Total Newbie - 1st of many questions...

[LRDG]

Total newbie here. New to the Dodge Ram, CTD and diesels in general, and full size trucks in general...



I have lived outside the US for the past 14 years and don't know much about full size trucks. I am returning to the States (NY) in May and have an '04. 5 600 6spd, SLT Q-Cab, SWB, tow package on order for June delivery. I have already learned a lot from reading and searching on here, so thanks to all.



One of the reasons that I ordered the truck is to tow my trail rig, a heavily modified 1978 Land Rover Series III SWB Safari Station Wagon. It's pretty light @ 3,500 - 4,000 lbs max. Could I get some advice on what trailer to use for this?



Open carrier is fine and, given that I have no towing experience, I would like to get the smallest size trailer that is safe to have. The Landy is pretty small - just under 12 feet in total length bumper to cross member, and 5. 5 feet wide. I would prefer a wood plank full floor. I guess it wants dual axle with e-brakes on at least one axle ? Again, I don't know jack, so all advice is welcome.



Finally two things on accessories. I have ordered the truck through an outfit that sells direct from Dodge to returning expats, so got invoice plus rebates of $ 3,500, no dealer storage etc. Good deal, but the dealer who takes delivery for me has no stake in the sale. I plan to get the Jake brake and will need a tonneau cover. On the Jake brake, full whack is pretty pricey but I have seen people getting very good deals from dealers in threads on the forum. Any advice on negotiating this ? Lastly, on the tonneau, the two that look best to me are the Pace Edwards (??) Jack-Rabbit and the Advanced Covers (??) 4 piece folding cover (LS). Does anyone know whether the latter is the same one that is listed as a Mopar accessory - they seem remarkably similar...



Thanks for the help - very useful forum.

 

[klenger]

I bought my exhaust brake from mechanicsville-dodge

http://www.klenger.net/dodge/general-reference/mechanicsville-dodge.html



Very pleased with their service, and haven't heard of anyone offering better prices. Installation is kind of a PITA, but worth the effort.



Order the limited slip and the flat folding rear floor. Both nice, and much cheaper on the front side.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Welcome back to the U. S. and welcome to the TDR!



Scotty

 

[EEngel]

Covers

LRDG,



The "mopar" cover is made by advance cover.



I just installed it on my new truck and I love it. Far better than the fiberglass or soft covers I had before.



By the way, be carefull of the rolling covers. They really do not like ice or snow.

 

[LRDG]

Thanks guys. Eric - appreciate the info on the Advanced Cover - thought it might be the same as the Mopar - glad to hear from someone who has it. Also appreciate the view on rolling covers - not so good if I'm in NY. Maybe if I'm buying both the Jake and the Cover from the dealer, he'll be ready to deal



Would still really like some views on a trailer - have to believe that people on here will have the knowledge.



Cheers,

 

[EEngel]

Dealer Dealing

Best of luck on getting the dealer to give you much of a break on the cover or the brake.



On the cover, there are many sites that are selling them for $499.



Also I found a guy who gets "seconds" on the covers. He sells them for $365. Mine had 1 scratch about an inch long on the inside. A dab of black paint and I saved $135.

 

[RobbieH]

I'd get a 16' tandem axle trailer with brakes on at least one axle. Mine has dual axle brakes, I like them, and it only added a little over $100 to the price.



Get new trailer tires, bias ply if they have them. Cheap insurance. Make sure you get a spare too. Also I prefer Bulldog hitches.



I tow a Jeep a lot, if you need more info let me know.