[claykniepmann]

2023 Trail Boss with a 2023 Keystone Hideout 18BH

Dry weight 4,500 but probably 5,000ish as you see it in the picture.

Squats a bit, but not bad. Pulled surprisingly well, but I wouldn’t go much bigger personally with my trailer hauling skill level.

At first I thought the shifting and power were really struggling, then I recalled there was a tow mode 🤦🏻‍♂️. That obviously helped a lot. After that, power was no issue whatsoever and braking was surprisingly responsive with the trailer brake option. Odd anecdote, it almost seemed to learn my habits and how and when to shift the more I drove it. Maybe just my imagination, or maybe really clever programming.

The only reason I wouldn’t go much bigger was the tendency to sway just a bit, and “steer the truck” at times. I opted for the anti sway hitch with the camper as well, and I’m glad I did. But it still tends to move a bit in the wind, and tends to suck in to bypassing semis.

While the tow rating is 7,700, it’s still a 4,600lb truck pulling a 5,000lb trailer that also acts as an 18ft long wind sail.

Depends on your skill level, and depends what you’re pulling, but that’s my experience as a nuby to the RV hauling world.

 

[FireNative2]

View attachment 458796

2023 Trail Boss with a 2023 Keystone Hideout 18BH

Dry weight 4,500 but probably 5,000ish as you see it in the picture.

Squats a bit, but not bad. Pulled surprisingly well, but I wouldn’t go much bigger personally with my trailer hauling skill level.

At first I thought the shifting and power were really struggling, then I recalled there was a tow mode 🤦🏻‍♂️. That obviously helped a lot. After that, power was no issue whatsoever and braking was surprisingly responsive with the trailer brake option. Odd anecdote, it almost seemed to learn my habits and how and when to shift the more I drove it. Maybe just my imagination, or maybe really clever programming.

The only reason I wouldn’t go much bigger was the tendency to sway just a bit, and “steer the truck” at times. I opted for the anti sway hitch with the camper as well, and I’m glad I did. But it still tends to move a bit in the wind, and tends to suck in to bypassing semis.

While the tow rating is 7,700, it’s still a 4,600lb truck pulling a 5,000lb trailer that also acts as an 18ft long wind sail.

Depends on your skill level, and depends what you’re pulling, but that’s my experience as a nuby to the RV hauling world.

is it 18 feet including the hitch or 18 feet for just the cabin?

 

[littleblazer]

View attachment 458796

2023 Trail Boss with a 2023 Keystone Hideout 18BH

Dry weight 4,500 but probably 5,000ish as you see it in the picture.

Squats a bit, but not bad. Pulled surprisingly well, but I wouldn’t go much bigger personally with my trailer hauling skill level.

At first I thought the shifting and power were really struggling, then I recalled there was a tow mode 🤦🏻‍♂️. That obviously helped a lot. After that, power was no issue whatsoever and braking was surprisingly responsive with the trailer brake option. Odd anecdote, it almost seemed to learn my habits and how and when to shift the more I drove it. Maybe just my imagination, or maybe really clever programming.

The only reason I wouldn’t go much bigger was the tendency to sway just a bit, and “steer the truck” at times. I opted for the anti sway hitch with the camper as well, and I’m glad I did. But it still tends to move a bit in the wind, and tends to suck in to bypassing semis.

While the tow rating is 7,700, it’s still a 4,600lb truck pulling a 5,000lb trailer that also acts as an 18ft long wind sail.

Depends on your skill level, and depends what you’re pulling, but that’s my experience as a nuby to the RV hauling world.

Did they update those? We have a 2017 model of the 1800bh and it's pretty nice but I recall it being more like 4500lbs max... only reason I know that is we replaced the tires this year and there is only 1 on the market in the OE size that meets the carrying capacity of the trailer. Obviously things change as years go on which is why I ask. It feels about the same as the boat behind the truck which is more like 3800lbs but we run pretty light in ours.

is it 18 feet including the hitch or 18 feet for just the cabin?

I can't speak for the newer models but my 2017 is 18 feet for body. Nearly 22 feet overall... I forget if I included the spare tire in that measurement.

 

[claykniepmann]

is it 18 feet including the hitch or 18 feet for just the cabin?

18 foot box, about 21-22 ft total length.

 

[claykniepmann]

Did they update those? We have a 2017 model of the 1800bh and it's pretty nice but I recall it being more like 4500lbs max... only reason I know that is we replaced the tires this year and there is only 1 on the market in the OE size that meets the carrying capacity of the trailer. Obviously things change as years go on which is why I ask. It feels about the same as the boat behind the truck which is more like 3800lbs but we run pretty light in ours.

I can't speak for the newer models but my 2017 is 18 feet for body. Nearly 22 feet overall... I forget if I included the spare tire in that measurement.

