Exocet
Central NY, USA
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Joined: 04/11/2003
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I recently ran our Spree 318BHS across the scales. The axle weight was about 6200 lbs. That's with all of our camping stuff, but no food or clothes. Also, all tanks were empty. So, by the time you add in the tongue weight, your looking at 7K lbs.
The real limit will be the GVWR on your Tahoe. If you're not carrying a lot of cargo and/or people, you'll probably be close.
2008 Nissan Titan SE, Crew Cab, 4x4
Long Bed, Big Tow, Roadmaster Active Suspension
2009 Spree 318BHS
Equal-i-zer
Tekonsha Prodigy
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Gman22
Burlington, Ontario
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Joined: 07/03/2008
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jdmoore wrote:If I do go ahead with the 318 I'll obviously be looking for a top notch weight distributing hitch. I've got my eye on the 12,000lb Equalizer. Anyone have any reason why I shouldn't go with this hitch?
We had very good performance from our Equal-i-zers for the years we used them. That said, if you want "top notch" you should be looking an ProPride or Hensley. We moved up recently to a Hensley Arrow and the improvement experienced over the EQ was significant for our Expedition/Spree combo - for 6 times the price of an EQ.......it better be.
Good luck.
2009 KZ Spree 324BHS (LX)
2003 Ford Expedition 5.4L V8, 3.73
Hensley Arrow HD, McKesh, Prodigy, Champion
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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jdmoore wrote:Thanks to everyone who has replied. I'd just like to add some specs for my tahoe. The GVWR is 6900lbs. The GCWR is 14,000lbs. The maximum tongue weight is 1000lbs with a weight distributing hitch. The GAWR for the rear axle is 4000lbs. Curb weight is approx. 5200lbs. Again the maximum towing capacity is 7800lbs and the GVWR for the 318 Spree is 7300 lbs. It seems to me that I would be within the limits if I am careful not to load anything to heavy in the front of the trailer. If I do go ahead with the 318 I'll obviously be looking for a top notch weight distributing hitch. I've got my eye on the 12,000lb Equalizer. Anyone have any reason why I shouldn't go with this hitch?
Be careful. If you go crazy with loading lots of heavy stuff in the BACK of the trailer to mitigate tongue weight, no sway control is going to save you. Your trailer WILL be uncontrollable, no matter what. Purchase a tongue weight scale so you can load your trailer carefully.
Some time in the near future, I recommend taking a solo trip and running your Tahoe across some scales. You WILL be surprised at how much more than 5200lbs it weighs.
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TxCoastCamper
Houston Texas
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Joined: 02/23/2005
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After watching that old Lucy and Desi movie The Long, Long Trailer, I think you may be just fine if you take it easy.
Oh, and curb any rock collecting...
2006 2500HD D/A CrewCab
1992 Prowler 5er
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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Look, this is a guy who is bound and determined to do this no matter what we say. Someone said that they were doing it and it was towing "just fine" and it was all over. Further discouragement is wasted breath.
All we can do is provide advice to help him make the best of the situation. He will have to discover for himself whether or not the combination is acceptable.
Take solace in the fact that we're only talking about being AT the limits. Worst case is that performance will suck. The truck is not going to fall apart. The rig is not going to burst into flames and go cartwheeling down the highway taking out busloads of nuns and orphans due to the trailer.
Is it the best combination? No. He'll be a lot more comfortable on the road with less trailer or more truck. Is that an option at this point? No. Mind's made up. This is a done deal, set in stone.
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TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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Joined: 11/17/2000
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Most of these "Experts" that are doing just fine have never towed with a properly matched rig where the truck was not pushed to the limits. If they ever upgrade to a larger truck in the future, thay will be converts at that point.
I still say, a 31' trailer is too much for a 1/2 ton Tahoe for a comfortable trip.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with one miniature Schnauzers, one standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
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eric james
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Joined: 07/21/2004
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jdmoore wrote:Thanks to everyone who has replied. I'd just like to add some specs for my tahoe. The GVWR is 6900lbs. The GCWR is 14,000lbs. The maximum tongue weight is 1000lbs with a weight distributing hitch. The GAWR for the rear axle is 4000lbs. Curb weight is approx. 5200lbs. Again the maximum towing capacity is 7800lbs and the GVWR for the 318 Spree is 7300 lbs. It seems to me that I would be within the limits if I am careful not to load anything to heavy in the front of the trailer. If I do go ahead with the 318 I'll obviously be looking for a top notch weight distributing hitch. I've got my eye on the 12,000lb Equalizer. Anyone have any reason why I shouldn't go with this hitch?
Great hitch choice. As mentioned, you're not going to know if you have enough truck until you get it hitched and on the road.
I'm running 6000lbs with a short wheelbase and 31' too. 8600 towing capacity - sure as heck wouldn't want to tow more than 7K for long. Keep your eyes on the weights and really pay attention towing. Get used to stepping on the skinny pedal and hitting the gas pumps.
I'm running Reese Dual Cam, without it, towing would really be torture. I've dealt with 40mph crosswinds for hours and stayed safe. Sure as heck wouldn't want to do that every trip.
Good luck.
2009 Keystone Passport UL 290BH
2003 Ford Expedition EB 5.4L/3.73
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mecreature
Indianapolis, IN
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Joined: 09/27/2004
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Heck.. once he gets going. He might not even know its back there..
Keep us updated..
98 Skyline Nomad 1950 Compact
2004 Silverado 1500 EXT. 5.3 3.42 Axle 2wd
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K3WE
Missouri
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Joined: 05/24/2005
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After following many of these threads, I see this as one more instance of "right at maximum"
I do not like those who label this as dangerous. Hauling something at 80% of it's maximum should be done with the utmost respect as should something at 100% or 50% of maximum!
Common sense must also prevail and grossly overloaded is bad. And compared to what you see that is a lot longer than average for your TV.
I think the real question (that only you can answer) is what COMFORT level do you need.
When the 1-ton diesel dooley bunch talk about how well their rigs pull- no problem climbing hills, etc- I do NOT question them.
And, if you are going to be pulling this rig all over creation, I suspect you would truly benefit from a bigger TV.
If you only camp four times a year (and only hauling groceries the rest of the time) and your camping is only 100 miles away- so what if you wind up taking it a little slower than the dooley oil burners?
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WellShooter2
SE New Mexico
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Joined: 03/20/2009
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Good Sam RV Club
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I pulled a 26' TT w a Tahoe for two years. It would get really squirrelly in a side wind. One day the DW was driving and a side wind came up. I just leaned back in the seat and waited. After a few miles of white knuckle driving @ 55 mph she exclaimed "Is there anything that will pull this thing straight!!" I raised up the seat back and said, "I know just the thing." See my sig.
2008 2500HD D/A
2008 Keystone Challenger
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