Advice on towing ability (wide, standard, diesel, campgrounds)
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So 8000 - 25% = 6000 pounds. So How long a camper would that be?
Think older heavy instead of new lite weight. Guys this i just an Idea...dont want to be looking for a 30 footer when its likely better to go with a 20 footer...so ball park iis ok.
Every trailer is different if just depends on who makes it. I have seen 20' trailers that weigh more than other 25' trailers. All of them will have a sticker somewhere on them that gives the weight of the trailer with nothing in it. It isn't 100% accurate, but will give a good ballpark figure to compare different trailers against each other. Usually the stickers are on the side of the unit on the front left hand side within a foot or two of the front of the trailer.
Hi Katie1. From a 1999 B-250 owner's manual - 5.2l 13,000lbs. - 5.9l 13,500lbs. total combined passengers - cargo - with a tow hitch. On the bumper (without a hitch) 2,000 lbs. max.
I would think that there is no difference between a 92 to 99.
Hope that helps.
Don.
I would also be concerned with what type of terrain you are going to tow your camper on. If you're in WV and in hilly terrain, that's going to challenge your tow vehicle even more. Going uphill is more work on your engine than flat terrain. Then the journey downhill will give your brakes a good workout.
BTW my boyfriend was driving from MA to MI today. Along the way, there were two separate highway accidents involving non-commercial vehicles, one towing a Dodge Caravan and the other towing a small camper. Both vehicles had flipped.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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1) I would keep it light (3,500 - 4,000 # trailer, or less) ~ 22' - 24'
2) Be sure you have a good transmission cooler ($100 auxiliary cooler will save you $2000 repair + a BIG road service fee)
3) Have tranny fluid changed every year if towing. ($20 in parts)
4) NEVER tow in overdrive (should have an electric lockout switch) While it seems to be working oK is is putting A LOT of stress on tranny and it will break. (manually shift when climbing (or descending) hills and give engine plenty of RPM to keep torque converter locked up). It is a very good idea to install a transmission Temperature gauge ($50) and an engine oil temp gauge.
use an equalizer hitch to keep 1/2 ton tow vehicle from swaying.
consider adding 'sway bars' to tow vehicle
Look carefully for trailers, they can be very nice and tow great, or be very unstable and rattle to pieces (check trailer / RV forums). I would get a fiberglass exterior with welded aluminum structure. AND GOOD BRAKES and Heavy duty controller for tow vehicle. There are great deals on Travel trailers AFTER Labor day from private parties who don't want to store over another winter.
Towing ability, and towing capability is very different. If you haven't done this before, take a class from a local RV club. THIS is very IMPORTANT. Learning such things as to ALWAYS check you hitch and electrical connections after a short drive, and to continually monitor tire, wheel bearing temperatures when you stop, and to keep speed reasonable and following distance LARGE ~ 10 sec to car in front. I use a 'non-contact' temperature gun (~$30) to monitor all kinds of temps when I'm towing, and I completely walk around and check stuff at every stop. Since I'm a farm kid, I've been towing stuff for 40 yrs, but you can never can be too safe.
MIU...I have seen all I want to see of WV...I want to travel & see the country. So no I dont have a clue what I might encounter. Yes there are stupid drivers out there. My son got hit by a car crossing the street here in his home town. I have almost been hit riding around town on my mobility scooter. But I refuse to sit in my apt & let life pass me by. My son sits in his room 24/7 he Is becomming one of those people that are scared to leave the house. & 2 yrs of treatments have not helped. IF I can get this off the ground then we will give it a good old fashion try.
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