Hey guys I'm new in here and chasing some feedback advice.
Have a 28ft gooseneck weighing in at 4000kg full loaded currently towing with older GMC.
Looking to swap out for a 2008 Ford Transit dual cab 2.4 turbo diesel 6 speed and wondering if anyone is using these on 5th wheelers and what the results are.
Asked around the rodeo community where they are towing the same and feedback was "nothing flash but does the job" so just looking for as much feedback as I can before making the investment to change.
KJB said
09:22 AM May 11, 2021
Adam 66 wrote:
Hey guys I'm new in here and chasing some feedback advice.
Have a 28ft gooseneck weighing in at 4000kg full loaded currently towing with older GMC.
Looking to swap out for a 2008 Ford Transit dual cab 2.4 turbo diesel 6 speed and wondering if anyone is using these on 5th wheelers and what the results are.
Asked around the rodeo community where they are towing the same and feedback was "nothing flash but does the job" so just looking for as much feedback as I can before making the investment to change.
Year /model GMC ?
KB
jebs said
09:31 AM May 11, 2021
I thought the towing capacity of a transit was around 2 1/2 ton
Dougwe said
09:41 AM May 11, 2021
Welcome to the gang Adam, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Just to get the grey matter working hard, have you had a gander at the Iveco Daily or Isuzu equivalent. You might also need to step up from those having 4t on the back.
I hope you get it all sorted sooner than soon.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Possum3 said
09:52 AM May 11, 2021
Welcome to GN's Adam, I know very little about truck comparisons but, The Ford would be my sentimental choice but I am aware that Isuzu have a range of varying configurations that would be difficult to beat -
yobarr said
10:42 AM May 11, 2021
Adam 66 wrote:
Hey guys I'm new in here and chasing some feedback advice.
Have a 28ft gooseneck weighing in at 4000kg full loaded currently towing with older GMC.
Looking to swap out for a 2008 Ford Transit dual cab 2.4 turbo diesel 6 speed and wondering if anyone is using these on 5th wheelers and what the results are.
Asked around the rodeo community where they are towing the same and feedback was "nothing flash but does the job" so just looking for as much feedback as I can before making the investment to change.
Hi Adam.Whilst I have no experience with your chosen vehicle,might I suggest that,with only 103kw,you ain't going anywhere in a hurry? However, that may well suit you,as it does the rodeo community.All I can suggest is that you look closely at the tare,GVM,wheelbase,towing capacity and possibly GCM(?) on the compliance plate, found under the bonnet. If there is no GCM that's OK,as I think I have the variables somewhere? These figures seem to vary dramatically from vehicle to vehicle,but if you supply your figures,we may be able to help. If you could supply your van's GTM and axle group carrying capacity,(they may be two completely different figures) that would be a big help! However,as Possum suggests,there are possibly more capable vehicles around, unless,of course,you're getting the Transit at the "Right price"? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 11th of May 2021 02:47:53 PM
Welcome to the gang Adam, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Just to get the grey matter working hard, have you had a gander at the Iveco Daily or Isuzu equivalent. You might also need to step up from those having 4t on the back.
I hope you get it all sorted sooner than soon.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
I have just got back from pricing up a new Iveco Daily E6 50c.
With the options i want fitted, it will be a factory order, and if ordered now, it would be here by late January.
It is the shortest body with 12 cubic meters of cargo space, perfect for what i want it for.
On the road at $83k
As stated, the range of Iveco vehicles is perfect for this use, and as many features as a luxury s.u.v.
Woody n Sue said
05:30 PM May 11, 2021
Hi Adam 66 as far as weights go the gross combined weight GCM , is the first weight you need to know next is the Gross Vehicle Weight GVM ,and then the tare weight and the rear axel tare weight and the max rear axle weight of your vehicle of choice .
