Rocinante1
Burlington, KY
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Joined: 01/28/2005
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I've been reading through the posts in this forum and am embarassed to admit that I'm having a hard time understanding everything. 
My husband and I own a motorhome and want to now change to a TT.
We're looking at buying a '96 Dodge Ram 1500 (5.2, V8, GVWR 8,000, with towing package). The TT we're looking at is a '08 Coachman Spirit of America 26DBD (4,500# dry).
Having never towed anything before, we are completely in the dark as to what kind of hitch (and accessories) we will need. I'm always a bit leary when getting such advise from salespeople so I would like to humbly request any suggestions you pros may have.
Thanks!!
Kathy
We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. John Steinbeck "Travels with Charley"
1990 Trailblazer
Roger and Kathy
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DutchmenSport
Indiana
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Joined: 10/10/2006
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Others will chime in I'm sure. But to keep very basic and in line with your question. You need a hitch and the hitch needs to be able to support a weight distribution system. And because you are looking at a 1500 truck, I strongly advise a sway control system.
Of course the truck will need a break controller for electric breaks and needs the plug for a 7-way plug.
Now, beyond that, that's the bare minimum. From there it can get confusing because there are dozens of hitch systems, sway control systems, and breaking systems and controllers. They sky's the limit and pretty much what everyone is currently using is what they will recommend.
I use a simple Reese hitch system with weight distribution bars (with the chains type). I have a sway bar (Reese also). My break controller is an off the wall brand I've never heard of before I bought this truck, but works great and I have no problems with it. Chances are your truck already has the controller. If so, use and see if it works for you before switching to something else.
Sway control comes in all kinds of varieties. Hensley hitches are VERY expensive, run into the thousands of dollars. Dual Cam sway systems are a bit pricey, but those who use them swear by them. And no doubt, in the event of a sway (or the attempt to prevent a sway), they are worth every penny.
I'm fortunate my truck is a dually. For me a single sway bar works fine. I've never had sway that I know of, but do use the sway bar all the time.
So, in a nut-shell, that's probably the most direct answer. Others will probably chime in giving advise on the size of your truck and the weight of the trailer. You do need to do research carefully to make sure the truck will perform as you expect towing the trailer you want. But, that's not what you're asking about.
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
Century Truck Cap Commercial /Toolboxes
Northeast Outfitters Canoe
2006 Keystone Springdale Model 263DBL
Weight 4985, Carrying Capacity 2575, Hitch 560, Length 30'
Width 8', Height 10' 6"
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Twins4us07
Virginia
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Joined: 09/15/2008
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Welcome to TT's that TV maybe a little light on power for towing that much. You have plenty of choices for hitches. E-qualizer is a good brand and Reese Dual cam is great. However a standard WD hitch would work for you also. My advice is to get a bigger TV than needed in case you do like I did and decided to get a bigger TV. My choice of hitch is a Hensley Arrow and they make one for your length trailer.
Brake boxs all work pretty much the same just some have different features. The Tekonsha Prodigy is a great box and user friendly. Towing mirrors just find ones you like.
Good Luck
1997 GMC Yukon, Firestone Airbags,K&N Intake,Flowmaster,Tekonsha P3, Hensley Arrow,Mckesh Mirrors,VR3 Rearview Camera.
2009 Cougar 29BHS X-Lite,Kippor 3000W Generator(quiet as a Honda but cheaper).
Twin Girls who hate hotels....
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gestanton
Rotterdam, NY
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Joined: 07/03/2008
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Rocinante1 wrote:The TT we're looking at is a '08 Coachman Spirit of America 26DBD (4,500# dry).
On paper you should be fine, but remember you never tow "dry weight".
A reputable dealer shouldn't let you mismatch your TV and TT.
Dutchmen's comments were right on.
George Stanton
- Anticipating retirement
- Full-Timer wannabe
- Camping with DW of 40 years and three Therapy Dogs (SmallDog, Oliver & Ted)
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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gestanton wrote:Rocinante1 wrote:The TT we're looking at is a '08 Coachman Spirit of America 26DBD (4,500# dry).
On paper you should be fine, but remember you never tow "dry weight".
A reputable dealer shouldn't let you mismatch your TV and TT.
Dutchmen's comments were right on.
reputable dealer, an oxymoron.
do not trust what a salesman tells you, ever.
bumpy
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RC_AV8r
So Cal - The OC
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Joined: 09/09/2008
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I think you're already making smart decisions by asking questions. It's best to be safe.
There is a Tow Guide on the TrailerLife home page that can answer many of your questions regarding general towing. You will probably also want to know your tow vehicle's ratings.
2008 Tow Guide
Hope this helps,
Dave
07 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited
Now I just need something to tow! 
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Rocinante1
Burlington, KY
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Joined: 01/28/2005
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Thanks for the suggestions, it's much appreciated! (And thanks for the link too, Dave!!)
We're going to do a little research based on all your comments and come back with any further questions.
You guys are awesome!
Kathy
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Terryallan
NC
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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It appears you have plenty of truck for that lite of a TT. Also you have a good length match up.
\If you are buying new, and it seems you are. Make the deal. Camp ready. They will if they want to sell it. Camp ready includes a WDH brake and controler, setup by the dealer. It also includes a camp ready box, with a sewer hose, water hose, and table level.
Personally. I bought mine that way, and all I had to do was barley tweak it after I loaded the TT. I don't understand the hatred for dealers on this forum. My dealer treated us with respect, and made happy campers of us. I think they want us to come back. Anyway. I couldn't buy from a dealer I hated, and didn't trust.
Both ther dealers we have bought from were that way. Maybe dealers in the South are just different.
Terry & Shay
Pioneer 23T6
04 F150, 5.4, Lariat SuperCab
Lazy Campers
NC
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saltbayou
hammond,la.
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Joined: 05/30/2008
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I think a lot of people on this forum know more than dealers do,that's why they don't trust them. Learn to pick out the right info on here,and it's easy, and you won't go wrong.
2007 Tundra DC 5.7L
Reese Dual Cam,Prodigy Brake Control 2008 Northshore 295 BS-DSL
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TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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Joined: 11/17/2000
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Get the book...RVs for Dummies. Read and understand the weight terms and issues.
Next..#1 rule....NEVER believe the RV or truck sales person. They are out to sell trucks and trailers, not be your best friend and consultant.
#2 Rule...RV and truck sales people lie.
Do not get too small of a truck...better to have too much than too little. Pick your trailer first then look for the appropiate truck to pull it.
A reall rough and general rule to use on 5th wheel trailer is...
up to about 32' a 3/4 ton truck will probably work unless you get a really heavy trailer.
Up to about 34', a one ton single rear will will probably work.
35 and 36' or so, one ton dually.
over 36', probably need an F450 or 4500 or larger.
Now this will really get the manure headed toward the ventilator. But as I said they are really rough, and you ned to do the weight thing and understand it.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
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