Truck, Trailer info please......

[capercanuck]

I just purchased a 2452 bayliner (4600 lbs.). I am purchasing a new venture bunk trailer with surge brakes, rated for 5800lbs. The boat will be dry when I pick it up, no gas or water onboard. <br />I'll be towing it with a 2004 Dodge Durango, 4.7l, 3.55 gears, towing package. <br />I have to haul it approximately 1000 miles. <br />I've towed a 2252 bayliner without any problems. It's about 1000lbs lighter.<br />I'm thinking of adding a sway bay to the system. <br />Anyone have any comments? Think the truck can handle it? <br />Anyone have any experience with venture trailers, or bunk trailers in particular?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Truck, Trailer info please......

You will have to tow that much weight with that durango without using overdrive unless you are on pretty flat country.<br />You say you have the tow package does this include the external tranny cooler. If not I would suggest installing one before the trip because this was one of the weakest links in those durango's.<br />Don't expect to run any races up any hills the power isn't there. A boat trailer is a little easier to pull then other types are.<br />I would think about getting me a weight distribution system so You can equalize the weight.<br />I run a 5.9 with the towing package and pull a 27fks travel trailer with it and if you get to swaying there is a good Chance of not recovering before something drastic happens.<br />I use a Reese dist hitch with friction anti sway and it is money well spent.<br />Be real careful when those old big rigs pass you and expect a lot of wobble and weave when they pass.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Truck, Trailer info please......

Your trailer iteself may weigh close to 1,000 lbs. Study your owner's manual...does your Durango have at least a 5,500 tow rating as it is currently equipped? If no, I wouldn't do it.<br /><br />If yes...<br /><br />With a load that heavy on a Durango, I'd feel more comfortable with electric brakes and a controler as opposed to surge brakes, but it sounds like your trailer deal may be already done. If not, consider checking into electrics. There's nothing wrong with simple surges, but I much prefer the control, modulation, and easy adjustability of a good electric controller.<br /><br />I'll ditto previous poster that I wouldn't consider towing that load with a Durango without a weight distribution hitch. Sway control certainly can't hurt, but a good distribution hitch will also control sway by it's very design, and having both may be overkill (not that that's a bad thing.)

 

[salty87]

Re: Truck, Trailer info please......

that doesn't sound like a fun trip. your durango, if rated to tow that much, will be working hard and riding hard. <br /><br />i'd look for a bigger truck, no need to push it to the limit for 1000 long miles. planning on keeping that durango long?

 

[beezee28]

Re: Truck, Trailer info please......

If you have the $$ go rent a pick up truck from one of the car rental place and you don't have to worry about tearing up your durango. Let the rental car agency know that you are going to tow a boat and they will find you the right kind of vehicle.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Truck, Trailer info please......

Also consider renting one of the bigger Uhaul vans. The largest ones have Class III hitches, and ought to handle your weight OK. It's spendy, but it's not worth blowing a tranny on your Durango. Risk someone else's vehicle.<br /><br />UHaul's 24' truck will pull anything, and does pretty well if it's not loaded up inside. Lousy gas mileage, though.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Truck, Trailer info please......

FWIW,<br /><br />I have a 25 foot cruiser with a bunk trailer that I have used a full sized ford bronco to tow with and it can be a pant load regarding the sway control. The horsepower is not a problem but the big trucks pass you and it is not a fun. I hope you have some experience trailering cuz it is at times difficult to just keep it on the road. I have used my dads suburban for any trips of length or interstate travel and it is wonderful. Same horsepower but the weight and wheelbase make all the difference in the world. I will be replacing the bronco later this month because I just don't feel safe or completely in control when trailering. And I think the cheif is getting tired of loaning me his burban.<br /><br />Have you got a friend with a larger vehicle who would be willing to help you out on occasion? The bronco is fine at speeds below 50 mph and therefor local use.

 

[capercanuck]

Re: Truck, Trailer info please......

I'm back!<br /><br />Everything went extremely well, I was very impressed...<br /><br />There was plenty of power with the rig. I think the trailer has some kind of sway suspension built in, very little sway even with the big trucks.<br /><br />The surge brakes worked better than expected. I think the company I bought the trailer from really zeroed them in.<br /><br />Coming through New Brunswick, Canada, there was a really big storm, the crosswinds were at least 60 km/h. No sway!<br /><br />I'm getting all fluids changed in the Durango this week, and all is well.<br /><br />Thanks for the opinions.<br /><br />Total distance....4100 km. For miles divide by 1.6.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone!<br /><br />Mike