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11-27-2017, 05:05 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Placerville
Posts: 44
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Towing in the rain
Have a trip planed for this weekend and most likely or will rain the day we leave, about 230 miles. I haven't towed in the rain yet and looking for wisdom. Towing down the interstate isn't a big concern, but there will be about 20 miles through the mountains from Willits to Ft. Bragg, CA on hwy 20. Fairly steep and sharp turns. What do I need to be extra careful about, or is it best to try to reschedule?
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Scot & Bev
2017 F350 DRW Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel
2015 Cougar 333MKS
TrailerSafe BD3 hitch
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11-27-2017, 05:10 PM
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#2
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Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,878
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScotnBev
Have a trip planed for this weekend and most likely or will rain the day we leave, about 230 miles. I haven't towed in the rain yet and looking for wisdom. Towing down the interstate isn't a big concern, but there will be about 20 miles through the mountains from Willits to Ft. Bragg, CA on hwy 20. Fairly steep and sharp turns. What do I need to be extra careful about, or is it best to try to reschedule?
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If diesel on your truck, use your exhaust brake if so equipped on the downhills. It makes an incredible difference in the amount of control. Otherwise, down shift to help control your speed.
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Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Impact 312
2017 Silverado 3500HD SRW
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11-27-2017, 05:18 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,671
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Towing in the rain isn't an issue if you watch your speed, other folks and keep your distance. I think my truck probably tracks better in the rain with the trailer than when empty.....but I'm usually driving slower.
One thing I'd suggest is to look under the trailer and make sure your coroplast is properly secured and out of the way of excessive water spray. My maiden trip in a HEAVY rainstorm with this trailer resulted in the coroplast falling down and the underside then accumulating water between it and the trailer. They had to do a lot of repair work (warranty thankfully).
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Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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11-27-2017, 05:18 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,981
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Get a yellow "rubber duckie" set it on the dash and you'll be good to go. There's really no difference in towing in the rain (other than the urge to whistle) and towing on dry days. Just slow down a bit, don't over-extend your rig's capabilities and keep your eyes "OUT" of the cockpit.... Go have fun !!!!!
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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11-27-2017, 07:53 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,319
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
Get a yellow "rubber duckie" set it on the dash and you'll be good to go. There's really no difference in towing in the rain (other than the urge to whistle) and towing on dry days. Just slow down a bit, don't over-extend your rig's capabilities and keep your eyes "OUT" of the cockpit.... Go have fun !!!!!
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No rubber duckie but I had to tow in heavy downpour a few times on our cross country trip. No exhaust brake, just slowed down and left a LOT OF ROOM to slow/ stop. Your biggest issue will be the idiots that are still in a hurry and cut you off to make that exit.
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2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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11-28-2017, 04:04 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Ocean Isle Beach
Posts: 1,431
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctbruce
If diesel on your truck, use your exhaust brake if so equipped on the downhills. It makes an incredible difference in the amount of control. Itherwisw, down shift to help control your speed.
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The truck manual specifically states NOT to use the engine brake or to/haul during slippery conditions...
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2022.Montana 3855 BR
2019 F350 6.7 4X4 DRW
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11-28-2017, 04:15 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptnJohn
The truck manual specifically states NOT to use the engine brake or to/haul during slippery conditions...
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Depends on the system. I have a stick (I’m my own tow/haul mode control) and an engine brake and use them both...wet or dry.
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Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
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11-28-2017, 05:46 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Liberty, Texas
Posts: 5,034
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptnJohn
The truck manual specifically states NOT to use the engine brake or to/haul during slippery conditions...
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My Ram manual says to be careful using the exhaust brake while towing in slippery conditions. You could jack knife the rig.
I try to brake the truck, and trailer, rather than rely on the exhaust brake in rain.
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2018 Ram 3500 Laramie CC DRW LWB 4X4 Cummins Aisin 3.73
Reese Goosebox 20K
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4 LB Cabover
2023 CanAm Defender SXS
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11-28-2017, 06:04 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 783
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Jeff & Jan - Retired & Full-timing since 2013
2019 Ram Big Horn 3500 Aisin 4x4
2012 Alpine 3450-RL
Double Coin 235/75R-17.5/16 J rated 125lb
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11-28-2017, 07:22 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,218
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notanlines
I would respectfully, but vehemently disagree with the notion of deflating tires to run in the rain. I don't think the idea is acceptable from any angle.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo
A tire inflated to max sidewall pressure may be overinflated for the load carried, as such reducing the contact patch with the road! This is NOt a good idea, you want the MAXIMUM CONTACT patch, not MAXIMUM PRESSURE unless you are running with tires at maximum load. You can find load inflation tables with the tire manufacturers web sites usually.
I live in the Wet Coast, trust me on this, this is not just for wet, you should always run the correct pressure of the load!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine
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I agree with this also, but understand there is no mention of inflating the tire to max sidewall inflation.
The P225/65-17 on our Chevy Equinox have a max pressure of 44 psi for a capacity of 1,874# or a total of 7,496#, But the listed GVWR is only 5,070# hence the reason the tire is only inflated to 35 psi per the door post Payload sticker.
If I were to inflate to 44 psi then they would by definition be over inflated by 9 psi, or almost 26% for the application, but not the physical tire.
So I add to this another link.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...e.jsp?techid=1
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Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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11-29-2017, 05:33 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Lagrange OH
Posts: 446
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gearhead
My Ram manual says to be careful using the exhaust brake while towing in slippery conditions. You could jack knife the rig.
