Any comments on a HD conversion as a TV? We are looking at a FW 19000lbs loaded plus a small car. I have read several posts here that talk about towing capacity but stoplng ability is not really mentioned.
I have no experience towing a FW yet but have towed my boat on a tri axle trailer 16000lbs with a one ton with no problem but was constantly concerned about stopping ability. Towing capacities of 350 /450 may have increased but little has changed with the breaking power. An HD truck would be a safe choice but is it overkill?
Jack Mayer said
05:10 AM Jul 13, 2012
You might want to look at my website, and also read some of the posts in the Escapess HDT forum. Also look at the HDT Resource Guide..
You might also consider coming to the HDT National Rally in October. It will be well worth the expense if you are thinking of an HDT. And you will get to drive some as well.
If you have questions feel free to ask here or contact me directly.
Terry and Jo said
05:17 AM Jul 13, 2012
Tim,
If you look around, there are a number of folks that have the HDT models, and some are even set up to "piggyback" a small car (think Smart car) on the truck frame behind the cab. If your fifth wheel is definitely going to have a GVWR of 19,000 lbs, it would be beneficial to have the larger truck with larger brakes.
Now, if you are going to double-tow (towing the small car behind the fifth wheel), you will need to make sure that the manufacturer will not restrict the size of car you tow. For instance, our Mobile Suites has a factory installed hitch receiver but it is only rated for 300 lbs tongue weight and 3000 lbs towing weight. (Keep in mind that some states do not allow double towing and others restrict the length that your full rig can be.)
Good luck with the looking and research. A lot of times a good used HDT converted to haul a fifth wheel may very well be less expensive than buying new trucks.
Terry
Workinrvers said
11:15 AM Jul 13, 2012
We have an HDT that we purchased already converted (found through Escapees form mentioned by Jack above). We have ours to haul our Harley on the back deck but could easily haul a Smart car instead. No lack of power or braking ability with these trucks and it pulls our 14,000lb 5th wheel like a dream.
Any comments on a HD conversion as a TV? We are looking at a FW 19000lbs loaded plus a small car. I have read several posts here that talk about towing capacity but stoplng ability is not really mentioned.
I have no experience towing a FW yet but have towed my boat on a tri axle trailer 16000lbs with a one ton with no problem but was constantly concerned about stopping ability. Towing capacities of 350 /450 may have increased but little has changed with the breaking power. An HD truck would be a safe choice but is it overkill?
You might want to look at my website, and also read some of the posts in the Escapess HDT forum. Also look at the HDT Resource Guide..
You might also consider coming to the HDT National Rally in October. It will be well worth the expense if you are thinking of an HDT. And you will get to drive some as well.
If you have questions feel free to ask here or contact me directly.
Tim,
If you look around, there are a number of folks that have the HDT models, and some are even set up to "piggyback" a small car (think Smart car) on the truck frame behind the cab. If your fifth wheel is definitely going to have a GVWR of 19,000 lbs, it would be beneficial to have the larger truck with larger brakes.
Now, if you are going to double-tow (towing the small car behind the fifth wheel), you will need to make sure that the manufacturer will not restrict the size of car you tow. For instance, our Mobile Suites has a factory installed hitch receiver but it is only rated for 300 lbs tongue weight and 3000 lbs towing weight. (Keep in mind that some states do not allow double towing and others restrict the length that your full rig can be.)
Good luck with the looking and research. A lot of times a good used HDT converted to haul a fifth wheel may very well be less expensive than buying new trucks.
Terry
No lack of power or braking ability with these trucks and it pulls our 14,000lb 5th wheel like a dream.
Phil