I see all the hate comments already coming. If anybody wanted to know, the point of this video wasn't to show how to set up a truck perfectly for towing a trailer this way, it was to make a point regarding the weight and power of a truck and it's ability to tow even a relatively light trailer. I made the point multiple times that even though this truck's stickered hitch capacity is 880 lb, the total payload capacity is over 1400 lb. This is because GM factors in people and equipment inside of the truck which we didn't have much of. So many times I hear folks with halfton trucks say that modern half ton trucks can tow so much more and handle so much more weight than they ever have been able to, I don't disagree. This video is simply to show that even a 7,500 lb trailer with 960 lb worth of tongue weight can stress a half ton truck out.
I think you just found out the weak link in the air bag independent trailing link suspension, they can self steer when exposed to cross wind imposed sway.
JD the heck w the Trolls, I had a 2016 Ram 5.7 1500 pulling a Grand design XLS 22 MLE, I Was getting pulled and pushed all over the place in Florida no hills very little wind. I upgraded the truck within a month. Yes I had airbags yes I was well within my weight limits, BUT my family safety comes first. Can’t tell you how many “haters” have given negative comments but I just say 🤷♂️
I totally get the point of this video and COMPLETELY agree with it. I have a Jeep Commander with 7,200 tow capacity and absolutely would NOT tow more than 6,500 lbs. EVERY camping trailer dealership should have your mindset on this issue and the integrity to refuse to sell too much trailer for the buyer's tow vehicle. And even though you've just DEMONSTRATED the hazards of towing too much trailer, there will still be 100s, if not 1,000s of ppl that will remain convinced their 1/2 ton is fully capable of towing more than the mfgr's CGVWR 🤪
JD, the cool part is that you and your dad have towing experience and know what a bad or scary towing situation feels like. The bad part is that not everyone knows what scary looks or feels like. Thus, four days ago, we saw a truck and trailer very similar to this setup upside-down in the interstate. Just because the numbers say you can tow a trailer, does not mean you should.
As a trucker for over 40 years I know it’s important to scale your truck correctly over all your axles. My point is, with no cargo weight or less weight in the front of the truck and slightly over weight in the rear it could cause the front axle to be light. Hence causing sway.
Sway control and weight distribution would have made this experience more pleasant. I say this cuz not everyone has access to nor can afford a 3/4 1ton or has the need for one on a more than regular basis. But it's a reality check for those like myself who want to haul even a small lifestyle trailer.
It amazing what a perfectly setup WDH does. I have a 7000lbs 30ft Heritage Glen and tow it with a 2021 F150. I pulled it home form the dealer without my WDH because it was only about 15 miles and you could really feel it. Once I got my WDH setup it was night and day difference. It stopped any sway and towed great. I know this trailer isn't really setup to accepted a WDH so then you need to go overkill on truck size.
Seeing that sway is the reason I bought a propride hitch. Absolutely love it. Definitely feel it working on windy days like that. I know they are expensive but to me and my safety its worth every penny. Glad you are safe on the road.
Great video JD. I listened as you explained what was happening and what you were doing. People just have to listen. Looking forward to more tow videos. Best content ever.
I know you are probably not allowed to put any type of weight distributing sway control on to that trailer due to the aluminum frame and it's not yours. But to be fair it would be nice to see a comparison video with weight distributing sway control. If not, see how it tows with a three-quarter ton PU without weight distributing sway control.
JD, on feb. 27 St Louis area, we have a f150 w/heave tow package (12,000 lb) a 6950 lb Jayco. We had 25 mph sustained wind and 35 to 45 mph gusts. Made it 3 miles before turning around, you might ask of experience? Last camper, same size 40,000 miles! The second attempt that day, made it 1 mile, third ALL THE WAY!!! But a 2.5 hr. trip took 3.5 hrs. But we were safe and caught a lot of TROUT.
All half ton trucks need an equalizer hitch , especially ones with air ride suspension . Many people pull much heavier trailers than this and don’t have any problems with half ton trucks doing the job.
I had a 13 1500 ram tradesman. Drove it for seven years and my wife and i started talking about an rv. She said why dont you get a new truck. Oh hey, lets do it before she changes her mind. I traded for a new 2500 cummins 4x4 tradesman crew cab. Metalic black and chrome. It was, WAS, a beautiful truck. We had it for three years. Long enough to realize that the 2400 pound payload wasnt going to do what we needed. So, i traded it in. I learned the hard way as many do. It was very low mileage and in excellent shape so it didnt hurt too bad. Wound up with a 3500 Cummins ho 4x4 tradesman crew cab. 5300lbs payload, 5th wheel prep 50 gal fuel tank 410 gear, rear air suspennsion. We love it. The hunt is on. Many thanks for your excellent vids.
I drive a 2023 GMC 1500 Denali with the 6.2L. I tow a KZ Vision R20RBS ultralight trailer with an Equal-i-zer WDH. Loaded for the road, it scales as follows. Steer - 3,160 (rated @ 3,800) Drive - 3,680 (rated @ 3,800) Trailer - 4,980 (rated @ 5,200) Gross - 11,820 (rated @ 15,000) I put 8,000 miles on this rig in 2024 and it pulls like a dream in all conditions. Even with a WDH on the rig you reviewed, I believe if you were to put pen to paper, you would find that your truck was way overloaded (as you experienced on your drive).
Great video! We were chased by a storm in West Texas with winds of 55+ mph winds. We managed to mostly stay ahead of it, but it was white knuckle all the way back to Dallas.
You make very good videos on trailer safety. Your advice coupled with examples on the road are very educational. Too many people hit the road with no knowledge of the words payload, towing capacity, tongue weight etc. Thank you so much.
Thanks for the great video. Some people don't quite understand what you were saying are things they need to be aware of. I know exactly the stretch of highway in Corpus Christi and that gives me additional appreciation of what you are saying.
The truck can handle it. It’s just a poorly balanced trailer. I hate to feel the sway. Nothing worse than constantly being uncomfortable when towing. Great video!
As you stated in your captions. That they did say that the trailer may pull a bit unstably do to the off grid batteries and everything required with it is in the back and that they are researching to change that to make it more balanced. That would reduce the tendency of making the tow vehicle feel lighter on the rear end especially over slight bounces on the highway but also noted that you said that the hitch weight of the trailer is 950 lbs. The company does place the batteries further forward to balance the trailer more. You would definitely need at least a 3/4 ton on up to compensate for the heavier hitch weight which would most likely increase it to a bit over 1,000 pounds dry weight.. I would say at least a 1 ton single rear wheel truck. In reality, I don't know for sure, but I think that most of the people that would buy that trailer wouldn't even take it over landing. It be more of a cool factor than its actual intended purpose. Just like most people that go out and spend over 100,000 dollars for a Ford Raptor and it spends most of its time as a highway princess.. Again another cool factor to say I have one..
