Towing Capability - Has anyone towed anything big yet?
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I Think your sway issue with the 1500 is suspension related. I tow a 27ft Sunline which after Mama is finished loading it, runs about 9k. I towed it with a 2500 Chevy 12 passenger diesel for 5 years before upgrading to my 3500 Dodge Cummins. I only ever used the spring bars with out any sway control on the van. The only time I ever had an issue was when a large Tractor Trailer would zip past me, but that would shift the tow vehicle also. Years ago before the Chevy, I had a Pontiac Transport Mini van that I towed a Coleman pop up with. I had sway issues with it, but they stopped when I switched to the Chevy 2500.
Last edited by Bigg'Un; Aug 20, 2009 at 09:24 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Pottstown, PA
Here is my setup. 31ft Jayco 6700# dry 950# on the tongue. Tows better than my 06 did. I installed Airlift 1000 airbags for $90. Well worth it. The truck has great acceleration with the camper on it. I didn't install the compressor with the bags. Just mounted the valves behind hitch. Takes 10 seconds to fill.
Thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pacific, MO
Can anyone post pics of their airbag install process? Or maybe just give me some pointers? I cant figure out the best place to lift and put my jack stands. Do I have both rear wheels off the ground at the time of install? Any help would be appreciated.
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 14
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From: Virginia
Some stuff I found on Sway..
There are several causes of sway. For the tow vehicle...
There are several causes of sway. For the tow vehicle...
1) Wheelbase is too short
2) Rear overhang is too long
3) Rear suspension is too soft
4) Rear-end weight is too much
5) Rear cornering stiffness is too low
For the trailer...
1) Tongue weight is too little OR too much
2) Center of gravity is too high
3) Tongue length is too short
4) Trailer frame is too flexible
5) Trailer suspension is too soft
Bear in mind also, that the wrong tires and/or improper inflation thereof may be critical factors. Be sure the load rating of your tires is correct for your application and that all the tires are properly inflated. And, one other thing...NEVER mix bias-ply and radial tires on the same vehicle. Their characteristics are much too different and will adversely affect the handling of the trailer or tow vehicle.
If you discover any defects in ANY of the above, correct them BEFORE you venture out on the highways with your trailer.
http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/ram/towsafe.htm
2) Rear overhang is too long
3) Rear suspension is too soft
4) Rear-end weight is too much
5) Rear cornering stiffness is too low
For the trailer...
1) Tongue weight is too little OR too much
2) Center of gravity is too high
3) Tongue length is too short
4) Trailer frame is too flexible
5) Trailer suspension is too soft
Bear in mind also, that the wrong tires and/or improper inflation thereof may be critical factors. Be sure the load rating of your tires is correct for your application and that all the tires are properly inflated. And, one other thing...NEVER mix bias-ply and radial tires on the same vehicle. Their characteristics are much too different and will adversely affect the handling of the trailer or tow vehicle.
If you discover any defects in ANY of the above, correct them BEFORE you venture out on the highways with your trailer.
http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/ram/towsafe.htm
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 297
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From: Norridgewock, Maine
I towed a John Deere 3320 on a Brimar tilt deck trailer... I added everything up and the total weight was 8,450. I was actually impressed at how well it hauled.
4,560 lbs - Tractor, loader, loaded tires, rear blade
3,890 lbs - Tilt deck 14,000 GVW trailer
4,560 lbs - Tractor, loader, loaded tires, rear blade
3,890 lbs - Tilt deck 14,000 GVW trailer
Last edited by jdcovert; Jul 18, 2009 at 11:04 PM.
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 422
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
First time towing with my 09
Well, I finally got to tow my 69 Cougar yesterday. My impressions are that my 07 Quadcab Laramie towed better. I noticed a little bouncing when I hit a bump in the road. 09 has much more power tho when accelerating. You could not even tell it was back there when taking off. The trip was 60 miles each way with 95% all interstate driving. 60mph seemed to be where it ran best. I used the tow/haul button for half the trip then turned it off. It seemed to run better with the tow mode off. It seemed to be needed tho while in town. The 18 foot trailer weighs 2400 pounds and the car is around 3600 pounds. Transmission temp was 132 on the way up at 57 degrees F outside temp. On the way home it was 142 at 68. The truck squatted more than my 07 but not as bad as I thought it would. I have pics of just the trailer and with the car. The pics in my stone driveway are a bit misleading as the ground is not level. The pics on pavement are before the trip home.
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I care if I am legal.. The legal limits are supposed to keep the stupid from overloading their vehicles and causing an accident. I had two bad experiences with towing because I listened to a salesman an didn't read the Owners Manual. I had an Apache Pop-up trailer that was given to me and my wife. I bought a Dodge D100 to tow it on the advice of a Salesman. I burnt the transmission up because the Apache was heavier than your normal pop-up. It had rigid fiberglass sides that slid into place. Two pop ups and two tow vehicles later we bought a Coleman pop-up that we were going to tow with our Pontiac transport mini-van. It had the 3800 CC 6Cyl engine and air suspension in the rear. I had sway issues with that set up because the salesman assured me that my van would tow it. Yes the 3800 CC 6 was powerful enough, but the suspension wasn't, after several thrilling episodes with sway we decided to retire that combination. I then went the other route and bought a new tow vehicle that was 3X what I needed. A Chevy 12 passenger 2500 with a 6.5L turbo diesel. I studied the owners manual an knew exactly what the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle was. Therefore when I went to replace the pop up, the salesman was unable to talk me into a 12,000 lb GVW trailer. The one I purchased was a 9500 GVW (weight of the camper with full tanks, food, and mama's junk). The Van had a Max towing Capacity of 10,000 lbs (maximum weight capacity - weight of the van/passengers/crap in the van). Looking back that was actually cutting it too close because it didn't like long steep grades. As long as I stayed out of the mountains it was fine and I could cruise at 70 MPH with no problem. You have to know what the limits of your tow vehicle are or you can end upside down in a median with parts of your trailer and it's contents all over the interstate.. Like an acquaintance of mine..