hi everyone,
Love the setup of the forum, Lots of interesting information.

I just bought a new trailer, so I ended up changing trucks from a F150 to a 2500. I changed trucks yesterday, it is fully equipped for Towing except for a trailer brake. I also got a weight distrubution hitch and a duel cam sway control kit.
just wondering if there is anything else i should be getting besides the trailer brake (the guys i brought the trailer from are installing that).

The truck is stock but from what i have read she should have no problem with a 6200# dry weight trailer.

thanks for any help.

 

Sounds as if you are all prepared. You might want to look at some mud flaps if you are goint to be travelling on gravel.
Good luck!

 

Amen to mud flaps... still touching up the pits on my truck after the last trip.

If you bought a used truck, check the tires and make sure they are appropriate for heavy loads. Check tire pressures often. Our first trip (3,000 miles) ended up in a blown rear tire the day after we got back (side wall gave out as the tires were not heavy duty rated).

Check and recheck your clearances when manuevering in tight spots around those gas pumps, is amazing what a concrete barrier pole around a gas pump will do the side of your rig.

Always do a walkaround before you leave a site for the first time. Antennas, stairs and levelling jacks do not like hitting obstacles.

If you are real new to towing a long rig, I'd do some backup practicing in a large empty lot, it might keep people from giving you the evil eye when they have to wait for you to get that rig backed into your spot.

And my favorite... make sure the darn refrigerator door is closed and latched before you pull away from the site.

Above all, have fun. Have done 3 long trips now in my setup and I enjoy it immensely.

 

You did not say if you have an exhaust brake. If you don't you should look into it.

 

I think all the above suggestions are very good and should be taken to heart. I would only recommend some gauges, a exhaust gas temperature gauge for sure and a boost gauge to entertain yourself on the long boring stretches of highway.
Since you are new to the trailering thing, I think it is important that both you and your wife participate in all the activities, two sets of eyes and two brains are much better then one.
You will be depending on each other for directions while hitching the truck, backing the trailer, setting up the camp site, preparing to leave the camp site, map reading while traveling, and a good co-pilot will help spot dangerous conditions while on the move. Traveling is very fun, you have the opportunity to see new and interesting sites together. But at the same time you are towing a large load and in traffic situations that can be very dangerous. While you are trying to leave yourself a cushion area in front, many motorist don't think about you and your heavy trailer, and change lanes at will, many times erasing your area you left in front. Also since you are now much longer then before, you and your co-pilot must watch for traffic much further ahead, Traffic lights,entrance ramps,exit ramps,merging lanes, and road construction areas all are areas for increased concern. I have found that it is best to avoid large metropolitan areas during mourning or afternoon rush hours, these people have only one thing on there mind, and drive very carelessly.
When you pick-up the trailer have the guy show you how it is all hitched up, ask questions then. Also make sure the trailer is level, they pull much better that way. When you and your wife hitch up you should do so in a routine type pattern, it maybe boring but if you do this the same way every time it is much easier to remember, and things don't get forgotten.
The walk around is also something that should be a rotten. I like to do it before we move out and at every stop. Things can come loose, tires can puncture, the road is an odd place, so you need to stay on top of it and make sure your truck/trailer is OK.
Many trailers do not come with a spare tire, if yours doesn't have one I would suggest you get one, and make sure you have a jack and tools to change it.
When you get to the camping ground, get out and look your spot over, make some mental notes of where the water is, the electric, trees, ect. Then you and your wife should go over where you would like the trailer to end up, what side is best for her to stand on, and you guys should already have a set of hand signal worked out. Also, don't let the pressure get to you. Take your time, and take a big breath and do what you have to do to get the trailer in your spot. Many times you will have an audience watching you back in, don't worry about them, concentrate on the task at hand. Usually if you back right in, they will leave, you gave them nothing to watch. But the more trouble you have, the more people will stop to watch the show, so be prepared. Many people develop a set-up list and even a departure list. They are good ways to not forget things, so if you need one take the time to develop one. After a few set-ups it becomes very natural, and everyone does there task without problems, just remember everyone had a first time.
Good luck with your new truck and trailer.

 

I would suggest to be faithful in your maintenance. Oil/filter changes, and tranny fluid/filter changes and band adjustments.

You won't have any trouble pulling the trailer, just remember not to lug the engine. It doesn't hurt it to shift down and let it rev.

Have fun and be safe!!

 

All info here is great I would like to add a couple of observations. If this is your first Diesel you will be surprised by the torque. My first time in the rain I was taken back by how easily the tires broke loose when stating off on the wet pavement. Unlike the gassers the torque takes a little more finess.

The other tip is one given to me by my father years ago it has made backing up esier for me. When you back up Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. By doing this the direction that you move your hand will be the direction that the trailer will back. so push left back left push right back right as long as you push from the bottom half of the wheel.

Good motoring and enjoy

 

Thanks for all the info.

This is my first diesel and a lot of stuff is new to me. I have no idea what an exhaust break is and what it does for you.

As for gauges what would be the most important ones I should install.

I also will practicing backing, thats for sure.

Again thank for all the info, it sure helps when you a venturing into something new.

 

Two things, and I think they have both been mentioned but both have biten me when ignored.

1) Take one last look around the entire truck and trailer set up before you pull away!! It never fails, I say "awww, I got it all" and sure enough I forget to hook up the electric brake or tighten the sway brace, turn down a window. Take that last look, only takes 20 seconds and it could save you time and money.

2) Make that list, same thing. I ignore it and forget to take the bathroom vent down(I think a lot of people have done this one) or even more expensive a tv antennea(sp)

Be sure to have a good time, you'll do fine. We've all been there for that first time.

 

Lots of good trailer info here, but also since this is a "new to you" truck you should also be sure the lift pump is operating to spec and the fluids/filters are good.

 

This is my first diesel and a lot of stuff is new to me. I have no idea what an exhaust break is and what it does for you.

An exhaust break is a device that is installed in your exhaust system generally right behind your turbo. It restricts the flow of your exhaust and you have back pressure on the motor which slows you down. This is very important when you are going down hill with a heavy load. It will save on your breaks but most of all it will help from your breaks getting hot and fading out on a long down hill run.