Author Topic: Tow Ratings  (Read 37348 times)

Harrison

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Tow Ratings
« on: October 03, 2014, 07:31:35 PM »
Rather than bother each of you individually, I thought I'd make a thread here instead  :)

Going to have some cash in my pocket soon, looking at getting an enclosed. 2 years of tenting and I'm ready to be done with that.

The manual in my truck says 9250 for all 4x4 Ecodiesel Rams. The Ram website says 8050 if you give it my specific configuration. I am going to estimate my Jeep weighs 4500. Stock is 3600... I feel this is a reasonable estimate.

20' steel enclosed seem to be about 3600lbs, aluminum is around 2800

Nice 20' 10k gvw steel go for $4500, aluminum are $9k+ and hard to find with 10k gvw. Figure between camping stuff/sleeping arrangement/shower and I'm going to be close to 9000lb with a steel trailer, and right at the edge of my 8050 limit with aluminum.

I felt extremely comfortable towing 6500 with this truck. It never needed more than 2500rpm on long grades with cruise set at 65mph. Braking literally feels twice as good as either of the 3/4 tons I've towed this weight with. I plan to add WD hitch regardless of what I'm towing.

Is spending double on a trailer I plan to use 8-10 times a year to save 1200lb in this situation a good idea, or overcautious?

For reference, my truck with 3.92 gears instead of 3.55 is rated for 9050 according to the Ram site.

Wingman

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2014, 08:20:02 PM »
Borrow someone's enclosed and try out towing up a few hills?
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Harrison

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2014, 08:29:21 PM »
Borrow someone's enclosed and try out towing up a few hills?

I'll be in Sodus in two weekends  ;D

Wingman

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2014, 08:34:47 PM »
Bring it on...

Actually, I'll be out-of-state.  :'(
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mr.mindless

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2014, 09:40:00 PM »
could work something out with mine...

Looking at those scale tickets, as weighed (I think I was pretty light on gear/spares at the time) my trailer was 8520 with 571 inside. 7800 on the trailer axles, so 720# tongues. Actually pretty light...
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Harrison

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #5 on: October 03, 2014, 09:46:55 PM »
http://allentown.craigslist.org/fod/4693797407.html

This guy says they weigh 3100 with 3500lb axles. Another guy with a 10k 20' I emailed said his scaled at 3340 when he bought it. I think it's doable.

Thanks for checking the scale ticket, Mike. I will talk to you before I make any moves on something if you really are interested in parting ways with yours.

Harrison

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2014, 09:50:24 PM »
Either Mike know how much 571 weighs? Not that it's terribly useful without knowing how much my Jeep weighs haha

mr.mindless

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2014, 10:04:05 PM »
4460 as it sat in the trailer that day
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JEEPWERX

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2014, 11:39:45 PM »
We are actively looking for an enclosed trailer also. 8.5 x 20
Batteling similar issues regarding weight as well.
I couldn't justify the cost increase for Aluminum for a mere 1200 lbs of savings. Besides we can't afford an ATC.

Our other issue is the height required for the CJBuggy. We need a 7ft door.  So that makes finding a used one almost impossible.

If you buy new make sure you are getting Dexter axles, brakes on all 4 wheels, and "Radial" Tires.
It's all about the axles and tires.
The rest is just plywood and steel.
The dealer in Nazareth pa advertises on CL in Rochester.
Been meaning to contact them.

Harrison

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #9 on: October 04, 2014, 10:21:56 PM »
After talking to the guy in Nazareth, sounds like he probably drives to GA and brings these up...

http://www.usacargotrailersales.com/virtuemart/8-8-5-wide/5x10-v-nose-detail.html

JEEPWERX

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2014, 12:18:29 AM »
That's a good price.
Prob the same to have it shipped vs buying in PA.
Never heard of Lippert axles. But they are self adjust brakes and ezlube.
Bias Ply tires are NFG.
340.00 to add 12" of additional height is very reasonable.


Harrison

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #11 on: October 05, 2014, 12:27:46 AM »
https://www.trailersuperstore.com/trailers-for-sale/trailers-for-sale/enclosed-cargo-trailers/carry-on-8-5-x-20-enclosed-car-trailer-10-000-gvw#4

Ugly color, but others seem to be available. Also, light... though they seem to be 450# optimistic as compared to manufacturer's site (but still light)
http://www.carry-ontrailer.com/cargo-trailer/8-5x20cgr/

How do the weights of these vary so much? Mark says his tipped the scales at 4600#...

The first set of tires on my current trailer were bias... didn't have an issue?

JEEPWERX

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2014, 02:13:39 AM »
Lower weight means less steel.
Floor joists
Wall studs
Prob to save $
8.5 × 20 with 5 K axles should be about 3-3500.00 if it's well built. Not many of the trailers these days are as overbuilt as they used to.


Harrison

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #13 on: October 05, 2014, 09:21:46 AM »
I figure it has to be in the frame mostly. Do I care for my use?

mr.mindless

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Re: Tow Ratings
« Reply #14 on: October 05, 2014, 09:37:58 AM »
Yes you care . hauling vehicles is heavy point load on door and floor.


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