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

[marmot99]

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 .

Pick up a set of SumoSprings, they take 10 min to install, add 1000-1500lbs of capacity depending of the model you pick and have no affect on the daily ride. Way cheaper than adding new leafs.

 

[Dane]

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

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.

It's fairly basic, but I definitely like it. The fuel station is very nice to have. The one option I couldn't find was a built in generator - so I have to carry a portable one. I do have a real shower with curved glass doors. I'm 6'3" and can stand up in it - so that's a plus. The rear patio is great. Unfortunately mine doesn't have the cable support option, so for now I have a big board and some jack stands. I do plan on figuring out a cable setup myself - it would be far easier. The rear door supports 3,000#, so weight hasn't been an issue. I also have the option for the dual rear beds (one can be a couch) as well - and it has been very convenient having three queen beds when I want. We generally don't put the chairs in as seen in the picture - we put a table there for more counter space.

I bought mine new in January of 2017.

My hitch is a UF Products. I can't see any other information on it as the label is all aged. It's set to around maybe an inch of drop, but it sure drops once you hitch the RV up. Once I hook up the WD bars, it sits reasonably. Without the bars it seriously sags. I'd say the 0-4" drop would do ya.

 

[jgree32]

Pick up a set of SumoSprings, they take 10 min to install, add 1000-1500lbs of capacity depending of the model you pick and have no affect on the daily ride. Way cheaper than adding new leafs.

I want the look of the slight lift of the deavers anyway.
Gives me a good excuse.
I'll lift front and back and keep a slight rake. I think HD deavers will reduce the sag when bed is loaded Down too.

 

[WOW]

Go to etrailer.com and look at all the videos they have on WD hitches. https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Reese/RP66084.html I use an older version of the Reese Stright-Line Weight Distribution System for a 12000 lb hitch. It is the Cadillac of WD hitches. It includes sway control. I have been using mine on a variety of trailers from 5000 to 12000 lbs and 12'-35' for over 35 years now. (yes if taken care of they last that long and can be adapted to many different trailers, so don't go cheap.) I've towed 10's of thousands of trouble free miles. I still use a friction sway brake for extra control. etrailer.com has videos that show you how to set them up too. etrailer is a great resource but you can buy anywhere. Most ball heights are 18-24 inches. The stock shank that comes with the hitch head should give you enough adjust ability for your Raptor. You may have to adjust your set up with a toy hauler depending on your load. No matter what WD hitch you get, DON'T FORGET to get a sway brake. With a trailer that size and the soft suspension and tires on the Raptor, you will be all over the road in the ruts and whenever a semi truck passes if you don't have sway control. Get a sway brake too. It is extra insurance and piece of mind.

 

[jgree32]

Here is mine with camper attached. This was dry when I had just bought it.

 

[WOW]

Your stock springs will be just fine with the right WD Hitch and the correct set up. I towed my 2005 Desert Fox 20', 7800 lb toy hauler behind my stock 2018 screw Raptor the other day just fine. If you still want air bags, get the Daystar air bag cradle.

I have those with air bags on my lifted F250 to help with my 38' fifth wheel toy hauler. That way I don't limit suspension travel when I off road unloaded.

 

[Dane]

Your stock springs will be just fine with the right WD Hitch and the correct set up. I towed my 2005 Desert Fox 20', 7800 lb toy hauler behind my stock 2018 screw Raptor the other day just fine. If you still want air bags, get the Daystar air bag cradle.

I have those with air bags on my lifted F250 to help with my 38' fifth wheel toy hauler. That way I don't limit suspension travel when I off road unloaded.

My understanding is that on a Raptor those cradle setups are still going to limit your up travel. Probably not an issue on the 250.

 

[marmot99]

I want the look of the slight lift of the deavers anyway.
Gives me a good excuse.
I'll lift front and back and keep a slight rake. I think HD deavers will reduce the sag when bed is loaded Down too.

SumoSprings will still be of benefit even if you want to change leaf packs, they almost eliminate rear sag whether you have stock leafs or aftermarket, been the best $275 Ive spent

 

[marmot99]

My understanding is that on a Raptor those cradle setups are still going to limit your up travel. Probably not an issue on the 250.

They 100% do, I had Firestone ride rite with daystar cradles on my 14' and the ride sucked! I eventually put SDHQ long travel airbags on it and they were awesome! Unfortunately SDHQ does not make them for the GEN 2 so the SumoSprings or Timbrens are the best thing out there at this point.

 

[WOW]

My understanding is that on a Raptor those cradle setups are still going to limit your up travel. Probably not an issue on the 250.

You are probably right. I had to build custom brackets (mostly stronger bottom mounts) for the Firestone bags on my F250. The up travel is probably 1-1/2 to two inches less than the factory bump stops. With a 4" lift, it works just right, but may be a problem on a stock Raptor. I've been considering adding a set to my Raptor to help with my heavy tool loads in day to day use, but careful planning and fabrication will likely be key.