New Raptor

[Pick_PSD]

Our story is probably similar to most. We were not campers but inherited an early 90's Shasta. My Jeep wouldn't pull it so I got a Ram 1500. Fixed-up the camper and went on our first trip... and loved it. Traded the 'ol girl in on a new TT and of course the Dodge wouldn't pull it. Bought a F350 dually and thought I'd never need more truck. Our family grew and here we are with a brand new Raptor 405TS; 1,500lbs over the tow rating of the F350 :facepalm:

Picking it up from the dealer last week...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bhF5_Qwn7ak/WWkRCAwMVAI/AAAAAAAAH90/o__uz9ypUEkwuXUiPxe9yGsA8Fq6vbUhQCJoC/w795-h447-p-rw/20170714_134922.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wJOKaTcax20/WWkRGjAn0KI/AAAAAAAAH-U/vq538YqLzzo3ABWyUmQb3MCOmbBytADsACJoC/w795-h447-p-rw/20170714_134947.jpg


...and our first trip this week
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZdFZSSGcmuA/WXdolZNTkLI/AAAAAAAAIEk/5C01AnRXy0s7O8U4r5Z16Lhvp7gUOxlfgCJoC/w795-h447-p-rw/20170725_093803.jpg


The truck did great but I'm looking for a '11 to '14 F350 DRW.

We've only spent a night in it but man what a difference over our last camper ('14 Wildwood 28DBUD). So spacious and the 2nd FULL bath is INCREDIBLE!! Really looking forward to spending some more time in it this fall!

[ctbruce]

Welcome to the forum from Kansas City, MO. :wlcm: Glad you're here.

Your story is very common here on the Forum. At least you are aware of your weight issues and looking for a better solution. Good luck in your search.

[Pick_PSD]

Thanks ctb... towing our last camper with the 350 vs the 1500 was beyond night and day difference (although the dealer said it was 1/2 ton towable). I know my truck *could* pull the Raptor but having something designed to do the job makes all the difference in the world.

I've looked at some 450/550, 4500/5500 LT's as well as some MDT's but the newer 350/3500's should be fine. If I get too much truck, I might justify an even bigger camper :eek:

[PARAPTOR]

:wlcm: to The Forum From Western PA

Congrats on your new Raptor !! Enjoy and :wlcm: to the TH Family and soon to be Dually Family. Your are in the big Boy class now

Be Safe and Happy Camping. :camping:

[Pick_PSD]

Thanks PARaptor

My current dually is rated to tow 16,700, the 405TS is 15,376 dry. However, it can carry 3,624 so I'll definitely be over my limit when camping. I know I need to hit the CAT scales to do an actual measurement but I will plan to upgrade the TV regardless. The '11 to '14 F350 DRW's I've seen are rated to tow >20k. The RAWR is almost 10k so I should be good with the pin weight as well.

Here's my last set-up. The Raptor is an AWESOME upgrade...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrd13PDlCvA/WApBb2-SgmI/AAAAAAAAGpU/_qiKq7O5LA4PkrXaNnVxrOn0doUeFJ07gCJoC/w530-h298-p-rw/20161007_111940.jpg

[canesfan]

Welcome from Virginia. Enjoy that new raptor. You're gonna love it.

I get down to Raleigh often, stay at the Fairgrounds CG usually when attending a Hurricanes game if it's not too cold, other wise it's one of the local hotels. Wondering what CG that is in the pic above ^.

[Pick_PSD]

Wondering what CG that is in the pic above ^.

Thanks canesfan. I don't get to a lot of hockey games, but the few I have it's been fun.

That's actually a truckstop parking lot. We stopped for gas and a snack on the way from NC to TX and I snapped the pic walking back to the truck. Shortly after this picture, someone pulled up beside me and said that my bike tire fell off the bike right after I hit a big bump in the highway. So glad it didn't hit anyone. That I-20 corridor from ATL to Dallas is ROUGH :dizzy:

[canesfan]

Lol, I meant the pic up at the top with the new Raptor. :D

[Pick_PSD]

Sorry... New Bern KOA

[canesfan]

Ok thanks! Did you like it? Never been there but people tell me a lot I should check out the area.

[Pick_PSD]

We're still here... I work from home so we came down for the week to 'test' the new camper. We plan to explore the New Bern area this weekend. CG is clean and the staff has been friendly but most importantly (for work) the wifi is awesome.

I've got a few bugs to work through on the camper so I'll find an appropriate board to post those to see if anyone has had the same issues. BUT so far, so good!!

[canesfan]

Too bad I have too much crud going on right now or I'd run down and say hey. Could use to get away for a couple days. Tired of looking at the raptor sitting in the backyard going nowhere. Enjoy! And post away, someone is sure to have had the same issues, if not we'll make something up. :D