Minimum vehicle to pull 8,000 lbs.

[Alamo]

One half of "having enough truck" is being able to pull the trailer long distances without the truck breaking down. The other half is being able to stop the trailer in short distances without losing control of your rig or your bowels. Actually I think the second half (stopping and stability) is more important. Brakes, hitch, stability, having enough weight in the tow vehicle that the trailer can't push it around easily are part of package too, not just engine/tranny, so make sure whatever you buy has all the parts.

"Test RVing" with a rented or borrowed rig is a great idea too. Good luck and enjoy retirement.

 

[17 squirrel]

Folks that have been pushed down the road buy the load they are carrying gennerally understand after that experience that the age old statement is true.

" Gross Tonnage Always Wins " OP, if you think you have enough truck do this for a test. Get what you are towing up to 60+ mph on flat land with the trailer brakes unhooked, and stand on the brakes,, see if they fade.. And after you get it stopped take it right back up to 60+ mph again and hit the brakes for a second time and see if you have any ??? If all goes well try it on a 2 or 3% down grade... Or in the rain ...
Like others have said, Get enough truck... The life you save may be your own.

 

[packard]

My wife did the same thing as yours. Out of the blue wanted a travel trailer. We already had a 2006 Dodge 2500 HD w/ Cummins and manual 6 speed tranny. We purchased a used 2003 Airstream classic 30. I towed it from Memphis, TN to Aiken, SC and back home. Up the mountain grades in 6th gear all the way in cruise control. Truck has 3.73 diff gearing and seemed to have unlimited power. MPG for the entire trip was 14.1 MPG.

I can do a fair double clutch shift, so down shifting to slow down or come to a stop was easy.

As stated above, get more truck than you think you'll need. The tongue weight of a 8000 lb trailer is close to 1000 lbs and that becomes part of the tow vehicle GVWR. You will need at least E rated tires. Not being worried about whether the TV can do what needs to be done. Priceless!

 

[mammynun]

May I respectfully suggest

Mail order brides, Russian Brides - Rose Brides

Plus, there's a plethora of ways to ride them.

Pic for clarification:

View attachment 45726

 

[churchmouse]

May I respectfully suggest

Mail order brides, Russian Brides - Rose Brides

Plus, there's a plethora of ways to ride them.

What does this have to do with the thread.....???

 

[IndyDave1776]

What does this have to do with the thread.....???

Maybe he is suggesting that if you are entertaining the idea of buying a travel trailer you must need some other, well, distractions in your life?

 

[mammynun]

Maybe he is suggesting that if you are entertaining the idea of buying a travel trailer you must need some other, well, distractions in your life?

And if you're really adventurous you can get a dually, though that may require relocating to Utah. You should also be aware of increased maintenance...

 

[IndyDave1776]

And if you're really adventurous you can get a dually, though that may require relocating to Utah. You should also be aware of increased maintenance...

Warren Jeffs would be proud of you!

 

[IndyDave1776]

And if you're really adventurous you can get a dually, though that may require relocating to Utah. You should also be aware of increased maintenance...

Warren Jeffs would be proud of you!