Recent content by CaptOchs

  1. CaptOchs

    Terrible towing with factory air suspension

    Yikes. Most trailer tires aren't rated for anything over 65mph. :eek: I would suggest havokeachday consider taking his truck & trailer to an RV service center. Those service guys know all about what upgrades could be done to counter sway. Maybe upgrading the airbags? Maybe it's something as...
  2. CaptOchs

    1500 vs 2500 for towing travel trailer (downhill)

    I have a '13 big horn w/ 6 spd & 3.92. My camper is a 35ft Heartland 303bh that weighs in around 7000. I have the Reese dual-cam WD. I am in NY. I don't have problems with hills. The truck shifts on its own to the right gear with tow-haul. I noticed when you start going downhill as you start...
  3. CaptOchs

    Highest towing capacity for the 5.7

    You don't need a 2500. I towed my Charger on a car carrier with my Ford Expedition. It had the 5.4L w/ 3.92. The car weighs just under 4,000. That truck pulled the car just fine. You could feel it back there, but in no way was it struggling. It was a very stable tow. I never towed it with my...
  4. CaptOchs

    The future looks pretty sad.

    The batteries need to be designed to be universal. You have a children's toy that runs off a proprietary battery and it would be cheaper to buy a new toy when the battery dies. If that same toy ran off C-batteries then you'd incredibly cheap and you wouldn't bat an eye at replacing them. If you...
  5. CaptOchs

    Options for towing

    What comes into play is the towing gears. There's two for the 3:21 and three for the 3:92. The 3:21's 3rd towing gear essentially became an extra overdrive gear (which doesn't really help in terms of towing.) Having the 3rd towing gear allows easier shifts without drastic changes in ratio while...
  6. CaptOchs

    Options for towing

    I have a 35ft trailer that's 7000 lbs empty. My truck with 3.92 gears tows incredibly well. I have done some steep inclines (Adirondack Mountains) and it will be up on RPM and your fuel economy will suffer greatly. I'd look into trading it for another truck with a 3.92 diff. Be sure your WDH is...
  7. CaptOchs

    Best AT tires for everyday use and snow?

    This may go against popular opinion, but I wasn't happy with the Cooper AT3s at all. Traction was OK and I felt every single bump. OEM Goodyears are basic quality. I went with their Trailrunners which have characteristics of an offroad with highway tire. I like them. I'm on my second set. First...
  8. CaptOchs

    OEM brake controller advise

    OP can also try a you-pull-it. Most of those places keep a running inventory of their vehicles on their web sites.
  9. CaptOchs

    Towing Help! 2023 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 eTorque, 4x4, Crew Cab, short bed, 3.21

    I have heard of the 20% rule, but I feel the 30% rule is better. I went as low as having a 18% available (tow capacity) and that wasn't great. Even with a good WD kit. I'd recommend finding a trailer that's around 5600 lbs. Your max tow is 8108 - 30% = 5675. I have a few campers between...
  10. CaptOchs

    Tow/Haul mode not working (maybe)?

    My 2013 Big Horn is noticeable in two ways. It will downshift sooner going uphill to avoid bogging down. It will also assist the brakes by downshifting when it detects your going down a steep hill. I go though a lot of hills and the brake assists helps even with my boat.
  11. CaptOchs

    What should I expect in MPG while towing my RV

    I'd guess somewhere between 9-12 depending on how you tow and other factors. My new camper has a more rounded front profile which helps. Obviously speed too. My dad dropped to 55 mph when we towed out west last year when gas prices were through the roof. Even little things like tire pressure...
  12. CaptOchs

    New to RV’s Seeking Advice

    Should be fine. Get a good weight distribution kit. Have the dealer install it and how you how to use it. Take it for a ride at expressway speeds before camping. If it feels uncomfortable, take it back for them to check. They may need to adjust it. Some newbie towing tips: Avoid going faster...
  13. CaptOchs

    Axle Ratio

    I have a '13 Big Horn 1500 with the 5.7 & 3.92 axle. Tow capacity with my configuration is 10,050 lbs. My new trailer is 7000# empty and 35ft long. So figure somewhere in the 8000-8500 all packed up for camping. I always use tow/haul mode. Once I get going on the expressway I try and keep it...
  14. CaptOchs

    newbie to towing

    Don't just get a WD kit, get a good one! Get it professionally installed too. Drive around with it after installation. If it doesn't feel right, take it back. It's one area you can't cheap out on. You should have minimal sway. Passing 18 wheelers shouldn't turn into a white knuckle struggle...
  15. CaptOchs

    2023 Camping Season, what are your plans?

    I have a 2 week trip booked for the 1000 islands in NY. I have a large and beautiful waterfront site overlooking the St. Lawrence river. This year is going to be even more exciting because we upgraded our boat. Went from a 17ft to a 20ft with a ski tower. We also have our own property in the...
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