One thing to keep in mind about exceeding tongue weight ratings, yes it is true you are below the payload rating. But keep in mind the weight distribution. When factoring in the cabin contents (people) that weight is distributed to the front axle too. By exceeding the tongue rating you’re creating a moment around the rear axle. Potentially lifting weight from the front and overloading the rear. I would be interested to see the numbers at a scale how the axles are loaded. Overall a great point about having to take into consideration the trailer dimensions and not just looking at the weight numbers.
JD, I used your advice 4 years ago, and liked your by-the-numbers approach. Though my 3/4 ton diesel pickup has a 15,000# towing capacity, I just felt the 5th wheel RV I had with 13,900# GVWR just seemed too close to the edge (admittedly, I typically wear a belt AND suspenders). BTW, the RV salesman never even asked what I'd be towing with. Buyer beware...many of the salespeople are out to SELL RVs as top priority. I've since paired the same truck to a 7500# GVWR bumper-pull trailer. Much more comfortable towing at 50% (or even 75%) capacity than 90+%. Also, I see YTers advocating converting towable RVs to LT (light truck) tires. 3 different tire store managers talked me out of doing so. The RV tires are designed for the "scrubbing action" resulting from a turn in which the tires on either side of RV go non-colinear (they're grinding on the pavement). 2 seasons and under 3,000 miles into my current TT, I just upgraded from factory 6-ply tires to 8-ply Goodyear Endurance RV tires. People who've told me that was way-unnecessary also told me it was no-worries towing a few hundred pounds over my truck's towing capacity. Towing's one metric of "capacity"; controlling and stopping are 2 more. Thanks for encouraging RVers to take ownership for their own famlies' safety.
This is exactly what I needed to see. I have the very same truck now and am evaluating what road (not offroad) trailers would work with this truck. Thank you! You have shown me a definite limit of the truck.
I tow a 34ft 6200lb trailer all over the country with this truck...tires must be load range d or e equivalent, and I run a blue ox 20000lb weight distribution hitch. I get 14mpg average with 4 occupants and all our stuff and I've never had even a foot of sway(wag), wind or no wind.
There are 212 comments on here as I add mine. I am SUPER critical of videos like this. Presenting as an expert on the topic, making definitive statements, etc. I noticed several people mentioning the lack of WDH and antisway, but not really making that the main point. I can't see anyone in their right mind towing much over 5000 pounds on a half-ton w/o a weight distributing hitch and sway control. A one ton dually isn't going to make that much difference. It isn't the truck that causes sway, it's the set up. If you put that trailer on a one ton dually with the same tongue weight etc. and drive it in the same setting, wind, speed, road imperfections... it's still going to sway. The sway will have less of an impact on a heavy, more stable truck, but to towing enclosed trailers and travel trailers that are approaching 10,000 pounds you need WDH and anti-sway. I have towed my 31+ ft 8,000+ pound travel trailer with a Tundra and my current Sierra 1500 and it's done very well behind each of them. High winds, 70 mph, poor roads, one major emergency stop, and not a single issue due to a properly set up wdh w/anti-sway.
My 2022 Tundra SR5 is a half ton BEAST. 11,200lb pull weight, and 1900lb payload capacity. Can easily pull my 35ft jayco TT which is about 8500lb loaded, with a GVWR of 9700 (I never have it this heavy while towing since I don't boondock so never have full tanks). SOME full-sized half tons have really come a long way. With that said, a really robust weight distribution hitch like a blue ox is highly recommended.
This is good info. I don't have the truck I want (F-350 SRW) or a trailer but I'm planning on doing an overland rig with these types of offroad trailers. I have been binge watching these types of videos so I can learn as much as possible before leaving a dealership and hopping on the highway after just one 15 min lesson from a sales person.
What is the trucks tongue weight capacity without a WDH? The truck was squatting so badly the poor towing experience shouldn't have been a surprise. The experience might be different with a WDH and a sway control.
We had a 9k lb TT towed with a diesel Ford Excursion. I white knuckled it for the first year we had it. Once I installed a Hensley hitch all sway was eliminated. It's an expensive hitch but worth it. Crosswinds, passing semi's, no sway.
Thank you so much JD, as I have purchased this trailer from ROA and I have ordered a F35O Tremor to pull the trailer. With all the delays in getting my new F350 I was looking to maybe pull it back home with my F150 Power Boost, but after your video it’s not going to happen.
I'd say since all the batteries etc are in the back of that camper is causing all of that. Now if they can re do that, and have it so you can use a weight distribution hitch would be so much better. pretty scary experience for sure. Great video and I am looking forward to seeing more of you using this truck towing..
This is exactly what was happening with my F150, while I pulled a Lance Travel Trailer that weights 8000 lbs. fully loaded. I could only travel at 55 mph max. It started to sway and I had a death grip on the wheel. I bought a F250 7.6L gas (terrible gas mileage) and added a B&W weight distribution hitch. I’ll be looking for a RAM truck. Thank you. This was great information.
Great video, a lot of people do not take wind into consideration with campers. They simply look at weight and don't think of the fact that they essentially have a large wind sail behind them and a lightweight truck trying to handle those forces of the wind against the trailer. I cringe when I see a 38' travel trailer behind a 1/2 ton, it is barely adequate if at all under ideal circumstances and can quickly become a danger to everyone that shares the road with them if mother nature or passing vehicles throw any wind their way.
I’d be curious to see you immediately hook that to your dually and see how the wind reacted with it. I think the fact that the Offroad trailer has a hi flex hitch setup and softer more articulating suspension makes the trailer handle poorly. Just curious if the wind would have that trailer whipping behind the f450, obviously the f450 would handle it but it’s still not good if the trailer still sways around behind you.
I pulled my 6000lb GDesign with my 2500 GMC 17000 KM last year with no special Weight Dist Hitch and no problems . I have down sized to a Chev 1500 and tried it. I bought an Equalizer Hitch.
What you have just experienced is what I call the (Pucker Factor). I am a big GM fan and I had (2) 1500 Chevy silverados. The weight of the trailer that I was towing was very close to the numbers you have in this video. I also have the Reese weight distribution hitch with the built in sway control. What I experienced was duing the first 30 to 45 minutes of highway driving I had to white knuckle the steering wheel until the tires warmed up and the pressure came up as well. From then on it was no problem. I believe this issue was caused by the pretty 20 inch wheels and tires that I don't think are really the best combination for towing so close to the max rating of the truck. I fixed this by buying a bigger truck. I bought a Chevy 3500 dually and everything is perfect from the beginning to the end of the trip.
Install Firestone rear Air Suspension System which significantly helps stabilizes the rear sway in cross winds. I have used the Firestone rear air in my E450 for years major positive difference when towing.
JD you are testing the truck at its limits with the wind and the closeness to the max tow, you should expect push back when you obviously show not have been towing in the high wind condition.
