Camper towing

[jknappen]

I’ve had 2 - Equalizer 4 way
They work very well , where others only correct 2 ways the equalizer does 4 way
You can back up and turn any direction

I have looked at the husky as it has good reviews as well as a smaller price tag

 

[Bigbird]

I use the Husky Round Bar equalizer hitch system from Camping World. Works fine. Also installed the Air Lift 1000 air bags. These really improve the ride.

 

[Lucy Girl]

Air bags are a must for towing I think. Hook your trailer up throw wood in the bed plus other gear. Saggy ass is never good you lose performance when towing.

Great answer. Tell it like it is.

 

[Lucy Girl]

I have looked at the husky as it has good reviews as well as a smaller price tag

I have a Husky. Works great for me.

 

[Mandride]

Watch your max weight rating and tongue weight of the trailer. Most people don't take into consideration that the trailer is empty when they buy it and once you start adding clothes, gear, food, water, propane etc they go over their limit. Also make sure you account for the weight of the passengers in the vehicle when towing as well. You will need E rated tires and rims with a higher rating as well typically to be safe. All little things you start to figure out as you buy a trailer. Don't go off of what the sales people tell you, they just want to make a deal.

That is why I got the Super Light since my truck has a 8100 GWVR since it is 4wd and 3.21 gears

 

[sequoia464]

Not sure about those I bought the regular 1223. I also put Bilsteins on my truck at the same time and set them to 2.8”. I thought that was the way it should have come from the factory. And to me it was well worth it in the towing aspect. Much more stable.

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17042

Stock


Bilsteins Only


Bilsteins and 1223 installed



Stock Spring Vs Tuftruck 1223


Let me know if you have more questions, my 1500 was a great truck, and had plenty of motor to pull the bigger trailer, just not heavy enough to deal with the extra weight and length, but handled my 8000lb 26’ just fine, especially after I changed all the stuff out.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

I am considering doing this same setup, maybe 2.1 on the Billsteins. I currently have the 1211 springs and the setup works well to pull my 5600 lb Lance trailer.

Last fall we spent some time in Moab - discovered that an extra couple of inches clearance would be great - I'm wondering how much the 1223 springs raised the rear of your truck, and did you use the stock front springs with the Billsteins?

Were the 1223's harsh when empty?

Thanks for any input you might have.

 

[Dennis Tracy]

have a 2018 quad cab 1500 hemi with 3.21 gears. Looking to buy a travel trailer. Need some insight on how long of a trailer is ok to tow with, what kind of hitch setup is best and what rear suspension upgrades i will need springs bags both etc. Is 6000 lbs the max i wanna look at into trailers?

I have a 2016 Ram 5.7 HEMI with 3:21 gears. I bought my specifically to tow. I took all my trailer specs to the dealer when I was looking for a truck. Dealer told me this truck (that I was just looking at and since bought) could tow "9000 plus lbs". My trailer weighs about 4500 maybe 5000 with cargo. I have issues towing since I bought the Ram, and I should not! Santa Cruz Ram/VW not much help because they "cant reproduce the towing conditions". So I'm disappointed with my Ram's towing. If you live and travel on flat land you might be OK.

Your weight distribution hitch will depend on your trailer. Mine has a relatively low under framing. I had to go through 2 different hitches to get one with enough clearance from the ground. Keep clearance in mind.

I added rear spring 'Air Lift kit' (60828HD I believe). Don't really need it for my trailer but have used it for leveling at times. Good luck with your adventure

 

[AFMoulton]

I am considering doing this same setup, maybe 2.1 on the Billsteins. I currently have the 1211 springs and the setup works well to pull my 5600 lb Lance trailer.

Last fall we spent some time in Moab - discovered that an extra couple of inches clearance would be great - I'm wondering how much the 1223 springs raised the rear of your truck, and did you use the stock front springs with the Billsteins?

Were the 1223's harsh when empty?

Thanks for any input you might have.

Hey! Sorry just saw this, I had measurements for it when I still had it, but since don’t know what I did with them.

It raised the rear about 2”, and that was unloaded, they felt like a truck should, but not like how harsh my 2500 feels unloaded. Still nicer that some of my friends Chevy’s and Fords on stock suspension. I kept the stock springs on the front with my Bilsteins, and at 2.8 and the 1223 it still had a decent rake, but was more level. The 1223 kept it like that even with lots of tongue weight, or load in the bed.

