GEN 2 Looking to buy toy hauler...info needed/wanted!

[tmanker]

Add a F450 platinum to the fleet...or read this thread and sleep well tonight.

https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/gen-2-towing-a-7k-lb-travel-trailer.56686/

 

[R-S-S]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a toy hauler for my '19 Screw. I've never owned a big travel trailer like that before...only had a small utility trailer in the past and currently have a teardrop trailer. So, a lot of what I'm going to ask may be considered newbie questions (and/or stupid questions...haha), but I'm trying to make sure I have as much info as possible. I like to research before buying something!

Anyway, I'm looking at something like a Forest River Grey Wolf 22RR, or maybe a 25RRT or 26RR. I've got a few questions related to things I've been reading online and in the user manual:

1. I see that it's definitely recommended/necessary to get a weight distributing hitch, but I don't know anything about them. I believe I want 10-15% of total weight for the tongue weight, so depending on the model and loading, I'll have a tongue weight around 600-800lbs. I'm assuming I can get a WDH that's built for that range, right? Other than being able to get them in different sizes, they have a pretty universal fit, correct? Any recommendations on a good (but also cost effective) option for the WDH?
2. I was looking at Andersen WDHs, and I see they come with different drop/rise amounts. How do I figure out what one I need before I drive hundreds of miles to go pick up a trailer (there aren't any local to me)? I need the WDH before I can tow it, but won't know the height of the trailer when level until I get to the trailer, right? I can't seem to find that spec anywhere online...
3. When looking at certain WDH info, I saw something about surge brakes...what are surge brakes? It seems to be something built into the trailer (or maybe something you can add on later), but is that something that's compatible with the Raptor? Again, I don't know what I'm talking about here...
4. I've seen some info online about bump stops, and/or bump stop kits. Is that something I'd need to look into? Again, any good (and cost effective) options there?
5. Are the stock springs going to be sufficient?
6. Is there a way to do an air bag setup with the Raptor? Or is that not even possible, or a bad idea, etc? I don't know anything about air bag suspensions, other than knowing that I have a couple friends with trucks (not Raptors) that have air bags for hauling/towing.
7. Anything else I am missing out on that I'll need to do in order to tow a toy hauler?

Thanks!

 

[Winchester30]

Seems heavy, toy haulers weigh much more than typical camper.
Then you also want to put stuff in, too.

 

[jshadle]

I really think the Eclipse Attitude 21 is the best for the Raptor and it fits a four seater Can Am X3. Thoughts?
http://attitudetoyhaulers.com/attitude/attitude-limited/

 

[Ski4Ever]

Seems heavy, toy haulers weigh much more than typical camper.
Then you also want to put stuff in, too.

Dry weight of the Grey Wolf 25RRT is only 5900lb, with a GVWR of 7690lb (which is below the 8000lb capacity).

I really think the Eclipse Attitude 21 is the best for the Raptor and it fits a four seater Can Am X3. Thoughts?
http://attitudetoyhaulers.com/attitude/attitude-limited/

View attachment 123878

The thing I like about the Grey Wolf models that I'm looking at is a front walkaround bed...I'm just not a fan of the corner bed solution. But, I added that link to my list of options! Thanks!

 

[jgree32]

How much does the Razr or whatever you're looking at buying weigh?

 

[Dane]

Thanks for the info, Dane (and, hello from the Denver area...I'm up in Westminster).

After looking at the surge brake info, I definitely remember seeing them on Uhauls now that you mention it. Glad to hear that the FR toy haulers have electric brakes.

I noticed that the WDHs I was looking at online have an adjustable height range, but the ranges were 0-4", or 0-8". I'd rather get the 0-4" if that's possible rather than the 0-8". That's the reason I was asking...it would be really unfortunate if I bought a 0-4" and needed 6" of drop, etc. Out of curiosity, what WDH do you have?

Also out of curiosity, what year/model FR toy hauler do you have? And what dealer did you use? Somebody local? I haven't found any Raptor friendly toy haulers in stock at local dealers, but I haven't looked everywhere yet.

Oh hey, you're local. I didn't realize that. I had my dealer throw in an suitable WD hitch with mine - I don't have it memorized, but I'll go take a look in a bit and let you know what the WDH is.

