1999 Dutchmen Weight

[Dedduc]

Just bought a 1999 Dutchmen 26 foot camper with bunks. Anyone have any idea what this thing weighs?

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Dedduc

Just bought a 1999 Dutchmen 26 foot camper with bunks. Anyone have any idea what this thing weighs?

Which model is it? Here is a brochure that lists the standard weights for that year.

Aaron

[Dedduc]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Which model is it? Here is a brochure that lists the standard weights for that year.

Aaron

That helped thank you ! Looks like the model is 26B-2L so a 12k Equalizer would be more then enough right?

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Dedduc

That helped thank you ! Looks like the model is 26B-2L so a 12k Equalizer would be more then enough right?

Depending on how stout your tow vehicle is I would even consider dropping down to the 10k unit. You are right on the line between the 8k and the 10k. Having too strong a hitch can lead to issues, such as a too stiff a ride and damage to the trailer.

The village idiots at the CW where I bought my current Coleman outfitted it with a 1000# spring bar on a trailer that grosses at 3800# and has a tongue weight in the 450# range. When I called them on it they basically made it clear that is the smallest hitch they stock so that is what they put on there. I managed to hunt down a set of 600# bars and the trailer rides a whole lot better now.

Aaron

[Dedduc]

My TV is a 3/4 ton Chevy Duramax diesel, my gross trailer weight is 7460 so what percent do I figure in to get the right estimated tongue weight ? 10% 15% ? Very close to going to my local guy and picking up a Reese SC hitch and being done with it since he is 15 miles away..ll

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Dedduc

My TV is a 3/4 ton Chevy Duramax diesel, my gross trailer weight is 7460 so what percent do I figure in to get the right estimated tongue weight ? 10% 15% ? Very close to going to my local guy and picking up a Reese SC hitch and being done with it since he is 15 miles away..ll

I would probably go with the 1000# bars with that truck. Problem with guestimating tongue weights is that each trailer is different. My Coleman hits the 15% mark right from the factory, so we rear load it to keep the tongue weight from creeping up. My buddy has a Mini Roo that is tongue light so he has to load up the front compartment to get to the 10% range. My goal is 12% of the actual trailer weight. You have a massive amount of cargo capacity, your trailer weighs ~3986# dry with a tongue weight of ~460#, that puts you just over the 10% mark. That trailer has a huge cargo carrying capacity. I doubt you will be able to max it out.

Aaron