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Old 09-05-2014, 03:43 PM   #1
WLM189
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Which One???

I have narrowed my choices down to 2 both Keystone.

Sprinter WB 311BHS - 8000lbs dry
800lbs tongue wgt

Bullet 308 BHS - 6500Lbs dry
680lbs tongue wgt

Tow vehicle - F-150 Ecoboost 4X4
3:31 rear end
9200lb tow
1050 tongue wgt

I am leaning towards the Sprinter because of it being a little wider and longer. Also the Sprinter has 2 A/C units. Both are the same price and basically the same floor plan.

Is the Sprinter to close to my tow weight for safe towing?

Thanks in advance
Wayne
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Old 09-05-2014, 05:20 PM   #2
BulletOwner1
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In my humble opinion, yes.
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Old 09-05-2014, 05:27 PM   #3
chuckster57
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Which One???

Quote:
Originally Posted by BulletOwner1 View Post
In my humble opinion, yes.

I have to agree. Dry weight is before propane and battery(s). Add in your gear, food and whatnots and your pushing the envelope IMO.
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Old 09-06-2014, 03:31 AM   #4
WLM189
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Thanks Bullet and Chuck. Leaving now for a test pull on the Sprinter. Will let you know of my results and choice.
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Old 09-07-2014, 08:40 PM   #5
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Most of us run out of payload, but I'd wager you're going to run out of towing capacity at about the same time (as payload).
That Sprinter will be a challenge to keep under your limits.
As someone who pushes their payload (but not towing) limits, I can state it takes some of the fun out of it, knowing that.
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Old 09-10-2014, 04:36 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by audio1der View Post
Most of us run out of payload, but I'd wager you're going to run out of towing capacity at about the same time (as payload).
That Sprinter will be a challenge to keep under your limits.
As someone who pushes their payload (but not towing) limits, I can state it takes some of the fun out of it, knowing that.
x2

I push the limits of my F150 Max Tow and will be probably upgrading to a 3/4 ton when the time comes.
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Old 09-10-2014, 04:54 AM   #7
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That sprinter is going to be around 10k wet with 1300 lb tongue. To much for any 1/2 ton truck. Ignore the dry weight. I would seriously reconsider.
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Old 09-10-2014, 05:53 AM   #8
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I am new to pulling RV's, but have been pulling trailers up to 15k +/- for 20 years. I just bought a Laredo 293sbh with a dry weight of 8200. I pull it with a 2004 Ram 2500 diesel and can't even imagine what a whipping it would be to do that with a half ton gas truck. My two cents....
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Old 09-10-2014, 06:02 AM   #9
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I just purchased a Laredo 320TG 7800 dry and I am pulling it with a Ram 1500 crew cab, Hemi 4X4 that is rated at 9900 pounds. I haven't weighed it with it being loaded but I know I am pushing the limits. Its a heavy load for sure, but the truck pulls it with ease and haven't had any stability problems going down the road. But I am also accustomed to driving large heavy vehicles.

It can be done, but don't expect to maintain highway speed limits.
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Old 09-10-2014, 05:15 PM   #10
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I had a 2013 ram 1500 hemi and looked at a trailer lighter than yours...I was going to be way over on payload as I suspect you will be. That trailer needs a 3/4 ton imo
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Old 09-10-2014, 06:34 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard6959 View Post
I just purchased a Laredo 320TG 7800 dry and I am pulling it with a Ram 1500 crew cab, Hemi 4X4 that is rated at 9900 pounds. I haven't weighed it with it being loaded but I know I am pushing the limits. Its a heavy load for sure, but the truck pulls it with ease and haven't had any stability problems going down the road. But I am also accustomed to driving large heavy vehicles.

It can be done, but don't expect to maintain highway speed limits.
I am a bit puzzled by what you are saying in your post. Firstly, you admit that you are "pushing the limits" towing your Laredo with your 1500 Ram but you are "accustomed to driving large, heavy vehicles".

Secondly, you are advising the OP that he should be ok to pull his Sprinter with an F150 Ecoboost but don't "expect to be able to maintain highway speed limits". What would you suggest for the OP as a highway speed that he could maintain? 45 mph? 50 mph? 55 mph? or ???

Thirdly, your advice - that you'll be ok - seems to be in contrast to what 6 other members have advised; namely, that you won't be ok - it's not a good match. My concern is not with you disagreeing with what others have said or giving conflicting advice but with the notion that because "I do it"(or my friends do it) and haven't had any problems it must be ok. In view of your remarks about "pushing your own limits" and suggesting that he won't be able to drive at the normal speed limit (but you'll be just fine), your counsel is somewhat troubling.
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Old 09-10-2014, 06:40 PM   #12
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While there is a ton of folks out there (me included at one time) who tow loads in excess of vehicle posted limits and have done so for many years with no issues, one of the main concerns should be liability and insurance coverage issues. Heaven help you if after getting into an accident involving injuries or worse it is discovered that you were overweight.... Just sayin.
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Old 09-10-2014, 06:56 PM   #13
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My observations: I have been yanking a fiver around since 1989 so I have seen a lot of changes in LEO' attitude and laws in regards to us RV'ers.

It seemed for years, no one cared who drove what. I saw the big boom of older folks selling their high valued house and buy a huge motor home or truck and monster trailer. Biggest thing they drove was maybe a 4 dr sedan, and drove their new rig like they were still in that DD.

Big brother saw fit to protect us from ourselves and started enacting laws, forcing people to become a bit more prudent. Some complied, and some said...stay out of my business. Enter the bottom feeding, $$ hungry attorneys. States started seeing the $$ that could be generated by ticketing "over gross" RV's not just the OTR rigs.

So now, it's in a persons best interest to KNOW the limits of your vehicle and STAY within them. I can relate true stories of trailers impounded, and trailers unhooked and left on the side of the road for non compliance.
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Old 09-10-2014, 07:25 PM   #14
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I agree completely with Chuckster57, BulletOwner1 and Festus2. Their comments hit the "driver responsibility" nail right on the head.

But, one thing that they didn't address is the moral issue. Could you look at yourself in the mirror every morning knowing that the reason some innocent people were killed or seriously injured is because you decided to do it "your way" even with the knowledge that your vehicle manufacturer and your RV manufacturer have posted engineering limits that you've chosen to either "fudge a little" or completely ignore?

We no longer live in a time when we can do it our way and believe that we only put ourselves at risk. The highways are simply too crowded to maintain the "responsible for myself only" attitude. We all are also "responsible not to hurt or injure other people as well".....

Actually "THINKING" about what we drive and what we pull and then "KNOWING" that the rig meets the weight and safety requirements is a personal responsibility. Those who choose to "knowingly" ignore or "flat out disregard" their own safety are putting themselves, their family and others who share the highways in jeopardy.
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Old 09-11-2014, 06:08 AM   #15
WLM189
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Ok pep's you have convinced me. I have decided to go with the Bullet. After a few restless nights I came to the realization that I was putting personal preference over safety. Thank to all who has taken the time to respond, valuable info from experience RV'ers.

Wayne
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