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RE: Cougar vs Laredo?
BTW we're comparing. Cougar 330RBK vs. Laredo 335TG. We originally liked 324RLB, but found loft very cramped and didn't think in a few years it would fit our needs any longer.
Going to tour the laredo in the morning, but i think we like the cougar.
The laredo's bed slides out and your head being in the slideout figures to make outside noise louder, the bathroom in the cougar is layed out better for us (we like the extra room around the comode). the 2nd door to the bath in the laredo seems non useful since it butts up so close to the bed.
The door leading to the back bedroom on the cougar is hard to open when the hide-a-bed is used and i think the laredos opens the other way witch solves the issue. Door trim and such can prob be flipped to fix it in cougar though as well. (might see if i can get dealer to agree to do this)
Seeming same issue on laredo when both hide-a-beds are used with no way to resolve.
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BlindGuynAR
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05/18/12 08:05am |
Fifth-Wheels
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Cougar vs Laredo?
Both have floor plans we like. Both seem to be the same construction quality.
Laredo seems to have auto leveling which would figure into a stronger frame. It would be great to not mess with Legos anymore!
Cougar has a bike rack/cargo platform on the back and also a remote control for controlling various things like jacks, hitch lights, etc
Laredo dealer says it's a step up from Cougar, but Laredo has lower price and therefore less features. I can't see that the remote or rack are even an option on Laredo? Of course the Cougar deal says its the other way around.
With auto level there would be less need for the remote, but that back rack would hold my small genny nicely.
To prevent an impending school yard beat down between dealerships. I wish right? I wish the units could be side by side with opposing salesman. Best unit wins!
So which came first the Cougar or the Laredo? In the steps of which is considered a step up. Which one feels better will probably decide, but hoping to see who yanking my chain harder.
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BlindGuynAR
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05/13/12 09:13am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Do I have enough Truck
Step over to the 2012 Dodge and the only difference is the number and thickness of the rear spring leafs, with the 3500 actually having fewer thicker leafs. No tradional overalls on either model. Well badges, door sticker and a few hundred dollars are different.
/
..so Dodge is sticking it to the consumer as well???? Bunch of bums....Why do we have two badges is all I'm asking...if there is absolutely no difference, then there should either be no 2500's or no 3500 SRW trucks......so Ford and Dodge are guilty of ripping off the consumer when it comes to a 2500HD...the 3500 SRW is nothing more than a lie, a commercial plot to overthrow the thoughts of man??? I've seen more than "a few hundred dollars" in pricing between the 2500 and 3500 SRW truck, but I've bought into the lie that their MUST be SOME difference if GVWR is different, only to find out it's all a communist plot to overthrow RV'er' who think they're buying more truck when purchasing a 3500 SRW over a 2500, WHEN IN REALITY, they are identical....FIENDS, LEACHES,..er, I can't think of any more names to call these, makes me want to run out, ditch my Dodge or Ford and get one of those new 3/4 ton Tundras, or the new 3//4 ton Ford Eco Boost :B...which, with some air bags could EASILY pass for a 1 ton SRW truck...by George, I think I've finally figured it out.:S
I like you and I mean it! I hope to toast a few beers over a fire someday with you my friend!
I think the real thing you are buying in a f250 as aposed to an f350 is cheaper ins and reg fees. 350 and up are considered comm trucks in a lot of places as their GVW is > 10000lb which is why the f250 stops there and some components are either missing or de-rated so a sticker can be printed. The missing parts can be added.
Back at the OP. i wanted to make a point that the SRW's are the same and they basically are execpt for a sticker. What happens if that sticker falls off? Just you go try to get ford to print you another one. Really I'd want DRW's with a Montana. In my own case I'll be exceeding my GVW by only 250lbs or so loaded and wet with a purchase I am considering, but still under RAWR by 1000lbs. Yours would be very close to if not exceeding RWAR by the time that unit is loaded and wet.
Since you'll be be full timing you'll be better to go bigger than us weekend campers.
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BlindGuynAR
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05/09/12 07:50pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Do I have enough Truck
..you won't get flamed, but do the research...airbags don't raise a Trucks GVW one ounce...Read the disclaimers by the manufacturers themselves....weight is still put in the bed of the truck and pressed down on the axle, the airbag makes it ride, for want of a better word, softer, oh...and "level"...same weight is still put on the wheels, tires, axle, shocks etc...but, I've been over this time and time again, so..believe what you want to believe. So, are we talking air bags like Firestone's?, or something different?? Because reg. airbags do not work the same way leaf springs work...it is what it is, no matter what you "believe"...it's there for the research...So can I make a 1/2 ton pick up the same as a 1 ton SRW truck if I use the 5,000# Firestone airbags on the truck.....should be able to carry quite a bit more, should raise payload up substantially I would think...so don't really need a 3/4 ton...just a 1/2 ton with tires that will handle more weight and air bags, right??