That's interesting. I have a 2021 GMC 1500 AT4 with the tow package. It has the 6.2L and 10 speed transmission. My camper is a little smaller and lighter at 26 foot and a weight of 5,850 lbs. with 2040 lbs. of cargo. It has a hitch of 783lbs. I have a combo load leveler and anti-sway hitch. I changed trucks after I bought the camper, so I had to take it out and see how it would do. Fortunately, it was a windy day, much like in your video. I ran about 40 miles on county roads, state roads and a highway. It did great! Truck and camper were mostly empty and to be honest about it, I don't think it would do so well if I went over another 2500 lbs. I say that because I had between the truck and camper, another added 2,300 lbs. to it and I could really tell it was there at 60 mph. I know it would help if I had something other than soft wall all terrain tires.
Geez people watch and listen to the video. JD knows what he was doing. That was the point of the video. I would like to see another video with weight distribution hitch to compare. You commented about how the trailer was poorly balanced with batteries, etc. I wonder how that affected you.
You made some good points, on the video, what i would like to see is a similar video with a 3/4 ton same wind conditions, similar wieght differences, no wieght distribution, or sway control. The truck only had 1,000 lb left on max. I have seen large trucks pulling large trailers going to fast on the highways. Thinking bigger means faster. I also think that depending on your what you can afford, and if you are only a short tripping 1/2 properly equipped can work. 3/4 ton cost around $129,000, C class rv $124,000.
Love the channel and this video. I am a towing NOVICE, but it seems that continually applying trailer brakes to control sway could possibly create an overheating/fade condition in the trailer brakes.
You need a weight distribution hitch and anti sway bar with a half ton truck and a trailer at that weight. You are towing dangerously. Set the tow up correctly then test it
My Chevy 1500 could pull my Jayco 32 with ease but any wind combined with tractor trailers and buses passing me made for interesting rides. I was able to get ram 2500 and it made the difference.
Whats real funny is I had a 22 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland v6 8 speed and it had a 6200lb towing rating. It couldn't get pass 5th gear with my empty 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer.
I have a 2017 Sierra Denali 1500 with the 6.2L Gas, and a 26Ft Travel Trailer that Weights 5700lbs. 1st trip I took it on was through the Praries to the West Coast. I had it hooked up with a WDH but no Sway Control. It was the Worst Driving Experience of my life... I haven't towed it much since and each time I have its been a white knuckle experience. The Sway that you experience just kills the confidence... on perfectly calm day with no wind, I can't tell its there BUT that almost never happens. Because of this I am looking at a 2500 Diesel and I will be upgrading my hitch to a Sway Control with WDH.
The truck will tow much heavier if you have the proper hitch setup. I towed over 10k with my LM2, with 1000lb of tongue weight and 1000lb in bed. But again, everyone has to use an f450
With a capacity of 1,500 lbs minus the 900 hitch weight minus 2 people, minus fuel and stuff equals overloaded. Our trailer weighs 7k even with double sway controls on heavy mega cab diesel you feel the wind still. I’ve seen so many people towing 30’ trailers with 1/2 ton trucks all over the road in the wind, the length also has a major factor in drivability. We’re going shopping for a fifth wheel now for stability and more room.
Ok. Problems towing with a half ton. I personally would never haul a high profile trailer without a WD hitch. Even if this was a three quarter ton single rear wheel or dually truck I would still have a WD hitch. People don't get it. I see it on the highway everyday. I also see my neighbor towing his 34ft 5th wheel with an elderly Dodge Power Wagon. The squat is something to behold. He says it is fine and he knows what he's doing. Apparently a whole lot people tow with minimal equipment and/or whatever they have. It is amazing that more people aren't killed.
Weight distribution hitch is mandatory, 950 is overloaded, and your dry weight is 3-500 more than listed most of the time. I pul a 34ft, 6300lb dry weight rv all over this country with this truck loaded down with stuff and family. I tow with a blue ox 20000lb wdh. Never had even an inch of sway. It tows as good as my f250 diesel without a wdh.
When your not able to use a distribution hitch in that case the Timbren suspension system from etrailer is awesome. I installed on my 2021 GMC elevation 1/2 ton with the 3.0 diesel. Helps with sway control. I pulled my RV in that wind also here in Texas it ripped my vent for my stove right off the side of the RV. Great video
Applying trailer brakes may allow you to keep control but you run the chance of overheating your trailer brakes and causing a mechanical failure by doing that. Friction causes heat and that heat can cause brake shoes to crack, bearing grease to melt and run out, and tires/wheels to get hot and possibly fail. Like you say in your videos you need the right truck for the trailer you’re pulling. There’s a difference between using too small of a truck to move a trailer around a private lot under 5mph and pulling it in traffic on an interstate.
So you don’t have the proper towing equipment (IE WD hitch and sway control) and then use the lack of proper towing equipment as a reason to tell people you can’t tow with a half ton. I normally like your videos but you were 100% the cause of all your “Towing Issues” in this video.
It's a 7,500 lb trailer with 960 lb worth of tongue weight being towed by a 2023 diesel half ton truck with a payload capacity significantly higher and a towing capacity that's also significantly higher. I wonder if the folks who constantly believe I bash half ton trucks and say they can tow so much more than people think but the same ones making this comment about using a weight distribution hitch sway control and other proper tow equipment on a trailer that is actually relatively light.
We had a 26ft Jayco travel trailer that we originally towed with an Expedition EL and later a F250. Did the F250 tow it better? Of course. Could it tow it without the weight distribution/sway control? WYes, however in the wind like you were driving in it would have swayed all over the place. The trailer was comparable in weight to what you are pulling.
@@BTBRVReviews you made this out to be a truck problem. It was not in my eyes a truck problem. It was the lack of proper towing. If you have made this video about the effects of towing a trailer without sway control or wd hitch it would have been a great video. To me it just came off as you trying to back up the fact that you think every RV needs to be towed with a 1 ton dually. News flash not everyone can afford a $100k pickup to do one thing nor does everyone want a $100k pickup. I feel that if you are towing a bumper pull RV trailer you should be using a wd hitch and sway control. I also understand that you can't go modifying an RV or pickup that was loaned to you.
Yo Brett Young! Did you even watch the video? There is no way to install a sway devise of any kind DOLT. His whole point was that this is not enough truck for this RV
A Hensley or Pro Pride hitch would eliminate all that sway. I tow a 38' bumper pull toy hauler with a 2021 Chevy 2500HD and with all the weight of my UTV in the rear of the toy hauler I had considerable sway with a conventional weight distribution hitch. I upgraded to a Hensley hitch and I can now tow at 70 mph with ease.
I appreciate this video a lot. Is there a weight distribution hitch that is EASY to remove the bars/chains when you get to your destination and want to go off-roading?
