What truck to pull a 36 RL

[Rick]

About 8 months to a year from actually going full time. Have settled on the Redwood 36 RL. I see lots of you pulling with a 3500 dually. At first I thought I might need a 4500. Would appreciate your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks

[5th_Time]

Lots of debate here on this topic. Did you try the search function?

[COLJDM]

we pull our 36FL with a dodge 3500 dual rear wheel truck. We have pulled our redwood coach over 16K miles and have had no issues.

[Adamsvr]

We have an F450 dually and an RL; however, typically the only difference between a 2500/3500/4500 or a F250/350/450 is the leaf springs and the brakes. The engines are basically the same for any given manufacturer. The only things I would recommend is a dually for stability and air bags/helper springs so your headlights don't blind on-coming traffic and carry the load of a Redwood.

Edited by: Adamsvr

[mhs4771]

1 ton dually at a minimum. If you wanted to go bigger no problem. We're not full timers (at the present) but are long timers spending approx 9 months in the rig so we're running heavy, have most of the options, less dishwasher, but have added our SlimLine Sat dish so we're at the gross of the RL and carrying 3900 Lbs pin weight.

[Campers]

We run a GMC 3500 hd DRW. We pull a 36FL and have no problem and we are well below gross.

[Enroute]

I have a 2011 3500HD Ram SRW towing my 2013 Redwood 36RL. While it gets the job done, I will be trading in for a dually this coming spring. I could put airbags on the SRW and get the squat out, but I know this is not my last coach and with these rigs getting heavier by the year, it is only a matter of time until the SRW won't handle the load. I've also been looking at the Sportchassis Freightliner M2 RHA 114-350 as well. That will open up a whole lot of opportunity down the road as well.

[BradPAjax]

I have a 38 BR 14, 200 empty with all the goodies but ice maker and ceiling fan. I have a 2012 F350 diesel dually with extra springs front and rear. Truck runs level with no need for air bags... pulls good... 11.9 mpg with trailer 13.1 mpg without at 65 mph. Need to wait for warranty to expire to chip it and get better gas mileage.

[BradPAjax]

Also check local laws... in Canada F450 or Freightliner Haulers are commercial vehicles due to weight with whole lot of rules related to log books and other stupidity when you are not hauling your recreational trailer. My F350 is legally a commercial vehicle because the factory weight is 33 kg (72 lbs) over the 6000 kg limit thanks to factory installed extra springs and 5th wheel hitch versus dealer installed. The local boys waved the CVOR requirements but I still need a sticker and annual inspection that costs $150 plus my plate fee.

[rcflame]

Trailer LIfe publishes a towing guide each year that gives all your weight capacities for the different vehicles and drive train components. Check this out, or check with the truck specs and get the weight ratings. Don,t believe a salesman unless they show you in writing from the manufacturer. It is important to make sure your vehicle is rated to handle your load not only to be legal, but also for your safety.n

[Campers]

Originally Posted by rcflame

Trailer LIfe publishes a towing guide each year that gives all your weight capacities for the different vehicles and drive train components. Check this out, or check with the truck specs and get the weight ratings. Don,t believe a salesman unless they show you in writing from the manufacturer. It is important to make sure your vehicle is rated to handle your load not only to be legal, but also for your safety.n

And don't forget, if you are over gross and get into an accident, regardless of fault. The Insurence Company will deny your claim as you were illegal. This is almost 20 years of insurance broker knowledge here.
Go a little bigger is the smartest.
Good luck and happy travels

[Rick]

Thanks for all the help everyone. You give me some piece of mind as we finalize our decision. Working with the dealer now to place our order for 36 RL for spring delivery. Can't wait.

[CampingCouple]

I purchased a f450 in may and am insured with Erie.The weight class pushed it into a commercial rating,but since it is not used commercially ,it was able to be insured at the lower personal recreational use rates.I sold my 350 and am very pleased with this one.pulling a new rw40 kb and rolls like air.Whatever you ultimately purchase get the plow package as this will give you a heavier set of springs.Good Luck!

[SueMar]

Our 36rl weighed in at over 14,000 lbs dry, from th factory. Have the new quartz countertop, washer and dryer and generator. Are towing with a GMC one ton dually, diesel, 4 wheel drive with tow pkg. Glad we traded in our 3/4 ton for this one -- thatrw is HEAVY!!! but truck pulls it with no problems

[Campers]

Our FL is 13800 from the factory. 3500 hd GMC withntow package. Other than a small problem with the engine last summer she runs like a deer amd have to check the mirrors to make sure it is still back there.