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Daquenzer · 08-24-2018, 12:46 PM

Prudent choice on sticking with present truck. Can always change later. Not sure about shocks. Seems like the guy from Airstream dealership says start with tires first and then go to shocks. But I would like to hear what others say. I might consider doing something similar with my F150.

gator.bigfoot · 08-24-2018, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

I have read the articles posted and will stick with my Ram. With the 3:92 rear end it has plenty of pulling power. I won’t have all the extra weight from batteries and solar so the classic may be close to what I have been towing. One article said Bilstein shocks would be beneficial. Any comments?

Solar won't add much depending upon how much storage you're adding. I added 2 100 watt panels on top of the 2 50 watt which were already there. Then added 2 more batteries since the front was too light anyway. Gives me 300 watts in panels and 420 AH in storage which works great for what I use and how I use it. I've never run out yet and my 12v system only runs off the solar and is never plugged in. Weight like I say wasn't an issue. The overall added weight is small in comparison to the weight of of everything else.

trumpetguy · 08-24-2018, 01:55 PM

My Ram has Michelin LT tire on 20 inch wheels. Can’t do any better in my book.

Daquenzer · 08-24-2018, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

My Ram has Michelin LT tire on 20 inch wheels. Can’t do any better in my book.

Yep.

trumpetguy · 08-24-2018, 03:17 PM

Four six volt batteries 200 pounds, 3000 watt inverter 60 pounds, five 100 watt panels 50 pounds. Not sure if I will sell with the International or remove and install on the Classic. Prolly can’t get my money back if I sell with solar included. What do you think?

I bought the Classic. Taking delivery next month.

Daquenzer · 08-24-2018, 03:32 PM

I would reuse on classic. Payback for you more than resale.

trumpetguy · 08-24-2018, 05:36 PM

My wife says the same. I guess I have some work ahead to remove and install.

gator.bigfoot · 08-24-2018, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

Four six volt batteries 200 pounds, 3000 watt inverter 60 pounds, five 100 watt panels 50 pounds. Not sure if I will sell with the International or remove and install on the Classic. Prolly can’t get my money back if I sell with solar included. What do you think?

I bought the Classic. Taking delivery next month.

Congratulations on buying the classic. I would check to see if someone wants to buy the existing solar install before tearing it out. If they don't want to pay for it then you sell the trailer to them without it.

rgg123 · 08-24-2018, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

Presently towing our 2007 International 28 with a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi. Seriously considering a 2007 31 foot Classic. The classic is 1500 pounds heavier but the tongue weight is 670 vs. 880.

Do I need a 3/4 ton diesel, or will my Ram handle. My wdh is a Blue Ox.

I also own a 31 ft Classic and just "traded up" to an F250 6.7L diesel from an F250 6.2L gasser. Why? Because a drove 5100 miles through all kinds of terrain and the gasser was not up to the task. I had a decision to make: trade up, get a smaller/lighter RV, or limit my travels to flat terrain (not much fun). I have not yet been out with the diesel but driving it around I am very confident that my ride will be better, safer, and more enjoyable. I learned the hard way - go with the diesel.

**Hans627** · 08-24-2018, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

Four six volt batteries 200 pounds, 3000 watt inverter 60 pounds, five 100 watt panels 50 pounds. Not sure if I will sell with the International or remove and install on the Classic. Prolly can’t get my money back if I sell with solar included. What do you think?

I bought the Classic. Taking delivery next month.

Congrats on the getting the Classic!

trumpetguy · 08-25-2018, 06:15 PM

The thing about diesel vs gas is most of my driving is local and I like the mileage and the ride. We use our airstream primarily for trips in the Southeast less than 300 miles. We head north to Virginia in August and some of that is Blue Ridge Pky. Two years now we have towed our International and never once felt unsafe. The Ram is a beast so I will give it a chance.

Daquenzer · 08-25-2018, 06:17 PM

Why I like my F150 ecoboost

brick1 · 08-25-2018, 07:09 PM

Just get an F250 Diesel, and be tow-worry free...
brick

Daquenzer · 08-25-2018, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brick1

Just get an F250 Diesel, and be tow-worry free...

brick

Because it is an expensive unnecessary vehicle to own for many of us.

Countryboy59 · 08-26-2018, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

Presently towing our 2007 International 28 with a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi. Seriously considering a 2007 31 foot Classic. The classic is 1500 pounds heavier but the tongue weight is 670 vs. 880.

Do I need a 3/4 ton diesel, or will my Ram handle. My wdh is a Blue Ox.

That tongue weight will use up most of the Ram’s payload but you will have plenty of power to tow it. I have a 27’ and tow with a one ton gas truck and wouldn’t go back to a half ton. If I had a 31 however I might want the extra power of the diesel.

You could consider the larger hemi that’s available in the 3/4T ram if you don’t want to go the diesel route. My current F350 was my first gas powered truck in awhile and it does great.

trumpetguy · 08-26-2018, 04:40 PM

Ram offers the 6.4 Hemi in a 3/4 ton so I will look at one. The 31 Classic is lighter on the tongue than my 28International. Too light for my book. I’ll have to add a couple of six volt batteries to get it to 10%. I need to check on the payload for my 1500. It never feels over loaded. I did install Sumo springs when I bought it.

Daquenzer · 08-26-2018, 04:44 PM

I think I would go with Ford F-250 gas. Did far better on the gauntlet test. If I was going with diesel I would go with the RAM.

CBWELL · 08-26-2018, 06:23 PM

Check the GCVW (gross combined vehicle weight) limit on the truck. That is what says if you need a higher capacity truck. Your 1/2 ton Dodge will pull the trailer, but LEGALLY? If you are in an accident and it is found that your rig is over weight for your truck you CO
ULD be in trouble and open to legal action. In my mind it is not worth having a lawsuit to fight. JMHO

Daquenzer · 08-26-2018, 06:25 PM

So how many lawsuits are there regarding this issue? Just wondering.

CBWELL · 08-26-2018, 07:41 PM

Good friend pulled over by DOT when he was pulling his triple axle fifth wheel trailer with the rear toy hauler garage. Was pulling with a single rear wheel Ram 3500 diesel. Was sent to scale and was over GCVW of his truck. Given a warning. Traded and bought a dually the next day. If he had been in an accident this COULD have had a lawsuit. I do not know of any pending lawsuits. There are many excellent YouTube video's that explain the ratings and limits. Well worth the watching. I am not a lawyer, but don't want to hire one to fight a lawsuit!!!