Towing my Sandpiper 36.5 RLT

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by intents

I have a 2006 Dodge 3500, non-dually, Megacab (5.9L diesel). I have the 2008 Sierra 40SPTS toy hauler. Trailer says 16,500lbs dry. Fully loaded, It weighs more like <=19,000lbs. I have no problems towing with my truck. I am pretty sure I am exceeding the mfg's suggested weight limit, but Dodge is known to under rate themselves. I am not easy on the throttle, and get avg. 10mpg doing 75-80 miles an hour.

That is more than a little scary.

I guess a question comes to mind......why so fast, especially with weights that you think are over the limit ???

[intents]

Originally Posted by rockwood06

This is interesting, if you don't mine me asking what is the max tow capacity on your 3500?

yes, I guess it does seem fast, maybe I should slow down and save... most of the times I have used it so far have been on long distance travels; interstates. Conditions were appropriate, for sure...

[intents]

Originally Posted by rockwood06

This is interesting, if you don't mine me asking what is the max tow capacity on your 3500?

Just to keep the chat going, looks like factory specs are GVWR=9900lbs and Trailer Tow Capacity=15900lbs for the 2006 3500.

[rockwood06]

It was not I that question your rate of speed in which you travel, but it was the first thing that jump out at me when I read your post. The reason I ask what your tow rating was on your tow vehicle is because you seem to be over loaded as you said, with that in mine and now "I will mention it" Traveling at such a high rate of speed could be deadly if you had a mechanical failure or a blow out. I am sorry to be so forward but it is scary to think that one of us, and you are one of us now that you are a member, is traveling so fast with your loved ones in your vehicle and to think that one day we all may be reading about you in the paper or hearing about a terrible accident on the interstate.....One thing to check, what is the max speed rating on your trailer tires?
Please slow down and enjoy camping, we all can't wait til camping starts up here in the North/East, we all are in a hurry too but we would like to get there in one piece.

[windrider]

The MAX speed on an ST rated trailer is 65 miles per hour. No questions. I have learned trough this forum on other post, it is illegal to have anything other than an ST, "trailer tire" on a trailer of any type in some states. I think I remember a Goodyear page that said Marathon's could be run at 70 mph, if you add 5 more pounds of air over max inflation on the sidewall. No wonder there are so many tire complaints if everybody is exceeding the speed rating as you have stated that yo do. Good luck, and hang on, trouble will surely find you.

[intents]

Originally Posted by windrider

The MAX speed on an ST rated trailer is 65 miles per hour. No questions. I have learned trough this forum on other post, it is illegal to have anything other than an ST, "trailer tire" on a trailer of any type in some states. I think I remember a Goodyear page that said Marathon's could be run at 70 mph, if you add 5 more pounds of air over max inflation on the sidewall. No wonder there are so many tire complaints if everybody is exceeding the speed rating as you have stated that yo do. Good luck, and hang on, trouble will surely find you.

When it comes time to replace trailer tires, you are better off buying a comparable load range car tire. Trailer tire mfg's are not required to xray trailer tires, so they already have worse mfg parameters then cheap car tires.