How far would you feel comfortable traveling with this setup? (pictures)

[breal201999]

What I did at first was look at the numbers. Going off of GVWR on the trailer I would have said no way. But, as is usual, when you hit the scale I saw that you were nowhere near that capacity

When I could see your axle weights...i could see that your truck had some wiggle room.

Now...i know you were not completely loaded for the trip. But, I also knew you were going a short distance...and from the conversation...saw you understood that you would be at the higher end of the spectrum. And you planned to drive safe with lots of precautions.

Terrain has much more to do with the capacities than the actual numbers. In some scenarios you can be near max...when others it would be down right dangerous.

I did learn from this conversation. The newer trailers have alot more carrying capacity and there is more of a chance for someone to tow them closer to unlaiden weight than gross.

And I think that is where you lucked out.

I think the trip you have planned is very doable. If you can keep stuff out of the truck and the camper light.

And 600 miles a day isn't crazy. Figuring on about 200 miles til gas, then repeat and repeat.

I am in. Would caravan with you if I could

Yep, yep and double yep
I’m just glad we didn’t get one with a slide-out. The hardware for those I have heard really adds to the trailer weight. Thanks @392DevilDog , really appreciate it! And I’m glad you learned from the conversation and hope it is helpful for others as well.

 

[breal201999]

I have the same truck with the 3.23, our camper is 4400lbs certified on the scale and a tongue weight of 480lbs. Pulls through the mountains with no problems!!!!View attachment 223685

Curious what model that is, and how far do you travel with it? Also what kind of tires do you use? Do you have load ‘E’ or the Goodyear’s that came with it?

 

[JS4024]

But a damn 2500 then don’t worry about the can I do this or that. And what mods do I need to get more horsepower or better mileage!!!

 

[Tracy in IL]

GO with the LT version of the same tire. And you say you're too invested to trade trucks, well, a gear swap is cheaper than trading trucks. Save up and do the gear swap. 3.55's if you don't tow too often and do a lot of non-loaded highway driving 3.92's if you tow more often or plan too, and don't do a lot of non-loaded highway miles.

 

[breal201999]

But a damn 2500 then don’t worry about the can I do this or that. And what mods do I need to get more horsepower or better mileage!!!

I am amazed how easy it is for some to drop 40-50k or finance for a decent used 2500. I make nearly 6 figures a year, and still can’t bring myself to spend that on any vehicle and go in debt. If I had the cash, the decision would probably be easier. But it’s not a decision I take lightly... like what color shirt to buy that matches my shoes.

 

[White six four]

I am amazed how easy it is for some to drop 40-50k or finance for a decent used 2500. I make nearly 6 figures a year, and still can’t bring myself to spend that on any vehicle and go in debt. If I had the cash, the decision would probably be easier. But it’s not a decision I take lightly... like what color shirt to buy that matches my shoes.

Bought my 2016 2500 for $27k with 64k miles on it last year since we knew eventually we were going to get a camper. Bought a camper this year. Financed both so yeah I envy you having yours paid off but watching our 3 year old son enjoy camping and being outdoors and making new friends is definitely worth it. He's an only child for now til his sister is here in February. Sounds like you're a good man enjoy the time with your family and the new camper!

 

[dhay13]

The Husky TS Centerline is a very good WDH and has the sway control built in. My son has the same WDH and hid towed phenomenally 1400 miles last week (I drove about 500 miles of it) but he has a 2500.

We left Tuesday morning (the 22nd) at about 7:30AM EST and stopped about every 200 miles for fuel (got 8.0-8.5 MPG hand calculated). Drove between 65-70 the whole way. We stopped in Little Rock, Arkansas (left from Pittsburgh, PA) at about 1:30AM CST so drove about 18 hours that day minus about 2-3 hours for stops for fuel and food. I drove about 5 hours of that 18. The next morning we left about 8:00AM CST and arrived in Baytown, TX at about 5:30PM CST so about 9 hours minus an hour or so for stops. If your wife can drive some of it then 1200 is doable in 2 days. Granted the 1500 will probably be more mentally exhausting than the 2500. Handling wise we really couldn't tell the TT was behind us.

