New 27 VS 30 Serenity TV Match

[Towbert]

Seeking advise on towing with our 2013 RAM 2500 HD - Gas - Auto 6 speed - Tow Pkg - 4:10 rear end. We would like to find the best match with a margin of error, we previously towed a 24' SOB that was heavy at 7,500 lbs. Looking forward to our new AS.


AS

[Towbert]

[QUOTE="Towbert"]Seeking advise on towing with our 2013 RAM 2500 HD - Gas - Auto 6 speed - Tow Pkg - 4:10 rear end. We would like to find the best match with a margin of error, we previously towed a 24' SOB that was heavy at 7,500 lbs. Looking forward to our new AS.

[TouringDan]

TB

I assume it is the 5.7L motor. Specs like 5.7L V8, 3/4 ton, 6 speed and 4.1 rear end all put a smile on your face when you are looking to tow a larger Airstream. I would guess the 30 ft weighs about 500 lbs more than the 27 ft. I would think that you could tow either one OK. Buy the one that you (or your spouse) wants.

If I were buying a new TV today I would look seriously at all the big 3 3/4 ton gas V8 motor trucks in addition to a Tundra 1/2 ton, that I have been very happy with.

Dan

[10Smiles]

One thing I noticed when we went from a 29 foot SOB (with slideout) to a 30 foot airstream (about the same weight) is that I am not pushing a flat sheet of plywood through the air... much less wind resistance from the airstream - very noticeable.

Ditto above, I would think your truck could pull either trailer well.

[dkottum]

The 540# difference in these two trailers will not be noticeable, based on my experience towing two different sized Airstreams. This is because the weight difference compared to the whole rig (truck, trailer, and load) is very small and most of towing resistance is wind resistance, which is near identical with either trailer.

I'm guessing you have the Hemi 5.7 engine that we have in our 2012 reg cab Ram 1500. Our truck is lighter, but there is plenty of power for the job. It will shift down for steeper grades which is no problem, and may have to drive in a lower gear than overdrive whenever the transmission repeatedly shifts for minor grade changes on the highway.

doug k

[Towbert]

Yes it is the 5.7 V8 and with the 4:10 Ratio it's rated at 13,600 lbs Max trailer weight and 2,250 lbs payload. The 30' Serenity GVWR is: 8,800 lbs and the 27' GVWR is: 7,600 lbs.
The numbers say I can tow the 30 footer, but would still like input from all of you that have done it.
Thanks, Brad

[dkottum]

Even at the fully-loaded GVWR you won't notice the difference. The difference of our two Airstreams was 1600# dry. Towed the same.

doug k