Looking at TT’s

No, not those kind of TT’s, travel trailers. What are recommendations for a Tundra towable TT, if anyone would be so kind? I’m looking at a Grand Design 2500 RL, and the GD 23 LDE. My wife also likes the interiors of a few North Trail trailers we’ve seen, but I don’t know the reputation or the best model that I can safely tow. I’m leaning towards getting a 1 ton, but I’m not sure. Can’t really trade in my Tundra until next summer anyway. Actually tempted to get a motor home because I’m tired of trying to figure out if I can tow something.

 

https://www.tundras.com/forums/towing-hauling.53/

Enjoy!

 

I looked but my search terms must have sucked! If anyone has experience with the models mentioned I would appreciate feedback. Thanks!

 

Honestly your best bet is to look for camping forums that covers those models. I have a Coachmen myself and that forum is about as active as this one.

 

The 23LDE is 915# heavier than the 23' trailer I haul with my 21 SR5. I need to be careful how I load my trailer to keep the tongue weight within limits and therefore keeping the Tundra under gross weight.

Hint: Removing my rear seats saved me 114 # but I have the CM.

 

I tow a similar weight trailer with my 17. Tows well, had to install bags in the rear to help with the squat. Tows pretty well, but i wouldn't want to go any larger.

 

I’ve been looking to get the RAS instead of bags, but I’ll look closely before I decide. Also looking at the weigh safe WDH too.

 

i heard some people talking about the RAS or adding a leaf...all good options. I went with bags for the price and ease of install.

 

Also looking at the Jay Feather 24RL too. It says the hitch weight is 660, but I’m guesswork that’s based on loaded weight since it has a 6600 lb gvwr. I’m not sure because it says dry tongue weight. ‍♂️

 

The dry tongue weight is probably accurate but doesn't include propane, battery, spare tire, etc.

 

Anyone have recommendations for trans coolers? I’ve pretty much decided on the roadmaster suspension heavy duty, and possibly some E rated tires, although they’re going to be pretty harsh on 20” wheels. Not sure yet. But I think the cooler is needed. Also, the wife and I saw the new Surveyor TT’s last night and want to look those over too. This is is expanding instead of getting tighter!

 

I tow a GD 2250rk with a rear kitchen and still need to work on the tongue weight.look at your door sticker as the payload will be the first thing you will excede. I have a small lift,295 18 tires/wheels,add a leaf,bags and aluminum cat protection. ALSO DID TRANS COOLER...and I am still over on payload sometimes...it is a balancing act for shure.

 

A for coolers Genuine Cooling Systems he is a vender....I forgot to mention I re geared to 4.88. Pulls great but still heavy.

 

Now this is based on what the Gulfstream dealer told me so take that with an Ohio Turnpike salt truck fully loaded....I was told my published tongue weight was as purchased. Two 20# propane tanks filled and the battery in place. I'll have to dig to find that number. If I fill my 27 gallon fresh water tank only about 40% of it adds to tongue weight. In front of the axle is the bedroom with under bed storage and spare, close closets, pass through storage, the shower and bathroom. Mostly bulky items are stored in front of the axle. Clothes, bedding, lawn chairs etc. In the rear is food storage and under dinette compartments. Heavier items go there.
I can tune the trailer with the fresh water tank and by moving two cases of water around between front and back. Being a trailer with a GVWR of 6,080# and a payload just short of 1,800 it's easy to load and keep under gross.

 

We own a Grand Design 2500 RL. I towed it once with my tundra. I went about 50 to 60 miles from Gatlinburg area to a local lake lot. I never was really on highways mostly country and two Lane back roads. I towed it once and it was all it could handle. I knew I needed to upgrade, if I was going to take families on long trips. With just me in the truck, I was probably over GVWR. I would not mind towing it short distance a couple times or year as in to and from a lake lot where it sits for the season, but if we were going to hit the open road and load the family in the truck I would not want to do that. We had a trip planned where we were going to tow it from Knoxville down to Disney and stay on one of the Disney RV resorts. I would not want to partake that journey in the Tundra. I would have made the wife drive the kids in the 4runner and follow me and put all supplies and luggage in the 4runner. I quickly realized I needed a 3/4 ton and got a Chevy 2500 HD wth 6.6 gas engine. Has nothing to do with power, but it handled it much much better.

