suggestions for heavy trailer tow

[JSzewczyk]

I have a 2006 2500 4x4 mega cab rated to tow 12400lbs. We found an awesome deal on a road warrior 305 toy hauler dry weight is 11,300lbs but pin weight is 2450lbs. I'm upgrading to Mag-Hytec double deep transmission pan and diff covers as well as putting amsoil in the transmission and difffs. Already have amsoil in the engine. we plan on moving up to a 1 ton in about 3 years. Until then we plan on traveling light to keep the weight down. We normally go out for 1 week trips so I think I'll be ok with just food and clothes. I'll fill the tanks and full once I get real close to my destination. I'm thinking about the ride rite helper air springs to help stabilize the load. I used to tow a 6000lb Jayco travel trailer so this is a big upgrade for us and I have never pulled a 5th wheel. I know the truck can handle this unit. does anybody have any other ideas or opinions about this combo? We have made the deal but have not yet picked up the unit. Plan on doing that within the next 2-3 weeks if everything works out.

 

[Jim W]

I am pulling a 5er with my 2008, 2500HD, 6. 7L CTD, 68RFE, Mega Cab 4X4. I would also recommend that you install gauges if you have not already. These should be at least EGT, Transmission and Boost pressure. Mine are mounted on the A-pillar or you could mount them on top of the dash your choice. I would also get a sliding hitch, you will need some type of device to allow the trailer to move away from the cab as you back up. You can get a Pull-right hitch or a manual sliding hitch such as a Reese slider.

I would also recommend practice backing up between cones in a empty parking lot. The 5er will turn and backup different then a TT that you are use to. I would also recommend that you drive the truck and camper as loaded across a weight scale at a truck stop to find out your actual weights as loaded.

This will provide front, rear axle, trailer axle and gross combined weight of TV and trailer. With this information you will know exactly what you are towing.

Jim W

 

[MMeier]

Sounds like you are going to be over your tire ratings on the back of the truck, maybe axle rating also .

 

[JSzewczyk]

I have e rated michelin LTXs so the tires can handle this load and the axel is the same that is on the 3500 trucks. THe only difference is the springs and the tow rating. so How can you claim that the tires and axel can not handle the load whe nthe come stock on the 3500? I now the hitch rate is high and that is why I'm concerned.

 

[RustyJC]

I have e rated michelin LTXs so the tires can handle this load and the axel is the same that is on the 3500 trucks. THe only difference is the springs and the tow rating.....

Sounds like you've already justified this to yourself, so why are you asking others if you don't want to hear what they have to say?



Rusty

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Toyhauler 5th wheels are gonna have a lot of pin weight by nature unless loaded with "toys"



My 39' Vortex squatted the suspension something fierce while empty, but was quite nice with at least one 4 wheeler and a 30 gal air compressor in the back to help with the load.



Two 4 wheelers and the compressor would have been better for the trip I took to Cali, but I just put 1 in there to help with the balancing act for the trip.



It's all about proper weight distribution in the long run and not over exceeding the capacity of your tires!!!



Trick is to keep all of the weight LOW to the ground AND centered on the axles

 

[JSzewczyk]

Rusty,
If you didn't notice I asked a question in the post that you responded to. I thought this forum was a proper place to ask questions but there always seems to be people who preach about one thing or the other but have nothing to contribute to the topic that started the original thread. But thanks for the sermon just the same.

 

[chipster]

Preaching ?

I don't think that any preaching is going on, a question was asked and you didn't like the answer or opinion, grow up and get over it !

 

[d6c]

I have e rated michelin LTXs so the tires can handle this load and the axel is the same that is on the 3500 trucks. THe only difference is the springs and the tow rating. so How can you claim that the tires and axel can not handle the load whe nthe come stock on the 3500? I now the hitch rate is high and that is why I'm concerned.

Tire ratings should be taken with a large grain of salt... ... 285/75/17's would be much better... 19. 5's of any color would be best. . stiff sidewalls will really help you out a lot... airbags or timbrens will stiffen up the rear end and make the drive a much better experience... From personal experience, 1 ton of hay in the back of my srw 1 ton was a terrible ride until I put airbags in. . now if I would just get some real tires... stockers are junk, whatever the sidewall #'s say...

 

[MMeier]

I have e rated michelin LTXs so the tires can handle this load and the axel is the same that is on the 3500 trucks. THe only difference is the springs and the tow rating. so How can you claim that the tires and axel can not handle the load whe nthe come stock on the 3500? I now the hitch rate is high and that is why I'm concerned.

What 's the axle rated for in your little single wheel short box wanna be truck ?

