Distribute your weight evenly (left/right) in the trailer and put heavy stuff on the bottom. I would say load your tongue 60/40, but I don't know your trailer or how it handles. Also don't know what payload you intend to put in the truck itself.16' trailer? I'm guessing it's a tandem axle. You should be ok, just take it easy.

Hooaaa! Tailgatedrinkin.
Thank you for your service.

 

Good luck dude.....Stay positive, things will work out....

 

Tailgatedrinking,

I can't tell ya much about towing and gas milage.

But on big trips I do keep an emergency kit-2 big cans of Fix-a-flat, bandages, markers, a $20 bill, matches/lighter, blanket, small single coleman burner, coffee maker, coffee, a cigar..etc

AndI echo whatDeWalt said "Thanks for your service. "

 

I n addition to Pappy' slist, I would also consider a 5 gallon container of gas jsut in case you get in a rough spot or see a fellow motorist in a tight jam, When I travel to Los Angeles from phoenix I always carry 5 gallons and my pro comp strap and a couple d shackles (never know when someone went of fthe road unintentionally). otherwise take it slow and enjoy the trip. perhaps before the trip depending on mileage would be a good time to change the rear diff fluid with a good synthetic.

 

Tailgatedrinking,

When you state "the tires are properly inflated," I hope you mean adjusting the PSI accordingly. The load capacity of the tire is the maximum listed on the side wall. On my 17 inchers, that is at 44 pounds, not the 35 listed on the door jam. I run 44 front, 40 rear normally and the ride is good. I picked up 1 mpg and with 36,000 miles the wear is even with a minimum of 7/16 left. Synthetic oilis well worth the extra dollars in my opioion. Rain-X on the windshield will help in geting those critters off.

Best wishes with the hope your disability will not stop you from living your dreams, you earned it. Thank you for your service.

 

The best advice was already given, take it easy. The Hemi will do an easy 80 mph even with the trailer, but that doesn't mean that it is the best way to tow. I think there's a thread on this forum about how slowing down 5mph will get you 5mpg better mileage to boot

The biggest thing to worry about with TTs (Travel Trailers) is the "swinging" that may happen with a strong cross wind or if a big 18-wheeler is going the other way on a two lane road. Your instinct might be to slow down or hit the breaks, but that would be a mistake. The best thing to do is to "power out" of it by getting on the throttle a little bit, not so much that it snaps your neck, but just enough to stop the swinging.

Another thing that took me by surprise when towing for the first time (I don't know if you fall into this category, but even if you don't someone else might) is the little bit of play in the hitch. When you hook up the trailer to the hitch, it's not a perfect fit and there is some movement room both back and forth as well as left to right. The left to right is what (mostly) causes the swinging.

The front to back movement makes the TT slam into the truck under hard(er) braking and slam away from the truck under hard(er) acceleration. The first time I experienced it, it gave me quite a scare. Just brake and accelerate gently and you shouldn't have too much trouble with this. Otherwise, keep in mind that this is normal and is the truck/trailer's way of telling you to take it easy

I live in Canada, but I respect your choice to serve. Enjoy your trip and have a great move!

 

thanks guys, alot of good info! we dont head home until friday but when i get back ill let you know how it went and what kind of MPG the truck got. thanks again

 

Besides what everyone else has said above, you might consider changing the diff oil before you leave, get a good radar detector, if you plan on running more than 5 mph over the limit-----highway patrol LOVES out-of-staters, can you say "Do you accept VISA officer"---they can run your card right from the patrol car these days. And keep a copy of your DD214 or your release papers with you.

Thanks for your service over seas from a fellow disabled VET

Drive careful, stop often, get plenty of rest, Act like a tourist--stop often and see the sights on the way.

 

Are you moving back to Muskogee? I find it handy to have the ole CB on but not sure if I would recommend buying one just for your trip. Good luck on the move, and be safe. Thanks for serving.
dw