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Old 01-29-2018, 02:29 PM   #1
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New to Coachmen

Friday the 26 just picked up 2018 Coachman Clipper 21FQ from General RV in Huntley Ill.. Upgrade from a popup. Towing with 2014 Dodge Durango ( Not a Hemi). Since this is bigger than what I had questions on towing. Dealer said need sway bars and weight control, others say trailer not big enough and should be OK. The car did drop when hooked up but wonder if extra spring or helper shocks would be a fix. Anyone have a similar car and how did you solve the problem. Looking forward to a shake down trip when Spring comes. Camping is not new to us but the size of trailer is. Thanks Don
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Old 01-29-2018, 02:46 PM   #2
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Welcome to the forum. You should use a WDH as it will level the TT and TV out. Would not hurt to add maybe air bags or other helper items. Do not know what your TV tow rating is and the weight of the tt. You did not mention what engine option you had and just looking at basic vehicle I assume V-6 you rated at 5000 # remember that includes you and all others in vehicle including TT with it's max payload. just Hope your not over the limit. Later RJD
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Old 01-29-2018, 02:55 PM   #3
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Welcome to the forum and Coachman, we too are new to Coachman but not to towing a trailer.
I tow our 19' without any equalizer or sway; however, my Excursion is twice the size of your Durango. My truck does not budge when I put the trailer on the hitch, if it did i would have sway and equalizer immediately. You are limiting your control of the truck and risking an accident.
There are many good articles on the subject here is one I would recommend.
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/blog/...g-your-trailer
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Old 01-29-2018, 03:05 PM   #4
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Your Durango's owners manual should have what you need to know, in the Towing section.
I'm betting that it will require a WDH with sway control for your trailer.
My Chevy Avalanche's manual did.
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Old 01-29-2018, 03:13 PM   #5
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Thanks for the fast replies. TT is 4000 and car rated at 6, so should be OK. The more I ask the more I think we will need the hitch setup. Live 50 W of Chicago.
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Old 01-29-2018, 04:06 PM   #6
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OH MY!

I just checked the specs on your trailer and you're making a number of newbie mistakes.

#1- you're using bogus "dry" numbers. Coachmen's website shows a fantasy weight of 4,074lbs. This doesn't include options, dealer added items, battery, water and cargo.
That trailer could easily weigh over 5,000lbs loaded for camping.
Also the loaded tongue weight could be close to 600lbs.

#2- your trailer is 25'6" long! Of course you need a WDH.
I towed a 24'6" trailer with my truck and there's NO WAY I would've towed it without a WDH with sway control. And you're towing with a short wheelbase vehicle.

#3- No wonder your Durango has rear end sag. I'm sure the tongue is over the Durango's max without a WDH.
If you had a properly installed WDH with sway control, you may not have any sag.
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Old 01-29-2018, 04:35 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by donsadler View Post
Thanks for the fast replies. TT is 4000 and car rated at 6, so should be OK. The more I ask the more I think we will need the hitch setup. Live 50 W of Chicago.
Both of these numbers are marketing numbers like MPG. They are useless.

Look at the Max weight of the TT. Probably over 5000lbs. The hitch weight will be 12-14% of that so Over 500 lbs. Then look at the load/cargo capacity of your tow vehicle ( posted on sticker on drivers door frame). Subtract the following from the cargo capacity
100 lbs for the WDH
total weight of all cargo you will be carrying in tow vehicle
hitch weight ( 12-14%) trailer weight

If this number is positive you should be OK if not you are overweight and will definitely need a WDH. Helper springs do nothing to increase the cargo capacity of the tow vehicle. They will level the ride.
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