newbie to towing

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dhay13

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Towing and backing up really isn't a problem after a little practice. Like I said above, the shorter the trailer the smaller the input needed on the steering wheel. Get the truck and trailer as straight and lined up as you can before you start your backup.
 

PaleFlyer

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A friend tows that exact size trailer and load with a 1500 Hemi no problem. He doesn’t have the 3.92; with the 8 speed transmission it’s not necessary. Personally I’d get a 3.92 if I lived in the mountains or I was towing often. Otherwise I would not because fuel economy will be less with that gearing.

My recommendation is don’t use the trailer backup system that works like a video game. Unless you want to be forever a ***** to tech and unable to back up on your own. Learning to backup a trailer is not hard to learn. And a longer trailer is easier to back up than a short one. A 24’ will be easy. What’s hard is the 8’ utility trailer hidden behind the tailgate you can’t even see.
I can confirm. My first tow was a short trailer I borrowed from the wife's uncle for a yard sale of some **** in storage.

It was a ***** to tow as I couldn't see it. Took forever to back it enough to satisfy me that I could leave it for the night. Second backing to drop it off was better, but still sucked.
 

JJEH

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Great advice here so far. Don't buy into these electronic "helpers" as they are contributing to the dumbing down of people. Trailering, like so many other things in life, are learned by doing and practice is what it takes. Now people can't stay in their lane anymore w/o a stupid machine beeping at them, park, back up or even turn their freaking lights on. It's terrible and I don't want to see the cars produced in 10yrs from now. Have you ever put your RAM into reverse at night? Who the hell comes up with this idea to make a bright screen pop up? I can't see my RH mirror correctly because of that damn screen. People rely on this crap so much, once it malfunctions people are lost. I mean, so many can't even walk straight w/o looking at their stupid phone. Society has become weak, physically as well as mentally! A joke, useless sheep, trained to follow and easily manipulated.
 

tron67j

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Wow, that is a lot to digest! Thank you to all! Think I will stay home! Can ride my Polaris here without having to tow them somewhere
Well, certainly an option to stay at home. But you did the right thing to investigate what you need. Since you have the trailer and toys, start there. Load up the trailer (block the rear so it doesn't tip back) and when fully loaded weigh your hitch tongue. That will tell you what kind of vehicle you need in a 1500 or 2500 and it is all based on the weight you got from the trailer plus know the weight of the people and stuff you would carry in truck. You can figure this out by taking current vehicle to a scale, empty except for full tank of gas. Then load everyone and everything in vehicle and go back to scale. Subtract two numbers and that remainder plus the trailer tongue weight will dictate a 1500 or 2500. IMHO I think you might want to be in a 2500, just more substantial feeling with a trailer but you might be fine in a 1500.

Then, focus on the truck. While looking for the truck, option nice to have already is factory tow package. In terms of backing cameras, steer assist, etc. that is all fine but not necessary. Personally, not needed as with some time things with trailering just get to feel natural. All the other stuff like brake gain, etc. mentioned here may be relevant some day, but not now for you. Good luck
 

Ronald Nadeau

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Make sure you have a trailer brake system. You will be fine and no speeding. Keep it at 60 or less.
 

CaptOchs

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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. Trailer tires are important too. Many times tires come unbalanced. I like to get them balanced to have them perform their best.
 

TorqueWagon

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I presume your trailer is equipped with electric brakes. Not EVERY 24 foot trailer has them, but probably 98% do, especially at your gross weight of 6700 lbs. I only bring it up since you are a newbie, and you obviously don't already have a brake controller already, so maybe not .... ??? A brake controller won't do much if no electric brakes on the trailer.
 

StNick

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There are really three things to consider. One, as people have said, your truck will probably pull the trailer so that's covered especially if you set it up properly. Two, electric brakes on the trailer and a brake controller are a must (especially to be legal. Having electric brakes without the controller is useless). If you ever run into a situation where the trailer starts to sway, activate the trailer brake only (from the brake controller) and the sway will stop. But three, another consideration - is it legal? With the trailer, are you within the legal rated weights for that truck?
 

Ratman6161

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Others have mentioned payload but here is a bit more. Payload varies widely between trucks and you can find Ram 1500s with over 1800# and others with 1100# With 1400 to 1500 typical,. If you have 1400 to start with and 700 being used by the tongue weight of the trailer and another 100 for a weight distributing hitch, you only have 600 left. With 4 people and their gear you could easily be in 3/4 ton territory. Just remember it's not just the trailer.
 
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