Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I'm starting this thread in hopes it becomes on ongoing thread to encompass all things related to the trucks & trailers that our members own, drive, modify, maintain, and secure.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Good idea Chuck! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Thanks Sam, I really enjoyed spending time with you and everyone at VetteFest.................

My 1st Issue concerns WHEN and if to replace the GOOD (unknown low milage) appearing Goodyear Marathon tires (225x75xR15 ST) on my newly purchased 2003 Pace American 10,000 GVW trailer ???

My 2nd Issue is to what brand/model radial trailer tire you've had good, bad or indifferent experiences with.

Does the top money buy the best tire or not neccessarily????

Will you name the company, vendor or web site you bought from???

I'm considering Power King TOW-MASTER 225x75xR15's @ $85each

Also my trailer came with no spare. Where do you store or mount your spare ?? and do you use the same wheel for your spare as the other four????

Thanks for your responses.........

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Chuck- shop around. We buy those exact tires for $59 each here in Minneapolis.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Smokey, At what store, warehouse, where ???????? (TOW-MAX)

Link to Epinion comments about Goodyear Marathon.......
http://www1.epinions.com/reviews/Goo...r_Utility_Tire

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Stay away from Carlisle Tires. I've had good experiences with Transmaster load range E on my horse, car, and toy hauler trailers. Larry.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I mounted the spare on the front wall of the trailer. I built a small platform so I could run wires under the spare, for the winch and various other things.

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...e/100_1283.jpg

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Anybody have experience with the GREENBALL Brand of TOWMASTER Trailer Tires.....???????

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I have had no problems with Goodyear Marathons. I had them on a 17' flatdeck from 2000 to 2004 and put 15,000 miles on that unit. Bought a 24' Wells Cargo in 04 and have logged nearly 15,000 since then.
Just bought a 28 foot Airstream that is 10 years old and it has Goodyears on it. Two need replacing, but they held up well.

On another note I just bought a Hensley Arrow hitch> anybody have any experience with one?

I do all my towing with an 03 GMC Yukon XL 2500 with Quadrasteer. Best damm towing vehicle I could want.

Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I like the Goodyear Marathons.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Schoney and Paul, Thanks for your responses and favorable comments on the Goodyear Marathons. A couple of our well known members have had multiple Marathon failures and dont share your feelings.....

FYI, In one case the failures were on tires only five years old, with trailer stored inside!!!!!!!
Need to hear more about ALL things trucking and trailering, locks, security, whatever!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Chuck

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I don't haul that far, or that often, and maybe I've just been lucky. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

The 15" 5 lug rim, white steel "wagon" wheel
so common on many trailers today kind of limits your tire gvw ratings....carlise, towmasters, marathons...i think the failures we keep hearing about are a case of overloaded and underinflated tires.

Look at the marathon chart I copy/pasted below when you step up to a 16" rim and tire!! Multiply the gvw number by 4 since most trailers have 4 tires.and remember to run the maximun recomended inflation presure to achieve the maximun gvw rating.
I like and run 16" rims and tires on my trailer.










Marathon®

THE LONG RUNNING RADIAL DESIGN SPECIFICALLY FOR TRAILER TOWING
Features
Specifically designed to make trailer towing easier, more stable and more economical
Sizes available for travel trailers, pop-up campers, boat trailers and fifth wheel trailers
Delivers dependable highway stability, positive traction and long lasting wear
Load Inflation Tables | Warranty | Size Conversion Chart



This tire is suitable for all Trailer applications

Helpful Information On Tires Used In Towing Applications - PDF


SPECIFICATIONS
Tire Size Load Range Side
wall Tread Depth (32s) Apprvd. Rim Widths Meas. Rim Width New Tire Width Outside Diameter Tread Width Static Loaded Radius Revs per Mile Max Load at Infla. (PSI) Single
ST175/80R13 C BL 9 4.5-5.5 5.00 6.9 24.0 4.9 10.6 870 1360@50
ST185/80R13 C BL 9 4.5-6.0 5.00 7.2 24.6 5.2 10.8 851 1480@50
ST205/75R14 C BL 10 5.0-6.5 5.50 7.9 26.1 5.6 11.6 800 1760@50
ST205/75R14 C OWL 10 5.0-6.5 5.50 7.9 26.1 5.6 11.6 800 1760@50
ST215/75R14 C OWL 10 5.5-7.0 6.00 8.5 26.6 6.0 11.8 783 1870@50
ST215/75R14 C BL 10 5.5-7.0 6.00 8.5 26.6 6.0 11.8 783 1870@50
ST205/75R15 C BL 9 5.0-6.5 5.50 7.9 27.1 5.6 12.0 770 1820@50
ST225/75R15 C BL 10 6.0-7.0 6.00 8.7 28.3 6.2 12.5 738 2150@50
ST225/75R15 D BL 10 6.0-7.0 6.00 8.7 28.3 6.2 12.5 738 2540@65
ST235/80R16 D BSL 10 6.0-7.5 6.50 9.2 30.7 6.0 13.9 673 3000@65
ST235/80R16 E BSL 10 6.0-7.5 6.50 9.2 30.7 6.0 14.1 675 3420@80

Fabric/Steel Construction

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I agree with Chris..ordering a new trailer next week and will get the heavy axles and 16 inch wheels..8 lug hub..maybe heavier bearings inside??..but on topic, have been usung TOWMASTER trailer tires for all 8 years I had my trailer..numerous flats..expected..a couple of curbs..expected...only one catstrophic failure on the NY thruway @70 MPH..lost the pass side rear tire explosively...cause underinflated!!..my own stupid fault..noticed the tire was a little low before we left and thought..it'll be fine...nope!..