Do you think the weight distribution in the pause is part of the issue, meaning the battery and inverter etc etc all the way in the back. I hope you get a change to do the same test with the x195 from imperial outdoors
I think the comment you put in the front of the video was very important. I would add that it seems like this trailer was not properly distributed front to back and that was the primary issue creating sway. Yah the wind doesn't help matters, and yah a WDH with Sway control could help, but fixing the trailer would be top of mind just by watching it.
I tow 6000 with my 21/F150 usually solo. The set up works very very well. Stable and trouble free. My gut says $8k, would probably push the safe limits with a (my) half ton.
I have a PW, but not sure I’d want to tow this. The payload isn’t that great on a PW, so I’d think I’d be better off with a smaller trailer, from the Black Series. I am thankful to see this as I don’t have any tow experience and found this educational. Will be a couple years before I get a trailer.
I pulled my 31 ft toy hauler with 2 Harleys in the back. I had a Blue Ox set up and it was worthless. That sway is nothing compared to what i had going on. Flat out dangerous. I bought a Pro Pride and a duelly so now i feel good about it
I understand even more now why you are always recommending that people stay well under their towing and payload capacities, especially when towing higher profile trailers.
i have a 2023 at4 with the same lz0 i tows 1200lb and the truck do fine this is interesting i was told my max towing is 13000lb.. when i bought the truck
Great video! It would probably handle better with a jim Hensley or Pro Pride hitch. I have the same truck and have the PP Hitch and it eliminates almost all sway on the truck, but that doesn't mean the the trailer doesn't sway. Keep up the good work!
need an update regarding the Pause weight placement - have they moved their batteries/electronics? even with a 3/4 ton truck the trailer will still be unbalanced even though the truck is a more capable tow vehicle
This is one that is a bit ridiculous IMO. You have an improperly loaded trailer per your disclaimer, with 30mph cross winds. There was zero sway in any of the footage. Clearly what you’re feeling is the wind. And clearly you’re hitting bumps every time you’re like “oh there it is”.. Towing any travel trailer like that with a 30mph cross wind is going to feel sketchy…
Sway control and load leveling are extremely important. (You can crash without it) What most people never check… how much weight you are loading into a trailer and the legal maximum amount it can carry. They will break your truck or cause you to crash much faster. Not to mention, it is unlawful to over load a truck with a trailer. Get stopped and get fined… crash, and you could go to jail.
Just curious why you didn’t use a WDH to get a more controlled and safer towing experience? I probably wouldn’t tow that trailer without one but that’s just me. I like your videos as you are very detailed. Thank you.
Yes...I would tow that trailer with a 1/2 ton truck...With the addition of a weight distribution hitch with sway control...Of all the camping trailers I've owned over the years I've never had an issue with sway and handling using a WDH...Just got to have enough tongue weight which as a rule of thumb is 10-15% of the weight of the trailer...
A tall trailer in a strong crosswind even if setup even perfectly might still be swaying. This doesn't appear to be any evidence of the trucks capabilities. You have to drive for conditions.
900 lbs on the hitch, 1.2 ton truck, windy day, what could possibly go wrong! we tow about 6000 lbs with 700 on the ball with our 1/2 ton with WD and sway control. a strong crosswind like that and we would stay where we are
First off, it was a terrible day to be towing anything. Weight distribution would help. Feathering the trailer break that much is not the best idea. You'll get them too hot, and they won't be there when you really need them. Other than that, I do like your videos. You always provide great insight and information.
Such large trailers that are angular on the side are dangerous because they act like a tightly stretched sail. Here, the shape of the trailer is more important than its weight. I wonder if the GMC in the longer version with a standard bed would cope better(?) Maybe a little and there wouldn't be much payload left.
I don't remember if you mentioned whether that truck had sway control built in. I know my old 2500 does, I'd be surprised if that loaded-up Denali didn't. 👍🏼
Hopefully you go right back out with your 450 and we can see the difference just changing the truck makes I do wonder given your comments about the weight distribution in the trailer if that wasn’t a much bigger factor in how the truck and trailer handled. I will note that you did exceed one limitation towing this trailer. GM says on the 1500 that if your over 7000lbs of towed weight a weight distribution hitch is required. It would be very interesting to see how a good wd/sway control hitch like a weigh safe would alter the towing experience with that combination of truck and trailer.
Your calculations are not just wrong… it is extremely dangerous. If you crash with it overloaded… and hurt someone… you can be sued and / or go to prison should you harm someone.
I have a minimum level 3/4 ton. Towing max 11,800 payload 340o. Even at that level. I would add an Anti-sway automatic breaking system. Also, I would trust my 6.4 liter HDMI, to a turbo 6.
Is the ground clearance from the lowest point of the B&W hitch once your all hitched up above or below the clearance from your trailer axles to the ground?
F450 time! Lol i have probably said this before but i tow my micro lite with a king ranch f250 6.7 powerstroke. Dont care if its a 6k pound trailer it makes traveling with the family (loud kids!) Much easier!
What does GMC say about needing a WDH? I didn’t look like you had one. Ford requires one at 500lbs of tongue weight. Personally I’d get a 250/350 Tremor with 7.3 for that trailer.
Were you using a WDH with sway control ? I think that a WDH is just a requirement for 1/2 ton trucks. If you weren’t using a similar setup with that off balance trailer then i call for a redo!
I see all the hate comments already coming. If anybody wanted to know, the point of this video wasn't to show how to set up a truck perfectly for towing a trailer this way, it was to make a point regarding the weight and power of a truck and it's ability to tow even a relatively light trailer. I made the point multiple times that even though this truck's stickered hitch capacity is 880 lb, the total payload capacity is over 1400 lb. This is because GM factors in people and equipment inside of the truck which we didn't have much of. So many times I hear folks with halfton trucks say that modern half ton trucks can tow so much more and handle so much more weight than they ever have been able to, I don't disagree. This video is simply to show that even a 7,500 lb trailer with 960 lb worth of tongue weight can stress a half ton truck out.
I think you just found out the weak link in the air bag independent trailing link suspension, they can self steer when exposed to cross wind imposed sway.
JD the heck w the Trolls, I had a 2016 Ram 5.7 1500 pulling a Grand design XLS 22 MLE, I Was getting pulled and pushed all over the place in Florida no hills very little wind. I upgraded the truck within a month. Yes I had airbags yes I was well within my weight limits, BUT my family safety comes first. Can’t tell you how many “haters” have given negative comments but I just say 🤷♂️
I would never drive that combination of truck / trailer. Driving it up or down over a mountain pass would be dangerous.
