Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Tech Forums > Tow Vehicles
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-09-2021, 07:13 AM   #1
Ezduzit83
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Gulfport
Posts: 3
Help Choosing Tow Vehicle

I have a 2017 Springdale 270le . Yes, I bought the trailer before truck.
Please help me decide what is a good tow vehicle. Dry Weight

7,010 lbs.

Payload Capacity

2,550 lbs.

GVWR

9,560 lbs.

Hitch Weight

760 lbs.

THANKS
Ezduzit83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 07:28 AM   #2
markcee
Senior Member
 
markcee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Sun City West
Posts: 907
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezduzit83 View Post
I have a 2017 Springdale 270le . Yes, I bought the trailer before truck.
Please help me decide what is a good tow vehicle. Dry Weight

7,010 lbs.

Payload Capacity

2,550 lbs.

GVWR

9,560 lbs.

Hitch Weight

760 lbs.

THANKS
Short answer....you would be very happy with a 1-ton SRW gasser. A 3/4 ton gasser would do the job but for the $800 or so price difference, may as well go 1-ton and get the extra payload. If you are thinking diesel, definitely go 1-ton as (depending on brand) a 3/4 ton diesel may have a payload capacity similar to a 1/2 ton.

Longer answer...At 13% of GVWR, tongue weight on that trailer will be 1242 lbs. Add to that the weight of you and any passengers, pets, gear and 100 lbs for a hitch to get a rough idea of how much truck payload you will need. Do not go by website/brochure payload values. They are based on a stripped down base model truck. Each truck has its own unique value (truck GVWR minus its actual weight) that is stamped on the 'Tire and Loading' information sticker on the driver's side door pillar.

While you may find a 1/2 ton truck that will still fit the bill (barely) payload-wise, the length of that trailer at 33' will be quite the load....I've been there, done that. Even if you manage to stay under payload on a 1/2 ton, you will likely be maxxing out rear axle capacity.
__________________
2022 Rockwood Signature 8324SB
2019 F350, SRW, 6.2L, 4.30 gears
Sold: 2020 Keystone Cougar '1/2 ton' TT, 29RLKWE
markcee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 09:26 AM   #3
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,598
I guess the first thing is to clear the air on one thing - a 1/2 ton is not in the picture.

I had a TT with a gvw of 10k which is close to the one you have. It scaled 9200 +/- with a tongue weight of a little over 1100 lbs (between 12 and 13%). I tried towing with a 1/2 ton; NO FUN at all and every highway aberration was magnified 10 fold thru the inadequate suspension of the truck - went to a 3/4 ton.

3/4 was a Ram 6.4 gas with 3.73 rear; 3190 payload. It was perfect suspension wise for the trailer but the 6 speed tranny and 3.73 had a huge hole between 2nd and 3rd that was quite a problem trying to merge etc. The new trucks with the 8 and 10 speed trannys will fix that.

The question becomes 3/4 or 1 ton? I went from the 3/4 to 1 ton (bought larger trailer). My takeaway is that I should have just bought a 1 ton in the first place but I was sure the ride would be so harsh I would hate it....it's not. In fact it's just about like the 3/4. The cost difference for similarly equipped trucks is only a few hundred and the payload increases significantly; mine went up by over 800lbs. which gives you some latitude should you want a something a bit larger in the future. BTW both trucks were SRW short beds.

If you opt for a diesel in any of them subtract about 800 lbs. from the payload give or take. Don't believe a single word you read in brochures or online guides and certainly don't pay attention to "max towing" numbers or
"dry weight" of any trailer.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
sourdough is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 11:21 AM   #4
dutchmensport
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,664
At 32.42 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 11.25 feet high, the longer wheel base truck you get the better will be your tow and stability. 3/4 ton at a minimum.

I towed a 31 foot Keystone with a 3500 diesel dually and it towed flawless. (hint, hint). The nice thing was, when we went to a 35 foot Keystone Outback, there was absolutely no difference in towing. So ... with the dually and being diesel, and being a 3500 and being a long bed, and being a crew cab, when the fifth wheel came along ... I didn't have to buy another truck! It's towed flawless. No regrets getting the diesel dually long bed crew cab 3500.
__________________
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Duramax HD 6.6 - 3500 Diesel Dully Long bed Crew Cab
dutchmensport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 02:01 PM   #5
Ezduzit83
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Gulfport
Posts: 3
Help

I’m so confused about what truck to buy. The auto dealer is trying to sell me a tundra double cab 5.7 2 Ed. The towing capacity is 10,100
Here r my stats:
Rv
2017 Keystone Springdale270le
Dry Weight
7,010 lbs.
Payload Capacity
2,550 lbs.
GVWR
9,560 lbs.
Hitch Weight
760 lbs.
Please steer me toward correct vehicle.

