Can a 2011 Tundra safely tow a Globetrotter 30RB?

[aikenjt]

Hello all,

Just sold my 2018 Bambi 22FB w/Blue Ox WDH and am in the market for a Globetrotter 30RB. Dealer feels confident I can tow it with my 2011 Tundra Crewmax with max payload of 1370, GVWR of 7000, GCWR of 15900 and tow cap of 9900. The 30RB has a tongue weight of 1045, dry weight of 6990, GVWR of 8800. Gross combined weight of both together comes to 15,800, 100lbs lighter than the TV's GCWR. And with a TW of 1045, that only leaves 325lbs for remaining cargo in the TV! Can I safely tow this TT with a proper WDH? And, if so, could experienced towers offer up a recommended WDH to match?

Appreciate any advice you can offer.

PS, I know I should consider going to a 3/4 TV if I decide to go with this TT but just not ready at this time.

[uraljohn]

This would be unwise combo. Dealer will tell you anything to make the sale. Shame on them for even suggesting this combo will work. Your going to need a more capable tow vehicle. You know you want a 30' AS, go get an appropriate tow vehicle that will be safe for you and everyone else on the road. Happy hunting and SAFE travels.

[JonDNC]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

This would be unwise combo. Dealer will tell you anything to make the sale. Shame on them for even suggesting this combo will work. Your going to need a more capable tow vehicle. You know you want a 30' AS, go get an appropriate tow vehicle that will be safe for you and everyone else on the road. Happy hunting and SAFE travels.

This, not a combo I would want to be on the road with.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by aikenjt

Hello all,

Just sold my 2018 Bambi 22FB w/Blue Ox WDH and am in the market for a Globetrotter 30RB. Dealer feels confident I can tow it with my 2011 Tundra Crewmax with max payload of 1370, GVWR of 7000, GCWR of 15900 and tow cap of 9900. The 30RB has a tongue weight of 1045, dry weight of 6990, GVWR of 8800. Gross combined weight of both together comes to 15,800, 100lbs lighter than the TV's GCWR. And with a TW of 1045, that only leaves 325lbs for remaining cargo in the TV! Can I safely tow this TT with a proper WDH? And, if so, could experienced towers offer up a recommended WDH to match?

Appreciate any advice you can offer.

PS, I know I should consider going to a 3/4 TV if I decide to go with this TT but just not ready at this time.

I have a Tundra and love it.
However with a payload of 1370, subtract 1045 tongue weight (probably low) that leaves you with 345# before you're over the limit. 345# includes you the co-pilot, the dog, the generator and anything else you carry.
You'll find me singing the praises of towing with the Tundra, but not in this case ( a 30' and a Tundra crewmax)

[Trowbridge]

No way. Don't do it. Will be undersprung and underpowered. You'll fry something long term in a 1/2 ton towing at/beyond max capacity. More importantly, the Tundra won't stop the combined load as fast as a suitable truck. 3/4 ton diesel is way to go.

Used Tundras are selling for a premium now. Otherwise, consider a smaller/lighter trailer...probably <25 feet at Airstream weights.

A good friend has been towing their 26' (not Airstream but 20% lighter than your proposed investment) with a F150 1/2 ton for a year. After a recent trip in the Appalachians, he shared that they are getting a F250 diesel.

[superChop]

Short Answer - don't do it
Long Answer - many AS are towed unsafely by TV's, including the Tundra. IF you are only towing it in Florida, you are probably OK, but that tongue weight will eat up a lot of payload on any TV.

So now that you have received your answer = NO, your next question is - "What TV do you recommend for a 30' AS"? That is where the fun begins, since the long answer above will include a variety of SUV's and half tons that may not be the safest answer to your question. Check out the YouTube Channel, "Big Truck, Big RV", where the owner of the channel, JD advises that any trailer at about 6000 lbs or more be towed by a 3/4 ton pickup. Last time I provide this advice, one person challenged JD as not being an expert. Watch the videos and you will quickly see his knowledge and analysis is spot on. Another YouTube channel to help with TV decision is "TFL Trucks".

Gas vs Diesel will be another fun discussion as you consider the benefits and detractions of each engine in your new TV.

[greenflag]

The Tundra is a great truck.
If you are going to pull a 30 or larger, step up to 3/4 ton.
Be Safe!

[aikenjt]

...and, you've confirmed my suspicions! I've already started looking at the RAM 2500s. Plan on putting my Tundra on the market this weekend.

Thanks everybody for your excellent input on this!!!

Happy camping!

[Dennis C]

Having just gone through the same analysis, I think you've chosen wisely.

