We had several blowouts with our Sandpiper 9,000 lb. 31FKD TT but the trailer handled fine until we could pull off the highway. One was on the Dan Ryan expressway in Chi-town at morning rush hour. A road crew stopped to warn traffic and allow me to change out the tire. Never had a blowout on the tow vehicle.
I towed wih a diesel Excursion for a while and with an 8.1 litre Suburban 2500 still but had a lot of sway unless I used double sway bars.
I always seem to hit traffic lights wrong at 55mph. I don't want to slow down and slow other traffic if the signal stays green but the lights can change right at the spot where it's hard to get stopped from 55. Just need to be alert I guess.
I also upgraded my tow vehicle to a Ram 3500 Megacab with 4 wheel discs so that eliminated sway and gave me great stopping power.
We just bought a Rockwood Signature 8282 fifth wheel so I am looking forward to improved towability, handling and (hopefully) better fuel mileage.
Also agree with several writers that you are risking your life if you try to skimp on your tow vehicle and live near its upper limits. I started with a 5000 lb Forest River TT while using a short-bed F-150 with "tow package" and a 6,800 towing max. It was legal But did not have the suspension or brakes I needed to have excess capacity. If a texting teen looks up and slams on the brakes in the sports car ahead of you, it may be all you can do to get your rig stopped and also avoid a coronary arrest.
With the Ram 3500 dually and a half-ton towable fifth wheel, I have excess suspension and stopping power for towing which having reduced weight and improved trailer stability behind me. It just feels safer. More $$ for the bigger truck but much more peace of mind.