Now take the tare weight from the GCM and see what you have left . This is the total weight you can add to the combination , so you say your 5th wheeler weighs in at 4000 kg so we cans safely assume that the 5the wheeler axel rating is capable of carrying that ,now most 5th wheelers add approximately 400 kg to the tow vehicle so you need at least that much weight available to add to the rear axel , there is no such thing as ball weight on a 5th wheeler as in the normal tow bar as it is not being used , its all about what weight you can carry on the back of the tow vehicle . With the 5th wheeler it all about individual axel weight and the gross combined weight , so if you are under weight on all axels and under your GCM you are good to go .
I have asked both Vic roads and the NSW cops they have no idea wether you are towing or carrying the weight , the only answer I could get was if your under on all axel weights and GCM you are good to go , and as far as I could find out so long as your under a certain weight which I think is something like 12 tonne ( cant remember exactly ) its still a car licence to drive it, except in QLD if the tow point is 1 mm in front of the rear axel line then you will need a semi licence .
I hope this makes sense to you.
Woody
yobarr said
07:58 PM May 11, 2021
Woody n Sue wrote:
Hi Adam 66 as far as weights go the gross combined weight GCM , is the first weight you need to know next is the Gross Vehicle Weight GVM ,and then the tare weight and the rear axel tare weight and the max rear axle weight of your vehicle of choice . Now take the tare weight from the GCM and see what you have left . This is the total weight you can add to the combination , so you say your 5th wheeler weighs in at 4000 kg so we cans safely assume that the 5the wheeler axel rating is capable of carrying that ,now most 5th wheelers add approximately 400 kg to the tow vehicle so you need at least that much weight available to add to the rear axel , there is no such thing as ball weight on a 5th wheeler as in the normal tow bar as it is not being used , its all about what weight you can carry on the back of the tow vehicle . With the 5th wheeler it all about individual axel weight and the gross combined weight , so if you are under weight on all axels and under your GCM you are good to go . I have asked both Vic roads and the NSW cops they have no idea wether you are towing or carrying the weight , the only answer I could get was if your under on all axel weights and GCM you are good to go , and as far as I could find out so long as your under a certain weight which I think is something like 12 tonne ( cant remember exactly ) its still a car licence to drive it, except in QLD if the tow point is 1 mm in front of the rear axel line then you will need a semi licence . I hope this makes sense to you.
Woody
???? More tomorrow,but how on earth did you decide that "most 5th wheelers add appriximately 400kg to the tow vehicle"? This being the case, the OPs 4000kg ATM van would have 3600kg on the van's axle group.Can't be done with a tow vehicle that has maximum tow capacity between 2450kg and 2750kg,depending on model.It would help greatly if the OP could provide both the axle capacity and the GTM of his van.Cheers
Woody n Sue said
10:07 PM May 11, 2021
Yobar this is the best information that I could glean from publications available the 400 kg is the general number quoted , ( this is also the weight of my 5th wheeler ) and as I said with a 5th wheeler because of where its attached to the tow vehicle its not considered towing in the conventional car caravan way because its being carried and it comes back to individual axel limits and GCM.
I have asked Vic roads and Vic roads officers on the road also Nsw officers at field days and they all agree with the 5th wheeler combination it comes back to axel weights and GCM weight.
I've been looking at the Iveco and others but the price difference is quite a bit so hence the interest in the Transit.
only travel at 90kph when I have horses on board so it's more about getting there than the speed I do it.
yobarr said
11:39 AM May 12, 2021
Adam 66 wrote:
2010 Ford Transit dual cab VM specs
Kerb Weight (kg) 1971
Gross Vehicle Mass (kg) 3550
Gross Combination Mass (kg) 6300
Payload (kg) 1579
Towing Capacity (braked) (kg) 2750
Hi Adam.Thanks,as that helps a lot.That is,I think,the model with the 3954mm wheelbase and the 2450kg rear axle. Later today I will see what else I can find,but it would be helpful if you also could post the van's GTM,as well as the axle carrying capacity.Quick look suggests that with 600kg "ball weight" you could load to 2900kg on the truck,but we really need to get the trailer's GTM rating first.What is the load rating on the trailer's tyres? Cheers
Adam 66 said
11:42 AM May 12, 2021
Hi Woody
Okay some info for the interested parties.
