About those DRW vs. SRW arguments

[mtlakejim]

Let’s not get into personal attacks. This is a debate not an argument and it is worth having for the sake of folks who are new too towing

[mtlakejim]

Texan
To some degree I agree with you that weight should be the primary factor in choosing your tow vehicle. But it shouldn’t be the only factor. Your future needs should certainly be considered. When a newbee is asking for advice I will be quick to advise them that if they are like the majority of people that like camping they will be getting another unit and it will most likely be larger

[rollingdownthehighway]

I will say, when we started looking at fivers (5 or so years ago), most 2500's, 250 and SRW 1 ton had the numbers to tow the ones we were looking at. Today, with the tow ratings changing, the fivers getting bigger and heavier, a 1 ton is the way to go, and as I stated prior, it comes down to the payload more then anything, a SRW or DRW is a self preference, but again, if you want a SRW 1 ton, then get the fiver that fits that truck, but IMO, a 36' to a 43' fiver, you should really consider a DRW. 1) for the pin weight, 2) for the stability of a DRW, yes if you blow a steer, you'll get the same results in either one, if you blow a tire on the drive axle, well, you have 3 more holding you up. These fivers are getting bigger and heavier even the ones that say "lite weight", "1/2 ton towable", it's the pin weight that gets most people out of the capabilities of their truck. Driving a DRW as a daily is no big deal ,I drive mine daily, I just take up a few parking spots, but I also park as far as I can and out of the main parking area. Whatever you choose, choose wisely and think about your family and safety first.

[jcurryii]

I am very satisfied with my rig, 2500 Ram I too feel a lot of people fall for the DRW hype. I see ultra lights 30-35' range being pulled by DRW.
I also believe that you should go with what you are comfortable with. If you feel unsafe then you are unsafe. Happy trails to all.

[mlh]

I think it isn’t any of my business what somebody pulls their camper with. I don’t care what someone pulls their camper with it’s not harming me.
Lynwood

[BiggarView]

Originally Posted by mlh

I think it isn’t any of my business what somebody pulls their camper with. I don’t care what someone pulls their camper with it’s not harming me.
Lynwood

You're probably right... but... what happens when the guy coming down the road the other way has a failure at the worst possible moment and wrecks right in front of you or veers into your lane and takes you out. Then what somebody else is pulling their camper with matters a whole lot to you. It's the situations you can't think of that matter. Just sayin'... just cuz' yer all good doesn't mean the other guy can't affect what happens to you. Helping others to make better choices in this area is or should be worth it to everybody.

JMHO.

[richfaa]

Safety should always be the primary consideration. There are no other alibis.In any other area it is illegal to operate outside of specifications.

[mlh]

What happened when a meteorite falls on your head?
Not much chance of that either.
Lynwood

[BuilderBob]

I'm go to get some more pop corn

[mlh]

Send me some
PLEASE
Lynwood

[mtlakejim]

Well everyone knows I love a lively debate and this has been one for sure!

I don’t butt into other people’s business on the street but weighing in on this forum after someone ASKS for advice is another matter.

Is it likely that another RV will hit yours or that you will experience a blowout, of course not. But it does happen and taking reasonable steps to avoid the unlikely makes sense. After all you don’t plan to crash but you wear a seat belt right?

If we are debating the pros and cons for the sake of someone who asked then we should be able to do so without personal attacks. I am sincere when indicating the absolutely amazing difference I personally felt between SRW and DRW stability and braking. That is logical considering the wider stance and extra rubber on the road. If you didn’t feel the same difference ok doesn’t mean either of us are wrong, we just didn’t have the same experience.

[jeffba]

Well I think I can something about this we all can agree on

[naildriver7]

Originally Posted by K0LCB

I like the increased stability I have with DRW.

Me too

[Kyle and Lisa]

Having a DRW pulling a 3790RD, I don't believe we have any weight issues. But after all the hoopla I believe I will use the Cat Scale next door before we hit the road again for a piece of mind. Does any one know what the cost is and how they weigh things ?

[jeffba]

It was either 11 or 15 for the first time and 3 for the second. You need to weigh twice. truck plus 5er and once just the truck.

[CarWin]

Originally Posted by Kyle and Lisa

Having a DRW pulling a 3790RD, I don't believe we have any weight issues. But after all the hoopla I believe I will use the Cat Scale next door before we hit the road again for a piece of mind. Does any one know what the cost is and how they weigh things ?

To do this correctly make sure you put each axle on a separate platform, that way you will know axle weights and combined weights both. The scales are separated into 5 or 6 individual sections so it should be easy to axle the trailer and TV out. You will have total weights on the ticket that way. Then drop camper and weigh just the truck.

[richfaa]

At the fall rally they weigh the truck then the Montana and each wheel individually so you get a in depth analysis.Most of these Montana's are big and heavy .The pin weight is usually the number that is over. The first time we were weighed was with our 06 3400 and we were seriously over weight. It is interesting to note that over 60 % of all rigs they weigh were overweight. One of the reasons we went with the Mor ryde IS was that the suspension systems on these RV's are puny. Once you weigh in ready to tow the weights are not going to change that much over time.Since we are long timers we run sort of heavy as do full timers. IMO it is a good idea to have your rig weighed at least once as we all tend to underestimate what we weigh.

[Texan]

Be sure when you weigh you have your rv loaded as you normally would for a trip and also have your truck loaded and full of fuel with you and wife in it for realistic weigh. I carry an extra 60 gallons of fuel and being full makes a difference.You will probably be supprised what your truck, rv, pin weight and combined weight is.

[Texan]

I hope if nothing else, this long drawn out conversation will cause people to get there rigs on the scales.

[mtlakejim]

Originally Posted by Texan

I hope if nothing else, this long drawn out conversation will cause people to get there rigs on the scales.

Sure making me think hard about it

I wonder what a weight patch heavy enough to serve the purpose would cost??