Passing Update

[RodgerS]

Time has been on my side.

 

Wife has reconfirmed she is ok on a small travel trailer if it fits on the drive-way and a mid-sized truck.

 

Have resolved my issue of a diy sprinter van build or a mid-sized truck, in favor of a full-sized truck - my $$$ so my choice. Am planning to purchase a  2019 Ram 1500 rather than a mid-sized truck. The 360 degree visual option and extended trailer blind spot assistance made the difference for me, as well as the interior and ride of a Ram truck. Will order or purchase the truck sometime within the next two months and will update at that time. Prefer an on-the- lot purchase, but difficult to find with my mix of options, so may have to order, but I'm patient.

 

It is down to either an Elite II or a 23 foot Airstream. Next step will be factory visits after the first of the year, then wife will decide.

 

Meantime am heading down to the Porsche driving experience in L.A. to get some track time.

 

 

[John E Davies]

Cool, I like the newer Ram 1500 trucks. Diesel? Or are you considering the V8 Hemi with the new mild hybrid eBoost? It gives about a 10% increase in mpgs and helps make the transition from stopped to running engine transparent, and smooths out shifts.

 

 

OTH I am a little leery of a big lithium battery pack mounted on the inside of the rear cabin wall. That seem like a fire hazard.

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/samabuelsamid/2018/01/15/2019-ram-1500-gets-standard-48v-mild-hybrid-on-all-gas-engines/#3f93c16e7e9e

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[Mike and Carol]

Factory visits will be very interesting. I monitor Airforums and note that there are some quality issues with Airstreams for some folks.

I really like my Ram 1500 and will probably replace it with another Ram next year sometime. The new ones have a lot of nice features and we have checked them out at our local dealer. Mike

[RodgerS]

The diesel option will be coming later, so the Hemi with e-torque would be the choice if I purchased today.

 

(Note: the Limited interior with the air suspension is very, very nice.)

 

I don't see any lack of availability of the 2019's on the near horizon, in fact the dealers are loading up and selling well as I understand it, so it is an option just to take the wife for the factory tours earlier than later and choose the trailer first...and wait for the diesel.

 

I understood the need for the diesel much more on the mid-size tacoma, but it is unclear, and seems less likely to me, at this level of trailer, if I would regret not getting a diesel. (Diesel braking is really the issue I think)

 

The wife is going to China in October for a month so.....................

[RodgerS]

As of Saturday Aug 25th,

 

The blind spot monitor on the Ram will cover up to a 30 foot trailer and some say it is better than relying on tow mirrors.

 

The 360 degree view is not available at this time if you option the tow mirrors or without the 12 inch monitor, and the 360 degree view is a sweet option I would really like to have. One can buy add-on tow mirror extenders and enjoy both options.

 

The advanced safety group features are really nice, as well as the ram box cargo management system, and the air suspension option.

 

Can't say enough about this truck's interior from the Laramie up...some are calling it the Mercedes Benz of the trucks.

 

(I have a big advantage, don't really want to lose the clk for a Porsche, so I can get the truck and keep the clk)

 

Looking at about $70k before tax and lic, and my local dealers in calif don't seem inclined to offer MSRP reductions at this time beyond special incentives.

 

 

[RodgerS]

I can live with whichever the wife wants. I have both a qualified RV service repair and RV electrical specialist designations, so can take care of most repair and maintenance issues myself.

 

However, my preference is an Oliver and I get the choice of truck. So....we will go to the Airstream factory first, my wife was not impressed with the bling and the name recognition stuff when we looked at Airstream a few months back, plus she likes a white interior, so probably will order an Oliver at the end of the day. Just guessing based on what I know about my wife.

[John E Davies]

I understood the need for the diesel much more on the mid-size tacoma, but it is unclear, and seems less likely to me, at this level of trailer, if I would regret not getting a diesel. (Diesel braking is really the issue I think)

FYI, I have never felt the lack of a diesel engine brake with a 6000 lb trailer. My ‘06 Cummins did not have an exhaust brake, my Land Cruiser 20o has no problems on steep grades (in excess of 15 degrees).

 

If I really wanted better braking for descents, I would invest in a good set of disc brakes on the Ollie, and just us them harder, without constantly worrying about overheated shoes and burned up bearings. Oh wait, that is my winter project...