 

[FFL8N]

MMeier, that wasn't very nice lol

 

[JSzewczyk]

GAWR Front/Rear = 5200 lbs/6010 If my preacher comment offended, I apologize. My knowledge of the cummins and diesels over all is limited since this is my first one and I have learned alot by reading the posts from those that have more experience or knowledge. I simply responded to someones post with another question. My tires max load at 80 PSI is just under 3200 lbs. Have thought about Goodyear G614 which are G rated. Not looking for a ------- contest but rather some info to get me through the next few years when I can upgrade.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

MMM... 1100lbs to Maximum Towing Capacity. 1101lbs from notification from the insurance company that you are not covered after the accident. Lets see 4 people in truck 600lbs? A few ice chests a quad or two, maybe a motorcycle and the same skivvies for a week , right?



Nah, that can't happen! Hell, the people I ran over are dead anyway. Who's gonna sue?



Just my $0. 02.

 

[MMeier]

GAWR Front/Rear = 5200 lbs/6010 If my preacher comment offended, I apologize. My knowledge of the cummins and diesels over all is limited since this is my first one and I have learned alot by reading the posts from those that have more experience or knowledge. I simply responded to someones post with another question. My tires max load at 80 PSI is just under 3200 lbs. Have thought about Goodyear G614 which are G rated. Not looking for a ******* contest but rather some info to get me through the next few years when I can upgrade.

OK, good start, now fill up the tank on the truck and go weigh the truck and see what you have for axle weights now, if you have the 5'er hitch, make sure that in there as well. Passenger or 4 won't hurt either . Look around on here , should be some pics of what I used to haul on a regular basis. Whats up FF8 !!

 

[Slow Six]

I know where you are coming from. We pulled our present fiver for a few years with our 94 2500 and had no problems, but as you mentioned you are prepared to load as light as possible etc. . You will want to pay attention to driving conditions. The biggest challenge I faced with the 2500 was strong side winds, especially gusts as the single rear wheels are not as stable as duallies. I always had the best tires (in my opinion) on the truck and ran them at the full 80 psi. when towing. Now that I have a dually and have seen the difference in towing I strongly recommend one when you can do it. I am not positive but I think the G614s are a trailer tire and would not be suitable for the truck. As far as I know the load range E is about as good as it gets in your wheel size. Another important consideration is a brake controller. There are a lot of threads on here about controllers. A general consensus is the Max Brake is one of the best. I have a new one on my bench and just need time to install it so I don't have real experience with it but I am looking forward to using it. It is pricey but worth it and you can move it to your next truck. I bought it because I am upgrading to a larger fiver with disk brakes so I need a compatible controller. The Ride Rites are a good idea. Spend the extra dollars and get the on board compressor and control kit for them as you won't want the air bags pressured up when you are unloaded. Enjoy the new rig. Fivers are nice to haul. You will find them quite different to back up than your TT and they also track differently when making a corner.

 

[OldRetiredAFGuy]

The problem with the "Designer" 17/18 rims is there aren't any quality tires with upgraded load capacity available. I think the Goodyear G614 RST is only available in 16" rim size as a trailer tire. The upgrade to 17. 5 or 19. 5 mentioned earlier will give you the additional load capability.

 

[RustyJC]

I can't recommend the Goodyear G614. We've had 2 tread separation failures with G614s that came as OEM tires on our current RV, the second doing $2,500 in damage to the RV. Yes, Goodyear paid for repairs, but I'd rather not have the failure in the first place. The G614 is only available in size 235/85R-16 and is rated for 3750 lbs @ 110 PSIG.



We upgraded to 17. 5" wheels and Michelin XTA 215/75R-17. 5 tires (an all-steel, trailer only tire) rated for 4805 lbs @ 120 PSIG. The XTA is actually 0. 3" shorter in overall diameter than the 16" G614, so clearance is no problem. As was the case with the Michelin XPS Ribs I ran on a previous 5th wheel, the Michelin XTAs have been absolutely trouble free. If you don't like Michelins and must have Goodyears, they build a G114 tire for this application.



Rusty

 

[JSzewczyk]

When discussing the 614s, it was for the trailer as there are china bombs on the trailer now. But I thought my dealer also said they were available for the truck as well. I have been using michelins LTXs for years without any problems. I have explained to the family that light loads would be a must until an upgrade.

 

[JSzewczyk]

ride rite air bags and timbrens are pretty close in price. Doing my research, it seems that everyone suggest one of these two options in the same sentence as if they are interchangeable. Other then being able to experiment with different PSi with the bags, what are the differences pro or cons?

 

[RVTRKN]

J, this is what you need to do. This was at dry weight, except enough water to flush toilett, with truck full of Diesel.