I totally get the point of this video and COMPLETELY agree with it. I have a Jeep Commander with 7,200 tow capacity and absolutely would NOT tow more than 6,500 lbs. EVERY camping trailer dealership should have your mindset on this issue and the integrity to refuse to sell too much trailer for the buyer's tow vehicle. And even though you've just DEMONSTRATED the hazards of towing too much trailer, there will still be 100s, if not 1,000s of ppl that will remain convinced their 1/2 ton is fully capable of towing more than the mfgr's CGVWR 🤪
I'm blaming the hitch arrangement in this case. Too much tongue weight without some kind of weight distribution and sway control
Good demonstration of why weight distribution AND sway control in the hitch setup is so important.
JD, the cool part is that you and your dad have towing experience and know what a bad or scary towing situation feels like. The bad part is that not everyone knows what scary looks or feels like. Thus, four days ago, we saw a truck and trailer very similar to this setup upside-down in the interstate. Just because the numbers say you can tow a trailer, does not mean you should.
As a trucker for over 40 years I know it’s important to scale your truck correctly over all your axles. My point is, with no cargo weight or less weight in the front of the truck and slightly over weight in the rear it could cause the front axle to be light. Hence causing sway.
Sway control and weight distribution would have made this experience more pleasant. I say this cuz not everyone has access to nor can afford a 3/4 1ton or has the need for one on a more than regular basis. But it's a reality check for those like myself who want to haul even a small lifestyle trailer.
It amazing what a perfectly setup WDH does. I have a 7000lbs 30ft Heritage Glen and tow it with a 2021 F150. I pulled it home form the dealer without my WDH because it was only about 15 miles and you could really feel it. Once I got my WDH setup it was night and day difference. It stopped any sway and towed great. I know this trailer isn't really setup to accepted a WDH so then you need to go overkill on truck size.
Seeing that sway is the reason I bought a propride hitch. Absolutely love it. Definitely feel it working on windy days like that. I know they are expensive but to me and my safety its worth every penny. Glad you are safe on the road.
Next upgrade for me is a propride.
Propride changed our experience massively.
I just installed a Pro Pride. Can't wait to try it out
I got a Hensley hitch love it
Haven't tried the Propride, but I went with an Andersen on 29' Bullet and love it. Weight distribution and trailer balance are so important
Try it with a weight distribution hitch for a comparison. Love the videos!
The more trailer ownership and towing videos we watch, the more we lean toward keeping our Kodiak canvas tent. We appreciate the knowledge.
Great video JD. I listened as you explained what was happening and what you were doing. People just have to listen. Looking forward to more tow videos. Best content ever.
I know you are probably not allowed to put any type of weight distributing sway control on to that trailer due to the aluminum frame and it's not yours. But to be fair it would be nice to see a comparison video with weight distributing sway control. If not, see how it tows with a three-quarter ton PU without weight distributing sway control.
JD, on feb. 27 St Louis area, we have a f150 w/heave tow package (12,000 lb) a 6950 lb Jayco. We had 25 mph sustained wind and 35 to 45 mph gusts. Made it 3 miles before turning around, you might ask of experience? Last camper, same size 40,000 miles! The second attempt that day, made it 1 mile, third ALL THE WAY!!! But a 2.5 hr. trip took 3.5 hrs.
But we were safe and caught a lot of TROUT.
All half ton trucks need an equalizer hitch , especially ones with air ride suspension . Many people pull much heavier trailers than this and don’t have any problems with half ton trucks doing the job.
I had a 13 1500 ram tradesman. Drove it for seven years and my wife and i started talking about an rv. She said why dont you get a new truck. Oh hey, lets do it before she changes her mind. I traded for a new 2500 cummins 4x4 tradesman crew cab. Metalic black and chrome. It was, WAS, a beautiful truck. We had it for three years. Long enough to realize that the 2400 pound payload wasnt going to do what we needed. So, i traded it in. I learned the hard way as many do. It was very low mileage and in excellent shape so it didnt hurt too bad. Wound up with a 3500 Cummins ho 4x4 tradesman crew cab. 5300lbs payload, 5th wheel prep 50 gal fuel tank 410 gear, rear air suspennsion. We love it. The hunt is on. Many thanks for your excellent vids.
I drive a 2023 GMC 1500 Denali with the 6.2L. I tow a KZ Vision R20RBS ultralight trailer with an Equal-i-zer WDH. Loaded for the road, it scales as follows.
Steer - 3,160 (rated @ 3,800)
Drive - 3,680 (rated @ 3,800)
Trailer - 4,980 (rated @ 5,200)
Gross - 11,820 (rated @ 15,000)
I put 8,000 miles on this rig in 2024 and it pulls like a dream in all conditions.
Even with a WDH on the rig you reviewed, I believe if you were to put pen to paper, you would find that your truck was way overloaded (as you experienced on your drive).
Also....I've had a CDL for 40 years....Milage is between 9mpg and 12mpg, depending on speed (60mph to 70mph) and terrain.
Great video! We were chased by a storm in West Texas with winds of 55+ mph winds. We managed to mostly stay ahead of it, but it was white knuckle all the way back to Dallas.
You make very good videos on trailer safety. Your advice coupled with examples on the road are very educational. Too many people hit the road with no knowledge of the words payload, towing capacity, tongue weight etc. Thank you so much.
Thanks for the great video. Some people don't quite understand what you were saying are things they need to be aware of. I know exactly the stretch of highway in Corpus Christi and that gives me additional appreciation of what you are saying.
The truck can handle it. It’s just a poorly balanced trailer. I hate to feel the sway. Nothing worse than constantly being uncomfortable when towing. Great video!
As you stated in your captions. That they did say that the trailer may pull a bit unstably do to the off grid batteries and everything required with it is in the back and that they are researching to change that to make it more balanced. That would reduce the tendency of making the tow vehicle feel lighter on the rear end especially over slight bounces on the highway but also noted that you said that the hitch weight of the trailer is 950 lbs. The company does place the batteries further forward to balance the trailer more. You would definitely need at least a 3/4 ton on up to compensate for the heavier hitch weight which would most likely increase it to a bit over 1,000 pounds dry weight.. I would say at least a 1 ton single rear wheel truck. In reality, I don't know for sure, but I think that most of the people that would buy that trailer wouldn't even take it over landing. It be more of a cool factor than its actual intended purpose. Just like most people that go out and spend over 100,000 dollars for a Ford Raptor and it spends most of its time as a highway princess.. Again another cool factor to say I have one..
One thing to keep in mind about exceeding tongue weight ratings, yes it is true you are below the payload rating. But keep in mind the weight distribution. When factoring in the cabin contents (people) that weight is distributed to the front axle too. By exceeding the tongue rating you’re creating a moment around the rear axle. Potentially lifting weight from the front and overloading the rear. I would be interested to see the numbers at a scale how the axles are loaded. Overall a great point about having to take into consideration the trailer dimensions and not just looking at the weight numbers.