Thanks
Ezduzit83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 02:24 PM   #6
JDDilly
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Roseville
Posts: 292
Your hitch weight will be closer to 13% of the GVWR (9560 X 13%), 1243. To that add the weight of passengers and anything else you will put in the truck; tools, hitch (150), wood, ladder, ect. Take that number and compare it to the cargo capacity of the Tundra. You can find that on a yellow/white sticker on the drivers door jamb. I would say you will be over the capacity of the truck. You will find that you go over on cargo capacity before the towing capacity. When towing an RV, the towing capacity number pushed by dealers and manufactures is worthless.
__________________

Jim and Carole
Roseville, MN
2018 RAM 3500 DRW, Diesel, Long Box, Air Lift Bags - 2023 Fuzion 421
JDDilly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 02:24 PM   #7
notanlines
Senior Member
 
notanlines's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,306
Ed, get away from the Toyota dealer completely. They have nothing that will tow your RV with any competence. Why are you even at a Toyota dealer? Get over to one of the big three!
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
notanlines is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 02:52 PM   #8
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezduzit83 View Post
I’m so confused about what truck to buy. The auto dealer is trying to sell me a tundra double cab 5.7 2 Ed. The towing capacity is 10,100
Here r my stats:
Rv
2017 Keystone Springdale270le
Dry Weight
7,010 lbs.
Payload Capacity
2,550 lbs.
GVWR
9,560 lbs.
Hitch Weight
760 lbs.
Please steer me toward correct vehicle.

Thanks

Please read my post #3. First statement to "clear the air" was that a 1/2 ton was out of the question; Toyota only makes a 1/2 ton truck.....no matter how many fender flares or lifts they put on them. And that 5.7, unless something has changed I'm not aware of, is still an antiquated (albeit reliable) engine still coupled to an antiquated transmission. Not what you want with that trailer.

I'm not prejudiced against Toyota (I own a new Toyota SUV) but they do not build tow vehicles. As Jim said, you need to be looking at the big 3.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
sourdough is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 02:58 PM   #9
wiredgeorge
Senior Member
 
wiredgeorge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,392
I will not try to plug a brand or model truck as MANY on this forum will do nor tell you to get gas or diesel. What I will tell you is:

1. DO NOT TAKE THE WORD OF A SALES PERSON
2. 10K gross weight translates to about 1300 lbs pin weight. Make sure your truck has a payload capable of 1300 lbs plus the weight of passengers, cargo and hitch carried in the truck. This means at least a 2000 lb. payload. You can find the payload on the yellow/****e sticker in the door frame.
3. As already noted, the longer the truck's wheelbase, the happier it will pul a longer bumper pull.
4. The more gee-gaws and convenience on the truck (higher level model such as a King Ranch or Platinum, etc.) the lower the payload.
5. Your towing capacity stated in some sales brochure should be IGNORED as it is a fantasy in the real world.
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
wiredgeorge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 02:59 PM   #10
wiredgeorge
Senior Member
 
wiredgeorge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,392
Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough View Post
Please read my post #3. First statement to "clear the air" was that a 1/2 ton was out of the question; Toyota only makes a 1/2 ton truck.....no matter how many fender flares or lifts they put on them. And that 5.7, unless something has changed I'm not aware of, is still an antiquated (albeit reliable) engine still coupled to an antiquated transmission. Not what you want with that trailer.

I'm not prejudiced against Toyota (I own a new Toyota SUV) but they do not build tow vehicles. As Jim said, you need to be looking at the big 3.
Took a friend to fill me in on what TRD stood for... thought it meant TURD.
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
wiredgeorge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 03:07 PM   #11
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge View Post
Took a friend to fill me in on what TRD stood for... thought it meant TURD.

Always called them that by just pronouncing "TRD". Decided I would buy a TRD Off Road 4Runner figuring I knew what TRD meant so that would change. Well, my mind...and more importantly DW's mouth, could not call it anything but "turd". Couldn't live with that so got rid of it and went back to the Limited.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
sourdough is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 03:43 PM   #12
dutchmensport
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,664
TRD --- Funny. How about a joke I heard years ago:

Toyota and Cheverolet contemplated a merger many years ago. They put their best minds together to figure out what would be the best, most ideal car if the two companies merged. The entire merger idea was ultimately canceled when they came up with the name ..... Toy-Let!

Just thought I'd throw that in there for some good old humor!
__________________
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Duramax HD 6.6 - 3500 Diesel Dully Long bed Crew Cab
dutchmensport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 05:07 PM   #13
flybouy
Site Team
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,709
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezduzit83 View Post
I’m so confused about what truck to buy. The auto dealer is trying to sell me a tundra double cab 5.7 2 Ed. The towing capacity is 10,100
Here r my stats:
Rv
2017 Keystone Springdale270le
Dry Weight
7,010 lbs.
Payload Capacity
2,550 lbs.
GVWR
9,560 lbs.
Hitch Weight
760 lbs.
Please steer me toward correct vehicle.

