2010 Keystone Cougar 325SRX

[chrisk]

We just bought one of these used and was wondering what truck everyone used to tow it? I'm confused by a lot of the numbers and just wanted to know legally what models of trucks you all used? Something in the 2007-2010truck year range...I dont want to buy new. I'd like to buy a gas truck, not diesel if possible.

[2011 keystone]

325SRX Specifications

Shipping Weight 9270
Carrying Capacity 2930
Hitch 1800
Length 36' 7"
Width 8'
Height 12'
Fresh Water 60
Waste Water 38
Gray Water 76

This is a large trailer I would go with a 3/4 or 1 ton Ford Dodge or Chevy what ever you like.

[smiller]

A (loaded) 325SRX is right at the edge of a 3/4-ton capacity (by published ratings at least, my Dodge 2500 diesel tows it well) so you would need a 3/4 or 1-ton truck. I wouldn't even consider a 1/2-ton truck for this unit.

Gas or diesel is your own choice. I think you'll find diesel power a more enjoyable experience in this weight class, but many tow heavier with gas so it certainly can be done. Won't go there as there are about 10,000 other threads to read on that subject. ;)

Other than that the 325SRX is a great unit, and one of the few 'separate garage' toyhaulers than can be towed with a 3/4-ton truck. Go up to the three-axle monsters and you are looking at a duallie or MDT for sure.

[chrisk]

We currently have a 2007 Tundra 4x4 5.7L, 10,300lbs limit....everything I read from other users pretty much say it will tow it great.....but I wonder about insurance liability since we're a few LBS over payload weight.

[smiller]

The max gross weight of the 325SRX is over 12,000 lbs... and it's not hard to get there. In my opinion you would be way over the Tundra's capacity in every respect.

[chrisk]

We won't be hauling heavy things as this will be used mainly as sleeping quarters and a mobile office in the back.

[smiller]

Seriously, this isn't one of those 'a little over the limit but close' cases, at best it will be a very uncomfortable tow and at worst it would be downright unsafe. I'm really not trying to lecture you or be the weight police but trust me, you really won't like the results. That's a nice truck and you should be able to get a good price for it, I would strongly advise you to swap it for at least a 3/4-ton tow vehicle. If you shop around you may not even have to put much money back into the deal.

[SteveC7010]

Your trailer needs at least a properly equipped 3/4 ton; Ford F250 or Dodge 2500 or Chevy 2500, HD models preferred. A one ton duallie would be preferable.

With a factory spec'd pin weight of 1,800#, you can actually realize a pin weight of 2,400# or more. That's way over for your Tundra, and pushing it even for a 3/4 ton unless properly equipped.

My 326MKS is actually GVWR'd a bit lighter than the 325SRX and the pin is supposedly nearly 300# lighter. The rear end of my duallie squats a good three inches or more when I drop the pin on it. But the four load range E Michelins don't bulge even a tiny bit with the added weight.

By comparison, your Tundra's two load range D's, even at max pressure, would likely fail shortly after they reach operating temperature on the road in summer. And, your 1/2 ton suspension will probably be bottomed out before you turn a wheel. Hit a good bump, and something critical will certainly break.

And, with that much pin weight on the rear axle, it may unload the front end to the point that you could loose steering ability on a bumpy road.

I would not think of towing my trailer with anything less than a 3/4 ton truck. Honestly, you should not either.

[Festus2]

You have already acknowledged that you are slightly overweight. By the time you load up your TT and your truck, you may be over more than you realize. Quite often, we hear people saying, "I know I'm close to or over the limits, but we won't go over 55 mph, we'll travel with empty tanks all of the time and we won't be taking anything heavy".
My question to you would be, "Why would anyone venture out knowing that they are overloaded (which you will be) and expose themselves, their family and others to all of the risks and dangers of unsafe towing"? I'm confident you wouldn't want to do this and will make the right decision when it comes to deciding upon a tow vehicle that will safely tow your 325SRX.

