Truck question

[slickskot]

Originally Posted by B and B

Good math Scott.

Being careful, flat lands, no mountains. Doable. Your choice entirely and you have done your homework.

You are legal but heavy. Remember a 12 yr old truck can not take as much abuse. I would make sure Cooling system is maintained and tranny/differential as well.

I can see what you guys are saying now. My thinking was that this was a very light weight trailer since it was smaller. I have looked up some other TT weights and I thought that the bigger TT weighed alot more. I dont know what I'm going to do now, I dont want to tear my truck up.
Thanks though this is exactly the info I need.

[slickskot]

Got off work and took the truck down to the CAT scales. It was raining but I decided to do it anyway. The weight is lower than I thought. Total weight with a full tank of gas and me (200lbs) was 5,040 lbs. Is this good or bad?

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by slickskot

Got off work and took the truck down to the CAT scales. It was raining but I decided to do it anyway. The weight is lower than I thought. Total weight with a full tank of gas and me (200lbs) was 5,040 lbs. Is this good or bad?

that short wheelbase alone makes it not a good tow vehicle, IMO. Longer and heavier always yields better ride and much safer handling. Short wheel bases make you feel even the slightest sway.

With a GVWR of 6350, and you and truck are 5040, by the time you put the wife in truck and stuff in bed you mentioned, you will only have 800-900 lbs of payload left. I'm sure the hitch weight of that toyhauler with a bike in it will be much more than that. Would take lots of playing with loads and WDH to see if it's even possible.

[slickskot]

So with the weight that I posted for my truck is there anything that it will tow safely and confidently? I really cant afford a new truck just yet, last kid just graduated college. I have finally got the wife talked into traveling and camping. I thought it would be great to take the bike with us.

[davel1971]

If you leave the bike home, you have MANY options. Having a heavier toy hauler vs travel trailer makes a bid difference. Then adding bike puts on another 700 lbs at least, plus adds even more hitch weight.

[slickskot]

Originally Posted by davel1971

If you leave the bike home, you have MANY options. Having a heavier toy hauler vs travel trailer makes a bid difference. Then adding bike puts on another 700 lbs at least, plus adds even more hitch weight.

I guess its time to rethink my plan of attack.
Thanks

[hdmtnrider]

By loading a bike in a TH should not add tongue weight if it is loaded to the rear of the axle's. (IMOA)

[KenHwy61]

Originally Posted by davel1971

that short wheelbase alone makes it not a good tow vehicle, IMO. Longer and heavier always yields better ride and much safer handling. Short wheel bases make you feel even the slightest sway.

With a GVWR of 6350, and you and truck are 5040, by the time you put the wife in truck and stuff in bed you mentioned, you will only have 800-900 lbs of payload left. I'm sure the hitch weight of that toyhauler with a bike in it will be much more than that. Would take lots of playing with loads and WDH to see if it's even possible.

I agree. I don't think you will be happy towing long term with this. Probably has plenty of power but the truck was made to be sporty and not meant for towing a large wind sail at highway speeds. Tow ratings only mean what a truck can tow without breaking. They don't take much else into consideration. As Dave said there is no real substitute for a long, heavy tow vehicle.

[B and B]

Scott,

Nice looking truck! Were I live they have a Mopar fest every summer. That would be a show stopper.

The payload you have left shows you are really tight. I guess the ultimate decision is the desire to run that truck hard and possibly have some issues with a older drive train.

[slickskot]

We ended up getting the 19rr. I was still nervous about the truck so I gave it a full tune up. Changed brakes, all fuids, plugs and wires. Noticed the water pump seeping so changed it out also. Setup The WDH (I think it still needs a washer added). Trailer brake controller setup properly.
We have took it out 4 times already. 3 times camping close to home without the bike to work out all the kinks with the truck and trailer. Then we took our one big trip of the year from Blue Springs Mo. to Custer SD.
We had a great time and the truck did great. 1600 mile trip and averaged 9.0 mpg. The trailer seemed to actually ride better with the bike loaded. The only problem we had on the trip is that my bike would'nt start when we got to Custer.
We are both realistic though and realize we need a bigger truck and have decided it will come in the near future, but for now we are happy with our decision to start our adventure.
Anyways thanks for all the help and suggestions.
Scott