Truck ?

[hammertime]

Looking at buying a new (to me) truck and trailer this off season.
trailer will be 26 or 28ft for sure, my question is do you think I can get away with a 1500 series truck, with stablizer bars on it ? This will be sometimes hauled 7-8hrs 1 way, I realize i'll be driving slower but can it work safely ?

[us7race]

I have 2 friends pulling with 1/2 ton trucks..No issue's. The stablizer hitch helps like you mentioned too. You could always add an air bag too.

[Tod74]

I wouldn't want to do it...not as much as you race. I used to pull my open car trailer with one but a big enclosed trailer is much heavier....I think it would wear the truck out pretty quick. If you do the transmission will be the thing to worry about.. JMO

[gearhead1011]

I used to pull a 26' box with my 1/2 ton but the 3/4 ton is much better. With the distance you travel I would buy at least a 3/4 ton. Not only is the suspension going to be better for the weight but the axle bearings, wheels and tires are designed for the heavier load. If you already had a truck I MIGHT consider using it for shorter trips but you have to buy a truck anyway so you might as well buy something better suited for your needs. It will save you money in the long run.

[johnracer]

If you already had a 1/2 ton, I'd use it. But since you're buying, I think you'd be money ahead with a 3/4 ton.......

[Harbone]

3/4 ton is for sure the way to go, bigger brakes, more weight and made to pull. If you get the 1/2 ton it will be straining on hills and in strong head winds. it will pull the trailer but you are gonna wear the truck out fast!

[hammertime]

thanks for all the replies guys,

Will be buying a truck, retiring the old one (it was time) and my trailer is now wayyy to long for my needs. 36ft tag, used to be great when I raced 2 cars weekly but now down to 1 no need for it.


thanks again

[I972Nova]

Hey Dave how much does your 36 footer weigh? what did you pull it with? I have a real nice 28 foot that I am looking to trade, but I think yours might be a little too much behind my motorhome...

[hammertime]

Hey Dave how much does your 36 footer weigh? what did you pull it with? I have a real nice 28 foot that I am looking to trade, but I think yours might be a little too much behind my motorhome...

Would be to much for the motorhome, length would be a major issue also.

[I972Nova]

That is about what I thought. I am really looking for a 32 foot tri axle, or a 26-28 foot stacker type.

BTW I have pulled my 28 with the dragster and golf cart with a half ton to North Carolina and back with no issues. But I pulled it with my boss's duramax 2500HD and that is the only way to fly with a pickup IMO...

[hammertime]

spent most the day looking and found a few that little car lots were very proud of, most used dealers I talked with said market is way down, no one is buying or trading anything in.

Did find a chevy at a local place, blue book is 10,400 for it, they have it for 8900 right now. Seen it a day ago. Older and more miles then i want though so might have to pass.

[locomotion]

Back in 2004 and early 2005, I was hitting all of the internet classifieds, including truck related forum classifieds, on a regular basis. I forgot which one it was, but I found a good deal on a 2004.5 Dodge diesel dually with 5,400 miles on it from a private seller who was retired. I couldn't have been happier and glad I got it to replace my 1992 version!

I learned long ago to buy things a little better/heavier duty than what you think you need. Even the trailer I got is rated for 12,000 lbs despite figuring it would never be over 10,000 fully loaded. Gotta look at things from a safety standpoint as well as possible DOT issues just in case you ever get hassled, especially if your truck/trailer looks to be over the trucks tow rating.

It may have been this site:
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/Classifieds/default.aspx

Myron

[gearhead1011]

You can try trucktrader.com but you have to sift through a lot of dealers there if you're looking for a private party sale. I found mine on dieselstop.com it's a truck forum but there is a classified section. I feel like I got a good deal. Found what I wanted in my price range.

[hammertime]

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa306/Dragster387b/100_0597.jpg


Brought this truck home with me today, 04 chevy 2500 HD, got what I think was a good deal.


Now onto my next question, anyone did any mods to these 6.0 chevy motors to increase gas mileage ?

[Tod74]

They are torque monsters I know that...our company truck is a 2005 wt and It will shock you the torque it has...feels stronger than my 454 dually...probably geared low too,.

[hammertime]

They are torque monsters I know that...our company truck is a 2005 wt and It will shock you the torque it has...feels stronger than my 454 dually...probably geared low too,.


