Hi all,
Found this site when following up on a WDH comment made on the web and glad to have found a good resource for my new TT.
I just purchased a '15 VRV 8.5x24. I've had a couple of aluminum Thule cargo trailers over the years that I used as a basic camper/hauler at the track. But now I'm going all-in with a proper TT that I can take the family on camping trips. Just waiting to take delivery! It's your standard build; it has the front bath which seemed a bit more rare but I felt was a better layout. I kind of wish it had the fuel station and genny - curious on how much of a pain it would be to add after the fact?
Was surprised at the amount of discussion regarding using a WDH on these trailers. I was going to buy one but now hesitant. For those who choose to run one, seems to be lots of recommendations for the Anderson? Glad I also found the side-bolt mod / replacement coupler mod. Curious if there's any other important, preventative or useful mods to make?
I never used a WDH with my 8.5x14 Thule which grossed ~4.5k fully loaded. I never had a problem with sway or sag @ proper tongue weight. My truck is an '03 GMC 1500HD (basically a 3/4 ton - same axles/frame and nearly same capacity numbers). Great truck except for the 6.0 gas motor w/ 4spd - has NO guts whatsoever. I'll be looking at either a diesel (06-07 2500HD) or new-ish Tundra crewmax, but that's another thread. The Tundra is the main reason i was considering a WDH. Those have awesome power, but I'd be at the limit with a loaded truck (4 ppl & cargo).
Now off to go do some reading!
Quote from: @keeena" source="/post/21003/thread" timestamp="1462413526Hi all,
Found this site when following up on a WDH comment made on the web and glad to have found a good resource for my new TT.
I just purchased a '15 VRV 8.5x24. I've had a couple of aluminum Thule cargo trailers over the years that I used as a basic camper/hauler at the track. But now I'm going all-in with a proper TT that I can take the family on camping trips. Just waiting to take delivery! It's your standard build; it has the front bath which seemed a bit more rare but I felt was a better layout. I kind of wish it had the fuel station and genny - curious on how much of a pain it would be to add after the fact?
Was surprised at the amount of discussion regarding using a WDH on these trailers. I was going to buy one but now hesitant. For those who choose to run one, seems to be lots of recommendations for the Anderson? Glad I also found the side-bolt mod / replacement coupler mod. Curious if there's any other important, preventative or useful mods to make?
I never used a WDH with my 8.5x14 Thule which grossed ~4.5k fully loaded. I never had a problem with sway or sag @ proper tongue weight. My truck is an '03 GMC 1500HD (basically a 3/4 ton - same axles/frame and nearly same capacity numbers). Great truck except for the 6.0 gas motor w/ 4spd - has NO guts whatsoever. I'll be looking at either a diesel (06-07 2500HD) or new-ish Tundra crewmax, but that's another thread. The Tundra is the main reason i was considering a WDH. Those have awesome power, but I'd be at the limit with a loaded truck (4 ppl & cargo).
Now off to go do some reading!
I have a 2013 8.5 x 24 that a load with a 4 seater rzr-1000 and my kids 50cc atv. Tow with a 2015 3/4 ton Denali HD with the duramax and is easy for it to handle. Even throw in a Yamaha raptor 700 in the bed of the truck with my wife, and two young boys as passengers and remain well within the limits of the truck (mainly due to these trailers being so light).
As for the WDH the truck may or may not need one but still use the Anderson to get the anti sway capability. It's a great setup and works as advertised. By the way I originally towed this with a 2014 1500 Silverado with the 6.2l and max tow package(~12000lbs towing capacity claimed) Really wasn't as suitable for towing this setup and feel much more comfortable with the 3/4 ton.
TANSTATMTV
[quote timestamp="1462417192" author="@dhedstro" source="/post/21008/thread"]
As for the WDH the truck may or may not need one but still use the Anderson to get the anti sway capability. It's a great setup and works as advertised. By the way I originally towed this with a 2014 1500 Silverado with the 6.2l and max tow package(~12000lbs towing capacity claimed) Really wasn't as suitable for towing this setup and feel much more comfortable with the 3/4 ton.
[/quote]
Agreed - never heard of the Anderson until seeing this site. I like the sway bias vs. WD.
