Forum Discussion

Acampingwewillg's avatar
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
May 15, 2019

After market options on New Truck?

OK, so my friend who bought the New 2018 Ram 2500 4x4 Diesel, just had to buy an RV for it quickly. After realizing the size fifth wheel he wanted was way over Payload, he switched interest to a rather large Pull Behind. He purchased a Flagstaff Classic 36' Trailer with a dry hitch weight of 1193. (Wow).

Since he does very little research into these things, I try to help where I can so first things first, it appears his new truck has a Class 5 Hitch(2 1/2" Receiver) but I told him to verify this at dealer. He had already installed a Fiver Hitch which he was going to trade for a Weight Dist Hitch system. Of course I said get them to bargain with you on a ProPride Hitch system, doubtful but what the heck.

My question being, what additional items/options might he need/require to make towing more a pleasure than a nightmare? He's towed a 30' lite weight trailer before but nothing this weight. Its seems his truck is up to the task(17,000 lb Tow rating with a Payload in the 2300 lb area). Trailer dry weight of 8975 with 2200 CCC. Any thoughts/idea's welcome which I'll pass on to him (pretend like I know something) LOL Thank You!!

(After market thoughts like Air suspension or some type of air assist was where my thinking was??)
Tow Vehicles

10 Replies

  • badercubed's avatar
    badercubed
    Explorer
    May 16, 2019
    I used to pull a 9,800lb trailer that was 34ft bumper to ball with a scaled tongue weight of 1,500 with a 2015 F-250 gasser. Truck handled it well both for power and weight. I would only lock down the Blue Ox hitch when traveling on the highway. If I was staying on two-lane State/County roads, I wouldn't even bother.

    The weak link is probably your friend. The truck and trailer will be a fine combination.
  • Acampingwewillg's avatar
    Acampingwewillg
    Explorer II
    May 16, 2019
    Sounds Good so far, its sounds like he should be Happy with all aspects of this move! As noted, he did tow a lite weight trailer with a much smaller truck and then an Escalade and I think that worked out just OK. This new combo should suit him fine...of course I'll still rag on him about his backing ability!!! LOL
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer III
    May 16, 2019
    good WD hitch, dual cam, equalizer, etc. and he should be good to go.

    If he is going to travel a LOT and be on roads with frost heaves, concrete joints etc. A AirSafe air hitch will make the ride much better on roads like that. We have one, and well worth it for the amount of travel and the roads we travel on. However, it's not for everyone. First it is heavy, near 100lbs, and it is NOT inexpensive, $700-1000 depending on which one you get.

    It does however work with a WD hitch no problem.

    Our trailer is about 32', actual tongue weight fully loaded 1450lbs, and even when the truck is loaded to max GVWR (10K) with WD set up, towing is NOT an issue, nor is control.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator III
    May 16, 2019
    That truck will handle that trailer no problem whatsoever with no additional mods to the truck.
    WDH is personal preference. But remember a diesel has a built in weight distribution up to a point already.....the boat anchor engine up front.
    Sounds like your buddy is a candidate for the trailer towing 101 setup though (lack of experience). WDH with sway control will be a good crutch for his lack of experience.
  • Acampingwewillg's avatar
    Acampingwewillg
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2019
    Yes...he did get that option both on the truck and with the new trailer. He did want to get Direct TV and with all that is going on with Direct, I told if he wanted to do it, go all in and swing a deal on the Traveler Roof mounted Dish....which I think he did. Also said get them to throw in the Mounting Plate and Roller Plate not knowing how sturdy the roof line is!!!
  • SoonerWing03's avatar
    SoonerWing03
    Explorer
    May 15, 2019
    I would suggest a good camera setup so that he can see what is behind the trailer. I have found it not only handy when parking but also knowing what is behind me.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    May 15, 2019
    He shouldn't have any trouble with that setup and I doubt he needs any kind of super expensive WDH hitch. His receiver is rated for 1800 lbs with or without weight distribution.
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    May 15, 2019
    He is going to be well within the ratings and I suspect it will pull it just fine. That's certainly a beast of a ball hitch trailer but if loaded correctly, it will pull nicely.

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