towing capacity

[Gemstone]

I would not do that. Call it what you want, but that Dodge is a LDT. Your rig is more than we towed, which caused us to move to a HDT tow vehicle. Like I said, the Cummins would probably pull it just fine...but what do you do in a panic stop ? I know I've seen your handle in years past, so I know you've been around a while and know of the existence of the Escapees HDT forum...what do they say about your set-up ? You have a lot invested in the DRV and the scooters....why gamble ?
Serviceable HDT's are affordable RV pullers, why not investigate ? Ours was far from new in 2007, and set up with an air hitch, ready to pull, we had $27K invested....waaaay less than my Dodge cost new in '05.

Regards
Gemstone1

 

[NIsaacs]

we migrated to a single axle Kenworth that had 24" brakes,
Regards
Gemstone

You sure that wasn't tire size? Standard big truck brakes were 16.5"x7", at least back in my log hauling days.

As far as your issue on the 6% grade in AZ, the key word here is "first time out"....There is also a big difference between an '05 3500 SRW v/s a new 3500 dually. The KW makes an awesome tow truck but not a very good daily driver. Most people can't have a dedicated tow rig, they need a "car" too.

Nick

 

[Gemstone]

Correct, my error, 24" wheels.
"Most people can't have a dedicated tow rig, they need a "car" too."....yes, it is not a solution for everyone, our daily driver was the retired Dodge....but regardless of manufacture date, a 1 ton truck is still classified as a light duty truck. It may be advertised as able to pull a jet airplane, but was it designed to do that ?
My comments and opinions are just that, mine, offered from practical experience. Everyone has to make important decisions every day....so "to each his own", all I suggest is do your research.

Regards
Gemstone1

 

[Cummins12V98]

Truck is at or within SAE ratings, truck stops truck trailer stops trailer. I have towed in every condition imaginable with truck feeling very solid. To each their own but many are selling their MD trucks and going 3500 RAM.

Cost is NOT an issue for me, truck is a daily driver also.

NICE to have choices.

 

[AH64ID]

I towed a 19K pound 5th wheel with a similar 2005....5.9, 3500, 6 speed, 3.73, SRW, chipped. The 5.9 is a brute, no surprise here, and it had no problem pulling, or handling in curves or grades...uphill. Downhill was a different story. The first time out, down a loooong 6% grade in AZ, we ran out of brakes....sure the trailer had brakes, but it was asking too much of the Dodge to slow it down, with 19K pounds pushing. We added an exhaust brake and that improved planned slowdowns, like grades....it did nothing for panic stops. Shortly after, we migrated to a single axle Kenworth that had 24" tires. larger brakes... more rubber on the ground, and a 3 stage Jake...towing/stopping/weight problems solved.

Regarding manufacturer stated weight capacity....remember when changing the rear end gearing to a 410, or lower, all that does is change your ability to start easier from a dead stop....it does nothing to increase your load carrying capacity, regardless of all the hype.

Stay with a "reasonable" size RV with a light duty truck....If you want bigger/heavier, go with a MDT/HDT for piece of mind/safety.

Regards
Gemstone

The truck isn’t supposed to stop the trailer, the trailer is supposed to stop the trailer.

There is a reason Dodge said trailer brakes were required for any trailer over 2000 lbs.

Your post describes an awesome tow rig dragging around a trailer with undersized brakes.

Don’t blame the tow rig for trailer issues.

 

[dfb]

Make up your mind...your first post said quad cab, now it is mega cab...it is heavier so the trailer weight goes down to 12,400, still 20k gcw. Like I said, my info is right out of the Ram Factory 2006 truck brochure, not opinion.

Nick

Be Nice...