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[RodgerS]

That's basically how I understand it as well John.

 

Much of the need for diesel braking seems to follow the huge 5th wheel trailers where the more savvy owners seemed to opt for 1 ton dually Diesel trucks as a minimum or even larger, including up to semi-trucks.

 

That's why I value owner experience/advice, whether mine or others.

 

Despite my strong desire to get a Toyota Tacoma I was willing to change my mind once I discovered the new safety features and 360 view, and yes I know that the forum members are correct that fundamentally I should be driving a 1/2 ton truck or some of the other tow vehicles mentioned based on all my research and the numbers.

[Rumline]

I've recently looked at the new Ram 1500.  I also loved the Limited with air suspension for its creature comforts as well as the way it drove.  However the version with the regular Hemi (no eTorque) only has 1300lbs of payload capacity.  My Ollie's tongue weight is 650 lbs, plus hitch, me, wife, kid, dogs, and extremely limited cargo inside comes to 1150 lbs payload.  So just be mindful of what you'll actually be carrying and if you'll want to load up that bed or not.

[BackofBeyond]

It must be me, but after one looks at payload limits, max tow limits, and the fact that all 1/2 tons - with any motor selection, towing 7500 lbs.+ - ,  on western US grades, all are running at or near the top levels of their capibilities. Sure there are some great selections out there, but after running the numbers, the 1/2 tons were too near the limits for comfort. Just the payload numbers alone was a issue for me. But then, I tend to go for long trips, take lots of toys, and misc. stuff to enjoy the trip.  Minimalism is fine when I'm hiking, but not when I can glamp.

 

I have decided, with what time we have left, I'm not settling for it will do.  But then I'm prolly in the minority here.

 

 

 

 

[Mainiac]

We love our Ram 2500 4 X 4 with the 6.4 gas. If I was to re-enact my youth, I bet I could "roast" all 4 tires. The power is there, the space is there, but it is big. The nice thing is with the Oliver, you don't know it is there. Excellent road manners. I don't have the tow mirrors and do not need them.  I can see all the way down both sides of the trailer without a problem. It may be a bit of an overkill for a tow vehicle, but we also use it to plow snow. Th ability to move a V plow is important where we live...

[RodgerS]

Thanks for the comment Rumline. Yes, I am aware of the payload issues you mentioned. Thanks.

 

My research indicates that the 2019 Ram 1500 payload range is between 1,700 and 2,300...with the realistic range between 1,700 and 1,900 loaded up with lots of options. Of course, one has to confirm the actual payload of the truck, as optioned, prior to closing the deal.

 

The new tow limits exceed 12,000 pounds, but I can do with a bit less. Again have to confirm prior to closing the deal.

 

I don't have kids, but I will probably take some light stream tackle and some light art supplies with me. The wife might take her camera when she does come along or even fly out or drive out to meet me.

 

I plan to buy the eTorque, the Ram box, the Limited, and just about the whole nine yards.

 

Since my daughter considers me a R....t, a B.d F....r, and unworthy of someone worth listening to AND my son has no R.....t for me and considers me a l...r...I'm free to spend their very substantial inheritance on traveling both stateside and overseas (six zeroes and increasing) now that I have disinherited them in my will. Call that W...e P.......e. (Hope this doesn't break forum rules...did my best)

 

================

 

I agree with Back of Beyond that a lot of trucks are running near their limits, based on my readings in a lot of forums.

 

I will abandon buying an Oliver if I determine the Ram 1500 I buy is not up to the job, and instead pull the truck with a used diesel motorhome.

 

I will take light exercise equipment with me, but would ideally take a full gym along.

 

=================

 

I thought I might like to re-enact my youth, but I'm having too much fun being a senior citizen getting ready to throw the dough around.

[SeaDawg]

I hope that you can eventually reopen  the lines of communication with your children.  It  may be a long and problematic  road, but I hope you can find a path.

 

I'm a mom.

 

My worst camping days are when i can't get  even a text to and from my daughter. I  feel hollow, without  knowing  she is ok.

