First long towing experience with this combo

[talk2cpu]

Ok, we have just done 800 miles with our new combination. Ram 2014 1500 with a 5.7 hemi 3.21 gears, crew cab with 6.5 foot box with RAM box option. Towing a 2011 Passport 250BH. Went across the scales on our way out of town. Front axel 3450 rear axel 3940, trailer at 5100. Reese equalizer hitch. Truck level and trailer about 2" down to the hitch. Pretty much maximized out. Average so far 10.5 MPG at 60 MPH.going from 900 feet to 5000 feet over 800 miles.

This combo tows like a dream. At times had to look in the mirrors to see the big white box behind us.This combo is all stock. On some of the steep grades I had to take control as found no need to keep speed and run the engine at 3400 RPM's. Let her slip about 10 MPH and stay around 2500 RPM's. Only had to pull over once to let traffic by. Much of the miles were in Montana with an 80 MPH speed limit. Can't believe how many 5th wheelers blew by our 60 mph speed. Apparently they have found high speed rated tires for their trailer.

All going smoothly and hope it continues. Only about 9000 miles to go.
Have a safe winter!
Tom

[bsmith0404]

Glad its working out for you. It is amazing how many people will blow by you, have seen many of them pulled to the side changing a tire and fixing damage.

The trailers I transport have Rainier trailer tires, they are rated for 75 mph, I still won't go that fast.

[notanlines]

Talktocpu, that mileage you're getting is about as good as one could expect. Most people would be in the 8-9 or so with gas, if they told the truth. Another truth is that not one in ten of those blowing down the highway towing 5vers even KNOW what speed their tires are rated for. (No, I have no statistics to back that up)

[koko]

In our travels, we've seen a lot of fools out there going way too fast, no matter what the tire rating speed. We, too, have seen many pulled over changing their tire. The best example of crazy was a truck pulling a trailer pulling a 4-wheeler trailer - looked like a train. That thing was swaying so badly that it was dangerous at any speed! Unfortunately, we were on a very narrow, windy road and had to be right behind him for about 60 miles, and he never pulled over at any of the many turn-outs to let the line of 20 cars behind him pass. Scary!

[bsmith0404]

My favorite was a guy pulling a utility trailer. I could hear something clanking as he came up along side me. When he finally got even with me I could see and hear the trailer clanking back and forth on the ball. Seemed obvious to me that he had a 2" ball with a 2 5/16" coupler. Didn't bother him though as he motored down the interstate at 75 mph. Needless to say, I backed way off to get some space between us.

[GaryWT]

Nice that it is working out. Always good when a plan comes together. Enjoy.

[Ken / Claudia]

Looks like you know why tow hauling pickups need a tach. Keep that engine running in the sweet spot.