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Towing Safety
We purchased a 2008 Palomino Puma 253fbs 5th wheel,last fall, towing with a 97 Dodge Ram 1500. We have owned travel trailers before but purchased this 5er because of better weight distribution on the truck. We have made one weekend outing about 200 miles away last fall to break it in (or us) and had no problem with the towing at all.
The Puma has a 1200 lb hitch dry weight and a GVWR of 10,000 lbs.
We plan to buy a new Dodge 2500 Deisel Cummins Dually next year if we can afford it by then and the economy levels off, but in the meantime, we are planning a trip to San Antonio Tx to see a sister in law. I am retired military and am going to try to get a space at Ft. Sam Houston on base, but haven't made the arrangement yet. We plan on leaving here about the last of March, stopping on the way at Hot Springs, Ark to see a 1st cousin of mine. Will be about an 800 mile drive, and who knows we may go on to Phoenix for a while and see our grandson who lives and works there.
Anyway, that's the plan, but I need some opinions on pulling with a 1/2 ton 4/4 PU. And I need some advice on the tires I need to buy before we leave. It carries a 245/75R-16 tire right now, but not sure they are rated for the weight. But they are unsuitable for a long haul because of age and wear.
The PU is in very good shape, engine,transmission,brakes and tuneup have all been checked, and has 95k miles on it. Has a good brake system installed for the trailer that operates perfectly. Haven't pulled on moutain grades but feel confident it will be ok.
I have been seeing some discussion about ratings on tires on another blog, about C & D ratings, but I have looked at the old tires and can't find an indication of a rating. I am not concerned about the brand, but only the ratings and how do I buy these tires and know what I am buying? Can anyone help please?
Bob
P.S. Also does anyone have information on the on post accomodations at Ft Sam?
The Puma has a 1200 lb hitch dry weight and a GVWR of 10,000 lbs.
We plan to buy a new Dodge 2500 Deisel Cummins Dually next year if we can afford it by then and the economy levels off, but in the meantime, we are planning a trip to San Antonio Tx to see a sister in law. I am retired military and am going to try to get a space at Ft. Sam Houston on base, but haven't made the arrangement yet. We plan on leaving here about the last of March, stopping on the way at Hot Springs, Ark to see a 1st cousin of mine. Will be about an 800 mile drive, and who knows we may go on to Phoenix for a while and see our grandson who lives and works there.
Anyway, that's the plan, but I need some opinions on pulling with a 1/2 ton 4/4 PU. And I need some advice on the tires I need to buy before we leave. It carries a 245/75R-16 tire right now, but not sure they are rated for the weight. But they are unsuitable for a long haul because of age and wear.
The PU is in very good shape, engine,transmission,brakes and tuneup have all been checked, and has 95k miles on it. Has a good brake system installed for the trailer that operates perfectly. Haven't pulled on moutain grades but feel confident it will be ok.
I have been seeing some discussion about ratings on tires on another blog, about C & D ratings, but I have looked at the old tires and can't find an indication of a rating. I am not concerned about the brand, but only the ratings and how do I buy these tires and know what I am buying? Can anyone help please?
Bob
P.S. Also does anyone have information on the on post accomodations at Ft Sam?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gaylon and Gina on -
Having been in the automotive business for over 30 years I would advise you to contact a tire dealer such as Goodyear or NTW. I would not seek advice from a Pep Boys or Walmart. You might even contact your local Dodge dealer. I'm not sure about a Dodge, but my Ford F-150 will pull up to 6500 lbs with no problem at all. But if your truck has a towing package and a bigger V-8 I do not see you having any problems pulling it. Hope this helps.
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Permalink Reply by Bob & Margie on
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Hi Gaylon and Gina,
Thank you for the information. Hadn't thought of the dealer. He could also give me his opinion on the towing capacity of the Dodge. I purchased the truck new in 97 and have handled some pretty good loads in bed and with a 16 foot flat bed utility trailer. Have also pulled up small trees and bushes with it using the 4 wheel drive in low. Never tried to pull anything it didn't handle. So if by chance we get into the mountains, and it bogs down on me I can always grab double low and crawl up the mountain. Better than backing down by far.
Used to pull a Spartan 35 foot house trailer with a 1/2 ton Ford through mountain grades and all, but once I got on one too steep and was down to about 2mph before getting over the top. That was when we were Army so when I was told to move, I had no choice but go with what I had and make the best of it.
I will travel with my laptop and keep in touch on these boards. Maybe we will cross paths sometimes. Have a safe and happy trip.
Bob -
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