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new tow vehicle

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6:12 am
January 24, 2012


bratgirl53

Member

posts 31

Just wanted to post that we got a new tow vehicleCool .  Some of you may remember that we purchased a 19sb Oct 2010.  Although we knew we were pushing it with the towing limits, we really wanted to go with the 19sb.  I thought we could keep our cargo to a minimum and that we really wouldn't be going anywhere far while camping, etc.  But in the end, if you want to tow you really need to have a tow vehicle that can handle the job.  Never did I feel that we were unsafe.  But it sucked making sure that we packed just the minimum.  When trying to get to campgrounds before dark on a Friday night after work, we were stressed when the truck wouldn't pull over 45-50 mph on the hills.  We are not retired so we have to make the most out of our time.  So now we no longer have the V6 Ram.  We now have the Ram with the 5.7 Hemi.  It pulls like a dream.  Not trying to discourage anyone from enjoying their dream of camping and towing with a V6 especially if you go with the 14 or 16 models.  We went with the bigger model knowing we were pushing the limits. And we enjoyed ours for over a year and it allowed us to have ALOT of great memories and camping trips.  But the bottom line – you are going to want that wiggle room when it comes to towing capacity.  You will be glad you did Smile.

6:52 pm
January 24, 2012


DaveandRose

Sarnia Ontario Canada

Member

posts 36

We also own the 19sbt and we were towing with a V6 Ford Edge. Just before Christmas we purchased the Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi. Reading your post I agree with everything you say and like you we never had any real issues with our towing vehical for our first year (15 trips) but our biggest adventure was only a 5 hour drive. This year we plan to tour eastern Canada/US and since I am not retired I need to know I will not have any issues. We have not tried the new tow vehicle yet since the trailer is in storage for the winter but I am looking forward to the spring and our first camping trip. Glad to hear you have had a good experience.

2011 Sportsmen Classic 19 SBT. 2011 Ram 1500. Yes it has the hemi, no more towing issues for us. I wonder if Lewis and Clark had a Sportsmen classic and what they towed with.

9:10 am
January 25, 2012


happycampers

South Florida

Member

posts 22

I also agree, it is always better to have too much tow vehicle.  I used to pull my 16rbt with a v6 mazda tribute.  Luckily, Florida is flat and it was up to the task, eventhough very close to being over the maximum tow rating of 3,500lbs.  However, after upgrading to a lincoln navigator, I now feel more confident going on longer road trips with the trailer in tow.

2008 Lincoln Navigator pulling 2011 16RBT

9:45 am
August 8, 2012


Eugene

Eugene, Ore.

Member

posts 29

As the undisputed champion of underpowered tow vehicles (4-banger Subaru Forester), I have to say it is a transformational experience to upgrade your puller. I just became the proud owner of a 2012 Toyota Tacoma V6 4WD with factory towing, giving me 6,500 pounds of pull compared with my Subie's 2,400.

The difference is far greater than night and day.

I just hauled my 2011 14RB about 1,700 miles on a week-long trip to the Mendocino National Forest in northern California. I had the 6-speed manual in fourth gear going up some of the mountain passes at 45-50 mph, but it was mostly because I was being careful not to tax the new engine and I kept the torque steady on steep grades. As other V6 towers know, you won't ever say "I didn't know the trailer was back there," but the Tacoma is a very able and robust TV.

And with the outside temps in the way-high 90s, being able to use the AC in the mountains without watching the engine temperature gauge was another major bonus.

As is the ability to pack anything and everything I ever wanted into the trailer (keeping within the approved total payload, of course). When towing with the Subie, I had to go to almost bicycle-level weight-control strategies. One roll of toilet paper. Two plastic plates. Measure out each day's dog food. 

And my little Sportsmen Classic was absolutely perfect during this week away. Every system performed flawlessly. The Norcold fridge froze stuff running on propane and made ice in the freezer. The hot water heater was such a luxury! And one day when we had a full hookup, I took my first shower and ran the AC. No water on the floor, and the AC cooled the trailer off pretty well after about three hours on high (it was 98 outside). I think the AC is pretty wimpy, but it beat the heck out of a buzzing 12-volt fan.

Anyway, I am the proverbial happy camper now.


Jim

2011 Sportsmen Classic 14RB pulled by a 2012 Toyota Tacoma V6 4WD, 6-speed manual

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