 

[breal201999]

Bought my 2016 2500 for $27k with 64k miles on it last year since we knew eventually we were going to get a camper. Bought a camper this year. Financed both so yeah I envy you having yours paid off but watching our 3 year old son enjoy camping and being outdoors and making new friends is definitely worth it. He's an only child for now til his sister is here in February. Sounds like you're a good man enjoy the time with your family and the new camper!

Thank you sir! Being a dad to two is one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs there is! You enjoy your time as well, they grow so fast!

 

[White six four]

It definitely is rewarding and educational. My son is 3 and I truly believe that if everyone viewed this country/world as a 3 year old this world would be a lot better and more simple place.

 

[breal201999]

It definitely is rewarding and educational. My son is 3 and I truly believe that if everyone viewed this country/world as a 3 year old this world would be a lot better and more simple place.

Amen to that! Well said!

 

[ArtieD]

My wife and I have been looking high and low for a right fit for our truck. I know we're toward the top end on the scale, and everything is purchased, so no going back now... having said that, what type of trip would you feel comfortable doing with this setup? Two adults, and two pre-teens.

2016 Ram 1500, 3.21 gears, crew cab, 5.7 Hemi.

2018 Coleman Lantern 274bh.
28.58 feet in length
Dry weight 4676 + Payload Capacity 2924 = GCWR 7600
Hitch Weight 568

I have added a Husky 32218 Center Line TS weight distribution bar.

Knowing all this, and being my first time hauling something this size... is this setup capable of cross country traveling into the mountains? Or is this really more of a setup for 200-300 mile local camp sites?

The best part, everything is paid for! Upgrading to a bigger truck isn't an option for me, because we have the MOPAR lifetime warranty... so I'm invested in this truck and don't plan to replace it.

What say you? And thanks for the opinions!
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View attachment 223267

I mean the main thing is to respect whats behind you big or small , under weight or overweight , If you are not a ilttle ,I dont want to say nervous of whats behind you , then you shouldnt be towing at all , something can fail beyond your control at anytime .These towing numbers are engineered with a 20% saftey margin , so i would not worry about killing the truck and it looks like your under so your good !
The road conditions and engine will definitly let you know when its limits are near , You need all your attention to the road, traffic and whats behind you at all times, every time I take a rest stop, first thing I do when I get out of the truck , and later back into the truck is ,check the hitch setup , chains , lights and i also have a cheap infrared temperture gun, $20 at harbor freight, is to check the hubs if one is hotter than the others could mean something is up , but I have found hitch loosening up, chains popped off , you would think someone would let u know on the road but not always ,

but Enjoy ! its great everytime you make it to your destination and return home safe after a awesome trip with the family , makes great memories Happy Trailering

 

[breal201999]

I mean the main thing is to respect whats behind you big or small , under weight or overweight , If you are not a ilttle ,I dont want to say nervous of whats behind you , then you shouldnt be towing at all...

And that, I definitely do! If I want to drive fast, I save that for my Mustang. Pulling a travel trailer with family, I've got my head on a swivel!

...and i also have a cheap infrared temperture gun, $20 at harbor freight, is to check the hubs if one is hotter than the others could mean something is up...

Good idea! I have one of those temp guns, I'll have to remember to bring it next time just to check.

 

[JRS950]

30 years from you will be surprised by what your children will tell you about the good times they had with you and mom travelling. Good on you!

 

[OrganizedChaos]

30 years from you will be surprised by what your children will tell you about the good times they had with you and mom travelling. Good on you!

Isn't that the truth! We took our kids and a pop-up on vacation when my daughter was probably about 9 years old or so. Went to the mountains in wyoming. She griped the whole time, bugs, snakes, hot, cold, etc. Last time she was here we mentioned we may get a travel.trailer of some sort. She was like "Oh that would be great! I remember how much fun we had on our camping trip to Wyoming!" The wife and I both looked at each other like what?

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Should have mentioned, sh is now in her 30s with kids of her own.

 

[pacofortacos]

I have a temp gun and still only use my hand to check the hubs - at every stop as well as chains and just a general walk around.
I only tow a boat, granted 1400 miles one way, but with a boat trailer bearing failure is much more prevalent.

