Feb-11-2016 05:15 AM
Feb-11-2016 09:36 PM
CabinetmakerII wrote:
If memory serves me correctly, the road from Cortez to Ridgeway is not a walk in the park. It is steep with lots of switchbacks and climbs to over 11,000 feet at Lizard-head Pass. Also, a FW tows differently then a conventional TT. FW's tend to "cheat" the corners (so swing them wide)and they are slower to react to steering inputs when backing. I recommend you take the rig to an empty parking lot and play with it a little before you hit the road. Good luck on your adventure!
Feb-11-2016 06:10 PM
reppoc12 wrote:Here's my take. Your truck with airbags (assuming 18" or 20" wheels and 6500 lb RAWR) is every bit as capable as a SRW 3500 of the same year. Literally the only difference is the rear coils, but the rear coils with supplemental airbags should carry a load at least as well as the 3500 leaf suspension. Everything else between the two trucks is identical. Well, except you have a rear swaybar on the 2500, which I don't think the 3500 has standard - so that's actually an advantage for your truck.
That being said, based on the trailer weight numbers posted, I think this trailer is pushing into DRW territory, at least if you plant to load it up to the full GWWR. I've said before and I still believe that on these newer HD trucks the difference between a 2500 and SRW 3500 is a whole lot less significant than the difference between a SRW 3500 and a DRW 3500.
There is a difference in the posted capacities of the 2500 and 3500. We know he has a 2014 Ram with a 6.7 cummins. I assumed everything else to show the difference. Lets say it is a 4x2, crewcab, automatic transmission (DG7), 3.42 rear, and tradesman trim.
According to the 2014 Ram Body Builder guide:
2500 in this configuration has a payload of 2,660. Rear GAWR of 6,000 and GCWR of 25,000
The same configuration on a 3500 SRW has a payload of 4,190. Rear GAWR 7,000 and GCWR of 25,000
They have the same GCWR, but the payload and rear axle limits are considerably different.
The trip sounds wonderful and I hope you and your family have a great time.
Feb-11-2016 06:06 PM
laknox wrote:aaron.dios wrote:
try the link again
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zrZy4YO7hSX4.k-UXOG1uz42E&usp=sharing
My advice to a newbie would be to skip taking the FW on the 550 altogether, especially if locked in to the Redwood. Just do the round-trip on the train out of Durango, then head west to Cortez, then up 145 to Placerville and cut across 62 to Ridgeway and on the 550 to Grand Junction. I drove this southbound last year, and they're nice roads. A side-trip into Telluride could be done, too, if time permits. Beyond GJ, I have no knowledge.
Lyle
Feb-11-2016 03:55 PM
Here's my take. Your truck with airbags (assuming 18" or 20" wheels and 6500 lb RAWR) is every bit as capable as a SRW 3500 of the same year. Literally the only difference is the rear coils, but the rear coils with supplemental airbags should carry a load at least as well as the 3500 leaf suspension. Everything else between the two trucks is identical. Well, except you have a rear swaybar on the 2500, which I don't think the 3500 has standard - so that's actually an advantage for your truck.
That being said, based on the trailer weight numbers posted, I think this trailer is pushing into DRW territory, at least if you plant to load it up to the full GWWR. I've said before and I still believe that on these newer HD trucks the difference between a 2500 and SRW 3500 is a whole lot less significant than the difference between a SRW 3500 and a DRW 3500.
Feb-11-2016 12:24 PM
aaron.dios wrote:
try the link again
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zrZy4YO7hSX4.k-UXOG1uz42E&usp=sharing
Feb-11-2016 12:08 PM
aaron.dios wrote:
try the link again
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zrZy4YO7hSX4.k-UXOG1uz42E&usp=sharing
Feb-11-2016 11:27 AM
Feb-11-2016 11:27 AM
Feb-11-2016 11:25 AM
aaron.dios wrote:
thanks all for the tips and opinions. Im installing the rear bags for sure. the towing weight of the truck is around 16k and i believe the trailer hitch weight is around 1700 lbs. i was thinking of a 5th wheel because of the ease of pulling vs a bumperpull that i have heard. Ive pulled many trailer/ campers/ loads. just not a 5th wheel. I know it is alot of miles and spots but im planning on 15 days. we are easy and flexible. the Redwood is in Rowlett texas on RVshare.com. its the only 5th wheel around me that I found. im fine with pulling a smaller trailer but the price on the Redwood was actually a very good deal from what i could see.
Feb-11-2016 10:59 AM
Feb-11-2016 09:55 AM
Feb-11-2016 09:41 AM
Feb-11-2016 09:16 AM
aaron.dios wrote:
thanks all for the tips and opinions. Im installing the rear bags for sure. the towing weight of the truck is around 16k and i believe the trailer hitch weight is around 1700 lbs. i was thinking of a 5th wheel because of the ease of pulling vs a bumperpull that i have heard. Ive pulled many trailer/ campers/ loads. just not a 5th wheel. I know it is alot of miles and spots but im planning on 15 days. we are easy and flexible. the Redwood is in Rowlett texas on RVshare.com. its the only 5th wheel around me that I found. im fine with pulling a smaller trailer but the price on the Redwood was actually a very good deal from what i could see.
Feb-11-2016 08:46 AM