Towing Passport 240BH - Omaha to Zion

[RV Camper]

Good afternoon,

I recently downsized to the Passport 240BH, I am am looking to tow it from Omaha Ne to Zion National Park. My TV is a 21 Ram, 392 gears, tow rating of 11651 and a payload of 1751. The RV is 7000 lbs. fully loaded and a HW of 525.

I plan on taking the northern I80 route, seems like less of an elev. gain. Any advice on this trip? I think my TV will be OK, but want some advice on this too.

Thank you

[JRTJH]

You've fallen in the same trap as many "quick glance statistics gatherers"...

You listed the GVW of the trailer and then the "EMPTY" hitch weight as it leaves the factory with empty propane tanks and no battery.... The actual hitch weight will be much closer to 800-1000 pounds..... Just adding the 40 pounds of propane and a 40 pound battery in a 5 pound box makes that 526 become 626. That's still with no cargo or camping gear in the trailer.

I think you'll be OK towing on I-80, but you'll know the trailer is behind you.. Be extra cautious going across the plains, sidewinds will make for some "white knuckle moments" even for the best matched "square box" behind a vehicle...

[sourdough]

Count on a higher tongue weight. You should be OK unless you load the truck with all kinds of "stuff". You will have maybe 800 lbs. left after the trailer is loaded but need to take another 100 off for the hitch. BTW, what hitch will you be using? You will want a good one.

The truck should be up to the task but you will know the trailer is there. The 5.7, 3.92 and new transmission will make it much better than the old 6 speed. I know it's a new truck but if it were me I would get rid of the P tires that probably came on it and put some LTs on there for stability.

[markcee]

Under 30' and if loaded to the gills @ 7K, still very do-able with a 1/2 ton truck with that payload.......unless you have 400 lbs in the bed and 5 people in the truck.

To be safe figure 1000 lbs for TW and hitch. That leaves you 750 'til payload max out for all persons, pets & gear. For some peace of mind, load up fully for camping (all passengers and gear), fill the gas tank and hit the scales before you leave to see where you stand.

Even if within the limits, respect the load and take your time. You will still feel that thing behind you.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Count on a higher tongue weight. You should be OK unless you load the truck with all kinds of "stuff". You will have maybe 800 lbs. left after the trailer is loaded but need to take another 100 off for the hitch. BTW, what hitch will you be using? You will want a good one.

The truck should be up to the task but you will know the trailer is there. The 5.7, 3.92 and new transmission will make it much better than the old 6 speed. I know it's a new truck but if it were me I would get rid of the P tires that probably came on it and put some LTs on there for stability.

Really? You think someone on a long camping trip will pack light? Bwhahahaha. If he reads some of the posts where new folks mention the "stuff" they plan on buying to fill up their storage compartments, I would plan for using up a lot of that 1700 plus pound payload. I doubt Zion Natl Park is the place to buy camping accessories and foodstuffs and all that we fill out campers with.

[NH_Bulldog]

I have the same model 240BH and my real-word tongue weight is 925 lbs. even giving thought to loading and weight location it is still 925-928 lbs.

[notanlines]

Bulldog about says it all: "my real-word tongue weight is 925 lbs" Now you know. But you still need to take the advice of others and 'taste that pudding' at the CAT scale.

[hornet28]

I-80 across Wy isn't low elevation. You'll be surprised at how high an elevation you're at sometimes

[Blackrock]

Don't let them grind ya down. I'm running a 2016 Ram 1820 payload and 1450 pin weight and my rig handles I-80 just fine. A lot of flatlanders think the continental on I-80 is a challenge but it's not.
Do not take 191 south as there are some severe grades going that way. You can cut down through Baggs Wy to Rifle Co and catch up with I-80 or stay on 80 to I-15 south to southern Utah that way.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

Don't let them grind ya down. I'm running a 2016 Ram 1820 payload and 1450 pin weight and my rig handles I-80 just fine. A lot of flatlanders think the continental on I-80 is a challenge but it's not.
Do not take 191 south as there are some severe grades going that way. You can cut down through Baggs Wy to Rifle Co and catch up with I-80 or stay on 80 to I-15 south to southern Utah that way.

Didn't see anyone trying to "grind" anyone down on the thread, just trying to be helpful and make sure the OP is safely within weight limits....which he asked advice for.

You apparently have a 1/2 ton truck but you don't specify anywhere (judging by your specified payload). You are towing a Laredo 5th wheel. Your posted "pin weight" is 1450 per your post. The "dry" pin weight of that trailer is 1480. 22% of the 10k gvw would be 2200...maybe you could share how you came to that pin weight number. In the process you are misleading other members. Might post some scale numbers or something to enlighten us how a loaded trailer has a pin weight less than the "dry" weight??

As far as flatlanders thinking the "continental" is a challenge...been doing it for more than 50 years....you?