JD, I used your advice 4 years ago, and liked your by-the-numbers approach. Though my 3/4 ton diesel pickup has a 15,000# towing capacity, I just felt the 5th wheel RV I had with 13,900# GVWR just seemed too close to the edge (admittedly, I typically wear a belt AND suspenders). BTW, the RV salesman never even asked what I'd be towing with. Buyer beware...many of the salespeople are out to SELL RVs as top priority.
I've since paired the same truck to a 7500# GVWR bumper-pull trailer. Much more comfortable towing at 50% (or even 75%) capacity than 90+%.
Also, I see YTers advocating converting towable RVs to LT (light truck) tires. 3 different tire store managers talked me out of doing so. The RV tires are designed for the "scrubbing action" resulting from a turn in which the tires on either side of RV go non-colinear (they're grinding on the pavement). 2 seasons and under 3,000 miles into my current TT, I just upgraded from factory 6-ply tires to 8-ply Goodyear Endurance RV tires. People who've told me that was way-unnecessary also told me it was no-worries towing a few hundred pounds over my truck's towing capacity.
Towing's one metric of "capacity"; controlling and stopping are 2 more.
Thanks for encouraging RVers to take ownership for their own famlies' safety.
I hope that you do the F450 tow on the same day under the same windy conditions. Would love to see how it compares.
This is exactly what I needed to see. I have the very same truck now and am evaluating what road (not offroad) trailers would work with this truck. Thank you! You have shown me a definite limit of the truck.
I tow a 34ft 6200lb trailer all over the country with this truck...tires must be load range d or e equivalent, and I run a blue ox 20000lb weight distribution hitch. I get 14mpg average with 4 occupants and all our stuff and I've never had even a foot of sway(wag), wind or no wind.
There are 212 comments on here as I add mine. I am SUPER critical of videos like this. Presenting as an expert on the topic, making definitive statements, etc. I noticed several people mentioning the lack of WDH and antisway, but not really making that the main point. I can't see anyone in their right mind towing much over 5000 pounds on a half-ton w/o a weight distributing hitch and sway control. A one ton dually isn't going to make that much difference. It isn't the truck that causes sway, it's the set up. If you put that trailer on a one ton dually with the same tongue weight etc. and drive it in the same setting, wind, speed, road imperfections... it's still going to sway. The sway will have less of an impact on a heavy, more stable truck, but to towing enclosed trailers and travel trailers that are approaching 10,000 pounds you need WDH and anti-sway. I have towed my 31+ ft 8,000+ pound travel trailer with a Tundra and my current Sierra 1500 and it's done very well behind each of them. High winds, 70 mph, poor roads, one major emergency stop, and not a single issue due to a properly set up wdh w/anti-sway.
My 2022 Tundra SR5 is a half ton BEAST. 11,200lb pull weight, and 1900lb payload capacity. Can easily pull my 35ft jayco TT which is about 8500lb loaded, with a GVWR of 9700 (I never have it this heavy while towing since I don't boondock so never have full tanks). SOME full-sized half tons have really come a long way. With that said, a really robust weight distribution hitch like a blue ox is highly recommended.
This is good info. I don't have the truck I want (F-350 SRW) or a trailer but I'm planning on doing an overland rig with these types of offroad trailers. I have been binge watching these types of videos so I can learn as much as possible before leaving a dealership and hopping on the highway after just one 15 min lesson from a sales person.
What is the trucks tongue weight capacity without a WDH? The truck was squatting so badly the poor towing experience shouldn't have been a surprise.
The experience might be different with a WDH and a sway control.
In the beginning btbrv says something about the suspension but just glossed over it without explaining it very well.
@@CPTTango30 in a previous video JD showed the tongue weight and squat.
We had a 9k lb TT towed with a diesel Ford Excursion. I white knuckled it for the first year we had it. Once I installed a Hensley hitch all sway was eliminated. It's an expensive hitch but worth it. Crosswinds, passing semi's, no sway.
I think some sort of sway control should be used when on pavement. When get to your offroad destination take that off. Easy fix👍
Thank you so much JD, as I have purchased this trailer from ROA and I have ordered a F35O Tremor to pull the trailer. With all the delays in getting my new F350 I was looking to maybe pull it back home with my F150 Power Boost, but after your video it’s not going to happen.
I'd say since all the batteries etc are in the back of that camper is causing all of that. Now if they can re do that, and have it so you can use a weight distribution hitch would be so much better. pretty scary experience for sure. Great video and I am looking forward to seeing more of you using this truck towing..
This is exactly what was happening with my F150, while I pulled a Lance Travel Trailer that weights 8000 lbs. fully loaded. I could only travel at 55 mph max. It started to sway and I had a death grip on the wheel. I bought a F250 7.6L gas (terrible gas mileage) and added a B&W weight distribution hitch. I’ll be looking for a RAM truck. Thank you. This was great information.
Great video, a lot of people do not take wind into consideration with campers. They simply look at weight and don't think of the fact that they essentially have a large wind sail behind them and a lightweight truck trying to handle those forces of the wind against the trailer. I cringe when I see a 38' travel trailer behind a 1/2 ton, it is barely adequate if at all under ideal circumstances and can quickly become a danger to everyone that shares the road with them if mother nature or passing vehicles throw any wind their way.
I’d be curious to see you immediately hook that to your dually and see how the wind reacted with it. I think the fact that the Offroad trailer has a hi flex hitch setup and softer more articulating suspension makes the trailer handle poorly. Just curious if the wind would have that trailer whipping behind the f450, obviously the f450 would handle it but it’s still not good if the trailer still sways around behind you.
I pulled my 6000lb GDesign with my 2500 GMC 17000 KM last year with no special Weight Dist Hitch and no problems . I have down sized to a Chev 1500 and tried it. I bought an Equalizer Hitch.
What you have just experienced is what I call the (Pucker Factor). I am a big GM fan and I had (2) 1500 Chevy silverados. The weight of the trailer that I was towing was very close to the numbers you have in this video. I also have the Reese weight distribution hitch with the built in sway control. What I experienced was duing the first 30 to 45 minutes of highway driving I had to white knuckle the steering wheel until the tires warmed up and the pressure came up as well. From then on it was no problem. I believe this issue was caused by the pretty 20 inch wheels and tires that I don't think are really the best combination for towing so close to the max rating of the truck. I fixed this by buying a bigger truck. I bought a Chevy 3500 dually and everything is perfect from the beginning to the end of the trip.
Install Firestone rear Air Suspension System which significantly helps stabilizes the rear sway in cross winds.
I have used the Firestone rear air in my E450 for years major positive difference when towing.
JD you are testing the truck at its limits with the wind and the closeness to the max tow, you should expect push back when you obviously show not have been towing in the high wind condition.
