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Lance M · 02-04-2015, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Optimal is different for varying equipment and lifestyles. All we can do is gather from others' lessons and derive our own needs based on that.

THAT is what I meant to write. Thanks Rich

dznf0g · 02-04-2015, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top

THAT is what I meant to write. Thanks Rich

I knew that, TOP!

DC Bruce · 02-05-2015, 10:55 AM

I don't know whether the question was directed at me or not, but I do own a new FC 27 front bed twin, which I bought last August. Even though I'm planning to retire this spring and wouldn't be using the trailer until this May. The RV "queen" is two inches shorter than I am tall, but the twin in an Airstream is 2" longer than I am tall. Airstream is discontinuing the twin beds in the longer trailers, and we thought a 25 was too small for two tall people and a big dog for the kind of extended travel we have in mind. So we pounced on this one.
In the half ton world, their are two crew cab trucks that appear to work: the Silverado/GMC with the max trailer tow package and the '15 F-150 with the 7000 GVWR rating (or a '14 with a max trailer tow and max payload package, which requires the Ecoboost engine). Right now Chevy is not building that package except with the 5.3 liter engine and the 6-speed. I've driven that and don't like it. It feels weak. I've driven the '14 F-150 and couldn't stand the seats, unfortunately. I can order a new '15 F-150 for $48,000, a modest discount.
Or, I could get a CPO '14 Ram 2500 Lariat with the 6.4 gas engine for $40,000. New diesels pretty much step you into the $50,000 territory with the leather trim packages, and my wife's brief ride in a new Duramax was highly unsuccessful. I realize the gas engines in these 3/4 tons are pretty "busy" when you ask them to pull full rated capacity. But since I would be loading the truck (cargo and trailer) at about half capacity maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Oddly, reported gas mileage towing doesn't seem much different between 3/4 and 1/2 ton gas trucks, even though the big trucks use more fuel empty than the small ones.
So, that's where I am at the moment. I'm not excited about overloading a 1/2 ton by several hundred pounds, just to buy a truck off the lot. I don't think that's the way a newbie who contemplates long trips should start off.

gandttimes · 02-11-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Possibly, I just am not familiar with Canadian distribution. However, I would be REALLY surprised if there were physical suspension (et.al.) differences, resulting in GVWR rating differences in Canada vs. US.

I am wondering if the website isn't clear and the 7200 "max GVWR" on the spec page is for non-MaxTow trucks and the Maxtow axle brings it to 7600". I really need to see a MaxTow truck and My demo door placards to get an answer. You are correct, in that the Dealer order guide is (most of the time) more correct and more detailed than marketing materials, like simplistic web page spec sheets.

Ok, finally got hold of Brian at the dealership ( away on holiday).
The 7600 lb code is C6G and is available on crew and extended, and as he is the fleet manager, he ordered it through fleet so no constraint, but he says there is for regular orders.

George

dznf0g · 02-11-2015, 05:09 PM

C6G drives NHT (MaxTow) and visa versa. You can't get one without the other. 5.3 MaxTow is available (3.73) but 6.2 MaxTow (3.42) is delayed till March...so I've been told.