[LittleJoe]

FYI I have weighed my trailer loaded including one big bike, empty holding tanks, and full freshwater. IIRC I was right at 10,000 lbs on trailer axles and side to side weights were about 200lbs over on right rear(where bike sits).
Pin was just over 2200lbs.

MY DRW handles this load nicely and is stable in high cross winds BUT I would have to give up a lot of crosswind stability(IMO) to go back to a SRW 1 ton. (notice I said 1 ton, not 3/4) as you WILL be in need of the second set of helper leaves on less than ideal road surfaces.

I might consider towing this with a half ton to and from a permanent campground in spring and fall if the roads were level and the distance was limited. I would not even think about any kind of a longer road travel as weather conditions are too unpridictable(wind).

I might add that I hold a CDL, to add some weight to the opinion.

[smiller]

FYI I have weighed my trailer loaded including one big bike, empty holding tanks, and full freshwater. IIRC I was right at 10,000 lbs on trailer axles and side to side weights were about 200lbs over on right rear(where bike sits). Pin was just over 2200lbs.
Thanks for the info, I've weighed mine empty but not loaded. Those numbers would have been about my guesstimates though so it is interesting to hear your results. I'm OK with those on a HD 3/4-ton LB but they are clearly up near the max. I kind of shudder thinking about that load on a 1/2-ton.

FWIW I've experienced no issues with crosswind stability (or stability of any kind really) except for that day last year when they had those hellacious winds all over the southwest that was blowing over big rigs on I-15 in Southern California. I was in New Mexico at the time and the winds were something else. A duallie might have been nice there but the best bet would probably have been to get off the road no matter what you were driving!

[chrisk]

Someone down the street has a 1999 Ford F350 V10 Crew, Loaded, long bed, 5th wheel hook up, 2WD, 89k miles for $7,000.00 - Thinking of getting that one just to tow it....any opinions?

[old racer]

Someone down the street has a 1999 Ford F350 V10 Crew, Loaded, long bed, 5th wheel hook up, 2WD, 89k miles for $7,000.00 - Thinking of getting that one just to tow it....any opinions?

The F350 chassis handles the SRX very well. We tow ours with a 2001 7.3L Powerstroke dually. If gas is your preference, the V10 will handle it however, they do like their fuel. For the sake of comparison, we used to tow our enclosed race trailer (24' bumper hitch) with an '04 F 350 V 10 and usually averaged around 6-7 mpg. The gross weight loaded with the car, tools, fuel, truck and trailer was around 16,000#.

With the diesel we have now pulling the RV, we average around 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 mpg and are a bit heavier.

For the money and provided that the truck you mentioned is in decent shape, I personally feel that is not a bad deal. You would definitely be better satisfied with a heavier truck.

[dave-g]

The F350 chassis handles the SRX very well. We tow ours with a 2001 7.3L Powerstroke dually. If gas is your preference, the V10 will handle it however, they do like their fuel. For the sake of comparison, we used to tow our enclosed race trailer (24' bumper hitch) with an '04 F 350 V 10 and usually averaged around 6-7 mpg. The gross weight loaded with the car, tools, fuel, truck and trailer was around 16,000#.

With the diesel we have now pulling the RV, we average around 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 mpg and are a bit heavier.

For the money and provided that the truck you mentioned is in decent shape, I personally feel that is not a bad deal. You would definitely be better satisfied with a heavier truck.

A much safer way to go.

[LittleJoe]

Agree the F350 V10 would make a decent tow vehicle. Fuel use might be a little high but if that is all you will be using it for, it sounds like a good value providing the truck has been maintained and looked after.

[fla-gypsy]

The 99 F 350 V-10 if properly maintained would be a good deal. The early versions of the V-10 (99-01) could develop blown spark plugs on some motors. If they have had them changed as required then you should be OK. They typically exhibited the problem fairly early on.

[chrisk]

Thanks everyone for your input...I ended up buying a 2002 F350 V10 4x4 Crew.

[smiller]

Good call, you will have a much more safe and enjoyable towing experience and you'll be able to keep the Tundra in top shape.