I have a 2017 Palomino Puma XLE 24FBC. I had to go to Helper, UT to get it. The closest dealer is in Pueblo, but attempting to deal with that rinky **** operation was a joke. Helper was next closest. My requirements included a walk-around front bedroom and a fuel station - both very hard to find in the Raptor weight range.
https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2017-palomino-puma-xle-lite-toy-hauler-floorplan-24fbc-tr31276

It's a haul, but my trailer is very similar to the weights of the ones you are looking at, if you ever feel like making the haul down to Littleton, you can test hooking up to mine if you like - give you an idea of what you are in for.

 

[Ski4Ever]

How much does the Razr or whatever you're looking at buying weigh?

I don't have anything specific in mind yet, but most side-by-sides seem to be in the 1200-1500lb weight range.

Oh hey, you're local. I didn't realize that. I had my dealer throw in an suitable WD hitch with mine - I don't have it memorized, but I'll go take a look in a bit and let you know what the WDH is.

I have a 2017 Palomino Puma XLE 24FBC. I had to go to Helper, UT to get it. The closest dealer is in Pueblo, but attempting to deal with that rinky **** operation was a joke. Helper was next closest. My requirements included a walk-around front bedroom and a fuel station - both very hard to find in the Raptor weight range.
https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2017-palomino-puma-xle-lite-toy-hauler-floorplan-24fbc-tr31276

It's a haul, but my trailer is very similar to the weights of the ones you are looking at, if you ever feel like making the haul down to Littleton, you can test hooking up to mine if you like - give you an idea of what you are in for.

Hmm, I just may take you up on that! Much closer than driving all the way to Missouri (closest place I've found the Forest River model I'm looking at)!

How do you like the trailer? I'm assuming you've had it for a while. Anything you particularly like or don't like about that model? As I mentioned in another post above, I definitely want a walk-around bed. I hadn't really considered a fuel station, but it might be something to look into. I wouldn't say it's priority #1, but I could see that it would come in handy for sure! I also like idea of the walk-in shower with real doors in the Grey Wolf (rather than just having a shower curtain in a tiny little shower like I've seen in some other models). The rear party deck/patio area really seems like it could come in handy also.

 

[jgree32]

I don't have anything specific in mind yet, but most side-by-sides seem to be in the 1200-1500lb weight range.

I think you're gonna be fine. I had people telling me when I was shopping for a travel trailer and a Raptor it's not a tow truck etc.
I loved the Raptor and wasn't gonna be towing 95% of the time. I wanted to enjoy the truck during those times too.
Between our 6200lb trailer and all the gear inside and the stuff we load the bed with my Retrax bedcover I'm sure we push the 8k limit often if not barely exceed it.
I've never had a single issue towing even doing climbs from Phx up to Flagstaff with 6kft elevation change.
She's gonna squat a bit even with the WDH but I don't see the real issue there.
I have considered Deaver +3HDs in my future just to help with all the kids stuff such as bikes etc we load in bed.
Get the trailer you like and enjoy it .

 

[marmot99]

Thanks for the info, Dane (and, hello from the Denver area...I'm up in Westminster).

After looking at the surge brake info, I definitely remember seeing them on Uhauls now that you mention it. Glad to hear that the FR toy haulers have electric brakes.

I noticed that the WDHs I was looking at online have an adjustable height range, but the ranges were 0-4", or 0-8". I'd rather get the 0-4" if that's possible rather than the 0-8". That's the reason I was asking...it would be really unfortunate if I bought a 0-4" and needed 6" of drop, etc. Out of curiosity, what WDH do you have?

Also out of curiosity, what year/model FR toy hauler do you have? And what dealer did you use? Somebody local? I haven't found any Raptor friendly toy haulers in stock at local dealers, but I haven't looked everywhere yet.

I have a enclosed ATV trailer and travel trailer both of which weigh in the 6500-7K realm when loaded up. I would not recommend going with a trailer with a dry weight over 6,000lbs at the very most. The listed weights are always off and Raptors after all have soft shocks not really meant for heavy trailers. The best way to beef up your tow capacity is with a set of SumoSprings. IMO better than timbrens and aftermarket leaf springs. Ive owned both and the SumoSprings have zero effect on daily ride, cost under $300, add 1500lbs of support to the rear end. The big issue with a toy hauler is you will want to load it with toys and need to add the weight of the toys, gear, people, food ect all together plus the weight of the trailer. With a max capacity of 8000lbs you really will want to stay at 7500lbs (in theory you could bump this up to 8500lbs or more with SumoSprings) or less, actual recommended is to always be 10% under max tow capacity. If you go over you are going to increase wear on the suspension and tires. Obviously the engine and transmission can handle well over that.