Tundra as a Tow Vehicle for 24' Bunkhouse

[SummitPond]

Originally Posted by flyfishMT

All, thanks for all the great info. To answer SummitPond - from my pillar sticker, my GVWR is 7100lb, GAWR FRT: 4000lb, RR: 4150lb. How do these numbers fit into the equation with payload of what I can tow? <clip>

As identified above, your payload capability is the GVWR less the curb weight of the TV, and this is typically limiting on this category of truck. Thus your curb weight is 7,100# - 1,300# = 5,800#.

The GCWR (combined TV and TT) number is typically in the owner manual or in the manufacturer tow guide (found online), so in this case 7,100# plus whatever the TT weighs (use GVWR for both units to be conservative).

It looks as if your towing capacity is only 6,800#; I didn't look up your various models, but no matter what TV you use - this is also an important number to watch.

The axle numbers can only be truly verified by weighing your rig on a CAT scale or similar. Again, you don't want to be overloaded on this number either.

As an example, here are my numbers when we packed for a month-long trip followed by an extended (multi-month) stay at the terminus of our trip:

TV GVWR/GVW: 10,000#/7,900# (21% margin)
TV Steer axle rating/actual: 4,550#/4,100# (9.8% margin)
TV Drive axle rating/actual: 6,100#/4,580# (24.9% margin)
TV GCWR/GCW: 19,000#/14,540# (23.4% margin)
TV tow capacity/actual: 12,400#/6,620# (54.4%)

TT GVWR/GVW: 7,000#/6,620# (5.4% margin)

As you can see, the TV has 10% or more margin on all limits. I have tandem 3,500# axles on the TT, but the CAT scale doesn't provide individual values for each axle on the TT, only the TV.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by busterbrown

It's notable that most of the responses here have provided sound, prudent advice.

On the other hand, it's also noteworthy to read the responses from the Jayco owners forum where the OP originally requested advice on his truck's capabilities. Most offered up opposite sentiments.

Talk about disparities.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...bhs-68673.html

I read thru those posts. Several post the same things we say about watching payload, hit the scales, using accepted averages to calculate weights etc. But, then you get to all the ones that say "it tows great", "no problem", "it tows just fine", "don't know it's back there" etc., THEN I read "travel the mountains of Oregon and Colorado and pass Ram diesels pulling 5th wheels on steep grades"?? Oh, all the while getting 9.5 - 12 mpg pulling the loaded trailer.....over those steep mountain grades....passing all those diesels....OK, OK. And I'm sure that little 5.7 was only turning 1800 rpm going up that 5 mile 6% grade while getting that 12mpg..with one finger on the wheel...drinking a latte....

[flyfishMT]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Dreaming about the HD....and you live in the PERFECT HD territory! Good luck on getting there. FYI, I've pulled that trigger many times and have never been sorry....yet.

I LOVE my Tundra though, it would be tough to get rid of.

[Northofu1]

Originally Posted by flyfishMT

I LOVE my Tundra though, it would be tough to get rid of.

Until you drive the new one.

[Gegrad]

Originally Posted by busterbrown

It's notable that most of the responses here have provided sound, prudent advice.

On the other hand, it's also noteworthy to read the responses from the Jayco owners forum where the OP originally requested advice on his truck's capabilities. Most offered up opposite sentiments.

Talk about disparities.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...bhs-68673.html

There were a few people on that thread discussing payload and staying between the numbers... there far more talking about towing their 29XX (so 33' long) wood framed Jayco (i,e, heavy) a long way with a Tundra and "how good it towed". Made me scared for other drivers' safety...

[chuckster57]

Ignorance is bliss... you don’t know what you don’t know...I have a buddy has a Dodge 2500 4X4with a gas engine and 37” tires. Uses a 14” drop shank to pull his 35’ Jayco with 3 slides, and his quad in the bed. Thought it was “normal” to have his prodigy set to B2 and gain all the way up. Claims it’s “all good” on the flats and going up. Coming down isn’t fun.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Ignorance is bliss... you don’t know what you don’t know...I have a buddy has a Dodge 2500 4X4with a gas engine and 37” tires. Uses a 14” drop shank to pull his 35’ Jayco with 3 slides, and his quad in the bed. Thought it was “normal” to have his prodigy set to B2 and gain all the way up. Claims it’s “all good” on the flats and going up. Coming down isn’t fun.

What do you m ean by prodigy set to B2 and gain all the way up? Just curious. Is this Dodge speak? I thought Dodge trucks are all called Ram also. (not being a wiseguy, just curious).

[chuckster57]

Prodigy brake controller. There are 4 boost settings, B, B1, B2 and B3. Gain is set by voltage I believe. It’s not an integrated brake control, and yeah it’s probably a Ram.

[NH_Bulldog]

Agree that B2 is the boost setting on the brake controller. As far as Dodge vs. Ram that is just an age thing. I had a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Double Cab 4x4. The following year in 2009 it was just called Ram. Same truck, same features, different name, but I still say Dodge Ram.

Going back to the 1980’s remember when Datsun became Nissan? Same vehicles, just changed the name.

[Northofu1]

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

Agree that B2 is the boost setting on the brake controller. As far as Dodge vs. Ram that is just an age thing. I had a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Double Cab 4x4. The following year in 2009 it was just called Ram. Same truck, same features, different name, but I still say Dodge Ram.