I kept the Airlift 1000’s in the springs for when it would get really heavy, but without a lid they were just along for the ride.



Here it is with just the Airlift 1000 and pretty fully loaded, like right at the limit.



Then here it is with the new trailer with the Bilsteins at 2.8 and the 1223’s plus Airlift 1000’s at 35 PSI. This is why I got a 2500.



2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[JohnnyMac]

Air bags are a must for towing I think. Hook your trailer up throw wood in the bed plus other gear. Saggy ass is never good you lose performance when towing.

And we all know nobody likes a saggy ass....

 

[Big_G]

I pull a 26 travel trailer with my 1500 3.21 gears. Power no problem. Add Airlift 1000’s to stiffen up the springs. Added sumosprings also. Helps reduce or eliminate pogoing. Use a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch. All works well together. Trailer weighs about 7500 - 7800 loaded.

 

[pat leary]

If you are going to buy a truck to pull a travel trailer you should have a solid idea how much weight the manufacter recommends.You need tohave the power to pull and the right gears.The 3.21 gears are ok ,but the 3.92 are much better.

 

[sequoia464]

Hey! Sorry just saw this, I had measurements for it when I still had it, but since don’t know what I did with them.

It raised the rear about 2”, and that was unloaded, they felt like a truck should, but not like how harsh my 2500 feels unloaded. Still nicer that some of my friends Chevy’s and Fords on stock suspension. I kept the stock springs on the front with my Bilsteins, and at 2.8 and the 1223 it still had a decent rake, but was more level. The 1223 kept it like that even with lots of tongue weight, or load in the bed.

I kept the Airlift 1000’s in the springs for when it would get really heavy, but without a lid they were just along for the ride.



Here it is with just the Airlift 1000 and pretty fully loaded, like right at the limit.



Then here it is with the new trailer with the Bilsteins at 2.8 and the 1223’s plus Airlift 1000’s at 35 PSI. This is why I got a 2500.



2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. I'm using the same Husky WDH as you, heavy, but really effective.

I'll be getting some Billsteins on the front for sure - still a bit undecided on the rear.

The 1223's look like they would be perfect for the height gain and for towing which is my primary concern. I'm a bit worried they might be a too stiff for going off road though (my off road usage will be very limited, and even that would be mostly low speed stuff).

When I spoke with Tuff Truck they gave me the spring rates - my current 1211's are right at 330, the 1223's are around 430 lbs. - notably stiffer, but I do carry weight pretty constantly in the truck these days - keep all of the camping stuff in the back (generator, extra propane, fuel, water), so they might work.

 

[AFMoulton]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. I'm using the same Husky WDH as you, heavy, but really effective.

I'll be getting some Billsteins on the front for sure - still a bit undecided on the rear.

The 1223's look like they would be perfect for the height gain and for towing which is my primary concern. I'm a bit worried they might be a too stiff for going off road though (my off road usage will be very limited, and even that would be mostly low speed stuff).

When I spoke with Tuff Truck they gave me the spring rates - my current 1211's are right at 330, the 1223's are around 430 lbs. - notably stiffer, but I do carry weight pretty constantly in the truck these days - keep all of the camping stuff in the back (generator, extra propane, fuel, water), so they might work.

I took my truck on some pretty Gnarly logging roads and even off those while hunting in Idaho and New Mexico and they did just fine, I put Bilsteins on all 4 corners and that really helped with the off-road ability.

I found with our old Hideout trailer and my generator and firewood and dogs and other crap in the bed, those springs out performed what I was after. The bigger trailer needed bigger truck unfortunately or I would still have the 1500. I plan to buy the tuftruck springs for my 2500 as well, when I put the Thuren Fab 2” Overland kit on.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[Mcgruff]

...35 psi in an in coil bag not sure how that works with a WDH. I know the in coil bags per Mfg require to be aired up before hooking up the trailer and then drop pressure to suit. Airing up under load risks the bags ballooning out between the coils instead of lifting the load. Fine except people don't always jack up their bags before picking up a trailer. You can air the axle to frame bag setups before or after picking up a trailer.

Vern, you are correct about having to air up the in-coil bags before loading, but it is because you actually WANT them to balloon out between the coils. These bags do not “lift the load” the way axle to frame bags do. Instead they provide support between the coils to stiffen the spring. If you air up after loading (compressing) the spring, it does not allow enough space for bag to it to wedge itself between each of the coils.