 

On our way to an RV show. We’re going to another one in two weeks. Hopefully we can narrow it down.

 

We have a 2018 Platinum CM and tow our 2021 Grand Design 2500RL all over the place. Some work is needed to make it comfy, but it now handles it like a champ.

Things we’ve done:

225/75-15 LRE Goodyear Endurance tires on the trailer. These made a HUGE improvement on how much the trailer wobbled around back there. No joke, I was amazed.

LRE tires on the truck. I don’t get carried away with high air pressures. I run about 40# in my 275/65-20 (34”) tires.

Our truck is lifted a few inches, and I used Deaver U748 springs in the rear. These are about a kajillion times better than the OEM leaf packs. In my opinion, those are the biggest flaw in our OEM suspension. Absolute trash.

I have a TRD RSB.

We have a pretty basic WDH but it is set up right. I think it’s a Fastway G2? Looks like an Equalizer. It takes a while to set it correctly. You need a tape measure, and even better is a truck scale. If you don’t do it right, you’re just guessing…

I had airbags but removed them because they messed up my shock performance Offroad and I wanted good bump stops. They weren’t necessary after getting the Deavers, but we’re pretty nice with OEM springs. A lot of folks swear by the RAS setup. I’ve not been around it so can’t comment.

You know we have good power. No trouble getting it going! Keep your trailer brakes in good order and use your transmission going down hills. I’ve not had trouble stopping my combo, but am upgrading brakes to Alcon because I’m about due for new and why not go all out, right?

We try to tow with an empty water tank, but I’ve don’t it both ways without really noticing. I live in Western Oregon and we have hills everywhere. The valley is only 425’ elevation. Passes are over 5K which ever way we go to get over the Cascades. We towed it about 5K miles last year, including through MT, ID, WY, and WA to visit Glacier, Yellowstone, Teton, and a pile of other places. Not a single issue.

All that said, a 1-ton would be better. Lol. We do it just fine and never feel unsafe. We get up and down all the hills and through the corners with no pucker factor. Simple physics can’t be argued though. A bigger truck would handle it better.

 

Just know that ALL brands are junk in one way or another....I'd recommend buying used all the bugs probably have been fixed by now.We were fortunate to find a one year old model that was used a couple times,literally everything was like new and shower door still had tape from factory,toilet had winterized sticker on it owner bought it without asking the Wife first saved me 8k from a new one...deals are out there be patient.

 

You won’t have any problems, just be careful as always. Our trailer is 6300lbs dry and 35’ long including the tongue. I have Load Range D KO2’s and air them to 60psi when towing, Dobinsons standard leaf springs(2” lift and +150lbs rating each over stock), full ICON setup with 2.5’s in the front and 2.0’s in the back(Demello is awesome!), and Roadmaster Active Suspension Heavy Duty. It tows great, zero issues other than exploding garbage trailer tires before I bought Goodyear Endurance replacements.

Grand Design has a really good reputation, maybe the best of the “mid-level” trailers from what I’ve heard.

 

Thanks guys. I’ve had some really great responses and have a lot to think about. We made the mistake of walking through the Paradigm 5th wheel on display and now the wife is thinking about trading the truck for a dually.

 

I started out with the idea big Ole f450 40 foot house on wheels,yea they are amazing but get tiresome finding a spot to park and store.

 

Ain’t that the truth?

My brother has a 38’ or 39’ 5th wheel toy hauler. It’s cool and has a ton of room. Personally, I’m ok passing on the 2nd bathroom in order to have a trailer that I can snake into just about any campsite.

