Mitag3
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2015
- Posts
- 46
- Reaction score
- 11
- Location
- Eastern Nebraska
- Ram Year
- 2014 Ram 1500 Express
- Engine
- Hemi 5.7
So the wife an I got a new camper. Trail Bay 27FK(I think). Can't remember real world numbers off the top of my head but we established an estimated around 7300lbs loaded with gear for an extended trip. Super slide is completely in front of the axles so i'm guessing close to 800lbs tongue weight with WDH.
My truck is a 2014 Ram 1500 express 6 speed with with less than 30,000 miles and bilsteins up front set at 2.1 and a 3/4 spacer in the rear. As I stated we have a weight distribution hitch with friction sway control, I installed Air Lift 1000 helper bags, aftermarket trailer brake controller, and plan on getting some load range E tires for the back.
Initial drives have been great even without the range E tires (I believe they are higher rated than stock but still about 300#'s/tire less than I plan on getting) and without the trailer brake control. Helper bags and WDH are awesome and have everything set where I want it. Trailer is almost dead level, leaning just a smidge towards the hitch. Truck only squats 3/4" in the rear and sits very level.
So what I'm looking for is any kind of insight on what could make a 2 month trip around the country more enjoyable with this thing (other than getting a 3/4 ton truck lol). I plan on hitting east and west coast, including plenty of mountainous trecking. I'll be in no rush so I'll be keeping the speeds down (I feel like I read somewhere 62 is a magic number for the Hemi for MPG?). Was thinking about looking into some heavy duty (?) transmission fluid to swap in before the trip to handle increased temps in the mountains. Anyone else take a big camper across the country with a half ton?
My truck is a 2014 Ram 1500 express 6 speed with with less than 30,000 miles and bilsteins up front set at 2.1 and a 3/4 spacer in the rear. As I stated we have a weight distribution hitch with friction sway control, I installed Air Lift 1000 helper bags, aftermarket trailer brake controller, and plan on getting some load range E tires for the back.
Initial drives have been great even without the range E tires (I believe they are higher rated than stock but still about 300#'s/tire less than I plan on getting) and without the trailer brake control. Helper bags and WDH are awesome and have everything set where I want it. Trailer is almost dead level, leaning just a smidge towards the hitch. Truck only squats 3/4" in the rear and sits very level.
So what I'm looking for is any kind of insight on what could make a 2 month trip around the country more enjoyable with this thing (other than getting a 3/4 ton truck lol). I plan on hitting east and west coast, including plenty of mountainous trecking. I'll be in no rush so I'll be keeping the speeds down (I feel like I read somewhere 62 is a magic number for the Hemi for MPG?). Was thinking about looking into some heavy duty (?) transmission fluid to swap in before the trip to handle increased temps in the mountains. Anyone else take a big camper across the country with a half ton?