28ft 4 horse gooseneck with extended living. GVM4490kg
Converted to 3 horse so drop 500kg off the full loaded weight.
Upgraded to a 6000kg axle group with torsion bar suspension.
bgt said
12:07 PM May 12, 2021
Just a comment. Horse floats generally have their wheels/axle located further back than RV 5th wheelers.
Adam 66 said
12:34 PM May 12, 2021
Hi Yobarr
The main thing I'm chasing is reliability and common issues with the Transit when put under load like this kind of towing.
I normally don't load anything on the tray apart from the Honda EU2000 generator so payload on tray isn't an issue.
About 600kg ball weight sounds right on a 3" ball hitch.
GMC tows it easily but only single cab so the dogs get upset when the wife wants to come too
yobarr said
01:28 PM May 12, 2021
Adam 66 wrote:
Hi Woody
Okay some info for the interested parties.
28ft 4 horse gooseneck with extended living. GVM4490kg
Converted to 3 horse so drop 500kg off the full loaded weight.
Upgraded to a 6000kg axle group with torsion bar suspension.
Adam,your axle weights all are good,safe and legal,with the front axle rated at 1750kg,the rear axle at 2450kg,and your GCM at 6300kg,so there's not much else I can contribute,other than to wonder how well a 103kw engine will propel this unit? However,I did read somewhere that the 2008 and 2009 Transit models were voted as the most reliable model ever built,with many later ones getting many bad reports.That in itself would suggest that it will suit you well.Reported fuel economy is 9.4km/litre (26mpg)).However,I believe that that engine is noted for turbo problems,and the timing belt tensioner is a known weakness.If the tensioner fails,it could lead to the chain breaking,causing major engine damage .Costs little to replace both those components,should you choose to do so. Where abouts in Australia are you at present? Although I know little about horse floats,it seems that your horses are carried directly over the trailer's axles,with the front area for storage of all sorts of gear? Looks well set up.Good luck with your research.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 12th of May 2021 01:42:27 PM
Adam 66 said
02:24 PM May 12, 2021
Thanks for the help guys that last info on the specific models is what I was looking for. Some preventative measures straight after purchase to cover the normal problem parts and we'll be good to go. Though I'll definitely miss the big diesel when we hit a hill.
Adam 66 said
06:42 PM May 12, 2021
Thanks for the help guys that last info on the specific models is what I was looking for. Some preventative measures straight after purchase to cover the normal problem parts and we'll be good to go. Though I'll definitely miss the big diesel when we hit a hill.
Hey guys I'm new in here and chasing some feedback advice.
Have a 28ft gooseneck weighing in at 4000kg full loaded currently towing with older GMC.
Looking to swap out for a 2008 Ford Transit dual cab 2.4 turbo diesel 6 speed and wondering if anyone is using these on 5th wheelers and what the results are.
Asked around the rodeo community where they are towing the same and feedback was "nothing flash but does the job" so just looking for as much feedback as I can before making the investment to change.
Just to get the grey matter working hard, have you had a gander at the Iveco Daily or Isuzu equivalent. You might also need to step up from those having 4t on the back.
I hope you get it all sorted sooner than soon.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Hi Adam.Whilst I have no experience with your chosen vehicle,might I suggest that,with only 103kw,you ain't going anywhere in a hurry? However, that may well suit you,as it does the rodeo community.All I can suggest is that you look closely at the tare,GVM,wheelbase,towing capacity and possibly GCM(?) on the compliance plate, found under the bonnet. If there is no GCM that's OK,as I think I have the variables somewhere? These figures seem to vary dramatically from vehicle to vehicle,but if you supply your figures,we may be able to help. If you could supply your van's GTM and axle group carrying capacity,(they may be two completely different figures) that would be a big help! However,as Possum suggests,there are possibly more capable vehicles around, unless,of course,you're getting the Transit at the "Right price"? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 11th of May 2021 02:47:53 PM
I have just got back from pricing up a new Iveco Daily E6 50c.
With the options i want fitted, it will be a factory order, and if ordered now, it would be here by late January.
