Re: [VAC] New member

["Dr. Gerald N. Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxx>]

My neighbor tried his 318, extended cab 1/2 ton pulling a 30' SOB.
Trailer dealers said no problem. Truck dealer wasn't sure. The Dodge
owner's manual says the 318 with any automatic and any rear axle is good
for 8100 pounds. The first trip out trying to climb a hill in Boone
County Iowa into a 30 mph head wind he was down to 2nd gear. Three weeks
later he was moving that mobile castle with a 4x4 V-10 and getting 7
mpg. Says it will be a Cummins diesel by next summer.

You have to take trailer towing capacities with a little grain of salt,
especially if there's any high altitudes in your future. Trailer weights
have a tendency to be heavier than listed. First because wood varies,
and second because those are dry, with no propane, water, waste, awning,
groceries, cooking utensils, or clothes loaded. Its easy to add 1000
pounds of those things, the straw that breaks the Dakota's back. And you
have to take away from the truck ratings, anything you haul in the
truck, including the driver, the topper, passengers, spare tires, and
other such things that can easily fill the back of the truck.

For any size Airstream (except a very vintage Bubble, maybe) you need a
frame mounted hitch with load equalizing bars to level the truck. With a
substantial trailer (20' or more for the Dakota) you probably need a
controlled sway hitch so the trailer doesn't completely control the
truck.

Gerald J.