Another towing thread

[ikreider]

We’re in the process of purchasing a 32’ travel trailer, ultra lite model. 6476 dry weight. Tow vehicle is 21 1500 limited 5.7 with e torque 3.21 gear. My question is (and I think I already know the answer) should I upgrade to LT tires. Ram currently has the Goodyear touring tires. NOTE - this will be strictly local, no hills or mountains so I don’t think there will be any issues with pulling it around. Thanks for any and all input

 

[fishslayer]

I personally don't like the Goodyear tires that came on my 17 RAM..I drive 5 miles each way to my camp and every time I pulled one on my trailers on that limestone road, I had a flat. The limestone actually cut thru the tires!..I changed to FALKEN LT tires and never cut another tire. My 21 RAM came with better quality Bridgestone tires and I have not had that problem again. Even towing my dump trailer that weighs nearly 12,000 lbs loaded.

 

[silver billet]

Make sure they're inflated to what it says on the door sticker, you'll be fine. I have the goodyear wranglers on 18's and find them to be very comfortable tires, nice and soft and quiet ride. Probably why the poster above found them easy to cut but it's all about your personal application, they're going to tow the rated weight just fine.

 

[ikreider]

Thanks for the replies gents, the ram is equipped with the 22” wheels, does that change your tune at all? As info it’ll be just me and my dog and a little gear in the truck, kids and wife drive separate as there is 6 of us and only 5 seats in the ram.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Not much sidewall on 22’s but its not like you have tons of choices…
I’m more concerned with a 32’ trailer and how that affects the overall tow experience. Seems like “tail wagging the dog” even if its not driving fast or too far.

 

[ikreider]

Ya I’ve thought about that, watched a bunch of videos with guys using same truck towing maybe a little less than me but I think I’ll be ok. That’s why I’m researching every avenue to make the tow quality as good as possible.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Ya I’ve thought about that, watched a bunch of videos with guys using same truck towing maybe a little less than me but I think I’ll be ok. That’s why I’m researching every avenue to make the tow quality as good as possible.

I won’t regurgitate the “1/2 ton towing big and heavy” threads/posts, so be sure to look up proper WD hitches with sway control, your payload vs the loaded trailers’ 12-13% tongue weight and anything in your truck’s bed and cab, tire weight maximums and a good CAT scale weight of the loaded truck and trailer to check the axles vs the gvwr numbers.

 

[ikreider]

Thanks sir. While we’re at it, need some suggestions on a good hitch as well.

 

[MLB12]

Thanks sir. While we’re at it, need some suggestions on a good hitch as well.

I'm a Blue Ox fan. I had a Reese 10,000 pound PRO Series hitch for a number of years, relying on the truck electronics to help control sway. But in time i looked at the Reese Sway Kit, however, the issue with that kit is having to rely on lag bolts that you drive into the tongue of the trailer. I have an all aluminum ATC 24' car hauler that weighs ~7,216 pounds when I have my '67 Hemi car on board) and I wasn't prepared to be drilling/lag bolting into the aluminum tongue.

In discussing the situation with the Parts/Service Manager at Standen Springs here in Calgary(they're one of the largest spring and steering shops in the world, so they know a thing or two about such things) he suggested the Blue Ox, and I'm very glad he did.

The day after it was installed I headed to a car show in BC, so making my way through the Rocky Mountains. The difference was amazing, and it's all in the design of the hitch head itself. There is camber built into the head right where the bars attach. There's some serious science in this, thus my reason for highly recommending the Blue Ox.

What you could do is see if your local hitch shop will let you try the Blue Ox out for a few days, that way you can see it for yourself.

 

[ikreider]

I'm a Blue Ox fan. I had a Reese 10,000 pound PRO Series hitch for a number of years, relying on the truck electronics to help control sway. But in time i looked at the Reese Sway Kit, however, the issue with that kit is having to rely on lag bolts that you drive into the tongue of the trailer. I have an all aluminum ATC 24' car hauler that weighs ~7,216 pounds when I have my '67 Hemi car on board) and I wasn't prepared to be drilling/lag bolting into the aluminum tongue.

In discussing the situation with the Parts/Service Manager at Standen Springs here in Calgary(they're one of the largest spring and steering shops in the world, so they know a thing or two about such things) he suggested the Blue Ox, and I'm very glad he did.

The day after it was installed I headed to a car show in BC, so making my way through the Rocky Mountains. The difference was amazing, and it's all in the design of the hitch head itself. There is camber built into the head right where the bars attach. There's some serious science in this, thus my reason for highly recommending the Blue Ox.

What you could do is see if your local hitch shop will let you try the Blue Ox out for a few days, that way you can see it for yourself.

Great info, something like this is what you’re talking about?

 

[MLB12]

Great info, something like this is what you’re talking about?

Hi there,

No, that's a tow bar setup, you are looking for a hitch I believe? This is a link to the Blue Ox, the SwayPro model, the best and most effective they have; SwayPro™ Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control | Blue Ox

Also, I lead you astray, I told you it had camber built into it, it's actually caster. My fingers were moving before I had my memory in gear.

Most reputable hitch shops will have the Blue Ox available to them, or you may be able to buy direct.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Blue Ox and Pro Pride are pretty top of the line.
There's others as well, you may not need the higher class hitch/sway systems with your stated weights and usage.

 

[LaxDfns15]

You'll be at or above your payload with the trailer loaded. Guaranteed.

 

[ikreider]

1329 payload, 738 hitch weight. It’ll be close for sure

 

[LaxDfns15]

1329 payload, 738 hitch weight. It’ll be close for sure

Assuming that's unloaded hitch weight (11% trailer weight, seems right) yeah you'll be pushing it. Assumptions, but 200 pounds for you, 50 for the dog, 100 for the WDH, 900 when the trailer is loaded, you're down to 79 pounds of payload left.

 

[ikreider]

So you’re saying I should’ve gotten the 2500 lol. Unless something doesn’t check out tomorrow with the trailer there is no talking my wife out of getting it.