Looking for our 1st 5ver, many questions....

Finally got to test the trailer brake controller and trailer lights last nite. I purchased a used 7x14 enclosed cargo trailer to make our move to oregon.

I was concerned about the TIPM on the Dodge being an issue, and i was concerned that the trailer brake control that was installed by the previous owner might not work.

Luckily, every light on the trailer worked and brake controller seems to operate normally.

I could adjust the gain to set the braking, and the lever locked the brakes up as it should, but im not sure what dial on the other side of the controller is for. Any ideas?

rhagfo wrote:

We just hNg over the tailgate and plug into the connection at the bumper, no issues at all.

My issue is that, in a sharp turn, the cord will slip over the corner of the bed and won't slide back, then it rips out of the connector, usually breaking it. :-/ Did that with our GN trailer about a month after replacing the =last= connector. :-(

Lyle

Will definately look into the in bed recepticle kit.

Been looking for maintenance info on my hitch. Its a Reese 30032. Google doesnt show much on it, in fact it says it only pivot fore and aft but mine pivots side to side as well. My locking jaws are pretty dirty and grimy, would like to get all the old grease off and put a fresh coat of paint on it.

Just get one of the in bed receptacle kits, it took me all of 10 minutes to install mine and it works great.

Etrailer has a bunch of options around 60$.

laknox wrote:

NorthwestBound wrote:
I agree on the tire concern, i have transforces on it now but they are worn and need replacement. I had apost elsewhere asking about an e rated tire with an aggressive tread since i am 2 wheel drive but never decided what i was going to get. I already have helper springs.

Heres another question....how to get lighting cable from the bumper connector to the 5ver? Relocate the bumper connector? Or real long cable?

I ended up buying a 6' extension cord and run it around the front of my hitch and back over the OEM tailgate. Had I been more knowledgeable back when, I'd've had the shop that installed the brake controller install an in-bed plug. My brother has one and loves it. Since I inherited a v-gate from my brother, I don't need either the extension or the in-bed plug, since I don't run the risk of hanging the cord on the corner of my bed in a turn with the v-gate installed. I'm still going to get the plug installed, though, as I also have a GN trailer and have the same issue with the cord on it, as well.

Lyle

We just hNg over the tailgate and plug into the connection at the bumper, no issues at all.

NorthwestBound wrote:
I agree on the tire concern, i have transforces on it now but they are worn and need replacement. I had apost elsewhere asking about an e rated tire with an aggressive tread since i am 2 wheel drive but never decided what i was going to get. I already have helper springs.

Heres another question....how to get lighting cable from the bumper connector to the 5ver? Relocate the bumper connector? Or real long cable?

I ended up buying a 6' extension cord and run it around the front of my hitch and back over the OEM tailgate. Had I been more knowledgeable back when, I'd've had the shop that installed the brake controller install an in-bed plug. My brother has one and loves it. Since I inherited a v-gate from my brother, I don't need either the extension or the in-bed plug, since I don't run the risk of hanging the cord on the corner of my bed in a turn with the v-gate installed. I'm still going to get the plug installed, though, as I also have a GN trailer and have the same issue with the cord on it, as well.

Lyle

NorthwestBound wrote:

Heres another question....how to get lighting cable from the bumper connector to the 5ver? Relocate the bumper connector? Or real long cable?

The cable exits the camper at the pin box. It is plenty long for hooking up. Some add or use a stock hookup inside the bed on the sidewall, others (like me) use the bumper mounted stock plug. I take off the tailgate at the beginning of camping season and run without one all summer. In 9 years I haven't had a problem that makes me want to do anything else.

I agree on the tire concern, i have transforces on it now but they are worn and need replacement. I had apost elsewhere asking about an e rated tire with an aggressive tread since i am 2 wheel drive but never decided what i was going to get. I already have helper springs.

Heres another question....how to get lighting cable from the bumper connector to the 5ver? Relocate the bumper connector? Or real long cable?

It was mentioned, but I will bring it up again. Tires, typically the ratings for either a 2500 or SRW 3500 tires are the weak link. Probably need to upgrade those tires to carry the load you are anticipating. Second, and I will probablyly get some feed back here, is your 2500 RAM is basically a SRW 3500. You have the same engine, tranny, brakes, and chassis as the 3500. Again, tires and helper springs would give you an added boost if you are at or a little over your weights! I tow a Grand Design Solitude with my 2500 CTD RAM. Enjoy and good luck!

Nice job. I used a big torque wrench to make sure I got all of my bolts torqued down to spec on my rails, and even with that thing it took some serious cranking. Lots of extensions are good too as you can't really get a big wrench like that very close to a lot of those bolts. In hindsight I think it would have been easier to just install a gooseneck ball but I do like the way the rails distribute the load onto the frame.