Towing home new TT from Dealer?

[DanoHB]

So my new trailer is finally here. I am planning on picking it up on Monday, 01/02/2017. My question is, I still need to order my WDH. The dealer is about 40 miles away. I will be taking highway most of way, except to get off and on to/from highway to/from dealer to home. Will I be OK to drive that short distance. Dealer wants $700 for Equal-i-zer 1200/12,000 WDH. I am going to order from RVWholesalers for less than $500 delivered with everything, and then put on myself. Problem being, dealer will not install if I don't buy through them. So i am stuck between a rock and hard place, unless i can convince them to deliver the short distance (which may be an option). Thoughts on me driving home with my 2007 Dodge ram 1500 Sport myself? Has 2WD 5.7 Hemi engine and rated at 8700 lbs towing. Empty trailer is less than 7000lbs, but has a 870lb empty tongue weight. I am upgrading soon to a new truck as shown in my signature, but is a few months out still.

[KFX450RXC]

If it really is 870 lbs, I'd do it but watch out for the sway.

[DanoHB]

I guess they may not even let me as they consider it a "safety Hazard". I can see their point, but I am not looking to blow an extra $200 either. Will see if they will deliver and hopefully that will solve my problems. Fingers crossed.

[5picker]

Got a friend or neighbor with a heavier duty truck that could bring it home for you?

[DanoHB]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Got a friend or neighbor with a heavier duty truck that could bring it home for you?

Wish I did. Everyone is gone for the holidays with their trucks and toys. I was hoping to get mine in time, but ran a little late.

[Crabman]

Both times I purchased a new TT I brought my own hitch with me and they installed it. Of course it was a used hitch I already had, so its not like I was buying it someplace else.

[Ford Idaho]

If you don't have it yet buy the hitch.

Read the installation instructions at home.

Take hitch, truck, tools and the instructions to the dealers.

Install hitch right there in the parking lot.

Flip the dealer a feather.

[W5CI]

I would just hook it up and go home slowly and carefully,

[Blackhat6mike]

Do not leave that dealership without PERSONALLY checking the tire pressure. Do not depend on the PDI or the salesman's word they are pumped to cold max pressure.
The last unit I bought, the PDI and the salesman said they were at 65psi. Like a fool, I believed them and it wasn't for 200 miles down the road that I stopped to check them. Yep, 35 lbs all around and that was HOT, not cold. Ruined the tires sidewalls.

[MT Biker]

So you bought a new trailer with all the toys but want to save $200 on the hitch instead of getting it from the dealer who will install and help you set it up?
That makes sense....

[CWSWine]

Your hitch probably has a sticker on the hitch that give the max weight with and without WD hitch. Most 1/2 tons are 600 without and 1100 to 1200 with.

[DavidBo]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

If you don't have it yet buy the hitch.

Read the installation instructions at home.

Take hitch, truck, tools and the instructions to the dealers.

Install hitch right there in the parking lot.

Flip the dealer a feather.

That's basically what I did, so can you assuming you're reasonably handy with such an installation and have the proper tools. If not, best to figure it out anyway as you'll still have to set it up for each trip in the future. The only real difference with an initial installation is the mounting of the brackets on the trailer's frame and setting the washer stack-up for the ride height. The YouTube video from Equal-i-zer gives great step by step instruction on how to do this, and the tools are basic wrenches and something you should have anyway. The big torque wrench can be pricey, is there a chance you have a buddy that might have such a tool and maybe even join you for the pickup? Offer a big lunch on the road, usually works for me! There's always the option many use called the German Torque (goodentight) not requiring a special wrench, but I have one for wheel lug nuts that worked fine.
My mechanical skills are average but I had no problems thanks to the video. I had a much longer trip for my pickup, almost 200 miles, but the EQ hitch really made a huge difference and I know I was much safer for the drive.
Good luck and enjoy your new rig!

[Flybob]

I would not tow it without the WDH. Ask the dealer if they can hold it for a few days until you have the hitch.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Flybob

I would not tow it without the WDH. Ask the dealer if they can hold it for a few days until you have the hitch.

Second the motion.

[jgourlie]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

Second the motion.

Agreed

[DanoHB]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

If you don't have it yet buy the hitch.

Read the installation instructions at home.

Take hitch, truck, tools and the instructions to the dealers.

Install hitch right there in the parking lot.

Flip the dealer a feather.

HAHAHA. I love it!!!

[DanoHB]

Originally Posted by Flybob

I would not tow it without the WDH. Ask the dealer if they can hold it for a few days until you have the hitch.

That's what I am thinking too. I am going to order it today, and hope it gets here soon. Also going to ask if they will deliver it for me. i can install it, and have heard about dealers not setting it up right anyways. Why pay them to do the job wrong is my thoughts? Can't wait to get it home and start playing. Going to add the JT strong arms and a few other things right away too.

[Retired JSO]

Went to pick our new Toy Hauler last winter. We didn't have a WDH yet and the dealer said we couldn't tow it until I had one. The dealer was in the rape price range. Told the dealer, deal is off and started to walk out. He said, I'll tow it to your home for free. Glad we did it this way, got our WDH from Tweetys and saved $250.

[schrederman]

Order it and wait if the dealer won't sell it at the same price and help you out. It's amazing how poor customer service has gotten in this country... Except for warranty work, I would never darken this dealer's doorway again.

[B and B]

You buy a trailer for lets say $25,000 and a $200 savings on the hitch is such a big deal? I would nicely ask the dealer to drop the hitch price and keep him on side for Service and Warranty work. The goodwill is worth it in my mind.