I’m new to the camper game, this is my first, which is why I’m a noob at pulling the trailer, though I have driven grain truck semis (grew up on a farm). Not sure what’s changed since the 2017, but it seems like they tweak them a bit each year depending on material availability and price. I know this one has and outdoor kitchen (frig and hook on flat iron skillet) and a lithium battery, which may add some weight.

I even noticed differences in trim for different units same model and options in the same year. There’s a dizzying amount of campers options out there! We went with this one because the dealer was clearing out the 23s and had them marked down significantly. Shout out to McDowell South RV in Jackson, MO! I believe they still have several ‘23s available if anyone is in the area and in the market. Good people, and no BS service fees like all the others we looked at.

 

[elshout]

claykniepmann, on the factory brake controller, does the manual slide lever activate your trailer brakes?

I had another brake controller in a prior vehicle with a prior trailer and the manual slide lever would activate the trailer brakes. I would use this as a quick test to see if the trailer connection was good.


It does not activate my new trailer in the Colorado. I can tell when stopping the trailer brakes are working, but they will not engage manually. I just wanted to see if you or anyone else also is having that experience?

*When I move the manual level, it does show on my dash the percentage that I am moving it (25%, 100%, etc, but it is not activating the trailer brakes)

 

[claykniepmann]

claykniepmann, on the factory brake controller, does the manual slide lever activate your trailer brakes?

*When I move the manual level, it does show on my dash the percentage that I am moving it (25%, 100%, etc, but it is not activating the trailer brakes)

You know, I can’t answer that for certain. I never tried using it while in motion, I only tested while stationary, and saw the same thing with the dash and assumed it was working. I’ll try to test that out and will report back. I agree, they’re definitely working when I press the brake pedal down, but haven’t properly tested the lever to be sure.

 

[FireNative2]

18 foot box, about 21-22 ft total length.

Thanks so much guys for the info. Yeah that is the size I am looking at getting a 8.5'x18' (in the box) trailer to make into a custom toy hauler. With tandem axles. I was hoping to after I put my 750ibs Yamaha Raider S motorcycle and all the furnishings it would be 6500ibs max but hopefully 6K ibs loaded, and I was wondering how these Gen 3 twins could handle the weight and shape towing it in the mountains about 3 times a year. Please give an update on how the truck does after a few trips please. Thanks again.

 

[Camper]

Wanted to let you know our manual slide lever does activate our trailer brakes when in motion.

 

[claykniepmann]

Thanks so much guys for the info. Yeah that is the size I am looking at getting a 8.5'x18' (in the box) trailer to make into a custom toy hauler. With tandem axles. I was hoping to after I put my 750ibs Yamaha Raider S motorcycle and all the furnishings it would be 6500ibs max but hopefully 6K ibs loaded, and I was wondering how these Gen 3 twins could handle the weight and shape towing it in the mountains about 3 times a year. Please give an update on how the truck does after a few trips please. Thanks again.

I think the tandem axles will help a bit with the sway. Will keep you posted, but I think it would do the job. Might get 8-9 mpg but you’ll get there.

 

[AlexT]

The only reason I wouldn’t go much bigger was the tendency to sway just a bit, and “steer the truck” at times. I opted for the anti sway hitch with the camper as well, and I’m glad I did. But it still tends to move a bit in the wind, and tends to suck in to bypassing semis.

That trailer seems pretty large for only a single axle which doesn’t help. Make sure to keep a close eye on the tire pressures/condition and look up the speed rating as well. I typically keep it at 70 or below while towing. Try to balance your cargo loading F/R of the axle, it may be helpful to get one of those hitch weight scales or use a pair of bathroom scales so you can get an idea of your weight balance fully loaded.

Does your weight distributing hitch have the sway control kit with the on/off lever? Typically with the chain style WDH it is an added accessory but other styles of WDH have sway control built in. They’re pretty cheap to add if you don’t have it already.

 

[claykniepmann]

That trailer seems pretty large for only a single axle which doesn’t help. Make sure to keep a close eye on the tire pressures/condition and look up the speed rating as well. I typically keep it at 70 or below while towing. Try to balance your cargo loading F/R of the axle, it may be helpful to get one of those hitch weight scales or use a pair of bathroom scales so you can get an idea of your weight balance fully loaded.

Does your weight distributing hitch have the sway control kit with the on/off lever? Typically with the chain style WDH it is an added accessory but other styles of WDH have sway control built in. They’re pretty cheap to add if you don’t have it already.

I agree with you, and wish it was a tandem. Definitely keeping it under 70mph at all times when towing and keeping a close eye on the tire pressure and condition. I appreciate the tip on weight distribution, great point there.

My WDH is the chain style hitch with a sway control arm that attaches to the right side, and it secures by a crank. Seems to be doing its job, though I haven’t tried pulling without it. When I say it sways, I just mean you can feel it want to pull, but the sway control seems to straighten it back out almost immediately. It doesn’t wobble or fishtail, just feel it want to. Hope that makes sense, kind of hard to explain the feel of it.

Overall, it feels safe to pull, I just wouldn’t go any bigger, especially on single axle.

