i think the class IV receiver that i have on my truck is capable of pulling 12k, but i could be wrong and it could of been an upgraded receiver being that i bought my truck used.....

 

Those ratings are low, we towed a 93 cherokee (6000lbs) with the 06 3.7 dakota, with only a bumper hitch too and it had no problem getting going or stopping, it hunted for gears a bit without tow/haul on though.

 

thanks for the replies all i appreciate it.

 

i hauled a lot of electrical supplies across the west coast. tow haul is great for weight and trailer.

 

you can beef up the reciever for the bumper pull. It all depends on how you have it set up. Like our ford has spots (since my dodge doesn't have a pickup bed anymore ) for a trailer ball on the bumper but welded to the frame is an actual reciever. Which I see alot of trucks having. I'm not too keen on bumper pull really hard to keep the weight from landing all of the tongue. Driving to work today saw a manufactured house being towed by a semi but it was off to the side of the road because the tonuge broke off. Also side note. I know you made your trip already. But I would do T/H anytime it starts hunting for gears. but on flat aways if your not skipping through gears to maintain a speed. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Get the torque converter locked up as soon as possible. Something like an ATS Co-Pilot. Once the tc is locked up and being controlled properly, let the tranny shift all it wants.Now run your engine by gauges only. If your EGT's get too high, drop down a gear. Use the seat of yor pants to run that train. If you're getting a lot of black, drop down a gear.


If you have expendable cash on hand, buy a Gear Vendors under/over drive unit.

The factory trannys are pretty rugged if they are not subjected to high fluid temps. And the factory TC needs all the help it can get.


Good luck with your ride.......

OUCH.

 

spfd308,

IIRC the 2006, 2500 factory trailer hitch can handle 12K if you use a weight distributing set up. As for driving I-90 from OR to MN use T/H mode all the way. Also take it easy on the down hill side of all passes in Idaho, i.e. 4th of July and Look Out Pass and the long down grade just before you get in to Spokane, WA. IMHO once you get to Spokane drive extra careful until you get to in to MT as I still recall all of the stupid drivers in that area when I one again drove I-90 last summer between OR and IA. Oh I almost forget if there is road work in the east side of Coeur d Alene drive very careful in that area too as the road was not all that great when I drove it, that is unless they have finished working on it.

BTW take it easy going down the Continental Divide as I’ve seen a wreck or two on the down hill side of that road. Oh and please make sure you Double check your trailer brakes at the top before you head down it. Also observe the speed posted for semi trucks on your way down as it is a long steep down grade and sh*t does and can happen on that road. Oh the price of Diesel was cheaper in Post Falls, ID (just east of Spokane on I-90) at the Flying J then what I saw posted in Spokane as Idaho has lower road taxes then WA state.

Good Luck on your trip and enjoy all that you get to see along the way and I'm sure you guessed that I've driven I-90 a few times.

 

Ipull in tow/haul mode on hills up/down only, otherwise its off for fuel economy.

Don't forget to check ratings on the tongue and the Ball! Not good pullin 12,000#s if you only have a 6000# ball or tongue! Also if your using equalizer or stablizer bars they are rated for the trailer weight, too small and yer gonna break the bars, too large, you might end up with rear of truck in the airor you may twist truck and/or trailer frame.

 

i towed 11,200 from wahoo neb.to s.l.c ut.with a receiver style hitch and did good even when i blew the r.side rear tire on the trailer it stayed pretty controlled.

 

i say it again to everyone who has responded thanks for you input it is greatly appreciated.