Hello from MN

mcgeno99 · 12-16-2019, 04:24 PM

Hello all. Gene & Angie checking in from Fletcher (technically Rogers) MN.

We purchased 2 months ago, just in time to put right into storage, a 2017 Keystone Cougar 33sab travel trailer. Awesome rig, perfect for the 2 of us and our little dog.

I'm presently going to be pulling the camper with a 2007 Chevy Suburban 2500, for now that's what I could get that would do the job, I will be upgrading to a 3/4 ton pick-up with a diesel as soon as I can save enough extra to do so....

I have never owned this large of a camper before so it's going to be really exciting and a bit nerve-racking as we settle into it.

MarkEHansen · 12-17-2019, 07:19 AM

Welcome to the forum!

It's a shame that the trailer has to go right into storage. It's going to be a long winter waiting to pull it out and go camping!

3/4-ton Diesel trucks are rather notorious for having limited payloads, so you may want to make sure your next truck will support your trailer. The 1-ton trucks are usually not much more cost but provide a lot more payload. There's lots of help here with working out those numbers, if you want it.

Best of luck and happy camping!

mcgeno99 · 12-17-2019, 07:43 AM

Thanks for the reply... My only issue with buying a 1 ton is the taxes you have to pay to register them every year. In
MN it's a lot more money to to register a 1 ton over a 3/4 ton truck.

But I will research the rest out when I get to that point.

TJO · 12-17-2019, 08:27 AM

Welcome to the forum from Ottawa, Ontario

DDG · 12-17-2019, 03:32 PM

In Mn it is cheaper to run a one ton that a 3/4 ton. For taxes the 3/4 ton will cost you what the value of the trucks is every year. With a 1 ton you pay fee of about $200.00 a year but you pay that fee for the rest of the life of the truck.

Gegrad · 12-17-2019, 06:00 PM

Welcome from Pennsylvania, and hope the winter goes by fast!

Northofu1 · 12-18-2019, 07:30 AM

from Toronto

Jim2366 · 12-18-2019, 05:11 PM

Welcome from Defiance, Missouri! I did the same thing, we just purchased a new RV and had to put it into storage. I have brought it home a few times to test things out and to learn how it all works.

In MN do they blow the lines out with a compressor when winterizing?

2019 Ram 3500 4x4 diesel long bed 4.10
2019 Cougar 361rlw

vampress_me · 12-18-2019, 07:07 PM

I’m with DDG. It’s much cheaper to license a 1 ton than a 3/4 ton in MN. In 2009 it was a flat $120/ year for a 1 ton (first year we had a 1 ton truck). This year, it was around $200 with the wheelage tax, etc. In comparison, it was $512 for a 2018 Explorer. A one ton is a set rate (I think something to do with farming, etc?) while a passenger vehicle (anything else including a 3/4 ton truck) is based off value. When we looked at ordering the 2009 truck, we were going to get a 3/4 ton. Dealer pointed out to us the savings in licensing for not much more cost for a one ton truck, and the better towing capabilities. We were sold and haven’t looked back. Especially if we have to live in this tax-addicted state.

The only time the flat rate works against you is if the vehicle is older. But, I figure we get so many years of savings, it can make for quite a few years of paying more when it’s older. And considering our son’s 11 year old truck is still a little under $200/yr to register. Lots of years of savings!

Edit: just got our 2020 registration renewal, the 2019 one ton will cost $139 in February for new tabs.

DDG · 12-19-2019, 04:39 AM

Jim2366, I do both air first and then the antifreeze. I do it that way because it gives me peace of mind when the winds are blowing and it's below 0 out or colder here in Mn.

larryflew · 12-26-2019, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgeno99

Thanks for the reply... My only issue with buying a 1 ton is the taxes you have to pay to register them every year. In
MN it's a lot more money to to register a 1 ton over a 3/4 ton truck.

But I will research the rest out when I get to that point.

Plus another on 1 ton. Our 08 GMC 3500 is $60 year in MN. You did buy just in time to drag it to AZ

larryflew · 12-26-2019, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDG

In Mn it is cheaper to run a one ton that a 3/4 ton. For taxes the 3/4 ton will cost you what the value of the trucks is every year. With a 1 ton you pay fee of about $200.00 a year but you pay that fee for the rest of the life of the truck.

Our plates in MN are $60/yr for 1 ton 2008 GMC 3500

leest422 · 12-26-2019, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgeno99

Thanks for the reply... My only issue with buying a 1 ton is the taxes you have to pay to register them every year. In
MN it's a lot more money to to register a 1 ton over a 3/4 ton truck.

But I will research the rest out when I get to that point.

Ummm....a 1 ton (I own a 2017 Silverado 3500HD) and just got my renewal and my tabs are $136 !! A 1 ton in MN is MUCH cheaper than a 3/4 ton because the 1 ton is classed as a commercial vehicle but you can have non-commercial tags. Not sure where you are getting your info but it is wrong.

shermris · 12-26-2019, 03:40 PM

I would double check the MN license fees on a 1 ton. The 1 ton is considered a commercial, or work vehicle not a passenger vehicle. MN registration and license fees have previously been much lower for a 1 ton vehicles, (other than the 16 passenger vans). New vehicle license fees for a 1 ton can are typically 70 to 80% less than a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck.

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