Redwood GK new model

[SW1117]

We are considering the new GK model as a full timer. My concern is pulling such a long trailer. What size truck would you need to pull one that size? We plan to live in one spot for about 1 year before traveling.

[TravelinAnderson]

The GVWR of the 38GK is 16,600 pounds. That's one number you need to consider when you're ready to buy a tow vehicle. Another number to consider is the pin weight. Redwood's website lists the empty pin weight at 2,678 pounds. You'll probably add another 1000 pounds or more to that when you load it with belongings and options.
So you'll probably want a truck that can easily handle a trailer that weighs 16,600 pounds and has a pin weight of 4000 pounds.
Every truck manufacturer lists the towing and GCVWR of their trucks on their websites so I'd go there to see what would suit your needs.
Since you plan to tow it to one site and leave it for a year you could hire someone to deliver it to your campsite and take your time deciding on a tow vehicle.

BTW.... We tow ours with a 1 ton, dual rear wheel pickup and I wouldn't consider anything less for towing on of these rigs full time.

[Beechguyjim]

I second that I pulled a 15500 5er with a single rear wheel and switched over to a Dual over a year ago and I would never go back my 36RL can go up to 16500 and it pulls like a dream sometimes I have to look back to make sure it's still there

[Oriana]

Definitely a 1 ton with DRW. My preference is the F350 with the factory installed prep and Reese Elite hitch.

[TexasRider]

Is this model made with 2 or 3 axles? I have the 39HH and it has 3 axles. Makes all the difference in the world. What ever vehicle you tow with you need a 350 Dually.

Roni

[Dave&Ginny]

The great thing right now is that all of the truck manufactures are making good POWERFUL diesels right now and they're easy to drive.

In the old days the diesels still weren't powerful enough so after getting the truck which usually rode really bad and hard to drive, you then had to start rebuilding the engines and transmissions so they could handle the weight. Now the big 3 are so competitive on their trucks that they all work very well. They each have their disadvantages and advantages but again they'll all get the job done.

I just wish I could take the 3 trucks(Ford, GM and Dodge) and build one really neat truck. Use the Ford dash, mirrors and hitch. Then the GM tranny and the simplistic in line 6 Cummings out of the Dodge. I'd also build it on the Dodge mega-cab platform. Wow ....what a truck

[COLJDM]

you forgot the bar!!

[SW1117]

It only has 2 axles.

[SW1117]

I am scared of the dully. Can't a F350 without being dully handle it?

I was also told 42 ft is too long. Will be hard to pull, most parks won't be able to accommodate it and too heavy. How true or important are these items??

Sharon

[jlandon13399]

Look for parks that will handle big rigs. Then your lenght should not be a problem. If you are scared of the dually then you might see if there are driving lessons for these rigs in your area.

[5th_Time]

Remember... even the "36" RL which is (one of) their most popular model, is actually 40' 7" according to the Redwoodschematic.So except for the 31 and 34 (which are actually longer) everyone is towing that length.

Even with the long wheelbase of the 8' box crewcab dually, the RLis reasonable to maneuver at a campsite (as long as you have a pull-thru - ha ha). Plus it's so well balanced it tows like a dream - even with the two axles. Best I have owned.



Even if you feel anxious, purchase the dually anyway. It's been said many times herethat it's better to buy too much truck than to find out later that you don't have enough. Plus, it avoids that whole "dually envy" thing SRW owners inevitably get a few months after they purchase.

[Oriana]

Originally Posted by SW1117

I am scared of the dully. Can't a F350 without being dully handle it?

I was also told 42 ft is too long. Will be hard to pull, most parks won't be able to accommodate it and too heavy. How true or important are these items??

Sharon

We have an F350 SRW and the max we can tow is 16,300 lbs, which is less than the 16,600 GVWR of the 38GK. We have a 36FL and are very close to the max weight and will also be close to the max load on the rear axle. I would prefer a DRW, but we bought the truck before knowing of Redwoods.

With the heavier weights on the GK I suggest you require a DRW.

[homeguy]

Don't be scared of a dually. They are like dogs and can smell fear. My wife hates to drive our dodge dually but will if necessary. I just keep reminding here that if your mirror clears it, the fenders will also. Since it's a truck, curbs aren't a problem either.

[COLJDM]

My wife is the driver as she hates my driving. I have it made, no driving, I just hang out on my IPAD, watch a movie and take care of the Grand Kids if they are with us. The DRW pulls the Redwood easily. No problem in campsites, even at Disney World which has nice campsites but the access is tight, just go easy, and you can fit that coach into most camp sites. Pull throughs make it easy but if they are not available, the Redwood handles like a dream when backing up.

[Kev n JJ]

I just LOVE driving the dually. It's really easy once you learn to use the side mirrors. Just have to watch those extra wheels around corners and other cars.

Jj

[fathog99]

Tow my 36RL with my 2011, F350 with no problems. When I first pulled it felt a little light in the front of the truck but after a few pulls I have had no problems and can scoot down the road at 70MPH if I'm brave. As far as backing I had a 393RLS Open Range which was about 39 feet and let me tell you the Redwood is so much easier to park. Backs like a dream no need for pull throughs. I will say a dually with more rubber on the road it would handle a little better. As far as the perfect truck I think Ford has found it in the 2011 - 2013. It has all the power you need, gets good fuel milage, rides great, and with the new 25K Reese hitch you couldn't ask for a better combination.

[TexasRider]

I would question Redwood as to why only 2 axles. The HH has 3 and your weight is close to the HH. At the least you should have the larger 110 PSI tires and Axles.
As for not liking the dually, come on! I am female and haul 90% of the time by myself!!! It is just like anything else, once you get used to it you are good to go. I hate driving cars which I rent all the time due to travel for work. My everyday vehicle is a 250. All my trucks have been diesel. I have owned 5. You will love your Redwood!

[Oriana]

Originally Posted by TexasRider

I would question Redwood as to why only 2 axles. The HH has 3 and your weight is close to the HH. At the least you should have the larger 110 PSI tires and Axles.
As for not liking the dually, come on! I am female and haul 90% of the time by myself!!! It is just like anything else, once you get used to it you are good to go. I hate driving cars which I rent all the time due to travel for work. My everyday vehicle is a 250. All my trucks have been diesel. I have owned 5. You will love your Redwood!

To accommodate the toys in the garage areathe GVWR of the 39HH is 21,000 lbs, which is significantly higher than any of the other coaches. Hence the 3 axles.

[Dave&Ginny]

No it's not too long. I've taken my trailer into state parks where they say that they only recommend 34 ft or shorter, without any problems at all. Remember the longer the 5th wheel the easier they are to pull and back in. As many have said, these trailer have GREAT road manners. The wind doesn't seem to effect them at all.

As for a SRW F350... I had a 2011 F350 CC 4x4 lariat that I loved but I switched over to a F350 Dually and you won't believe the difference in the way it pulls the trailer.

Happy Trails

[SW1117]

Thanks to everyone who has posted. I had dinner with my niece tonight who just bought a Dodge Maxcab dully. She loves it. She pulls horse trailers around and thinks I will be fine in a Dully. Her 18 yr old daughter even pulls the horse trailers.