That's interesting. I have a 2021 GMC 1500 AT4 with the tow package. It has the 6.2L and 10 speed transmission. My camper is a little smaller and lighter at 26 foot and a weight of 5,850 lbs. with 2040 lbs. of cargo. It has a hitch of 783lbs. I have a combo load leveler and anti-sway hitch. I changed trucks after I bought the camper, so I had to take it out and see how it would do. Fortunately, it was a windy day, much like in your video. I ran about 40 miles on county roads, state roads and a highway. It did great! Truck and camper were mostly empty and to be honest about it, I don't think it would do so well if I went over another 2500 lbs. I say that because I had between the truck and camper, another added 2,300 lbs. to it and I could really tell it was there at 60 mph. I know it would help if I had something other than soft wall all terrain tires.
Geez people watch and listen to the video. JD knows what he was doing. That was the point of the video.
I would like to see another video with weight distribution hitch to compare.
You commented about how the trailer was poorly balanced with batteries, etc. I wonder how that affected you.
Thanks, This video helped!
What did you have the gain set at on the trailer brake?
You made some good points, on the video, what i would like to see is a similar video with a 3/4 ton same wind conditions, similar wieght differences, no wieght distribution, or sway control. The truck only had 1,000 lb left on max. I have seen large trucks pulling large trailers going to fast on the highways. Thinking bigger means faster. I also think that depending on your what you can afford, and if you are only a short tripping 1/2 properly equipped can work. 3/4 ton cost around $129,000, C class rv $124,000.
Love the channel and this video. I am a towing NOVICE, but it seems that continually applying trailer brakes to control sway could possibly create an overheating/fade condition in the trailer brakes.
More importantly, you can cook out the grease from your wheel bearings.
You need a weight distribution hitch and anti sway bar with a half ton truck and a trailer at that weight. You are towing dangerously. Set the tow up correctly then test it
My Chevy 1500 could pull my Jayco 32 with ease but any wind combined with tractor trailers and buses passing me made for interesting rides. I was able to get ram 2500 and it made the difference.
Whats real funny is I had a 22 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland v6 8 speed and it had a 6200lb towing rating. It couldn't get pass 5th gear with my empty 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer.
I have a 2017 Sierra Denali 1500 with the 6.2L Gas, and a 26Ft Travel Trailer that Weights 5700lbs. 1st trip I took it on was through the Praries to the West Coast. I had it hooked up with a WDH but no Sway Control. It was the Worst Driving Experience of my life... I haven't towed it much since and each time I have its been a white knuckle experience. The Sway that you experience just kills the confidence... on perfectly calm day with no wind, I can't tell its there BUT that almost never happens. Because of this I am looking at a 2500 Diesel and I will be upgrading my hitch to a Sway Control with WDH.
The trailering packing would help with the sway. Slowing down is not a crime when wind is high.
The truck will tow much heavier if you have the proper hitch setup. I towed over 10k with my LM2, with 1000lb of tongue weight and 1000lb in bed. But again, everyone has to use an f450
With a capacity of 1,500 lbs minus the 900 hitch weight minus 2 people, minus fuel and stuff equals overloaded. Our trailer weighs 7k even with double sway controls on heavy mega cab diesel you feel the wind still. I’ve seen so many people towing 30’ trailers with 1/2 ton trucks all over the road in the wind, the length also has a major factor in drivability. We’re going shopping for a fifth wheel now for stability and more room.
Just invest in a weight distribution hitch you will be fine
Ok. Problems towing with a half ton. I personally would never haul a high profile trailer without a WD hitch. Even if this was a three quarter ton single rear wheel or dually truck I would still have a WD hitch. People don't get it. I see it on the highway everyday. I also see my neighbor towing his 34ft 5th wheel with an elderly Dodge Power Wagon. The squat is something to behold. He says it is fine and he knows what he's doing. Apparently a whole lot people tow with minimal equipment and/or whatever they have. It is amazing that more people aren't killed.
Weight distribution hitch is mandatory, 950 is overloaded, and your dry weight is 3-500 more than listed most of the time.
I pul a 34ft, 6300lb dry weight rv all over this country with this truck loaded down with stuff and family. I tow with a blue ox 20000lb wdh. Never had even an inch of sway. It tows as good as my f250 diesel without a wdh.
When your not able to use a distribution hitch in that case the Timbren suspension system from etrailer is awesome. I installed on my 2021 GMC elevation 1/2 ton with the 3.0 diesel. Helps with sway control. I pulled my RV in that wind also here in Texas it ripped my vent for my stove right off the side of the RV. Great video
Applying trailer brakes may allow you to keep control but you run the chance of overheating your trailer brakes and causing a mechanical failure by doing that. Friction causes heat and that heat can cause brake shoes to crack, bearing grease to melt and run out, and tires/wheels to get hot and possibly fail. Like you say in your videos you need the right truck for the trailer you’re pulling. There’s a difference between using too small of a truck to move a trailer around a private lot under 5mph and pulling it in traffic on an interstate.
So you don’t have the proper towing equipment (IE WD hitch and sway control) and then use the lack of proper towing equipment as a reason to tell people you can’t tow with a half ton. I normally like your videos but you were 100% the cause of all your “Towing Issues” in this video.
It's a 7,500 lb trailer with 960 lb worth of tongue weight being towed by a 2023 diesel half ton truck with a payload capacity significantly higher and a towing capacity that's also significantly higher. I wonder if the folks who constantly believe I bash half ton trucks and say they can tow so much more than people think but the same ones making this comment about using a weight distribution hitch sway control and other proper tow equipment on a trailer that is actually relatively light.
We had a 26ft Jayco travel trailer that we originally towed with an Expedition EL and later a F250. Did the F250 tow it better? Of course. Could it tow it without the weight distribution/sway control? WYes, however in the wind like you were driving in it would have swayed all over the place. The trailer was comparable in weight to what you are pulling.
@@BTBRVReviews you made this out to be a truck problem. It was not in my eyes a truck problem. It was the lack of proper towing. If you have made this video about the effects of towing a trailer without sway control or wd hitch it would have been a great video. To me it just came off as you trying to back up the fact that you think every RV needs to be towed with a 1 ton dually. News flash not everyone can afford a $100k pickup to do one thing nor does everyone want a $100k pickup.
I feel that if you are towing a bumper pull RV trailer you should be using a wd hitch and sway control.
I also understand that you can't go modifying an RV or pickup that was loaned to you.
Yo Brett Young! Did you even watch the video? There is no way to install a sway devise of any kind DOLT. His whole point was that this is not enough truck for this RV
@@dandobucki7414 you're right I forgot that it didn't have the standard hitch.
If you PROPERLY EQUIP your tow vehicle and know how to properly drive a tow vehicle this is simply not an issue.
A Hensley or Pro Pride hitch would eliminate all that sway. I tow a 38' bumper pull toy hauler with a 2021 Chevy 2500HD and with all the weight of my UTV in the rear of the toy hauler I had considerable sway with a conventional weight distribution hitch. I upgraded to a Hensley hitch and I can now tow at 70 mph with ease.
