Hi All,
we have Ram 1500 4wd quad cab 5.7 Hemi 3.92 axle ratio and 20 inch
tires.We have been towing dry weight travel trailer that is 4500. We
are now considering a dry weight trailer of 5700. We would put about
600 lbs of stuff so would be 6200. I spoke with local Dodge dealer and
also call Chrysler (yep the company) to ask towing questions. The truck
is rated to pull loaded trailer up to 7500. At 6200 we are well within
the range. The truck has tow package and tranny cooler.It bugs my
husband that even when towing the old trailer, the tranny shifts a lot.
I understand it's normal but it bugs him that it is constantly
shifting. ANY feedback from you guys (and gals!) out there on towing
with this vehicle would be great. If he needs to quit worrying about
it, PLZ say so! thanks so much! anxiousley awaiting responses. He is
taking trailer for a test spin tomorrow. Tawnya-Kennewick,Wa.
The Addison's - 18 Apr 2006 04:07 GMT
> Hi All,
> we have Ram 1500 4wd quad cab 5.7 Hemi 3.92 axle ratio and 20 inch
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> it, PLZ say so! thanks so much! anxiousley awaiting responses. He is
> taking trailer for a test spin tomorrow. Tawnya-Kennewick,Wa.
I had a 2005 1500 and I always turned off the OD when towing. This cut out
quite a bit of the shifting back and forth that would have happened if I had
left it on.
M2CW,
Hawkeye65
SnoMan - 18 Apr 2006 13:18 GMT
>> Hi All,
>> we have Ram 1500 4wd quad cab 5.7 Hemi 3.92 axle ratio and 20 inch
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>quite a bit of the shifting back and forth that would have happened if I had
>left it on.
I agree, disable OD when towing REGARDLESS of what manual says and
that will save a lot of "hunting" of the gears and wear and tears too.
Do that and you should be okay for you planned weight
>Hawkeye65
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com
Christopher Thompson - 18 Apr 2006 04:14 GMT
> Hi All,
> we have Ram 1500 4wd quad cab 5.7 Hemi 3.92 axle ratio and 20 inch
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> it, PLZ say so! thanks so much! anxiousley awaiting responses. He is
> taking trailer for a test spin tomorrow. Tawnya-Kennewick,Wa.
read your owners manual closely. im guessing that it probably says not to
pull in overdrive, (i havent read the auto trans operation part of my 05
manual as it doesnt apply to my truck) so if you are that could be part of
the shifting of the trans. also note driving habbits when hauling a load
should be different than when driving empty. other than that if your 6200 is
well within the limits for your configuration then enjoy the camper. you
make me jelous ive been wanting to get myself a new camper for a while. just
havent been able to work it into the budget yet!

Signature
-Chris
05 CTD
99 Durango
tm - 18 Apr 2006 14:18 GMT
thanks for responding. He does turn off the overdrive, I should have
mentioned that.There is a button he pushes for towing.The tranny seems
to shift most when pulling hill.The local Dodge dealer service guy
said it is normal.Another response was that the dry weight is before
the appliances were added, I had never heard that, I did know about
water, etc. We travel with only 10 gallons or so just to use potty
along the way.Sure appreciate your feedback!
miles - 18 Apr 2006 04:14 GMT
> Hi All,
> we have Ram 1500 4wd quad cab 5.7 Hemi 3.92 axle ratio and 20 inch
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> it, PLZ say so! thanks so much! anxiousley awaiting responses. He is
> taking trailer for a test spin tomorrow. Tawnya-Kennewick,Wa.
Turn OD off. Failing to do so will cause a ton of back and forth
shifting which if VERY hard on the transmission.
tm - 18 Apr 2006 14:19 GMT
I should have stated he does turn it off. Thanks for the feedback!
Advocate - 18 Apr 2006 05:58 GMT
> Hi All,
> we have Ram 1500 4wd quad cab 5.7 Hemi 3.92 axle ratio and 20 inch
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> it, PLZ say so! thanks so much! anxiousley awaiting responses. He is
> taking trailer for a test spin tomorrow. Tawnya-Kennewick,Wa.
First of all, a campers "dry weight" is very a confusing term. It's the
weight of the trailer before *any* options were added...this includes
refridgerator, stove, microwave, airconditioning, LP gas, no water etc. I'd
guess that this trailer loaded with groceries, water and clothing pluse all
added accessories and basics will easily top 7,500 pounds. A camper that
heavy should be pulled by a 3/4 ton truck.
Don't assume when it comes to a trailers weight. Get it weighed.
Secondly, the tranny shifting alot is a bad sign. If you have towed that way
"alot" it might be too late for you. Hunting between drive and overdrive is
very hard on overdrive. You should have listened to him...you both should be
worried.
tm - 18 Apr 2006 14:21 GMT
very interesting, I didn't know it was before the appliances were
added. I will be investigating this more.He does turn off
overdrive.Thanks for you input!
Christopher Thompson - 18 Apr 2006 22:20 GMT
coachmen says that the appliances are already there before it leaves the
factory that they (the built in ones) are not accessories and are part of
the "dry wieght" witch was exactly what i expected to hear.

