Towing a 21K Fifth Wheel?

[AH64ID]

Actually according to Dodge engineers the GCWR is related to acceleration. Which is why there is a 2K lb increase on my GCWR if I had 4. 10's. Its based on the ability to merge with traffic, and the amount of time that the engines full tq is applied to the drivetrain.

There is a reason Dodge requires (per the owners manual) any trailer over 2K lbs. The trailer is responsible for its own brakes. If you have a 21K lb trailer and its a tripple axle it probably has 3 7,500lb axles under it. Each of those axles has a set of brakes rated to stop 7,500 lbs, which is why a good brake controller is essential, the trailer stops the trailer, not the truck stopping the trailer.

The extra large brakes and optional (now standard) exhaust brake on the Ram do certainly improve the braking of heavy trailers, but braking isn't what determines GCWR.

 

[HBarlow]

Manufacturer ratings are based on several things. Part of the rating is based on providing adequate acceleration rates as stated above but also load starting ability on a specified maximum grade, ability to maintain specified road speed on a specified grade, cooling system capability to control engine and automatic transmission temps in high ambient temperatures under heavy load conditions, and the engineers calculations of driveline component torque ratings. No manufacturer has ever released the standards they use to determine ratings for their products and manufacturers do not rate according to an industry-wide standard. IMO Dodge uses a higher standard than their competitors.

There is really nothing wrong with properly adjusted and maintained electric trailer brakes. Poor performance almost always results from a poor quality brake controller.

There are only two brake controllers made that provide safe, reliable, modulated trailer braking. Those two are BrakeSmart and MaxBrake. The rest are only cheap substitutes.

The old Kelsey-Hayes hydraulic over electric brake controllers were outstanding but they can't be used on a four wheel disc brake Dodge due to excessive hydraulic line pressure. They can be used very satisfactorily on an early 2001 Ram with front discs, rear drums and all earlier models. It is hard to find an old K-H controller any longer and few even know what they are.

 

[KLauber]

Ask Harvey!

... ..... The trailer is responsible for its own brakes. If you have a 21K lb trailer and its a tripple axle it probably has 3 7,500lb axles under it. Each of those axles has a set of brakes rated to stop 7,500 lbs, which is why a good brake controller is essential, the trailer stops the trailer, not the truck stopping the trailer.

HBarlow, your insight and experience on brake controllers are requested!



Ken

 

[KLauber]

He's so quick!

Manufacturer ratings are based on several things. Part of the rating is based on providing adequate acceleration rates as stated above but also load starting ability on a specified maximum grade, ability to maintain specified road speed on a specified grade, cooling system capability to control engine and automatic transmission temps in high ambient temperatures under heavy load conditions, and the engineers calculations of driveline component torque ratings. No manufacturer has ever released the standards they use to determine ratings for their products and manufacturers do not rate according to an industry-wide standard. IMO Dodge uses a higher standard than their competitors.



There is really nothing wrong with properly adjusted and maintained electric trailer brakes. Poor performance almost always results from a poor quality brake controller.



There are only two brake controllers made that provide safe, reliable, modulated trailer braking. Those two are BrakeSmart and MaxBrake. The rest are only cheap substitutes.



The old Kelsey-Hayes hydraulic over electric brake controllers were outstanding but they can't be used on a four wheel disc brake Dodge due to excessive hydraulic line pressure. They can be used very satisfactorily on an early 2001 Ram with front discs, rear drums and all earlier models. It is hard to find an old K-H controller any longer and few even know what they are.

Harvey saw the intro and pounced before I could post... . the old codger is quick!



Ken