I appreciate this video a lot. Is there a weight distribution hitch that is EASY to remove the bars/chains when you get to your destination and want to go off-roading?
Everyone I've ever used or seen takes maybe 3-5 minutes.
Alternative hitches will be interesting… everything you have said is on point. Looking forward to your next video
Do you think the weight distribution in the pause is part of the issue, meaning the battery and inverter etc etc all the way in the back. I hope you get a change to do the same test with the x195 from imperial outdoors
You should do a show on a truckcamper. So many on the road are overloaded and are an accident waiting to happen.
Yes you were the first to do a video on YT
I think the comment you put in the front of the video was very important. I would add that it seems like this trailer was not properly distributed front to back and that was the primary issue creating sway. Yah the wind doesn't help matters, and yah a WDH with Sway control could help, but fixing the trailer would be top of mind just by watching it.
Mmmm , I love whataburger !❤😋
I have seen where this particular rv is made for Anderson distribution hitch.
I tow 6000 with my 21/F150 usually solo. The set up works very very well. Stable and trouble free. My gut says $8k, would probably push the safe limits with a (my) half ton.
I have a PW, but not sure I’d want to tow this. The payload isn’t that great on a PW, so I’d think I’d be better off with a smaller trailer, from the Black Series.
I am thankful to see this as I don’t have any tow experience and found this educational. Will be a couple years before I get a trailer.
I pulled my 31 ft toy hauler with 2 Harleys in the back. I had a Blue Ox set up and it was worthless. That sway is nothing compared to what i had going on. Flat out dangerous. I bought a Pro Pride and a duelly so now i feel good about it
I understand even more now why you are always recommending that people stay well under their towing and payload capacities, especially when towing higher profile trailers.
Try this again with a proper W/D system and see what happens.
Did you have a weight distribution and sway hitch on that trailer
16:21
i have a 2023 at4 with the same lz0 i tows 1200lb and the truck do fine this is interesting i was told my max towing is 13000lb.. when i bought the truck
Try using a Hensley Arrow hitch. Based on my experience, that would stop the wagging.
Great video! It would probably handle better with a jim Hensley or Pro Pride hitch. I have the same truck and have the PP Hitch and it eliminates almost all sway on the truck, but that doesn't mean the the trailer doesn't sway. Keep up the good work!
need an update regarding the Pause weight placement - have they moved their batteries/electronics? even with a 3/4 ton truck the trailer will still be unbalanced even though the truck is a more capable tow vehicle
This is one that is a bit ridiculous IMO. You have an improperly loaded trailer per your disclaimer, with 30mph cross winds. There was zero sway in any of the footage. Clearly what you’re feeling is the wind. And clearly you’re hitting bumps every time you’re like “oh there it is”.. Towing any travel trailer like that with a 30mph cross wind is going to feel sketchy…
Agreed with your father's wrap-up comments.
Fun and educational example video on real-world experience.
Sway control and load leveling are extremely important. (You can crash without it)
What most people never check… how much weight you are loading into a trailer and the legal maximum amount it can carry. They will break your truck or cause you to crash much faster. Not to mention, it is unlawful to over load a truck with a trailer. Get stopped and get fined… crash, and you could go to jail.
Zero sway control with that articulated hitch. A proper hitch with sway control and weight distribution would tow better.
Just curious why you didn’t use a WDH to get a more controlled and safer towing experience? I probably wouldn’t tow that trailer without one but that’s just me. I like your videos as you are very detailed. Thank you.
At the time this video is filmed, there was not a weight distribution system available
Great video 👍✌️🇨🇦
Yes...I would tow that trailer with a 1/2 ton truck...With the addition of a weight distribution hitch with sway control...Of all the camping trailers I've owned over the years I've never had an issue with sway and handling using a WDH...Just got to have enough tongue weight which as a rule of thumb is 10-15% of the weight of the trailer...
A tall trailer in a strong crosswind even if setup even perfectly might still be swaying. This doesn't appear to be any evidence of the trucks capabilities. You have to drive for conditions.
900 lbs on the hitch, 1.2 ton truck, windy day, what could possibly go wrong! we tow about 6000 lbs with 700 on the ball with our 1/2 ton with WD and sway control. a strong crosswind like that and we would stay where we are
First off, it was a terrible day to be towing anything. Weight distribution would help. Feathering the trailer break that much is not the best idea. You'll get them too hot, and they won't be there when you really need them. Other than that, I do like your videos. You always provide great insight and information.
Such large trailers that are angular on the side are dangerous because they act like a tightly stretched sail. Here, the shape of the trailer is more important than its weight. I wonder if the GMC in the longer version with a standard bed would cope better(?) Maybe a little and there wouldn't be much payload left.
I don't remember if you mentioned whether that truck had sway control built in. I know my old 2500 does, I'd be surprised if that loaded-up Denali didn't. 👍🏼
It does. Wasn't helping though
@@BTBRVReviews Really? That's handy to know.
Hopefully you go right back out with your 450 and we can see the difference just changing the truck makes I do wonder given your comments about the weight distribution in the trailer if that wasn’t a much bigger factor in how the truck and trailer handled.
I will note that you did exceed one limitation towing this trailer. GM says on the 1500 that if your over 7000lbs of towed weight a weight distribution hitch is required. It would be very interesting to see how a good wd/sway control hitch like a weigh safe would alter the towing experience with that combination of truck and trailer.
Probably more weight than I'd ever pull with a 1/2 ton, but I'd like to know how the diesel did actually getting that RV up to speed?
I’m curious of why no weight distribution hitch?
Kinda ironic Andre did the Ike with the Roamer1 with F150 Tremor and the Tremor ate it up. You can't tow in 35+ wind and expect a good experience.
Great video
Your calculations are not just wrong… it is extremely dangerous.
If you crash with it overloaded… and hurt someone… you can be sued and / or go to prison should you harm someone.
I have a minimum level 3/4 ton. Towing max 11,800 payload 340o. Even at that level. I would add an Anti-sway automatic breaking system. Also, I would trust my 6.4 liter HDMI, to a turbo 6.
Is the ground clearance from the lowest point of the B&W hitch once your all hitched up above or below the clearance from your trailer axles to the ground?
F450 time! Lol i have probably said this before but i tow my micro lite with a king ranch f250 6.7 powerstroke. Dont care if its a 6k pound trailer it makes traveling with the family (loud kids!) Much easier!
What does GMC say about needing a WDH? I didn’t look like you had one. Ford requires one at 500lbs of tongue weight. Personally I’d get a 250/350 Tremor with 7.3 for that trailer.
Were you using a WDH with sway control ? I think that a WDH is just a requirement for 1/2 ton trucks. If you weren’t using a similar setup with that off balance trailer then i call for a redo!