[GatorDave]

I tow a 2000. Excella 30' with a 2014 Tundra with no problem. A good friend of mine has the same set up with a 2006 Tundra. I have towed all over the Rockies with it with no problem. I have seen many photos of rallies in the 60-70's with people using cars as tow vehicles, no pickups in sight in the photos. Buy it and try it. You can always purchase another tow vehicle if you like.

[jimfa440]

The short answer is NO.

[Spaggs]

All of the above recommendations, if you are financially able, for a 3/4 ton TV are solid. I am is the same boat as you are, as far as getting things together, and have read a bunch of threads here and on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum to get ready for my first trip. I have a 6.8 V10 gas guzzler Excursion because that is what I purchased over 20 years ago. The reason for gas instead of diesel is two fold: initial cost difference of $4,000 and the fact that my wife hates the smell of diesel. If you can afford it, get the diesel. If you are leaning toward a Dodge Ram, get on their forum and study the differences in engines and years as far as reliability/performance. Example: when Ford came out with the 6.0 diesel, it was plagued with problems. The 7.3, which was replaced by the 6.0, has been to the go-to engine because of the reliability without mods.
Also, on these forums, you will encounter guys that have experimented with various modifications to make you TV more stable. For instance, my Excursion did not come with a rear sway bar, so an aftermarket one has helped steady the side to side motion.
Other things to consider when towing are tires. You should consider changing over to E rated as soon as you can. Much stiffer sidewalls and higher pressures make for a stiffer ride, but with the positive byproduct of a more stable platform.
In my humble opinion, you will not need a dually, but if you want make sure you have the absolute best tow vehicle, then weigh this option. Again, not really needed.
When selecting a WDH, I had no problem making a choice. The ProPride is the best. Others will argue that their WDH are almost as good and get the job done, but it's like the WeatherTech ad where the salesman says "just as good as ..."

[moosetags]

Since you already own the Tundra, I would just hook it up to the new 30' Airstream and see how it feels. It will probably do OK in the flats, but may fall down on the grades.

A modern 30' Airstream is a bunch of trailer for any half ton truck. Stated tongue weights are most often grossly underestimated. When loaded, ready to camp, that 1,000# tongue weight can easily become 1,200#. The payload of the Tundra can easily become overwhelmed.

Brian

[GMFL]

As a 30’ GT owner the answer is NO. 1320lbs of tongue weight loaded is where we are. No way the tundra could handle that.

[jwpaquette]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I have a Tundra and love it.
However with a payload of 1370, subtract 1045 tongue weight (probably low) that leaves you with 345# before you're over the limit. 345# includes you the co-pilot, the dog, the generator and anything else you carry.
You'll find me singing the praises of towing with the Tundra, but not in this case ( a 30' and a Tundra crewmax)

What they said - word. 1045 tongue weight plus the WD hitch and bars and I put you at 1,100 pounds of weight against your payload capacity of 1,370. People, dogs, and a bed of gear and you'll run through the remaining 270 of payload capacity in no time - well beyond it.

[Olrocker]

Uhh...no.

We do OK with a 27' FB International, but anything bigger needs a 3/4 T, IMHO.

[Airstream87]

Back in the 60's when camping with my folks no one towed with a truck, all used a full size car that had a big V8, full frame, add on trans cooler and brake controller. Now many say 3/4 truck is only solution and for 5th wheel agree, however for TT 1/2 T properly equipped works, I ordered my F150 equipped to tow 12330lbs AS is 30 ft 6700lbs (actual weight). Have towed 16,000 miles and absolutely love it.

[JohnandDonna]

Originally Posted by aikenjt

...and, you've confirmed my suspicions! I've already started looking at the RAM 2500s. Plan on putting my Tundra on the market this weekend.

Thanks everybody for your excellent input on this!!!

Happy camping!

We tow a 30' International with our Ram 2500 MegaCab. A lot of folks will say you need to go diesel but gas is a valid alternative if your towing 10k or less. I have the 6.4 Hemi with the 4.10 (this combo is rated to tow over 16k but I would not go that high) rear end and air suspension. Tows great on the grades as well as the flats. So ask yourself, how often will you be towing? Is the truck going to be a daily driver? Diesels do NOT do well sitting unused. You will end up with expensive maintenance costs! If you are going to use it on a regular basis and are willing to spend the additional 10k, or you plan to tow something heavy in the future, then diesel may be the best choice for you. Last Note: Carrying capacity on the 2500 with the diesel is almost 1k less then with the Hemi. Keep that in mind as well. If I had decided to go diesel I would go with the 3500.

[drboyd]

No. I wouldn't try towing that trailer with a 1/2 ton V8 pickup.

[BayouBiker]

I concur with the crowd, it's not a good combination. You will experience several minor to moderate annoyances (brake, engine, transmission heating, sloppy suspension) and the setup will not be inherently stable in the rare emergency situation should they arise.