As far as the 3/4 ton being a 1 ton SRW, then Ford needs to can either the F350 SRW badge or the F250 badge if they are the same...just saying....if that's the case, it's a consumer rip off if there is no difference...not me saying it, it's those that are claiming they're the same, evidently, that includes Ford....Every Dodge and Chevy/GMC 3/4 and 1 ton SRW I've seen have a difference in GVWR, the 1 ton being slightly higher than the 3/4 ton...thus, even it's an overload spring...there is a difference....so they're not ripping off the consumer, so it's just Ford I guess....why pay more for a 1 ton SRW when a 3/4 ton does everything the 1 ton SRW truck does?????
I agree with everything you say. I was talking firestone, but i'm not saying it increases it by 5000lbs. I said you shouldn't exceed RWAR with on a f250 is 6200lb. I am not saying you should use the 7280 from a 350.
You can't turn a 1/2 ton into a 3/4 because you'd exceed RWAR. But the two aren't a fair compare. The diff's between f150 and f250 are in the hundreds if not thousands while f250 vs. f350 can be counted with just a few fingers.
BUT......and I say BUT....as you stated....there IS a difference in GVWR and that little ole overload spring is THAT difference
I was being a bit sarcastic, but there are some who do believe that adding 5,000# bags can increase the trucks GVWR by about 1/2 that....if not...what ratio do the bags increase the GVWR? Is there a formula? Just asking,
I agree with you 100% on the 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton...it's been used before and I was again, being sarcastic...sorry bout that....
The one thing I have going for me is I can't afford th OP's Montana so I don't have to worry about it! ;)
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BlindGuynAR
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05/09/12 06:05pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Do I have enough Truck
..you won't get flamed, but do the research...airbags don't raise a Trucks GVW one ounce...Read the disclaimers by the manufacturers themselves....weight is still put in the bed of the truck and pressed down on the axle, the airbag makes it ride, for want of a better word, softer, oh...and "level"...same weight is still put on the wheels, tires, axle, shocks etc...but, I've been over this time and time again, so..believe what you want to believe. So, are we talking air bags like Firestone's?, or something different?? Because reg. airbags do not work the same way leaf springs work...it is what it is, no matter what you "believe"...it's there for the research...So can I make a 1/2 ton pick up the same as a 1 ton SRW truck if I use the 5,000# Firestone airbags on the truck.....should be able to carry quite a bit more, should raise payload up substantially I would think...so don't really need a 3/4 ton...just a 1/2 ton with tires that will handle more weight and air bags, right??
As far as the 3/4 ton being a 1 ton SRW, then Ford needs to can either the F350 SRW badge or the F250 badge if they are the same...just saying....if that's the case, it's a consumer rip off if there is no difference...not me saying it, it's those that are claiming they're the same, evidently, that includes Ford....Every Dodge and Chevy/GMC 3/4 and 1 ton SRW I've seen have a difference in GVWR, the 1 ton being slightly higher than the 3/4 ton...thus, even it's an overload spring...there is a difference....so they're not ripping off the consumer, so it's just Ford I guess....why pay more for a 1 ton SRW when a 3/4 ton does everything the 1 ton SRW truck does?????
I agree with everything you say. I was talking firestone, but i'm not saying it increases it by 5000lbs. I said you shouldn't exceed RWAR with on a f250 is 6200lb. I am not saying you should use the 7280 from a 350.
You can't turn a 1/2 ton into a 3/4 because you'd exceed RWAR. But the two aren't a fair compare. The diff's between f150 and f250 are in the hundreds if not thousands while f250 vs. f350 can be counted with just a few fingers.
If I were to buy a rear axle including leaf pack off a 2012 f350 and put it under my f250 I'd have a f350 with an increased GVW, but the sticker still wouldn't say it and the badge on the side wouldn't either.
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BlindGuynAR
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05/09/12 05:53pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Do I have enough Truck
Per the published specs, the 2012 Ford F250 has a base max 5th wheel towing capacity (for reg cab 4x2, no options) of 12,800. that drops to 12,300 for reg cab 4x4 (still no options, base vehicle.)
Don't know where you got that. The F250 with diesel is rated up to 16,700, or a low of 15,200 with 4WD and tall gears. I know it is a diesel by the given gear ratio.
Also, F250 and F350 SRW have the same maximum tow rating. Same truck really, and it is only the payload that is a problem. Air bags overcome that deficiency, as long as you don't worry about GVWR. Check the tires though.