I've never owned a diesel and they are expensive, but love the idea of all that torque. My 1500HD is pretty sluggish with 4 sportbikes, gear, and 2-3 friends. But suspension- and weight- wise, the truck is great. Wish it had the Duramax & Allison combo instead of the 6.0. What did you feel was the weak point towing with your Silvy?
[quote source="/post/21011/thread" timestamp="1462423722" author="@keeena"][quote source="/post/21008/thread" timestamp="1462417192" author="@dhedstro"]As for the WDH the truck may or may not need one but still use the Anderson to get the anti sway capability. It's a great setup and works as advertised. By the way I originally towed this with a 2014 1500 Silverado with the 6.2l and max tow package(~12000lbs towing capacity claimed) Really wasn't as suitable for towing this setup and feel much more comfortable with the 3/4 ton.
[/quote]Agreed - never heard of the Anderson until seeing this site. I like the sway bias vs. WD.
I've never owned a diesel and they are expensive, but love the idea of all that torque. My 1500HD is pretty sluggish with 4 sportbikes, gear, and 2-3 friends. But suspension- and weight- wise, the truck is great. Wish it had the Duramax & Allison combo instead of the 6.0. What did you feel was the weak point towing with your Silvy?
[/quote]The 1500 had good power with the 6.2l but really sagged the rear end and moved the truck around a lot. Added air bags but it still seemed to move the truck around while towing. The 3/4 ton diesel was night and day in towing.
[quote timestamp="1462504964" source="/post/21028/thread" author="@dhedstro"]The 1500 had good power with the 6.2l but really sagged the rear end and moved the truck around a lot. Added air bags but it still seemed to move the truck around while towing. The 3/4 ton diesel was night and day in towing.
[/quote]Good to know - thanks! I can't argue against the suspension/axle/tire on a 3/4 ton.
Any thoughts on how a circa 2010 6.0 gasser would behave? Rated 360hp/380tq. That's a +60/30 bump from my model year. Coupled with a 4.10 ratio (mine is 3.73 for some odd reason) and 6sp (vs. my 4sp), I'd think that it would give me enough oomph w/o breaking the bank. Would be easier to find than an 06-07 diesel; this old and I'd want to search down south - models up here in the north-east start getting rusty at that point.
Quote from: @keeena" timestamp="1462549862" source="/post/21037/thread[quote timestamp="1462504964" source="/post/21028/thread" author="@dhedstro"]The 1500 had good power with the 6.2l but really sagged the rear end and moved the truck around a lot. Added air bags but it still seemed to move the truck around while towing. The 3/4 ton diesel was night and day in towing.
Good to know - thanks! I can't argue against the suspension/axle/tire on a 3/4 ton.
Any thoughts on how a circa 2010 6.0 gasser would behave? Rated 360hp/380tq. That's a +60/30 bump from my model year. Coupled with a 4.10 ratio (mine is 3.73 for some odd reason) and 6sp (vs. my 4sp), I'd think that it would give me enough oomph w/o breaking the bank. Would be easier to find than an 06-07 diesel; this old and I'd want to search down south - models up here in the north-east start getting rusty at that point.
[/quote]The 6.2l I believe was just over 400hp/400tq with a 3.73 so the 6.0 gasser should have no issue at all. I was even pulling up some pretty steep grades with that 1500 and never needed more power.
Well, I picked her up today. Biggest trailer I've towed - was a little intimidating. It towed fine, tho I could see where a WDH and sway would help (was windy in upstate NY). The truck's motor pulled it fine for the most part, but loaded with people, gear and toys will be a different story.
I was kinda disappointed at the build quality; some sloppy fit & finish, door latches not popping, buckling panels. And to top it off, the rear pull-down screen fell off during transport. The screws pulled right through the sheet metal. >:D I'll have to see what I can do about that. I definitely want to replace the counter tops and sinks too.
Time to start setting it up now!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fTVXnXcD9Ik/VzlhtZfp__I/AAAAAAAAA8s/2Y7PiDEVY7klk13LhaLkvQ_2pGtvXaRpACCo/s800/IMG_20160515_164718_481%2B%2528Medium%2529.jpg)