it but I just don't go all over the country any more. Find the closest Camping world and check it out. There is nothing you will need that they don't have. You will find stuff you didn't even know you needed.
With the advancement in solar panels and controllers, I would think having one around to keep the camper batteries charged while parked in a rustic place might not be a bad idea (and not have to run the generator). Buddy has a small one in his off the grid cabin and it keeps the batteries charged to run LED strip lights, cell phones, laptops, etc.
Hello, 2- 2000's should be good, just experiment and see what it will do. You may need to turn the A/C off to run the microwave... (oh the humanity) :) Bearing buddies aren't needed. Just grease your bearings every year and don't over pack them, most people do and end up blowing out the rear seal! Just take them out, clean them, re-pack, re-install. When you have to replace the tires put an upgraded tire on. Go with the heaviest and best tire you can get. Torque lug nuts air up tires before every trip.
Air bags are for the back of the truck, the prices can vary greatly from about 250.00 up to 700 or so. If you are fairly handy, you can do them yourself, it's pretty easy. I sent you a PM.
Also, remember to get the high elevation jets for your generators if are going to be above 3000' some need three different ones depending on the altitude... i.e. 1 for sea level- 3000, 1 for 3000-8000, and one for 8000 and up. check the owners manual.
Scar...as per your PM, will drop you a call this weekend. Returning from the RV dealership we rescued 3 of 4 abandoned 'Catabula' pups and have visited the vet and need to deal w/treatments. Would never have thought about jets. Going out to remove ticks from their ears and worm them. Picking up RV July 6th...birthday present...ours are same day; July 8th.
some great advice from all above. Also search the RV forums you will find forums to your specific RV as well as tow vehicle. There you will find out the common gremlins of your specific rig and be prepared ahead of time. I also like to carry a code reader and be able to fix the minor stuff myself
Oh ya...if you are a Camping World or Good Sam member you get discounts at a few stores....Gander Outdoors being one (10%).
A couple of apps I find useful : RV Parky, GasBuddy, Overnight Parking, ParkAdvisor. Also Passport America is a very nice half price camp site club (about $44.00 a year). If you use it once it'll pay for it's self. Walmart & Cracker Barrel allow overnight parking.
I have a 31’ that I tow with a 7.3 diesel. I use a 3500 watt generator that runs everything. They told me at the RV place that’s all I need. Spend extra and get s Honda. They are a lot quieter. Keep it out of OD unless you’re on flat ground! Get a trans cooler too. I got 240K out of my trans.
Brought the new rig home today. Seems to tow easily enough. 1200-1250 rpm in tow mode runs 55 mph on the nose. On level road it runs 2 psi boost on the turbo. Tks guys for the advice. The whole thing is going to be a learning curve for this old timer!
Most important advice for you is, Do not have your wife giving you directions on backing up especially at night. Our trailer was brand new. She would be behind the trailer where I couldn’t see. Then she wouldn’t show me any directions until I’m hitting something.
DL...just read your post! Already has happened but not at night! Did not hit anything. Finally got her to realize that I had to see her in the mirror!
Headed out next week... ;o)
As to the gain control on the truck computer, what setting do you fellas find provides the best breaking for your rig. Thanks.