Superduty 2012 Tow Ratings
Just because a book stated a truck is rated to tow up to 15,700 or a low of 15,200# doesn't mean squat "IF" you exceed the trucks GVWR or even the RAWR before you get to that weight. No way would I want to tow an almost 15,500# GVWR 5er with an F250 or a 2500 of any make...diesel or not...still a 3/4 ton truck, been there, dont that, got the T-shirt.
air bags level a load, nothing more....can't help you carry anymore weight, just levels the load. ...nothing more.
I keep forgetting, as far as some are concerned that an F250 and an F350 SRW are actually the same truck...can't believe that Ford is ripping people off that badly, calling a 3/4 ton truck just a 3/4 ton truck when in fact, it's really an F350....that's just wrong...:R
Because I have been pouring over spec sheets for a while I can answer. They really are the same truck.
Here are the 2012 Specs from ford
1. Brakes
Same size pads, roters, etc.
2011 f350 have hydro assist brakes and f250 have vac assist
2012 f250 & f350 both have vac assist brakes regardless of power plant. Since fords owns specs and a article i read differ in this regard I confirmed it on a dealer lot.
2. Rear axle
Same rear diff & axle tubes
The axle shafts and wheel bearings are diff though
F250 spline count 35 bearing minor 1.36 major 1.50
F350 spline count 37 bearing minor 1.50 major 1.57
F250 rated at 6200lb
F350 rated at 7280lb
My dealer thinks the spline and bearing diff are more to do with the fact DRW is a possible option than increasing axle rating since that axle tube strength is what the rating is based on and those are the same between 250 and 350.
3. Leaf spring pack
F250 doesn't have overload spring unless camper package was ordered. Which BTW increases cargo capacity not to exceed RWAR.
F350 has overload spring standard (doesn't affect ride quality)
4. Rear blocks
F250 has 2 in block
F350 has 4 in block
5. Tires
Same tires except
F250 are set to 65psi
F350 are set to max 80psi (this is the rough ride not spring pack diff)
Front axles are same, truck weighs the same, has same power plant, trans, and will have similar towing. Wind will push a SRW 350 around just like it would a 250 cause they weigh the same. Since brakes are the same you'll stop the same as well.
I'm sure the next statement will get me flamed or banned, but here goes.
I also want to disagree that air springs don't increase cargo capacity.
Nothing changes a rating on a door sticker, but they are doing the same function as overload springs and blocks.
Ford itself increases cargo capacity with the camper package which is just an overload spring. They don't change the axle rating either. They just improve a weak link to bring up rating.
That is the same thing air springs are doing so it too does increase capacity, but in this case it doesn't reprint a door sticker.
You should never exceed RWAR, but all points equal air springs close two gaps between F250 and F350 overload springs and blocks.
So for 2012: air tires up, either put 350 blocks and overload spring or air springs and pretty much poof you are a 350!
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BlindGuynAR
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05/09/12 05:13pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: To much trailer for my truck?
Were looking at a 2012 KZ Spree 323CSS. UVW 6413, GVWR 7900 Hitch weight 894 Length 32'4". My truck is a 2003 F150 Screw 4x4 with a 5.4 and 3.73 rear end, GCWR 13500. Is this to much trailer for my truck?
This is one of those "if you have to ask" questions.
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BlindGuynAR
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04/28/12 06:28pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: keystone cougar outlet store
I think it's ok.
Seems to just link you to a localish dealer.
I requested a price on one of the units to test it out. I got the price and than an e-mail from a keystone dealer in Tulsa which is about 100 miles away. During the price request process I had to give zip, email etc.
I know the dealer e-mail is not spam since I was at that dealership this weekend. I viewed the two 330RBK's they had which is what I price requested. Probably the one they'd sell me if I continued the process. I didn't meet the person I got the e-mail from, but I can validate her name and ph# on the dealers website. I also never gave that dealer my e-mail.
You may have to pay a delivery fee or something, but I think in the end your just buying a dealer unit at a non-hassle price.
Might have just been luck as the stock#'s from OS and dealership match. I tell you that dealership missed out though cause I'd bought that unit for the outlet store price I was e-mailed had they offered it to me last Friday when I was on their lot;)
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BlindGuynAR
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04/24/12 04:53pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: New CW in NWA & a Cabelas to bout
We have a Camping World, Cabela's, and Bass Pro Shop within a half hour so we never have a reason to just sit around.
LOL I don't like you very much ;). That would be awasome!
Closest BP is at least 2+ hrs away from me. Branson MO, Springfield MO, or Oklahoma City OK.