Signature
-Chris
05 CTD
99 Durango
> very interesting, I didn't know it was before the appliances were
> added. I will be investigating this more.He does turn off
> overdrive.Thanks for you input!
tm - 19 Apr 2006 13:28 GMT
thanks again Chris, I would think the appliances would be part of it,
not accessories, I haven't had the chance to approach that subject yet.
Now for a chuckle: we are still new trailer shopping, last night a
dealer called with his "best offer", he was giving me way way less for
my trailer than the others, I told him I was being completely honest
and that his price was in the range of what I have been hearing for his
trailer but he was $3000 under offer for mine.Shortly thereafter he
called back and said they could do the same for my trailer.GRRRRRRR!
this game is getting old!
Christopher Thompson - 19 Apr 2006 15:12 GMT
LOL i know the trade game all too well. good luck is all i can say

Signature
-Chris
05 CTD
99 Durango
> thanks again Chris, I would think the appliances would be part of it,
> not accessories, I haven't had the chance to approach that subject yet.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> called back and said they could do the same for my trailer.GRRRRRRR!
> this game is getting old!
tm - 20 Apr 2006 18:37 GMT
so I showed them! I bought from a dealer who sells inventory on ebay
motors! brand new, last years model,never owned and for are you
ready??? $10,000 less than anyone around her even started at! I will
pay about $2500 to have it shipped here. AFter the goodies I am having
added and tax and license I am going to save about $6,000! go me! go
me! I am going to purchase extended warranty and then when the manuf.
warranty runs out I can take it to whoever I want for repairs. This
should be our forever trailer, the ONE WE REALLY WANTED trailer so
it'll be around a few years.
Christopher Thompson - 20 Apr 2006 19:54 GMT
good for you! what did you get?

Signature
-Chris
05 CTD
99 Durango
> so I showed them! I bought from a dealer who sells inventory on ebay
> motors! brand new, last years model,never owned and for are you
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> should be our forever trailer, the ONE WE REALLY WANTED trailer so
> it'll be around a few years.
tm - 20 Apr 2006 21:36 GMT
2005 Outback 28rsds. New, never been owned but was used by a fema
employee for a few months.It appears to be in near new condition.Has
factory warranty. Take a look:
http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29392-2357-0?uid=3027089&site=0&ver=EOIBSA080805&l
k=URL&Item=4630733312
Christopher Thompson - 21 Apr 2006 17:28 GMT
very nice! i love the outbacks, infact the one ive been looking at is the 29
FBHS. its a rear bunk 5er.
http://keystone-outback.com/?page=floorplans
anyways congradulations, i know you will enjoy it. they outbacks are
extreemly nice units.

Signature
-Chris
05 CTD
99 Durango
> 2005 Outback 28rsds. New, never been owned but was used by a fema
> employee for a few months.It appears to be in near new condition.Has
> factory warranty. Take a look:
http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29392-2357-0?uid=3027089&site=0&ver=EOIBSA080805&l
k=URL&Item=4630733312
tm - 21 Apr 2006 20:58 GMT
go to the actual website of Lake Shore RV in Michigan. You can order
the new one you want and save about a bazillion dollars over what the
the dealers want. You can look at their used inventory with set price
too or try one of their auctions. I am dumbfounded I could get this
trailer plus shipping plus extended 7 yr warranty ($1300) with tax and
license deliverd to my door for THOUSANDS less than I could even dream
of getting with dealer here. The dealer called this morning and I told
him what I did and he pouted that I didn't give them a chance, EXCUSE
ME??? they wouldn' budge on their price of $26,000!!! grrrrrr!!!!!
what a wicked game they play and I am pretty sharp and played their own
angles back at them.....they knew I was smart and wouldn't budge.Sorry
for them.
Keep me posted when you get new trailer! Tawnya
Christopher Thompson - 21 Apr 2006 22:48 GMT
ill keep that in mind . but for me it will be a few years yet most likely.
ive got 2 new trucks to pay down before i go spending anymore money LOL the
05 wasnt a planned buy niether was the 99 but had to keep mama happy!

Signature
-Chris
05 CTD
99 Durango
> go to the actual website of Lake Shore RV in Michigan. You can order
> the new one you want and save about a bazillion dollars over what the
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> for them.
> Keep me posted when you get new trailer! Tawnya