I would prefer axle to frame bags but the Airlift 1000 were cheap and easy to install. They work well, just require more planning. Definitely less convenient.

As for working with WD hitch, per my experience and a conversation with Airlift you basically need to decide on PSI before connecting trailer, then set WD with bags already inflated. Always reset to same psi in the future. If you decide to change psi (significantly) the WD needs to be redone. It’s basically like changing out your rear springs for stiffer or softer ones when you change the psi.

I’ve gotten to where I run them at 5-10 psi (5 psi is the minimum) unloaded for comfort and if I expect a heavy load I air up to 30-35 psi (35 psi is the maximum). Trying to find or guess some sweet spot in between based on estimated weight seemed an exercise in futility.

 

[VernDiesel]

Mcgruff all that makes sense. I have had in coil bags in two vehicles before. They work. But I am spoiled by the axle to frame bags now. Worth the extra $250 to me but I am an exception in that I often have 800 or 1,000 pounds on the tongue and have at times had a Harley in the bed to boot. There is more than one way to skin a cat as they say as to getting the numbers you need on the CAT scale so as to have the most stable best braking tow. Most people just don't want to know or apply themselves to learn unless they have the "white knuckle ride" then still more than half of them upgrade to a bigger truck when $20 and an hour at the scales would have netted the same result.

 

[lordnikoncanon]

How do you find out what axle or gear ratio you have?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[JPT]

How do you find out what axle or gear ratio you have?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

https: //www. chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=YOURVINHERE

Remove the spaces, one after the : the other after the www. The replace YOURVINHERE with your vin.

If it doesn't say under optional equipment 3.92, then you have 3.21's. (if you have a 1500)

 

[lordnikoncanon]

https: //www. chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=YOURVINHERE

Remove the spaces, one after the: the other after the www. The replace YOURVINHERE with your vin.

If it doesn't say under optional equipment 3.92, then you have 3.21's. (if you have a 1500)

Awesome I have a 3.21 And a few extras.
Extras include
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT (May Replace Standard Equipment) SLT Package 26G 8-Speed Automatic 8HP70 Transmission $500
17-Inch Aluminum Spare Wheel
5.7-Liter V8 HEMI® MDS VVT Engine $1,450
Spray-In Bedliner

So Now I need to find our my max tow capacity.

 

[OMW2SKI]

I have the 3.92 gears. Power delivery is great.

Last year I towed a Wildwood XL by Forest River 201BHXL. I use a Fastway E2 WD/anti-sway hitch and added AirLift 1000 bags. Big Horn package came with integrated brake controller.

This year I upgraded my camper to a Keystone Passport 2400BH. The "dry" weight is about 800 pounds more, but still right at 5K. Its GVWR is less than my old trailer's, primarily due to two reasons: 1) Less capacity for cargo (roughly 2k, still sufficient); and 2) New trailer is metal framed and fiberglass constructed.

Trailer GVWR is 7,000 pounds. My tow capacity is 10,200.

The new trailer is roughly 4-feet longer, which has me concerned a little about sway. But it also has a "spread dual axle" design for towing stability. Additionally, I replaced the "china bomb" trailer tires right off the lot. I chose Carlisle ST Radian HD tires with D load ratings for the trailer. The speed rating on those is 81mph.

I'm going to stick with the AirLift 1000 bags for now. However, since last camping season, I upgraded my truck tires from P to LT (D rated). We have a 2,000 mile road trip from Utah to Oregon planned next month with the new trailer. Before that trip, I'm adding Trailer Ridge towing mirrors and a Hellwig sway bar.

All things considered, I think my truck should be setup well for this trailer.

 

[gears49]

I tow a Northwood Nash 22GQ that grosses at 7500 lbs. My 2017 Ram 1500 has the 5.7 Hemi with 3.92 gears and the 8 speed transmission. Towing is no problem for this truck. Went from Arizona to Minnesota, through northern NM and Colorado. Was never under 55 mph. Hardest pull was down in 6th gear @ 3250 rpm. Pulled like a freight train. Using a Reese equalizer hitch. Someone earlier said you can't back up with a Reese. I disagree and I've been towing campers for over 30 years. Even did it commercially for a year. You just need to be smart when backing.