Is the 28 BHS for me?

[funpilot]

[p]I may be able to get one for a nominal amount more that what a 21RBS sells for from some dealers.  So, what are the downsides of getting this monster?  Weight does not look like an issue but it is more than 5 feet longer.  What impact will it have on my mpg if it is about 900 pound heavier but still within what my TV can manage?  [/p][p]
[/p][p]What are the good things?  Finally, for this unit, what options would you recommend?[/p][p]
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[tinkeringtechie]

I think you'll be a pioneer with a 28BHS. I haven't even seen any pictures that didn't come from LL. You might be one of the first to own one ever, let alone on the forums.

The downside with the extra weight will be reduced mileage on the hills. Your mileage on the flats is almost entirely determined by wind resistance which will be about the same for all camplites (they have the same frontal profile).

The downside with the extra length is that there are less camping spots that you can fit in. Depending on where you want to camp, it may not make a difference though. I like camping in smaller forested campgrounds and 29' is a bit too much for me. If you like camping in grassy parking lots then it won't be a problem.

The good thing is more space and more features.

As for the options, it's probably the same as the other models. See some of the other threads about choosing options. I'd avoid the insulation. Think about the off-road package depending on your driving habits.

[charliem]

[font size="3"][font face="arial"]What Techie said X2.
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[funpilot]

Here is how my brother put it. I have narrowed it down to 3 possible trailers:  1) the Trailmanor 3124  2) the Nash 22H  3) The Livinlite 28bhs.   He asked one question after I spent a long time describing the pros and cons for each one:  Which one will the dog be happiest in?  I said the Livinlite.  He said then that will be the one my wife will be happiest in, so the decision is done.  I agreed.  So much for being methodic and disciplined in my approach.

[funpilot]

[p]OK, what WD/Anti sway for this one then?[/p][p]
[/p][p]Also, looking at the list of what it comes with, does anyone know what a 24x48 rear bike door is?  It says the bunks flip up, do they stay up and do both flip?
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[charliem]

[quote source="/post/1476/thread" timestamp="1402533308" author="@funpilot"]OK, what WD/Anti sway for this one then?
[/quote][font size="3"][font face="arial"]What will you be towing with??[/font][/font]

[funpilot]

[p]Mt TV is a 2005 Avalanche 1500 with the 3.42 rear axle. I have the towing package that says with a WD hitch I can go up to 1000 pounds tongue weight.  My max real world towing is about 5300 pounds based on this calculator:  [a href="http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml"]http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml[/a][/p][p]
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[charliem]

[font size="3"][font face="arial"]Does that #5300 include passengers, luggage, junk or have you already discounted for that? [/font][/font][font size="3"][font face="arial"]You'll be very close with #4250 dry +++. That only leaves #1000 for people, stuff, propane, batteries, water. [/font][/font][font size="3"][font face="arial"]I guess I'd be thinking about the 800/8000 or 1000/10000 Equalizer or E2 for WDH and sway control. And with the small V8 and 3.42 you'll be limited on acceleration and mountain climbing. But the dog will be happy  
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[funpilot]

The 5300 presumes I have the wife, dog and myself in the truck.  Nothing else.

[funpilot]

I am guessing the following.  The 4250 does not include options.  A/C= 150lbs, propane + tanks = 80 pounds, 15 gallons fresh water = 125 pounds, stuff = 200 pounds, awning = 100 pounds, misc other options = 25 pounds. This totals to 680 pounds for a total of 4930 leaving me 370 pounds left.   Thoughts? 

[pinstriper]

[quote source="/post/1480/thread" timestamp="1402542501" author="@funpilot"]The 5300 presumes I have the wife, dog and myself in the truck.  Nothing else. [/quote]What's in the truck goes against payload and GCWR, not tow rating.

[pinstriper]

[quote source="/post/1481/thread" timestamp="1402543754" author="@funpilot"]I am guessing the following.  The 4250 does not include options.  A/C= 150lbs, propane + tanks = 80 pounds, 15 gallons fresh water = 125 pounds, stuff = 200 pounds, awning = 100 pounds, misc other options = 25 pounds. This totals to 680 pounds for a total of 4930 leaving me 370 pounds left.   Thoughts?  [/quote][p]Just for reference: Options on my 14DBS took my dry weight from 2650# spec to 2980# actual (sticker on the frame).   That doesn't count battery. It does include A/C, TV, floor mats, awning.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Stuff, propane, water, food went on top of that to the tune of another 500#, give or take.
[/p]

[funpilot]

[quote source="/post/1482/thread" timestamp="1402543804" author="@pinstriper"][quote source="/post/1480/thread" timestamp="1402542501" author="@funpilot"]The 5300 presumes I have the wife, dog and myself in the truck.  Nothing else. [/quote]What's in the truck goes against payload and GCWR, not tow rating.
[/quote][p]That is what I always thought as well until I came across the calculator that shows otherwise.  Seems for every pound you add to the truck, it takes  6 pounds off what the trailer can weigh.    Go play with this and tell me what you see.  [a href="http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml"]http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml[/a][/p][p]
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[funpilot]

OK, figured out I did not include the weight of the equalizer and batteries.  That will add about 230 pounds.  Guess I have to pass once more unless the calculator I am using is wrong.

[djsamuel]

Take a look at the sticker on your truck. The GVWR for your truck is the number to look at. The curb weight of your truck, plus the tongue weight, and the weight of people and cargo in the truck can't shouldn't exceed the GVWR. Figure your tongue weight as about 10-12% of your camper weight.

As Charlie stated, the 3.42 axle will slow your acceleration and could be an issue in the mountains. However, there is a point where your tow vehicle and a camper large enough to meet your needs become mutually exclusive to a degree. That is where trade offs need to be made. If you can live with slower acceleration at times, this may be doable. Where do you plan on traveling in most cases; what kind of terrain (flat, mountainous, hilly, etc.)