[Rumline]

My research indicates that the 2019 Ram 1500 payload range is between 1,700 and 2,300…with the realistic range between 1,700 and 1,900 loaded up with lots of options. Of course, one has to confirm the actual payload of the truck, as optioned, prior to closing the deal.

 

That 1300 lb rating I posted is from the Tire and Loading Information sticker on an actual 2019 Ram 1500 Limited vehicle.  Yeah their website and brochures quote large payloads, but that must be for 4x2 base models.

 

 

[Rumline]

It must be me, but after one looks at payload limits, max tow limits, and the fact that all 1/2 tons – with any motor selection, towing 7500 lbs.+ – , on western US grades, all are running at or near the top levels of their capibilities. Sure there are some great selections out there, but after running the numbers, the 1/2 tons were too near the limits for comfort. Just the payload numbers alone was a issue for me.

This is what I have recently discovered as well.  I thought 1/2 tons would be more capable than they are, at least once you load them up with comfort and convenience items.

 

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee which is adequate for towing, but I'm looking out for what the next vehicle may be.  It has 1200 lb payload capacity and 7200lb tow rating.  I looked at a F150 Limited, only 1250 lbs payload.  Ram 1500, 1300 lbs.  Seriously?  My little Jeep is not so bad after all!  Still waiting for the 2019 Sierra 1500s to hit the lots around me to check those out, but so far it looks like a Yukon or Expedition are more capable than any of the 1/2 tons when it comes to an optioned-out tow vehicle.  Both have payloads of ~1450 lbs at their highest trim/option levels.

 

A diesel 3/4 ton would be much better as a tow vehicle and about the same price as the Yukon/Expy but I also need it to be my daily driver and family's main transport...an SUV is a more practical form factor for us.

[John E Davies]

I thought 1/2 tons would be more capable than they are, at least once you load them up with comfort and convenience items.

Well, the reason folks love the half tons so much is that they drive like a (big) car. You have to have heavy running gear and 10 ply tires to carry heavy payloads and it is hard to deliver those while keeping a cushy ride.

 

My 200 drove like soft velvet ice cream with the squooshy 6 ply SUV tires it came with. Adding the Load E Nitto mud tires pretty much got rid of the "plush" and replaced it with "firm" and "rock proof". Those are qualities I can live with.

 

The Power Wagon is a good option if you can live with the poor fuel economy. It is still cheaper to operate long term than a diesel. It has the HD drivetrain, the brute 6.4 Hemi (430 ft lbs), but relatively light, long travel suspension. It will pull 9900 pounds/ 990 tongue weight and has a base base payload of 1444 lbs. If I did not love Land Cruisers so much, I would probably be driving one. They can be sometimes be found new at severe discount prices toward the end of the model year, like $10k to $13K off MSRP... Plus they come with 4.10 gears, two lockers and a big winch ;)

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

[BackofBeyond]

Rumline - Exactly. I was mislead by the OEM websites and brochures on payloads. Seems they want you to think the trucks can do "this" but in reality they are individually rated at less than "that".  You must reference the trucks load sticker on the cab frames, that Is the definitive source. Most 1/2 tons are inadequate when you figure in 7oolbs tongue weight. (Not going to quibble - round up!). Then add in two adults 330+/-, maybe a dog, 95 (mine), and sans any additional gear you are at 1125lbs +/-, oh, what about fuel, you get the point, the vast majority of 1/2 tons are very close to their legal limits.  Make a mistake, and over load, head down the road, have an accident, doesn't matter who's at fault, the Lawyers check load limits, do some calcs, and there goes your retirement, and everything else.

 

Funny thing, I was certain the Fords I desired had a payload limit far better than the GMC I wasn't considering, after checking 5 fords and two GMC 2500's I found out other wise. My GMC 2500 is rated 400 lbs. higher than a comparable Ford. Yet the glossy brochure showed a much different picture. I wanted a truck - because I love Trucks, and I intended to put a Leer shell on the back.  By the way, I have driven almost every vehicle GM has made since 2000, (and the top comparable vehicles of most of the competition on "Track days"). I always preferred a truck, my choice. That was another time, another planet. The Ram popularity baffles me, but then again so does my wife, and she is always correct.

 

It doesn't really matter if the truck has enough motor, you tap out  at the payload limits, and then most likely GCWR, if not max tow weight. Ignore this legal conundrum at your peril.