Going back to the 1980’s remember when Datsun became Nissan? Same vehicles, just changed the name.

And Voila, No more rust warranties for Datsun
Former '79 B210 4 dr owner
Loved that car, but I worked in body shop so rust wasn't a big issue.

[flyfishMT]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

Until you drive the new one.

No kidding. Come on Toyota make an HD

[Gegrad]

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

Agree that B2 is the boost setting on the brake controller. As far as Dodge vs. Ram that is just an age thing. I had a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Double Cab 4x4. The following year in 2009 it was just called Ram. Same truck, same features, different name, but I still say Dodge Ram.

Going back to the 1980’s remember when Datsun became Nissan? Same vehicles, just changed the name.

It is because they did officially break away from Dodge. They are still FCA USA, but they are a completely different division now. They still share some components like the power window switches, for example. But Ram is a separate brand run by different leaders and in different locations.

[Logan X]

Originally Posted by flyfishMT

No kidding. Come on Toyota make an HD

Nissan tried it a couple of years ago. They put out a Titan with a Cummins power plant. It didn’t really take off and they stopped making them. Just my opinion but I don’t think Toyota will ever make an HD truck. My guess is they are happy with their current truck market.

[Northofu1]

Originally Posted by Logan X

Nissan tried it a couple of years ago. They put out a Titan with a Cummins power plant. It didn’t really take off and they stopped making them. Just my opinion but I don’t think Toyota will ever make an HD truck. My guess is they are happy with their current truck market.

I have a good friend that has the 2018 Titan XD gasser, loves it, he has a camper and tows his boat. He has the same payload as I do. He's had one issue and was fixed. It's a nice looking truck.

[Gegrad]

Originally Posted by Logan X

Nissan tried it a couple of years ago. They put out a Titan with a Cummins power plant. It didn’t really take off and they stopped making them. Just my opinion but I don’t think Toyota will ever make an HD truck. My guess is they are happy with their current truck market.

The Titan HD was sized between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. It was heavier duty than a 1/2 ton, and it rode smoother than a 3/4 ton, but they didn't have 3/4 ton payloads and towing capacity. Payloads were around 2300 lbs IIRC.

[Northofu1]

Originally Posted by Gegrad

The Titan HD was sized between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. It was heavier duty than a 1/2 ton, and it rode smoother than a 3/4 ton, but they didn't have 3/4 ton payloads and towing capacity. Payloads were around 2300 lbs IIRC.

My friends door sticker says 2690 payload

[Gegrad]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

My friends door sticker says 2690 payload

Ok, so still between 1/2 and 3/4. That was a gasser.... virtually all 3/4 ton gassers are >3000 lbs. That's pretty close to where I was thinking.

[Tetons]

I am kind of in the same boat as you, I have the same truck. I had a Passport 28 foot bunkhouse that I had pulled and it kicked my ***. The dealer set me up with a equalization hitch and sent me out the door. I wish I would’ve had a better understanding. I’m frustrated about it now being that I put my family at significant risk.
I just picked ups a Springdale 176BH. Part of my reasoning for downsizing was how Difficult of a time I had towing the 28 footer. I’m looking at the numbers and am wondering if I should switch to a HD too? My next truck will be, but maybe sooner then expected. Any feedback / insight to the following is greatly appreciated! Also, should I have a sway control hitch instead of the equalization hitch? I was under the impression that they were the same when I was set up with the equalization hitch from the dealer. Thanks!
This is all the info that I Have:

TT weight 3790
Tongue weight 520

Truck gvwr 7200
Curb weight 5670
Combined wt occupants and cargo 1175
Payload 1530
GCWR 15550
TWR 9200

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by Tetons

I am kind of in the same boat as you, I have the same truck. I had a Passport 28 foot bunkhouse that I had pulled and it kicked my ***. The dealer set me up with a equalization hitch and sent me out the door. I wish I would’ve had a better understanding. I’m frustrated about it now being that I put my family at significant risk.
I just picked ups a Springdale 176BH. Part of my reasoning for downsizing was how Difficult of a time I had towing the 28 footer. I’m looking at the numbers and am wondering if I should switch to a HD too? My next truck will be, but maybe sooner then expected. Any feedback / insight to the following is greatly appreciated! Also, should I have a sway control hitch instead of the equalization hitch? I was under the impression that they were the same when I was set up with the equalization hitch from the dealer. Thanks!
This is all the info that I Have:

TT weight 3790
Tongue weight 520

Truck gvwr 7200
Curb weight 5670
Combined wt occupants and cargo 1175
Payload 1530
GCWR 15550
TWR 9200

First, equalization and sway control are two separate things. IMO anything behind a 1/2 ton truck (TT) needs both. There are different ways that hitch manufacturers try to obtain the equalization and sway. I am not a fan of the little friction bars that attach to the side of the hitch....btdt. In my experience the Equalizer hitch cannot be beat unless you move to the ultra expensive Hensley/ProPride units...generally unneeded and certainly in you case.

Info on the trailer needs to be elaborated on; the numbers are what? GVW, empty, ?? The truck is what? Body style, wheelbase, powertrain etc. ?? (same as you...which one?)

[Tetons]

Like the original poster, a 2016 Tundra crew cab 5.7L
I assume numbers reported are empty - they are what is reported in the manual(s)