Heavey 5'vr

[JMartynowski]

I just bought a 2007 Jayco Recon!

Cant wait to hit the road!

I am just a little concerned on the weight of this bad boy and was looking for a little advice from the forum.



She is 40 feet long and weighs 13,100 empty, 18,000 max.

My truck is a 2006 3500 DRW CTD with a six speed. Stock for now.



Any body hauling any thing like this?

Any advice?



Thanks in advance!

 

[Jefff929]

1. have fun

2. consider checking out the forum on rv.net

3. have fun

4. Only carry the fresh water full when dry camping, 8# per gallon is a drag.

5. have fun

6. If you don't have a good brake controller get one.

7. have fun

8. regular use keeps stuff from not working when you need it. like the furnace, fridge, shore power electrical stuff.

9. Have fun!

 

[hammersley]

You're Not going to like this - BUT IMO

You Need A Bigger Truck!

 

[jelag]

We pull with an 04 3500 dually a service trailer that weighs 22K sometimes... . we found that electric brakes weren't the answer and put hyd disc brakes on the new trailer when we had it built. . we've now got 235K miles on the combo. . and are happy except or going up hills... we control the weight going down the hills with PXRB pacbrake exhaust brakes...



Are only fear is that some jerk will pull into the safety margin distance we have in front of the truck in heavy traffic and we will end up rear ending someone... . as the stopping distance is still much longer than we would like.....



It handles well... . at speed and gets 10 -11 mpg... . at speed limit... When we run into bad weather, ice snow... we just sit it out... .



I have a F550 doing the same job and it does it better but the cost to keep the F550 has been 3X's that of the 3500... I intend to order the new 5500 when its available...



Hope this helps. .

 

[LEPage]

Electric over hydraulic disc brakes & a Trailer Saver TS3 hitch. Best money you can spend on a bigger 5th wheel.

 

[JMartynowski]

30,000#!

Thats a BEAST!

Do you ever tow in the hills with that?



How did you install the Trailer Saver TS-3 air ride hitch?

According to Dodge you cant drill the frame on our trucks.

 

[LEPage]

The TS-3 mounts on standard hitch rails. I welded my brackets to the frame, as when I put my hitch in no one had a mounting system yet(Sept. '02). Picked the truck up at 11am, had the rear fender wells out, brackets welded in, back together & pulled out with my trailer next morning @ 7am with 34 miles on it. I pulled my trailer for about 3 month up & down the east coast before I saw another 3rd gen pulling a fifth wheel. Pulled for years with a Reese, should have made the switch a long time ago. Day & night differance. Dodge does not have a problem with drilling the frame, if it's done correctly. I believe some hitches mount with u-bolts, like if you were putting a flat bed body on. As for hills, all the time, never down shifted for anything 'till I got on I-64 thru WV & Ky, but as my sig shows, I'm paying the price now. I'm also on my 2nd NV5600. Hope to be back on the road by the end of the month, loaded for bear!

 

[sstefanini]

Loaded for Bear? Feb. is going to be time to load for $$$$$$$$$.

 

[BGlidewell]

I just bought a 2007 Jayco Recon!

Cant wait to hit the road!

I am just a little concerned on the weight of this bad boy and was looking for a little advice from the forum.



She is 40 feet long and weighs 13,100 empty, 18,000 max.

My truck is a 2006 3500 DRW CTD with a six speed. Stock for now.



Any body hauling any thing like this?

Any advice?



Thanks in advance!

I'm 15,000 empty, 2,800 pin weight. Airbags and an exhaust brake are the two things you will get the most improvement from IMO.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Wow, that would be pretty heavy loaded up. It's amazing how quick you can meet or exceed your gross combination weight. I tow a fairly large trailer but I am within limits on everything since I've been careful to weigh it fully loaded with all passengers and full fuel tank. My GCW is 22,250 fully loaded and with stock power it pulls easily and I have no problem holding speed up long grades. I have to watch my pin weight since I have a SRW. That should not be a problem with your DRW. With the 6 speed you should have no trouble getting it rolling and like others have mentioned, make sure you have good brakes. A BrakeSmart controller would be a good investment. It works well with both electric and also the new disc brakes that are now available. Load it up and head for the scales and then you'll know what you are actually hauling. The manufacturer's ratings are usually optimistic. You probably won't be exceeding any axle or tire ratings which are your most important items. No doubt you will exceed your GCW but with good trailer brakes that shouldn't be a major problem.

 

[Andersonville]

I use a Prodigy brake controller. MAKE SURE you engage the clutch before you mash the pedal,always start in 1st and allow the engine to cool down before you shut it down. When you set the brake leave the truck in gear also and get an exhaust brake if you don't already have one. I deliver the big ones but don't own one. You will have to use the truck routes,fuel lanes/RV lanes and I would get Firestone Ride Rites on the PU too. Big 5th wheel aint no problem once you get used to it. I don't pull any faster than 60-62 mph and make sure the trailer tires are aired up to capacity. Good luck and remember to watch for and use the truck facilities.

 

[SSage]

I pulled my Dad's 39' Day Dreamer with his stock 2003 3500 4x4 Laramie with 4. 10 gears. It did well on the freeway, I pulled it over Black Mountain on I-40 in NC. I would guess the weight is 14K loaded and it maintained the speed limits. It did well in my opinion, I ran 70 mph plus most of the time and the 48RE stayed in OD.



I also have a heavy trailer too, mine weighs over 15K empty and I pull it with my 95 12 valve. :-laf



No your limits, I would say an exhaust brake would be a good idea. I like having air bags and the Edge Attitude would help on the long grades. These heavy trailers can push you down the mountain if your not carefull.

 

[BGlidewell]

[8<]most of the time and the 48RE stayed in OD. [>8]

Is there such a thing as OD with a 4:10

 

[RonCar]

I have a a forty footer also, only had it out twice but it towed very good with my little shortbed! I just moved up from a 33 ft. and it is definitly a lot heavier but its does good, just take it easy and don't be in a hurry. Check everything (lugs, tire press. , ect. ) every trip! One more thing, Have fun...