 

That is why I ended up going 3/4 ton, the rest, - motor, 4wd, etc., was just dessert. Ok - fun for all, I'm done discussing TV's , done, done done, , they are like Opinions and , well we all have them.

 

If I had my choice. I would simply teleport my junk to where I wanted it, and show up, when I felt like it. But then, this isn't the Sci-Fi channel.

 

Good Day!

 

 

 

 

[RodgerS]

I'm kind of disappointed I had to post the following (after reading the "experienced advice I'm supposed to rely on" posts):

 

I think I was fairly clear I was looking at a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited,

 

eTorque engine, towing package that includes the 3.92 axle, air suspension, 4x4.

 

I had the salesman send me the specific truck's "Vehicles Capabilities" printed sheet

 

(not the msrp sales sheet stuck on the window of the truck or the sticker on the door that doesn't include the PC)

 

for the specific truck on their lot I demoed for the vin number I wrote down.

 

Per the VC sheet for that vin number "Maximum Payload 1,840 lbs.," "Maximum Towing 11,340 pounds. "

 

 

[RodgerS]

I think I'm tired doing research for others.

[KarenLukens]

I think I’m tired doing research for others.

 

Yup, it gets old, let people do their own research, then just add a bit if needed... So I was ready to buy the Dodge Laramie, he was getting the papers ready, but it was the Eco diesel. We went out and looked one more time, Karen sat in the front passenger seat and they had put the transfer case right under it and it raises part of the floor up on the passenger side, leaving no room for both feet flat on the floor. So we bought the Chevy High Country 1500. I don't know if it's the same model that your looking at, but the uneven, uncomfortable, passenger side floor cost them the sale.

[Try2Relax]

I’m kind of disappointed I had to post the following (after reading the “experienced advice I’m supposed to rely on” posts):

 

I think I was fairly clear I was looking at a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited,

 

eTorque engine, towing package that includes the 3.92 axle, air suspension, 4×4.

 

I had the salesman send me the specific truck’s “Vehicles Capabilities” printed sheet

 

(not the msrp sales sheet stuck on the window of the truck or the sticker on the door that doesn’t include the PC)

 

for the specific truck on their lot I demoed for the vin number I wrote down.

 

Per the VC sheet for that vin number “Maximum Payload 1,840 lbs.,” “Maximum Towing 11,340 pounds. ”

 

 

 

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong, please, you seem to be lacking a few people skills, hopefully it's just the way I'm reading it, you posed the question, others try to respond to be helpful with what they've experienced and seen based on what they have and what they have found. You get snippy and clarify that you only want, other people, to provide information if they're talking about 1 specific truck and then state that you are tired of doing research for others while everyone else is doing just that for you.

 

Backofbeyond quotes

 

"Rumline – Exactly. I was mislead by the OEM websites and brochures on payloads." Trying to help you out *you know* "experienced advice I’m supposed to rely on”

 

You then post you have the real numbers because you had a trustworthy salesman send you a sheet, as was stated earlier, the only numbers that matter are what is on the door post.

 

The "real" numbers you have are the brochure numbers

 

 

I guess you can lead a horse to water...

 

 

[BackofBeyond]

RogerS:

 

I think I’m tired doing research for others.

 

Any information you glean from the forum is worth exactly what you paid for it. I have yet to find any post asking you for research, yet plenty exist, posting their personal experiences with towing and travel trailers. I'll take experience over blowhard salesmen, most, who don't know what they're selling, nor care.

 

Personally I'm tired of seeing your posts, but I digress.

 

Happily ignorant in TN.

[topgun2]

OK, enough.  We are getting a bit too close to that line of non-tolerance.  Once again, let's all join hands around the campfire and sing a rousing chorus of Kumbaya.

 

Bill

[BackofBeyond]

Ok, Ok, no harm , no foul, . You did bring a smile to my face though. ;-)   Think I'll go do something worthwhile - my bees need a little attention.

[RodgerS]

I think Oliver Trailers might want to put a sticker on their trailers quoting BackofBeyond that

 

"Any information you glean from the forum is worth exactly what you paid for it."

 

That has been proven to be true to me.