Towing newbe with question about controller relay & trailer.

[rsalkeld]

Hello all,
I have two questions and thanks in advance for any and all comments and suggestions.

I am running an 08' DC SR5 with the tow package. I would like to rent a travel trailer this summer. The local outfit rents a 2006 Coachmen Capri 272TBS, which I assume is a 27 footer.

I need to install a brake controller and have found much advise in this forum. I cannot however find if the tow package includes the much needed relay.

Can anyone advise? I would suspect since it is pre-wired for the controller it would have the relay but I just want to make sure.

The 272TBS has a hitch weight of 580lbs with a base weight of 4500lbs. I suspect by the time I carefully add cargo the 580 may increase a bit, and the total weight will of course move up.

If I am careful with my loading, would I need a WDH? What if I added airbags? Or could I do just fine without adding anything but the brake controller?

Thanks again for the help.

[droolingmess]

By relay I am assuming you are asking about the charge line. The tow package has a 7 prong Bargeman style plug, 6 contacts around the outside and center pin. Turn your ignition to on, and with a DC tester or multimeter check for current on the center pin that is the charge circuit.

272TBS probably is 27' but the model number is NOT always the actual size. Go to Coachmans web site and look at the specs for that model number.

Yes you do want a WDH and sway control. Air bags are a nice addition if you don't mind the cost. NEVER load up the rear of the rig just to just to get weight off the hitch. This causes dangerous sway when you get up to speed.

Hope this helps.

[d-lo]

Originally Posted by rsalkeld

Hello all,
I have two questions and thanks in advance for any and all comments and suggestions.

I am running an 08' DC SR5 with the tow package. I would like to rent a travel trailer this summer. The local outfit rents a 2006 Coachmen Capri 272TBS, which I assume is a 27 footer.

I need to install a brake controller and have found much advise in this forum. I cannot however find if the tow package includes the much needed relay.

Can anyone advise? I would suspect since it is pre-wired for the controller it would have the relay but I just want to make sure.

The 272TBS has a hitch weight of 580lbs with a base weight of 4500lbs. I suspect by the time I carefully add cargo the 580 may increase a bit, and the total weight will of course move up.

If I am careful with my loading, would I need a WDH? What if I added airbags? Or could I do just fine without adding anything but the brake controller?

Thanks again for the help.

The tow package has everything you need. With the right harness the brake controller will be plug & play.
I googled it and found this page, which lists it at 28'.
Air bags and a WDH together are probably overkill.
Air bags don't make your set-up much safer or distribute weight, they just level the truck so you're not brighting people at night and/or overstressing your suspension, and they do give the truck a more controlled ride-feel. Whether or not that is a safety benefit is probably debatable.
The question of whether or not you need a WDH is subjective. The default safe answer is yes. Answers to the following questions will help you make/seek out a more informed decision: Do you have experience pulling like-sized trailers? Do you anticipate doing it more than this once? How long is the trip and where? Does the place where you're renting the trailer from rent WDHs?

[rsalkeld]

Originally Posted by d-lo

Does the place where you're renting the trailer from rent WDHs?

I never thought about renting the WDH. I called and for $30 they will rent one so it appears I am good to go.

Thanks for the info, it has been very helpful.

[tomhole]

Good for you! You will have a great time with it. Make sure you have them set it up properly and watch how they do it so you can when the time comes.

Where are you going and how long? We are going on our first camping trip in 2 weeks. Can't wait.

Tom

[rsalkeld]

Originally Posted by tomhole

Where are you going and how long? We are going on our first camping trip in 2 weeks. Can't wait.

Tom

I am in Knoxville and am planning a trip to Huntsville, TX to visit my son in a few months. He is going to school there. However, now that we know we can rent a trailer for less then a hotel room, I suspect we will be taking some local three day trips to the Smoky Mountains. There are a lot of places to go within just a few hours.

[tomhole]

Sounds like fun. Enjoy.