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06-17-2020, 10:00 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Eureka
Posts: 13
M.O.C. #26483
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Have a few questions about using a Dodge Ram
Hey everyone,
Brand new here, have a stupid question. Has anyone ever used a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.7 HEMI 6 1/2 foot bed to pull a Keystone, Montana? My husband and I just bought a 2007 Keystone Montana M-3500 RL. We need to take it on about a 1,000-mile trip give or take a few miles. To where we will be living in our new RV (New to us) on some land we are getting.
Has anyone used this vehicle before? It has high miles. We are wondering if we should look for a different vehicle or go ahead and put a Fifth Wheel in? Any help would be wonderful. Thank you all in advance!
Thanks all! We are looking for a different truck! Thanks for everyone's input!
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06-17-2020, 10:45 AM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Castle Rock
Posts: 249
M.O.C. #11369
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I would not want to tow that far with a half-ton truck.
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06-17-2020, 11:00 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,670
M.O.C. #2283
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I pulled a 27 foot fiver to Wyoming from Va. with a 1/2 ton truck. I weighed 7200 pounds. Far less than than your Montana. I normally tell people to try pulling their camper with the truck they have but not in this case. Your truck and camper combo is way too dangerous to pull. DON’T doo it. You definitely need, must have, a bigger truck.
Lynwood
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06-17-2020, 11:04 AM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Nampa
Posts: 114
M.O.C. #21247
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Need a bigger truck
Accident waiting to happen.
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06-17-2020, 01:42 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Waynesville
Posts: 533
M.O.C. #25947
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCJ757S
Hey everyone,
Brand new here, have a stupid question. Has anyone ever used a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.7 HEMI 6 1/2 foot bed to pull a Keystone, Montana? My husband and I just bought a 2007 Keystone Montana M-3500 RL. We need to take it on about a 1,000-mile trip give or take a few miles. To where we will be living in our new RV (New to us) on some land we are getting.
Has anyone used this vehicle before? It has high miles. We are wondering if we should look for a different vehicle or go ahead and put a Fifth Wheel in? Any help would be wonderful. Thank you all in advance!
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That trailer is heavy. You would get in trouble if something were to happen. If you are going to move the trailer one time, I would call a DOT approved truck company that they move trailer like your all the time. If you want to get a truck would look into getting at least a 3/4 ton, and at that you may be lite.
__________________
Charlie & Sofia
Sawyer (The Lawyer) Buster Brown Fur - babies
46 years married (Dam I been in prison that long)
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06-17-2020, 01:49 PM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2015
Location: fargo
Posts: 187
M.O.C. #17461
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Looking at the numbers
trailer is 11k lbs, pickup appears to be in the 8800lbs range for towing weight (i'm sure that's bumper vs 5th, but its a start)
on paper you'll be over the specs for the pickup even when empty
issues with being over spec will be stuff like possible overheating (engine/trans), possible issues with acceleration / braking, general stability of the tow.
the problem areas will be in the plains with wind and on grades (either up or down)
I towed a similar sized montana with a 2500 gmc that had in the 6.0 gaser (so similar power to the 5.7 hemi but more gearing). With wind it didn't like the interstates and it didn't have much engine braking to help in the mountains. With that, we did drag that montana all over the USA and it worked for us. It was a great day when we switched to the volvo HDT tho .
If one did go the 1/2 ton approach I'd recommend taking a route that considered the vehicle and its capabilities. Take your time and stay away from routes which are going to cause you trouble (avoid steep grades for example).
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06-17-2020, 02:58 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,669
M.O.C. #9969
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If you were moving a few miles down the road and all the roads were secondary roads I would do it, BUT anything more NO WAY. The chances of getting pulled over I would guess would be fairly high with your rear bumper nearly dragging on the road and if so, chances you would be leaving the trailer at the side of the road.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
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06-17-2020, 03:26 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,571
M.O.C. #23668
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Welcome to the forum. Sorry the news isn't what you were hoping. There's just no way I would pull that trailer with that truck. Aside from putting way too much weight on the back of that truck, it will feel like the tail is wagging the dog...or the trailer is driving the truck. You will hate it. You won't feel safe. You won't be safe. You will be an accident waiting to happen.
It's a job for a 1 ton truck. Nearly 12k lbs empty. Your pin weight is likely 2500 lbs-ish loaded and GVWR is likely 14k-ish, not to mention the 38'+ length. You'll want a truck that will handle that trailer, not the other way around.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but we would advise you toward safety. Good luck.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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06-17-2020, 03:30 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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You might risk it with a 2500, but I wouldn't want any part of that trip with a 1500.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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06-17-2020, 04:43 PM
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#10
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Established Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Eureka
Posts: 13
M.O.C. #26483
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Looking for a different truck
We are going to be looking for a different truck! THANK YOU all for answering my stupid question. In my gut, I knew that there was NO WAY but needed to hear it from others! Thank you all so much!