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BlindGuynAR
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04/16/12 05:33pm |
Camping World Accessories
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RE: New CW in NWA & a Cabelas to bout
How far from Bullshoals?
JimR
Pretty far. I'd say at least 2.5 hrs!
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BlindGuynAR
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04/16/12 05:28pm |
Camping World Accessories
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New CW in NWA & a Cabelas to bout
Looks like there's a new camping world opening just about 9 miles south of me!
Looks like a franchise type of deal, but hope to save on some shipping charges none the less. It was an existing dealership and I think they got bought out. Saw the new sign yesterday. Exit 78 on I540. It's on their website "map" of CW's, but not the list of CW's in AR yet.
Camping World of Northwest Arkansas
317 North 6th Place
Lowell, AR 72745
We are moving right on up in the world as a Cabelas is openning In Rogers, AR very soon as well! Their website says summer 2012. From the looks of it they are going to be close on that estimate. It's on their website "map" and store list. Exit 82 on I540.
Yeah that's right the two are only 4 miles apart! Talk about a shopping trip!
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BlindGuynAR
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04/16/12 12:39pm |
Camping World Accessories
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RE: Pin weight on 5er's
Ok weigh is done. At a cert CAT scale. Fun times reaching the call button, but easy otherwise.
Tank is right! Me, wife, kid, hard bed cover, full fuel, and yamaha genny in bed. Cover weight would be removed, but replaced by hitch so they are a wash. Genny sometimes comes, but mostly stays at home.
Front 4960lb
Rear 3440lb
Total 8400lb (crazy the #'s were so round, but that's what sheet says)
Leaves 1600lb to GVWR, 2660lb to RWAR, & 240lb to FWAR
FWAR kinda surprised me on how close that is, but i guess weight in bed would tend to shift that weight back some? That's a diesel engine weight for you i guess.
As a reminder dry pin is 1530lb on the unit we are looking at. I suspect being over GVRW only by 300-400 lbs on a full load, but within tire and RAWR.
I think some bags for leveling (letting rear swat a bit as to not exceed FWAR) and we'll sleep ok at night. Also 95% of our trips are only 18 miles away to begin with.
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BlindGuynAR
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04/14/12 12:04pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Loud brakes
I guess the title is misleading a bit. They are loud while rolling they calm down while braking. They work fine and had no grease leaking or otherwise on pads when I packed bearings.
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BlindGuynAR
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04/12/12 05:02pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Loud brakes
Only time my trailer brakes squealed I found one had a broken magnet clip.
All accounted for in that regard. It really ticked me off that it seemed to get louder! Spent all that time and nothing to show for it.
I didn't figured I'd get many bites here. I mean after you go though them and no broken parts, pads, hubs, and mags look goo what else is there? I think maybe a hub is out of round or something. Should have shown wear though.
I just bought all new stuff so well see where that get me. My Dad had thought about putting some on a trailer he uses to haul stuff to/from swap meets so I'll just give him the old ones to play with. Maybe he can figure them out.
It will probably be my last upgrade before replacing this TT over the next year with a 5er so hey it might be a small selling point that it has self adjusting brakes!
Of course
1. Mid frame stabiizer jacks
2. Black tank flush
3. True welded in hitch
4. Outside speakers
5. Vent screens
6. Large assist handle
7. Elec jack
8. Dual batts in a lockable diamond plate box with cut off
9. 3 stage charger
10. 5000 watt inverter with remote on/off
11. Automatic xfer switch
12. Max air vent
13. Silent water pump
14. Fantastic fan
15. Upgraded coach radio/DVD
16. New coach speakers
17. 3 flat screen tv's/DVD combos
18. Sleep number bed
19. Hensley Arrow
20. Oxygenetics shower
21. Led lighting
22. I really could go on!
Should hurt either. Can't wait to upgrade so I can start over. I'm running out of ideas for mods on this one!
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BlindGuynAR
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04/11/12 09:18pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Loud brakes
Thinking about just buying new hubs, brake kits, bearings, races, seals, and all. Priced it out at ~$400. (upgrade to auto adjust brakes) at e-trailer. I've got north of 8k miles on them and they have made racket the entire time!
Pretty sure that's killing a fly with a hammer, but I already wasted a day on it and don't want to waste much more than one more.
Should be two wires, four bolts, bearing pack and done for each hub. Maybe driving the races if they don't come in the hubs, but i have the tools for that already. With the auto adjust it should be forget about it time until TT gets replaced for 5er in a year or so.
With my blindness it makes it a chore as well to troubleshoot, drive, repeat, cycle repeat, yuck!