This one has the 4.10 gear in it, its actually a WT also but loaded with options. Only thing it doesnt have is powerseats. Very uncommon for a WT series to be loaded, it had the orginal sticker from new in the glove box. 33,685 4 years ago. I am going to hook it upto the 36ft trailer I have now this weekend to see how far it squats it. I plan on pulling a 26 or 28ft trailer with it so it should buzz right down the road.

I want to look for some ways to make mods to increase fuel economy next. Not that I didnt know what it was going to get but would like to gain a few mpg if possible.

[Tod74]

The first time I drove ours I actually got out and popped the hood to see if it had a big block in it...very strong throttle response.

[hammertime]

The first time I drove ours I actually got out and popped the hood to see if it had a big block in it...very strong throttle response.

This one got tested out on the test drive, we found out it will light the tires up pretty easy :)

[mopar1968]

:) :) Dodge , Dodge cummins diesel.

[bowtie4542001]

Hey David,

I think you willl be pretty happy with the 2500HD. I bought an 03 to replace my 1500 a couple of years ago and never had an issue. Truck pulls the car and trailer like its not even back there. If you do find anything to help out with gas mileage, pass it on down the line. Mine gets about 17mpg but mines not a 4x4 either. Don't really need it in Ga. Good luck, you should have no problems....

Chris

[hammertime]

:) :) Dodge , Dodge cummins diesel.

Mich.. Cold Mich Winters :D

[hammertime]

Hey David,

I think you willl be pretty happy with the 2500HD. I bought an 03 to replace my 1500 a couple of years ago and never had an issue. Truck pulls the car and trailer like its not even back there. If you do find anything to help out with gas mileage, pass it on down the line. Mine gets about 17mpg but mines not a 4x4 either. Don't really need it in Ga. Good luck, you should have no problems....

Chris

thanks Chris, I hope to get 14-15 with mine but thats wishfull thinking :lol: got to learn to be easy on the take off with it

[spib]

do you have air bags on it yet? I have a 07 2500 hd duramax, we put the 5000 lb firestone air bags on back, when I pull my 24 ft tag loaded I leave bags empty but when I put 9 ft camper on there and we go racing I put around 80lbs in bags and she levels off real nice

[hammertime]

do you have air bags on it yet? I have a 07 2500 hd duramax, we put the 5000 lb firestone air bags on back, when I pull my 24 ft tag loaded I leave bags empty but when I put 9 ft camper on there and we go racing I put around 80lbs in bags and she levels off real nice

Not yet, been looking though. I want to hook the truck upto the trailer and see how far it squats. I will do that this weekend.

I know mods for these trucks are pricey.

[BEAST477]

Hey David, check with Gale Banks, I've used thier stuff in the past with good results. You're right pricey but they field test thier stuff before they release it to the public. Just tell them what you're doing with it and what you would like to gain.

[sc4405]

Hammer, get the Firestone air bag kit - they are far better than other brands IMHO. I have installed a set on my Dodge 3500 and it was a 2-3 hr. install with NO drilling. Best price I found on 'em was CarParts.com @ 218 bucks or so. Get the AirLift onboard compressor kit "SmartAir" which uses a magnetic sensor that runs the compressor or bleeds the air off to keep the truck level no matter what the load is on it. I found the best deal on it at Streetside Auto.com @ 279 bucks and worth every penny. That 3/4 ton truck will thank you for it! Good luck! 8) JB

[hammertime]

Looks like I wont be needing the air bags, hooked it upto my 36ft tag friday, dropped 2 1/2" with trailer on it. Took it down the road has plenty of power to pull it, cruised right along 65 without much effort. It did sway a little bit but didnt have stablizers on it yet. The 36ft empty shouldnt be much lighter then a new 28ft loaded with my dragster.

I do know it needs tow mirrors before I do anything.

thanks for all the replies guys :D

[TheYellaBrick]

AAAAHH... the real test will be when you have that new trailer loaded for bear ! Load balance is paramount !

As are dedicated TRAILER tires. Too many folks put CAR tires on trailers !
Think of the difference in road/load/and stress differences in what each type tire was designed/built for. Trailer tires do not 'turn', they skid.

Here's a great vid on tires in general;

http://videos.komando.com/2008/08/23/check-your-tires/

[hammertime]

Did my first MPG test with it today not to impressed 11.18 of course this is with me starting it before I leave.