I wouldn't hesitate to go to yellowstone with your setup, but would be prepared to stop if a high wind day - esp. directly from the north or south. Depending on your route, there might not be any real big mountain passes to go over - I 80 will have one long incline but it is gentle but long. Entering yellowstone, I probably wouldn't rec. the east or north east entrances - both have big passes to go over. Beautiful but not something I would want to tow.

Not sure why people get hung up on the gear ratio, it just isn't as important with the 8 speed as it was in years gone by. The ratio is more for starting than after you are moving and the 8 speed trans is perfect for starting out from a stop.

The one thing I do find very useful when traveling across country is a fuel price map.
I use
http://www.ohiogasprices.com/Price_By_County.aspx
It works nationwide, just zoom in. Fuel prices can vary wildly and you can save some decent money by planning the fuel stops.

 

[GsRAM]

Here’s my daily driver
What do you have?

View attachment 223612

Man that is sweet! Congrats. I have a 1987 GT convertible. A throwback to my youth and all the street (and occasional track) racing I did when I was in my early 20s. Good memories. Even better I'm still here to post about it. Did some real dumb stuff, but the Lord was watching over me obviously. Enjoy it man. Beautiful horse!

 

[Adam E]

My wife and I have been looking high and low for a right fit for our truck. I know we're toward the top end on the scale, and everything is purchased, so no going back now... having said that, what type of trip would you feel comfortable doing with this setup? Two adults, and two pre-teens.

2016 Ram 1500, 3.21 gears, crew cab, 5.7 Hemi.

2018 Coleman Lantern 274bh.
28.58 feet in length
Dry weight 4676 + Payload Capacity 2924 = GCWR 7600
Hitch Weight 568

I have added a Husky 32218 Center Line TS weight distribution bar.


View attachment 223266
View attachment 223267

Why did you end up going with the Husky 32218? Wouldn't the 32217 be a better fit for your setup?

 

[breal201999]

Why did you end up going with the Husky 32218? Wouldn't the 32217 be a better fit for your setup?

I think it cost me $5 more for a bigger capacity. The 32217 is 600-800 range, the 32218 is 800-1200 range. My logic was bigger is better/overkill, but for $5 might as well. Unless you MUST fall within the range, then my logic was flawed! Any harm with what I got?

 

[RaptorHD]

The Husky TS Centerline is a very good WDH and has the sway control built in. My son has the same WDH and hid towed phenomenally 1400 miles last week (I drove about 500 miles of it) but he has a 2500.

We left Tuesday morning (the 22nd) at about 7:30AM EST and stopped about every 200 miles for fuel (got 8.0-8.5 MPG hand calculated). Drove between 65-70 the whole way. We stopped in Little Rock, Arkansas (left from Pittsburgh, PA) at about 1:30AM CST so drove about 18 hours that day minus about 2-3 hours for stops for fuel and food. I drove about 5 hours of that 18. The next morning we left about 8:00AM CST and arrived in Baytown, TX at about 5:30PM CST so about 9 hours minus an hour or so for stops. If your wife can drive some of it then 1200 is doable in 2 days. Granted the 1500 will probably be more mentally exhausting than the 2500. Handling wise we really couldn't tell the TT was behind us.

View attachment 223705

This Hitch is NOT a sway control hitch.. It is strictly a weight distribution hitch that keeps your tongue level with the truck, true sway control hitches actually use hydraulic cylinders to dampen sway.

What this hitch does is keep your trailer and truck level with each other, that is what those arms do, they act like a leaf spring between the truck and trailer--keeping it level.

The sway control effect comes into the picture by keeping BOTH the trailer axles loaded, that is to say when you have too much tongue weight, the trailer dips down lower in front, you remove weight off the rear trailer axle, that makes the trailer susceptible to the sway.

Single axle trailers are more prone to sway, due to being improperly loaded, wind ect. for the most part that is why travel trailers have two axles to reduce the effect of wind etc. They could easily put a single 10,000 pound axle under them, for the most part it would be cheaper, but then you would not have the pulling control, two axles are more stable.

So you see, that is why its called a weight distribution hitch, sway control is just a benefit.