In a little jam here

dansdad · 10-15-2009, 04:34 PM

I just sold my Dodge diesel because I never used it but I still have my TT. The GVWR for my TT says 6900#. I would like to buy a 1/2 ton, Does anyone see there is going to be a problem with that? Thanks Much...Dave Gale

Inland RV Center, In · 10-15-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansdad

I just sold my Dodge diesel because I never used it but I still have my TT. The GVWR for my TT says 6900#. I would like to buy a 1/2 ton, Does anyone see there is going to be a problem with that? Thanks Much...Dave Gale

What year and length trailer?

Andy

dansdad · 10-15-2009, 07:11 PM

Trailer is 27' long and is a 97

Inland RV Center, In · 10-15-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansdad

Trailer is 27' long and is a 97

Install a transmission oil cooler and a Reese dual cam or straight line full sway control 750 hitch, and you will be ready to go.

Obviously, you also need a decent electric brake controller in the tow vehicle.

Install a couple of removeable towing mirrors on the truck.

Make sure the trailer is full of water, when you travel.

It's helps the stability and lowers the center of gravity.

Andy

dansdad · 10-15-2009, 07:31 PM

When I'm up by Inland R V I'm gonna stop in and buy SOMETHING

FordTruck · 10-15-2009, 10:07 PM

I prefer Marmalade to jam.

. Lower sugar content than either Jam or Jelly.

Condoluminum · 10-15-2009, 10:18 PM

Unless you are addicted to the smell of new, please consider a gently used truck.. There are 2005 or 2006 models available in Calif and Nevada for less than half the discounted price of new ones.. Apparently the sour economy, slowdown in construction, high gas prices and unemployment have encouraged lots of people to turn their trucks back to lenders and walk away.. At our CU, we get them in the parking lot and keys in the mail ("Jingle Mail"). Auctions are not yielding much at all. THe dealers who are prospering have late model trucks and SUV's on front line, which they buy at auction for $10K to $12K, and try to sell for $16K to $19K, and buyers are thinking they got great deal. If you're patient and a good shopper, go to Colorado or Idaho, where deals even better!!

>> And yes, a 1/2 ton with at least 225hp, a transmission cooler and good suspension can tow your trailer, though you may not pass motorcycles going over the Sierra's or the Grapevine... We pull our 6800# GVWR trailer with a V8 Excursion, and a 1500 Suburban before that...

Airslide · 10-15-2009, 10:54 PM

Tomorrow is our "Cash for Clunkers" carbaque.. We will be killing three different suburbans. Its a shame as a couple of them are pretty decent. Once the oil is drained and the special sauce is added they go for about a minute and lock up...

Point is that the market is so soft like you say folks were trading decent cars that qualified for the clunkers program..

Vin

dansdad · 10-16-2009, 09:56 PM

I would just like to know would the 4.8 be strong enough or do i need to go with the 5.4. Thanks Dave

Airslide · 10-17-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansdad

I would just like to know would the 4.8 be strong enough or do i need to go with the 5.4. Thanks Dave

Dave,

If those were the choices for me to pick from Im going with the 5.4

A little more displacement can be a good thing!

Vin

FordTruck · 10-17-2009, 02:16 AM

We have the newer version of the 5.4L that was first offered in 2004. It has 3 valves per cylinder, approx 310hp and 315 ft/lb torque. The earlier 5.4L would barely be enough but the newer one is very strong. We did a 3900 mile trip in June/July back and forth across the Blue Ridge a couple of times and it never even hiccupped.
What I don't like is that you have to lock out OD when towing which put the tranny in 3rd, not 4th but that's my issue. Mileage ran an average of 10.3mpg, except for the leg from Mt. Pleasant KY to Spirit Lake IA where we fought 30-40 mph headwinds the entire way.