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06-17-2020, 04:59 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,670
M.O.C. #2283
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It was NOT a stupid question. You didn’t know. Thanks for asking. Now you can be safe.
Enjoy your new camper.
Lynwood
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06-17-2020, 05:55 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mlh
I pulled a 27 foot fiver to Wyoming from Va. with a 1/2 ton truck. I weighed 7200 pounds. Far less than than your Montana. I normally tell people to try pulling their camper with the truck they have but not in this case. Your truck and camper combo is way too dangerous to pull. DON’T doo it. You definitely need, must have, a bigger truck.
Lynwood
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I can't remember Lynwood ever telling someone to get a bigger truck
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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06-17-2020, 06:46 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,670
M.O.C. #2283
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffba
I can't remember Lynwood ever telling someone to get a bigger truck
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Yep you got that right. This is truly a rare moment that may never come again.
We can have a little fun Thanks.
Lynwood
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06-17-2020, 06:59 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCJ757S
Hey everyone,
Brand new here, have a stupid question. Has anyone ever used a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.7 HEMI 6 1/2 foot bed to pull a Keystone, Montana? My husband and I just bought a 2007 Keystone Montana M-3500 RL. We need to take it on about a 1,000-mile trip give or take a few miles. To where we will be living in our new RV (New to us) on some land we are getting.
Has anyone used this vehicle before? It has high miles. We are wondering if we should look for a different vehicle or go ahead and put a Fifth Wheel in? Any help would be wonderful. Thank you all in advance!
Thanks all! We are looking for a different truck! Thanks for everyone's input!
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Maybe you should consider paying a professional to tow your camper to it's new home. Most especially if it is going to be a one time move?
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
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06-17-2020, 07:52 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Waynesville
Posts: 533
M.O.C. #25947
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCJ757S
We are going to be looking for a different truck! THANK YOU all for answering my stupid question. In my gut, I knew that there was NO WAY but needed to hear it from others! Thank you all so much!
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No question is dumb or stupid when it comes to truck and driver safety. Just the other day (Monday) My wife and I were witness to a 5th wheel RV accident that claimed the life of 2 people. We found out later that they didn't hook there truck to the trailer in a safe manner and they were on the first trip. now they both in heaven
__________________
Charlie & Sofia
Sawyer (The Lawyer) Buster Brown Fur - babies
46 years married (Dam I been in prison that long)
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06-17-2020, 07:54 PM
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#16
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Nampa
Posts: 114
M.O.C. #21247
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Be safe
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06-24-2020, 01:40 PM
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#17
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Lake Havasu City
Posts: 93
M.O.C. #20488
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1/2 ton vs 11,000 pounds
A hi mileage 1/2 ton will not do. You are asking for trouble. If this is a one shot deal and you will need a truck on the other end, get one that is rated to tow that weight. Or like was suggested, hire a company to tow it there. Not worth the heartache if things go wrong
__________________
Odd Job Al
2012 Montana Mountaineer 295RKD
2006 Dodge Megacab 2500 5.9 Diesel
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06-24-2020, 02:44 PM
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#18
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Livermore
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #25912
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I definitely would not make that trip with a half ton. Even if the trailer is stripped down to the true dry weight (no batteries, empty propane tanks, and no fluids in any of the tanks/systems) you will still be putting about 2350lbs of pin weight into a truck with a 6300lb GVWR and a starting curb weight of approx 4650. That puts you at #7000 even before you pu ANYTHING else into the truck... a hitch, people, any luggage or tools etc.
It's not a stupid question at all, but please, don't make what could be a stupid decision. Too many things could go wrong.
Good luck!
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06-24-2020, 02:44 PM
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#19
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Orlando
Posts: 338
M.O.C. #22589
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtlakejim
Maybe you should consider paying a professional to tow your camper to it's new home. Most especially if it is going to be a one time move?
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Second.
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06-24-2020, 03:36 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Sun City
Posts: 408
M.O.C. #23256
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Like others have said, I’d go with a one ton truck for a 3400RL. We have an 08 3400RL and its dry weight it about 11K, way too much for a 1500 PU. I’d definitely recommend a one ton Ram, SRW or DRW would work but I’m very happy with my DRW for towing our Montana.
__________________
Dave in AZ
2008 Montana 3400RL
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel Dually
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