Towing a 400 With a 1 Ton Truck?

CrabTab

I know that I can't tow my 320 with my F350 pickup. Does the 400 have the same TV restriction?

Thanks in advance...

CharlieRN

CrabTab said:

I know that I can't tow my 320 with my F350 pickup. Does the 400 have the same TV restriction?

Thanks in advance...

Just out of newbie curiosity, why can't you tow the 320 with the F350? Obviously not the tow weight of the T@B.

pthomas745

Here is a discussion on this.  Stiff suspensions, etc.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7378/can-you-ever-have-too-much-truck/p1

CrabTab

Thanks @pthomas745, I remember reading that discussion. Maybe I should rephrase the question.

Does the 400 have the same sticker as the 320, saying not to tow with greater than a 3/4 ton truck?

We're pulling our 320 with a Colorado. Just wondering if we could use our F350 should we upgrade to a 400 at some point.

CharlieRN

pthomas745 said:

Here is a discussion on this.  Stiff suspensions, etc.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7378/can-you-ever-have-too-much-truck/p1

Interesting and a bit counter-intuitive. I hope to change to an electric TV in 2021/22, specifically a Rivian R1T which has a towing capacity over 10,000 lbs. I suspect that towing a 320 with it won't be a problem - it has a "skateboard" platform chassis and adjustable air suspension - but it's something worth looking into. May need to switch to the R1S SUV which has a much lower tow capacity. . .

CrabTab

@CharlieRN, I haven't ever seen any pull through charging stations. It would seem you'd need to unhook and pull in to a regular parking spot to recharge an electrical vehicle. Not saying it can't be done, but something to consider if you want an electric to pull a trailer (We thought about doing this too).

4ncar

It’s not really counter intuitive. Heavy trucks(3/4T & up) can handle this weight because of the spring packs that are installed. When unloaded, the ride is very stiff(aka kidney punching). The ride softens when the springs are compressed. If there isn’t enough weight to compress the spring packs, the ride remains stiff; the 320(for sure) does not apply enough tongue weight onto the truck to compress the springs enough to soften the ride, and thus, the stiffness is transferred through to the trailer. The 320 utilizes C channel to construct the frame, and is, in the opinion of the Mfg., not strong enough to withstand the transferred forces, mainly just beyond the coupler. The tongue weight of a 400 might be enough to compress the springs on a 3/4 ton, but I doubt a 1 ton. Again, I would defer to the mfg warning stickers, or place a call/email to inquire.

BirdieJane

It has the same sticker 

CharlieRN

CrabTab said:

@CharlieRN, I haven't ever seen any pull through charging stations. It would seem you'd need to unhook and pull in to a regular parking spot to recharge an electrical vehicle. Not saying it can't be done, but something to consider if you want an electric to pull a trailer (We thought about doing this too).

This is definitely a concern but I'm encouraged that both Rivian and Tesla are aware of the issue and taking steps to remedy the situation. Hopefully, by the time I get my EV (likely early 2022) things will have improved.

It will be easier for Tesla since they control their own charging network, but Rivian says they're requiring newcomers to their charging network to have pull-thru access. Ironically, there is a problem with access to the few pull-thru stations that presently exist: ICE vehicles. Apparently, non-EV cars often either cut through the stations at speed and damage the charging cords or simply block access by parking there.

The charging port on the Rivian is in an easier to get to location at the front of the vehicle, so even without modification to the charging station you may be able to plug in with the trailer in place. Not ideal, but it may have to do until pull-throughs become more common.

CrabTab

Thanks @BirdieJane! That is what I wanted to know.

ontheroad

@CrabTab and @CharlieRN...some of our provincial and national parks have started getting charging stations installed...from what I've read... obviously the most popular

hamrx

interesting  glad I sold mine a few years back