 

[FireNative2]

I agree with you, and wish it was a tandem. Definitely keeping it under 70mph at all times when towing and keeping a close eye on the tire pressure and condition. I appreciate the tip on weight distribution, great point there.

My WDH is the chain style hitch with a sway control arm that attaches to the right side, and it secures by a crank. Seems to be doing its job, though I haven’t tried pulling without it. When I say it sways, I just mean you can feel it want to pull, but the sway control seems to straighten it back out almost immediately. It doesn’t wobble or fishtail, just feel it want to. Hope that makes sense, kind of hard to explain the feel of it.

Overall, it feels safe to pull, I just wouldn’t go any bigger, especially on single axle.

B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch
Look that anti sway distribution system up in YouTube. I saw a few videos on them and they seem to be the best newest tech on the market

 

[elshout]

Wanted to let you know our manual slide lever does activate our trailer brakes when in motion.

Thanks Camper. I know now I need to start troubleshooting.

 

[elshout]

Wanted to let you know our manual slide lever does activate our trailer brakes when in motion.

Thanks Camper. I know now I need to start troubleshooting.

 

[commonme]

@claykniepmann I have a similar sized (~18 box, ~23 overall, 7 wide, ~10-6 tall) Wolf Pup I got last spring. I'm also a newbie to the RV world. We took it from NW Illinois to the Grand Canyon last summer and I thought it pulled really well, although mine is a bit lighter. About 3800 dry, 5000 gross. We had it at about 4500 by my guess. I actually thought the tow mode didn't help much and at times didn't perform as well as not using it. As far as sway, I did notice the wind and being sucked into trucks sooner than without a trailer, but that makes sense. I could not tell the trailer was actually moving separate from the truck, it all felt like everything was moving as a single unit. I also checked the mirrors several times and everything was straight, near as I could tell. Talking to others with more experience, they told me that was what it should feel like.
From what I was told, your picture looks good. Everything looks pretty level.

 

[nullrejector]

2023 Chevy Colorado LT with the advanced towing package. Towing a 2023 Alpha Wolf 26DBH-L (6200 lbs with a 630 lb tongue weight) using an Andersen anti-sway weight distribution hitch. We just picked up the trailer this past Saturday from a dealer 250 miles away. The Colorado did a great job! With the WD hitch, the rear dropped 1 inch and the front stayed the same.

I must say I was impressed with the Colorado. I did a lot of research for this truck to be able to pull this trailer. I was nervous, but it worked out great.

In the past I had a 2007 Dodge Ram with a the 5.7 liter Hemi towing a 2007 KZ Spree 324BHS (6200 lbs with a 720 lb tongue weight). This Colorado tows the current trailer every bit as well as the Dodge towed our prior trailer. The Colorado actually sags less in the rear. I felt I had the same power as the Hemi and felt very comfortable towing the trailer back home at 70 MPH.

So for those of you looking and wondering what you can tow with the Colorado, here is a post to give you an idea.
View attachment 458345

That's an impressive load! How does it act going up big hills/mountains?

 

[elshout]

That's an impressive load! How does it act going up big hills/mountains?

In Tow/haul mode it did fine. I comfortably drove 70-75 MPH towing it home to Texas from Arkansas. Mileage was terrible, about 7 MPG towing, but plenty of power. Every bit as good as the Dodge Ram Hemi pulling approx the same weight trailer. However, the Dodge did get about 9-10 MPG when towing.

 

[elshout]

I am using the Andersen WD/Anti sway hitch this time:

I used the Reese WD/Anti sway hitch before with the Dodge Ram:

The Andersen is 1/2 the weight and 1/2 the cost of the Reese. So far what I have noticed, the Reese is better for weight distribution. It allows you to put more weight on the front of the truck. The Andersen seems to max out.

Both are excellent at anti-sway control. So I would give the edge to the Reese.

Hope that helps someone who is trying to figure all of this out. (Just for reference - 18 years RV towing experience)

 

[zr218thwk17]

Just pulled my Can am defender max from frisco, TX to our house in pagosa springs this weekend, on a Big tex 60Pi 16’ trailer, it’s a tandem axle that is just over 19’ from hitch to end of trailer. Using a U-Haul class 3 hitch with a 7500lb max. The trailer is about 1500 lbs and the UTV is about 2200 dry it’s lifted on 30s so it’s a bit on the heavy side for a utv so ~3700 total averaged about 12.5mpg indicated didn’t do by hand and averaging 72mph for the trip of 789 miles. Truck did really well, for the most part couldn’t tell anything was back there, not to the level of the F250 tremor is used to have of course but was pleasantly surprised with the power going up the hills and even being able to hold at 78mph on I-40 up the hills around Santa Rosa. Took the defender to one trail before coming back to Frisco and the Canyon did well pulling the trailer up about 500 feet to the trailhead with some snow on the ground and was able to just use Auto mode. The Toyo AT3s definitely help though