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BlindGuynAR
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04/11/12 12:23pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Loud brakes
Someone stating theirs aren't loud also helps me to truly know I've got an issue.
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BlindGuynAR
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04/10/12 08:59pm |
Travel Trailers
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Loud brakes
Need some advise on loud brakes. They sqeak like all get all. I'm talking fingernails on chalkboard loud. Children screaming sounds like a nice spring shower in comparision.
Since TT was new. I took off hubs no broken parts or clips, plently on pads, mags all good and flat, no real abnormal wear, adjusted them to slight drag, and still bad. (maybe worse). One hub showed some slight wear and could use replacing, but it's not even the loudest.
Bearing's repacked and had no signs of wear. Ez lubes as well so they were well greased.
I suspect it Is the mags running against the hubs are what's creating the sound. Which is what it's supposed to do. The spring behind the mags are very weak in nature. Should they be?
My car hauler has brakes and they don't make these noises.
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BlindGuynAR
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04/10/12 06:57pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Pin weight on 5er's
My build sheet has it as an option. I was told it was to avoid costly fees & the need for a CDL. I was told it brought down cargo rating in order to comply. Without it I was told gvrw would be ~10600#-11000#. That is in line with what I believe my cargo should be 2400#-2800#.
You were told wrong, by a misinformed salesman. That statement would have been true for an F350 with a 10k# rating. On your F250, that 10k# rating is an upgrade option, which comes as part of several different options, including the snow plow option, camper prep option, or heavy duty suspension option. Without one of those options your GVWR might have been as low as 9,600#.
Well I'll assume you're right. I'll just weigh and see where I come out. I don't mind pushing the envelope a bit, but not to the point of a true safety concern. If I'm within 200-300#'s the truck probably won't know it.
Like I said I haven't bought anything. The reason I went with 250 is the dealer didn't have a short bed CC SRW 350 KR in stock. Long bed would not fit in my garage.
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BlindGuynAR
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04/09/12 12:13pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Pin weight on 5er's
My 2012 F250 KR 6.7 (de-rated to 10k gvwr, fawr 5200lb, rawr 6100lb) says I have 2046 lb cargo.
I don't understand this statement. Ford did not derate your F250. That 10k# is the highest GVWR of any 250/2500 truck.
Ford does offer the F350 derated to 10k#. Maybe that is what you were thinking of. But your F250 is not derated.
My build sheet has it as an option. I was told it was to avoid costly fees & the need for a CDL. I was told it brought down cargo rating in order to comply. Without it I was told gvrw would be ~10600#-11000#. That is in line with what I believe my cargo should be 2400#-2800#.
Option says "10000# GVWR Package"
Seems like I'll just hit the scales this weekend and weigh. I have a hard PTM bed cover that weighs ~190# so that will be close to simulating the weight of a hitch. (not looking forward to taking that on/off for trips!)
I'll let you know how it turns out. I've not walked the model I want, but walked cougars to get a feel. Really only the rear is diff, but I am a touch and feel guy so wouldn't buy without seeing in person. Not buying next week type of deal.
I have the 6.75ft bed so I might need a slider, dealer says no. Cougar has indented corners and shouldn't hit. Ideas on that from current cougar owners?
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BlindGuynAR
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04/09/12 11:49am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Pin weight on 5er's
Unfortunately, you have found the problem with having a very heavy truck with heavy diesel engine, 4wd, crew cab and King Ranch option package, which all add weight to the truck, which is subtracted from the GVWR to derive the payload capacity.
Yes, take the truck to a scale and weigh it. Also weigh each axle separately. Subtract those weights from GVWR, FGAWR and RGAWR and you will find the actual payload capacity for your truck. Although, Ford already put the yellow payload sticker on your truck, which should be reasonably accurate.
You'll likely find the front axle weighs a little less than 4500 lbs, the rear a little over 3000 lbs and whole truck about 7500 lbs, with no passengers. 10,000 - 7500 = 2500 lbs payload. 2500 - 650 for passengers = 1850. Subtract 200 lbs for the fifth wheel hitch = 1650. That's what's left over for the loaded trailer's pin weight, which will be more than the advertised dry pin weight, obviously.
These are the things the salesman doesn't tell you when you buy a diesel crew cab 4wd F250 loaded with options. The truck is a tank.
Well those #'s would be great! 2500lb - DW+DS+ME = 400 + Hitch(250) = 1850lb. The coach has dry pin of 1530lb + 200lb extra leaves 120lb. Not much room, but a little.
I guess weighing is really only way to know. Might have to stay TT though I was hoping to make the jump!
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BlindGuynAR
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04/08/12 08:07pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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