 

Definitely a WDH and anti-sway devices made a huge difference when I was towing w/my '08. I've heard really good info about the RAS

If you're really thinking about either upgrading to the 1-ton w/a larger trailer or motorhome, you may want to consider opting for a used TT that is suited for the Tundra; especially if this is your first trailer. Spending less money at first and going a bit smaller will give your family a chance to really sort through conveniences and the 'wish list' on what matters for features, space, and other options. Plus you can get out and about for a season or two, and pulling the trailer (and setup, parking, etc.) may influences your 1-ton vs. motorhome debate through your own experiences.

If my 'assumption' is incorrect and this would not be your family's first trailer, please disregard...

 

We just bought a new Lance 2075 - 20 ft box, 24 ft overall, 6k lbs fully loaded. Just me and the wife so I didn't want or need anything bigger, and the Tundra tows it fine. Previously towed a 9.5k lb 32ft toyhauler with a Dodge 2500 CTD, but wasn't looking for all that this time, just a decent trailer to travel with and still be able to enjoy the Tundra otherwise. Daily driving a 3/4 or 1 ton truck is not all that enjoyable. We also considered a motorhome, but the cons far outweigh the pros for our purposes, ie. initial cost, maintenance, insurance, what do you drive when you get there?

As far as a good size for towing with the Tundra, I'd stay under 7k loaded weight and 25ish ft, with a good WDH. Anything longer or heavier and you're approaching 3/4" ton territory. Folks tow bigger and heavier all the time with 1/2 ton trucks, but that don't make it right. Can and should are two different things. I suppose for some folks ignorance is bliss, but you're asking questions so I assume you're wanting to stay safely within the limits of the Tundra as a tow rig.

Ask 10 different TT owners and you'll get 10 different answers on the best brand. Floorplan, comfortable towability and price was ultimately what it came down to for our decision on the Lance. Grand Designs are nice, and there are some other brands that we considered as well. There are definitely some brands to avoid though. I won't list them here so as not to offend any owners, but Google will show you pretty quick. Either way, don't expect any of them to be built like your house. They're all rolling tents built with lightweight materials slapped together in a warehouse using a hodge-podge of parts from 3rd party vendors. Some are better built than others, but none of them are all that great and you will very likely have issues. Being handy with tools and repairs is helpful, otherwise get a warranty...

 

Haha! It seemed downright cheap after shopping Class C and Class B coaches.

 

Wife's parents wanted a Lance but ended up in a Forest River due to cost.

When I was shopping, it didn't look like they had any floorplans that would work for us.

 

Yeah, they are pretty pricy at MSRP. I would have passed at full MSRP, but I caught it at a discount of $10k off, and then was able to get another $10k out of the dealership, plus squeezed a free 6 year warranty out of them. Brought it down closer to others we were looking at. I know RV sales were through the roof recently, but that may be slowing down and there are still deals to be had if you look around. After 20+ years of buying and suffering through used trailers and trucks I figured why not get something new while I can still swing it.

 

We have a neighbor who tows a GD 22 MLE with a 2013 (I believe) V6 Tundra. He has owned and used it since 2020. He says the truck tows it with no problems. I believe he uses a Blue Ox WDH and no other modifications to the truck. It is just him, his wife and one dog. The LDE is 30lbs heavier in the hitch (per GD website) and about 600 lbs more in dry weight. Both of these GD units have a loaded weight of 6995 lbs. Not sure if the MLE is in your view depending on your needs.

A friend had a GMC and purchased a GD 2500RL for about a year. After that he upgraded to a 3/4 ton. He thought that the 1/2 ton GMC wasn't enough. I believe the GD 2500RL is heavier than the 23 LDE.

We thought about a motor home, but the expense and cost of annual maintenance was not something that we wanted to deal with. Our Tundra is a daily driver and fits nicely in our garage plus it is a great truck. Our servicing dealer offers to buy my Tundra every time we go in for service at a price that is more than I paid for it.

I hope you find your perfect layout travel trailer. Good luck