Thanks
You asked for help so I'm going to attempt to that by "ripping off the band-aid" for you. First get over the towing capacity, it's payload that matters. Second, get over your love affair with Toyota. They don’t offer what you need.
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
flybouy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 06:33 PM   #14
RogerThat99
Member
 
RogerThat99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: NorCal
Posts: 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezduzit83 View Post
I have a 2017 Springdale 270le . Yes, I bought the trailer before truck.

Please help me decide what is a good tow vehicle. Dry Weight



7,010 lbs.



Payload Capacity



2,550 lbs.



GVWR



9,560 lbs.



Hitch Weight



760 lbs.



THANKS
I had a Keystone Sprinter that was similar weight. I was towing it with an OBS F-350 with a 1st Gen Powerstroke (stock). That diesel was slow running going over the Grapevine to LA. It isn't even that big of a mountain. I tuned it after that trip, and it did great to to Colorado.

I would never tow 10,000 lbs with a 1/2 ton...regardless of what the towing capacity is. Stopping, or emergency stopping, is what is important, not towing. I have been on situations where the main reason I wasn't jackknifed was the wheelbase, weight, and brakes on the truck. Click image for larger version

Name:	97 F-350 (13).jpg
Views:	131
Size:	100.5 KB
ID:	35183
RogerThat99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2021, 11:35 PM   #15
FlyingAroundRV
Senior Member
 
FlyingAroundRV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 708
Our Outback 272UFL is about the same size as your trailer. We tow it quite comfortably and safely with this:

If you can't tell it from the pic, it's a 2015 F250 2WD crew cab. Comfortable and built for towing by the manufacturer, doesn't need thou$ands in addons to take the load.

As others have said, run a mile from any dealer who tells you a 1/2 ton will tow your trailer. Do a bit of searching on the forums here for some hairy stories about towing 30’ + trailers with 1/2 tonners.

Do LOTS of research before you buy anything…
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	B5DA2555-65D4-4606-8C5C-68783691421A.jpg
Views:	98
Size:	452.0 KB
ID:	35184  
__________________
Regards,
Scott
2015 F250 2WD Crew Cab
2018 Outback 272UFL

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCscotthendry
FlyingAroundRV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2021, 02:58 AM   #16
Jimmy240
Member
 
Jimmy240's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: USA
Posts: 48
I pull my Springdale 240bhwe with my Ram 2500 diesel (4wd/crew cab/short bed) with zero issues. Below are the differences between your trailer and mine. Obviously your trailer is heavier and longer, but not by enough to matter when it comes to a 3/4 ton truck. I would stay away from any 1/2 ton. My ram has zero issues pulling through steep inclines or slowing down on steep declines.

When finding a truck, you have to take into account that the payloads/towing capabilities are one thing, but for that truck to pull/carry that same weight going up a mountain in 100+ temp or going down a steep 14% grade during 30 degree weather is a whole another world.

length - 4.6ft
dry-1309lbs
payload cap - 561lbs
GVWR - 1870lbs

Hitch - 70lbs
__________________
Jimmy
2017 Ram 2500 CC, SB, 4x4, 6.7 TD
2018 Springdale 240BHWE
Jimmy240 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2021, 05:17 AM   #17
Ezduzit83
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Gulfport
Posts: 3
Thank y’all so much for helping me. What r the 3 major manufacturers for tow vehicles? Chevy, ram and Ford?
Thanks again. I feel educated to make a safe decision. I’m ready to go shopping.
Rita
Ezduzit83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2021, 06:04 AM   #18
flybouy
Site Team
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,709
Yes the "big 3" are:
Ford, Ram, GM
Ram, Ford, GM
GM, Ford, Ram
the order depends upon who you ask
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
flybouy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2021, 12:14 PM   #19
Bigt47
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Central California
Posts: 15
Minimum would be a RAM 2500 with either 6.4 gas of the cummings Diesel. Oh yeah, what the heck, throw in four wheel drive too. This will take care of your immediate needs and future upgrades.
Bigt47 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2021, 12:49 PM   #20
travelin texans
Senior Member
 
travelin texans's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigt47 View Post
Minimum would be a RAM 2500 with either 6.4 gas of the cummings Diesel. Oh yeah, what the heck, throw in four wheel drive too. This will take care of your immediate needs and future upgrades.
A rather small upgrade with the 2500 diesel, or gasser, but the 3500 would cover a decent size future upgrade.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
travelin texans is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:32 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.