Advice on buying a trailer

ximmix2007 · #1 02-08-2008

We're looking at buying a Tango Expedition which is dual axle and weighs 4840 dry. We have a Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 l Hemi with a 3.92 rear end and 17" wheels, the best towing setup for the 1500. Will we have any problems towing this trailer, dodge says we can pull 8900 lbs and some people say it will strain the truck. Looking for some help as we are close to buying a trailer. we look back now and realize the 2500 would've been a better way to go, and we could've taken the Outlander quad on a deck as well.

Thanks in advance.

Duk Dog · #2 02-08-2008

Have the sale subject to a test pull. When we bought our trailer last year we did that and hauled it west of Calgary to tackle some bigger hills.

ABwhitetail · #3 02-08-2008

A 2500 would not allow you to necessarily tow a ton more....Towing restrictions are based more on engine and gearing than payload of a truck...So unless you increased the engine size...you would probably be nearly in the same boat (a quick glance at the mfg website will tell you this)....true the 2500 would have been perhaps better to put your quad in the box, but towing (with same engine/gearing) will be very similar....

I have a 2005 F150...with the 5.4L and 373's in the rear (rated to tow 9400)....I tow a 29.5' (bumper to pin) hardwall trailer w/slide...I'm going off memory here, I think it weighs roughly 6500 dry.....loaded with water...I have NO issues pulling....

She definitely works a little harder going up a hill or passing...but it goes....not to mention the Fuel Mileage goes

(good thing I have 135L tank)while pulling....but in terms of capability...it does the job...NO PROB..

I don't think you will have any issues at all.....

TreeGuy · #4 02-08-2008

I have a 22' dual axel travel trailer (not sure of the weight) that I pull with my 4.6l F150. It handles it ok but sure eats the fuel. I also occasionally tow a 4000lb wood chipper with it no problem. Obviously a 3/4ton would be better, but the 1/2ton does alright. I just had a 5.7l Hemi 1500 on a rental and that thing had wayyyyyy more power than my F150, so I'd say you should be fine, hell I'd throw the quad on and ask your dealer if you can take the whole setup out for a rip and see. Good luck!

Tree

ABwhitetail · #5 02-08-2008

According to the Dodge USA Website....A 2500HD SLT Quad cab 4X4 (with the 5.7L Hemi) towing capacity is 8500-8750lbs depending on Tire selection...

Same engine, tranny, and gear ratio as your 1500....but heavier truck (due to being a HD) therefore towing capacity actually goes down........

Timberj · #6 02-08-2008

My 07 hemi pulls a 28 ' westwind without problem, as long as I keep track of where the next gas station is.. Much more towing power that what my silverado had.

JohninAB · #7 02-08-2008

ABWhitetail is exactly correct. The 2500 will not tow more actually les unless you put a Cummins in the 2500. What the 2500 gives you is a higher GVW rating.

honda450 · #8 02-08-2008

Do you have a trailer haul switch and a tranny cooler?

ximmix2007 · #9 02-08-2008

Yes, on both counts, tranny cooler and the switch.

honda450 · #10 02-08-2008

I think your good then.

Duk Dog · #11 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timberj

My 07 hemi pulls a 28 ' westwind without problem, as long as I keep track of where the next gas station is.. Much more towing power that what my silverado had.

LOL too funny.

I hear you on that.

Tuc · #12 02-08-2008

Hey X, you should be able to pull up to 9100 lbs, your GCWR for the 1500 is 14,000 lbs. I don't see where you would have any problem, tranny coolers are great for climbing steep grades in the heat of summer. I pull a Wilderness light weight(3800lbs dry) with a quad on the back. Only a 4.6 L in er and I don't have any problems.

Jims71duster · #13 02-08-2008

I pull a 27 foot with my f150 and its a bit much for it,, Its weighs in at about 6300. Mostly its the wind that gets ya. Watch for those nasty chinook cross winds and hang on when a semi passes ya. Enjoy whatever ya get. I only use mine for work,,,,, so enjoyment is a bummer for me lol

CaberTosser · #14 02-08-2008

One thing to keep in mind that none of the posters have yet mentioned, towing is not all about accellerating; you do have to bring that thing to a stop at some point. The additional heat sink mass in the larger brakes on 3/4 tons and 1 tons will be appreciated when the time comes to go down that hill you had a bit of a time climbing on the way out. The tires are also a factor, load range D or E being helpful.

hornhunter · #15 02-08-2008

the length of the trailer plays a major factor. if you have eq bars and sway bars or a hitch that does both you will be fine. i find the dodges have more body sway and require sway control. check out the rv show in edmonton this weekend. saw some awsome deals!

Pheasant Hunter · #16 02-09-2008

If i was looking at a trailer that i was going to pull with a gas tow vehicle (especially on a 1/2 chassis or lighter) i would only buy something that had a dry weight of half my trucks suggested towing allowance. Maximum. The maximum is the maximum. You do not want to be pushing the weight allowance and it is nice to have some room to spare. If you go with a trailer that weighs too much it will greatly restrict your ability to climb hills at adequate speeds and the trailer ends up controlling you instead of you controlling the trailer. You also have to consider that in addition to the trailer it is very easy to add at least a couple more thousand pounds of cargo.

Canuck44 · #17 02-09-2008

You should be fine, probably 6000-6500 loaded weight with water, well under the rated allowance. Take it easy and don't try to go 130. I haul a 27' with a dry weight of 5000 lbs with my chev 1/2 ton (7000 lb rating on the truck)and it pulls and brakes well. Make sure you set your electric brake controller up properly and you should be ok.

Boss442 · #18 02-09-2008

I have a 07 Ram 1500 Q-cab 4x4 5.7 Hemi and pull a 06 27.5 Jayco fth Wheel its around 6500 pounds dry, power wise pulls it with ease. The only thing I did notice is that it sagged the ass end down quite a bit, so this winter I installed air bags on the rear suspention, this should definately solve the problem!

harv3589 · #19 02-10-2008

You will like the air bags...had them in my Yukon for pulling my 27' trailer..leveled it right out. Since switched to a 2500HD, and it is much nicer to pull with.