Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories

Chateau Slate 66 · #1 03-15-2009, 09:58 PM

Did you pull the trigger on a truck purchase, Chuck? I assume you got my email with the contact info for my co-worker I sent you a while back?

CamarosRus · #2 03-15-2009, 10:46 PM

After shopping for way too long I finally bought a truck, last Thursday 3/12/09.

2003 DODGE Ram 3500 Quad Cab, Long Bed, Single Rear Tire, Cummins 305H.O., 3:73 with 6spd (stick), TWO Wheel Drive

One previous older owner, all stock, never modified. well maintained.

I understand that the owners at this forum, collect mostly Chevrolet/G.M. cars, and lean toward owning the Chev/GMC trucks. In spite of the fact that the GMC would have been a nicer interior truck, all my research had me shopping for the 03/04 "sweet spot" Cummins in terms of MPG and towing capability. I could have gone either way on the trans. Six speed will be best for towing and gives better mpg.

I plan to stylize the truck to my tastes.I'm looking to add Alloy wheels, the DODGE/Hella fog lights, front tow hooks (for when I get stuck) and a few other things. If your aware of junk yards with late model DODGE trucks, please advise me with name and city.

I had pictures, but while deleting and organizing my truck shopping files, I managed to delete them (DOH!!!!)

New pictures coming............

CamarosRus · #3 03-16-2009, 05:15 AM

I need to buy a electric brake controller........

Are you guys all over the board on this one ?????

From what Ive gathered so far the TEKONSHA Prodigy 90195 is the best.........(and most expensive also)

http://www.etrailer.com/p-90195.htm

Where did you buy ???

Your comments please !!!!

RamAirDave · #4 03-16-2009, 06:05 AM

I would have to check, but we run Warn (somewhere around 2000lb. rating) winches on all of our trailers. Bought from TSC for a couple hundred or so. That's static rating, not rolling.

Wingnut the leads to a deep-cycle batt, and it hasnt flinched yet and we haul a lot of stuff on a regular basis.

CT Mark · #5 03-16-2009, 06:11 AM

I just spent a bunch of time this weekend wiring my tow vehicle so that I can run the winch using the tow vehicle's battery (with the truck running of course). I'm tired of messing with the batteries in the trailer,,,always worrying about charging it. I ran wire from the battery to the hitch. Then from the winch to the tongue. I use a 4 foot length of wire with quick connect on both ends to bridge the gap. Anyone else done this?

RamAirDave · #6 03-16-2009, 06:45 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I just spent a bunch of time this weekend wiring my tow vehicle so that I can run the winch using the tow vehicle's battery (with the truck running of course). I'm tired of messing with the batteries in the trailer,,,always worrying about charging it. I ran wire from the battery to the hitch. Then from the winch to the tongue. I use a 4 foot length of wire with quick connect on both ends to bridge the gap. Anyone else done this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I hear ya. Something we just haven't gotten around to doing. The deep cylcle batt is usually good for a dozen pulls or so (I have no idea for sure, but we don't have to constantly charge it while pulling a vehicle or two/week on average), but would be nice to just plug it into the tow vehicle.

Just looked through pics, and the only one I have is one of the few low-res that I didn't save the hi-res. Shows 1700 on it.

Eddie M. · #7 03-16-2009, 08:47 AM

when I use the winch to load I found that it will pull power through the charge wire and get it hot then I end up with a bad connection from a over heated connection at the plug only to find out the battery is dead because of it so I put a switch in the trailer to shut off the charge wire so it won't back feed when I load with winch I also put a volt gauge in the trailer so I could watch it.
works great now

CamarosRus · #8 03-31-2009, 08:30 PM

15" Trailer Tire issue is driving me nuts!!!!!!!!!!

I want to replace the 6 year old GY Marathons, but with what ???????

I've joined a DODGE Cummins Forum after buying my (new) 03 Quad-Cab RAM. Many of these guys pull heavy fifth wheel trailers. A lot of them use 16" wheels are installing Michelin LT "Ribs" commercial truck tires or a 16" Goodyear G614 trailer tire..............

I really dont want the expense of going 16" and not even sure they would fit (diameter and width) on my 20 Pace American Shadow GT.

Anyway, after reading for hours on end, I just cant find or reach a conclusion........

Also read whereas MAXXIS has a load range E tire, that some have used........where others still bad mouth ALL the Chinese tires.......

Rant over.................

Chateau Slate 66 · #9 03-16-2009, 06:33 AM

I have the regular Prodigy (about $20 bucks cheaper) and absolutely love it. We also use them at work with great success. It is very adjustable and comes on nice and smooth.

The one you are looking at has even a couple more features and is probably worth the extra $20.

There is an adapter that comes with the truck when it is new (if you still have it) that makes it a snap to install the controller. I am sure it is readily available from a dealer if you didn't get it with the truck. Just pay close attention to the wire labels because the colors do NOT match between the adapter and a Tekonsha controller.

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