It is the shortest body with 12 cubic meters of cargo space, perfect for what i want it for.
On the road at $83k
As stated, the range of Iveco vehicles is perfect for this use, and as many features as a luxury s.u.v.
Now take the tare weight from the GCM and see what you have left . This is the total weight you can add to the combination , so you say your 5th wheeler weighs in at 4000 kg so we cans safely assume that the 5the wheeler axel rating is capable of carrying that ,now most 5th wheelers add approximately 400 kg to the tow vehicle so you need at least that much weight available to add to the rear axel , there is no such thing as ball weight on a 5th wheeler as in the normal tow bar as it is not being used , its all about what weight you can carry on the back of the tow vehicle . With the 5th wheeler it all about individual axel weight and the gross combined weight , so if you are under weight on all axels and under your GCM you are good to go .
I have asked both Vic roads and the NSW cops they have no idea wether you are towing or carrying the weight , the only answer I could get was if your under on all axel weights and GCM you are good to go , and as far as I could find out so long as your under a certain weight which I think is something like 12 tonne ( cant remember exactly ) its still a car licence to drive it, except in QLD if the tow point is 1 mm in front of the rear axel line then you will need a semi licence .
I hope this makes sense to you.
Woody
???? More tomorrow,but how on earth did you decide that "most 5th wheelers add appriximately 400kg to the tow vehicle"? This being the case, the OPs 4000kg ATM van would have 3600kg on the van's axle group.Can't be done with a tow vehicle that has maximum tow capacity between 2450kg and 2750kg,depending on model.It would help greatly if the OP could provide both the axle capacity and the GTM of his van.Cheers
I have asked Vic roads and Vic roads officers on the road also Nsw officers at field days and they all agree with the 5th wheeler combination it comes back to axel weights and GCM weight.
Woody
1997 GMC Sierra C2500 single cab 6.5 turbo diesel
2010 Ford Transit dual cab VM specs
Kerb Weight (kg) 1971
Hi Dougwe
I've been looking at the Iveco and others but the price difference is quite a bit so hence the interest in the Transit.
only travel at 90kph when I have horses on board so it's more about getting there than the speed I do it.
Hi Adam.Thanks,as that helps a lot.That is,I think,the model with the 3954mm wheelbase and the 2450kg rear axle. Later today I will see what else I can find,but it would be helpful if you also could post the van's GTM,as well as the axle carrying capacity.Quick look suggests that with 600kg "ball weight" you could load to 2900kg on the truck,but we really need to get the trailer's GTM rating first.What is the load rating on the trailer's tyres? Cheers
Hi Woody
Okay some info for the interested parties.
28ft 4 horse gooseneck with extended living. GVM4490kg
Converted to 3 horse so drop 500kg off the full loaded weight.
Upgraded to a 6000kg axle group with torsion bar suspension.
Hi Yobarr
The main thing I'm chasing is reliability and common issues with the Transit when put under load like this kind of towing.
I normally don't load anything on the tray apart from the Honda EU2000 generator so payload on tray isn't an issue.
About 600kg ball weight sounds right on a 3" ball hitch.
GMC tows it easily but only single cab so the dogs get upset when the wife wants to come too
Adam,your axle weights all are good,safe and legal,with the front axle rated at 1750kg,the rear axle at 2450kg,and your GCM at 6300kg,so there's not much else I can contribute,other than to wonder how well a 103kw engine will propel this unit? However,I did read somewhere that the 2008 and 2009 Transit models were voted as the most reliable model ever built,with many later ones getting many bad reports.That in itself would suggest that it will suit you well.Reported fuel economy is 9.4km/litre (26mpg)).However,I believe that that engine is noted for turbo problems,and the timing belt tensioner is a known weakness.If the tensioner fails,it could lead to the chain breaking,causing major engine damage .Costs little to replace both those components,should you choose to do so. Where abouts in Australia are you at present? Although I know little about horse floats,it seems that your horses are carried directly over the trailer's axles,with the front area for storage of all sorts of gear? Looks well set up.Good luck with your research.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 12th of May 2021 01:42:27 PM