I try to brake the truck, and trailer, rather than rely on the exhaust brake in rain.
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Exactly. The exhaust brake could potentially lock up your drive tires on slippery roads. Even braking is more desirable. I live in the snow belt, drive a semi pulling doubles for a living, and trust me when the drives lock up the tractor goes sideways. I ain't telling you not too use it, but I rarely use it in bad weather. It all depends on grip and how much weight is on the wheels. I prefer to control my speed and following distance with proper braking.
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2017 Ford F350
2015 Cougar 337FLS
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11-29-2017, 07:02 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
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Quote:
Originally Posted by larry337
Exactly. The exhaust brake could potentially lock up your drive tires on slippery roads. Even braking is more desirable. I live in the snow belt, drive a semi pulling doubles for a living, and trust me when the drives lock up the tractor goes sideways. I ain't telling you not too use it, but I rarely use it in bad weather. It all depends on grip and how much weight is on the wheels. I prefer to control my speed and following distance with proper braking.
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I can see that and applaud your experience, but maybe we should define slippery. Wet roads or icy, snowy roads. Big difference, I think. Personally, I don’t tow on snow or ice and have not had a problem in the rain by downshifting or using the exhaust brake. In my case, the two don’t happen simultaneously, which I’ve heard happens with the newer, computer controlled systems of tow/haul automatic-EB combos. If that’s the case, it sounds like a negative “improvement” to assist the driving experience.
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
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11-27-2017, 05:30 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,218
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So being from the PNW, found this question interesting until I saw your location.
Towing in the rain you just need to use a bit more caution, how long since it has rained in the area?? If it has been quite a while oil build up on the road will make it just a bit more slippery.
Watch your tire pressure!! Many state Max side wall always, so wrong for wet conditions, inflate based on an load/inflation chart. example, my rear axle tires are rated at 3,415# ea, @ 80 psi, load on the axles is about 5,500# so I run them at 65 to 70 psi, keeps more tread in contact with the road. The same is true for my 5er, less than 10,000# on tires rated for 12,168# as they are also LT truck tires run them at 70 psi also.
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Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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11-27-2017, 07:16 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Placerville
Posts: 44
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Thx for the great replies. Yes have a diesel with exchuste break, love it. I'm sure the yellow rubber ducky is critical so will get one before we leave. And I'll look into the tier pressure, I have aTPMS with sensors on all 10 tires. So seems like common sense and caution is all I need. Thx again for the input. Gives confidence I'm not being foolish.
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Scot & Bev
2017 F350 DRW Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel
2015 Cougar 333MKS
TrailerSafe BD3 hitch
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11-27-2017, 08:26 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Acton
Posts: 127
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScotnBev
Thx for the great replies. Yes have a diesel with exchuste break, love it. I'm sure the yellow rubber ducky is critical so will get one before we leave. And I'll look into the tier pressure, I have aTPMS with sensors on all 10 tires. So seems like common sense and caution is all I need. Thx again for the input. Gives confidence I'm not being foolish.
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Scott Hwy 20 from Williams to Hwy 101 isn't to bad but the Willits to Ft Bragg is narrow in places and some tight corners. Take corners wide and slow and don't get on the shoulder you will be fine; that is a beautiful drive even in the rain. Been raining a lot around those parts so road shouldn't be too oily. Have fun and stay safe
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2018 Keystone Laredo 298RL
2003 Keystone Laredo 27RL
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie DRW
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11-27-2017, 10:01 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,218
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScotnBev
Thx for the great replies. Yes have a diesel with exchuste break, love it. I'm sure the yellow rubber ducky is critical so will get one before we leave. And I'll look into the tier pressure, I have aTPMS with sensors on all 10 tires. So seems like common sense and caution is all I need. Thx again for the input. Gives confidence I'm not being foolish.
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Keep in mind the your Cougar only has a GVWR of 12,090# so even at 25% life is only 3,000# on the back of a DRW, unless you have a bunch of stuff in the bed, rear tire pressure will easily be in the 60 to 65 psi range for best set traction.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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11-27-2017, 08:47 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Acton
Posts: 127
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Just wanted to add Hwy 128 from Cloverdale is quite a bit straighter if you were taking Hwy 80 down from Placerville and going through Napa instead of Clearlake. If thats were you coming from. That route would take you along Hwy 1 coast to ft Bragg.
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2018 Keystone Laredo 298RL
2003 Keystone Laredo 27RL
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie DRW
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11-27-2017, 10:20 PM
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#18
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Placerville
Posts: 44
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Thx Bill for the route advice, greatly appreciated. We are family with Ft. Bragg and the various routes. Pomo RV is one off our regular places. We prefer the Clearlake/Willets route mostly because of less traffic. Hwy 37 between I80 and hwy 101 seems to be a parking lot now adays. Hwy 20 from Willets is the concern in the rain for the reasons you mention. Just looking for the wisdom of this route in the rain. I'll just take my time and enjoy the scenery.
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Scot & Bev
2017 F350 DRW Crew Cab 4x4 Diesel
2015 Cougar 333MKS
TrailerSafe BD3 hitch
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11-28-2017, 06:38 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
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Ensure you have good wipers, a full tank of windshield juice, the same tire pressure you always run, take the route less traveled to avoid the plethora of road morons and enjoy the scenery.
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
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11-28-2017, 06:54 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,327
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I would respectfully, but vehemently disagree with the notion of deflating tires to run in the rain. I don't think the idea is acceptable from any angle.
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Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
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