ALbert

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

My thought has always been a taller tire is a better tire (on a trailer, at least)...seems to me, less revolutions means less heat in the bearing/tire, and it's heat that kills both. Also, a physically *larger* tire will have a higher load capacity due to the increased air volume...

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

since were on this subject....dont take for granted that your wheels are torqued to spec.before every trip, check them.on the way back from new jersey we broke 5 out of the 8 studs off the right rear wheel on a triple axle trailer. we pulled into a truck stop and they sent us to some hodunk truck repair shop that needless to say didnt have the studs in stock....i drove to dexter axle in IN. and to Haulmark for 2 new wheels and tires and then back to PA to have the guy put them on......i now have an extra 20 or so studs in case that happens again. this was right before Vettefest this year and was not about to let a truck/trailer/car sit in this shop and wait til the studs came in and miss vettefest!!!!and as far as accessories, you should probably keep a small bottle jack or so in the trailer in case you need to change a tire with a car in it....way too heavy for a regular jack or make some kind of ramp to drive the trailer up to raise the other wheel so you can change it.just my .02c to add..... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Funny (or not, actually!) you mention wheel studs...except ours were on the drive wheels of our dually. Thought I'd be cool & put new Eagle aluminum wheels on the dually before our annual trip to the Pure Stock Drags...welp, little did I know that Eagle wasn't aware that GM made *both* an R/V and a C/K truck from 1989-1991! So, we make it all the way to Terra Haute, IN, before we sheer 6 of 8 studs on 1 side & 7 of 8 on the other side! So, on the shoulder of I70, I got to pull the axles out, run all over Terra Haute looking for wheel studs, and came up with a measily 6...so, knocked 'em in, drove all night to Stanton, dropped the cars & double trailer @ track, ran back to a hole in the wall garage, and had the tires put on our spare steel wheels, and put a couple more new studs in...for some reason, they let the new guy work on our truck, and I watched him strip the 1st 2 studs with an air gun, so I took it from him and finished it myself. Got home, and found out the *2nd* set of lug nuts Eagle had sent were the wrong ones, and allowed just enough wiggle room to eat at the stud...mark that down as "lesson learned".

BTW, we bought a trailer aid to throw in our new trailer...haven't had to use it yet, but it sure sounds like a good idea!

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Here are the tools I keep permanently in my trailer.
I have Plastic tool box bolted to the floor at the front
Warn Winch
Deep cycle Battery
8 ton Bottle jack
1 1/2 ton hydraulic jack.
6 axel straps
2 HD cargo straps
1 cargo net
8 Light duty cargo straps
Fulton Wheel lock
Tongue lock.
Wheel chocks and several pieces of wood.
Spare tire mounted on rear rignt side.
36" pry bar
Gloves
Grease gun.
12 Volt compressor and quality tire guage.
2 pieces of carpet underlay approx 4x4

Additionally I take a Bosche portable impact gun.

The tires get checked whenever the trailer gets moved,I keep a check list posted on the entry door.

Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

the trailer aid will be on my list when i win PITPAL's contest!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif right.............Dan / Jody ??

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

HA! Get in line... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

BTW: I got another PM for you, Jeff...

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

would like to see more GOOD pics of how and where "YOU" strap down your car, hang your spare tire, secure floor jack, etc etc.........

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Went to my favourite hitch shop today to have the hitch inspected. When I was towing last week I felt there was too much movement on acceleration from a stop and a clunk on brakeing. Turns out the hitch pin hole has started to elongate. This is the factory GM hitch and although I have heard negative things about them such as cracking and broken welds, i did not have any problems up until now. In essence the hitch is toast so I ordered u a Putnam 15,000 lb unit.
The rep I spoke with at Hensley Arrow says GM factory hitches up until the 08 models are garbage.
Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Canuck and others,

1)May we assume that ALL(GM, Dodge, Ford)the misc factory hitches are bolted to frame, and can be replaced with ????

2) How many million people (including members here) are towing with factory "garbage" hitches ???????

3) What of DODGE 2500 factory hitches ?? Anybody ?????

Thanks to ALL for the ongoing education!!!!!

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

The GM hitch pin hole will definitely egg shape over time, but it's gonna take quite a bit of miles/time...a logger buddy of mine has an '04 and the factory pin hole is hogged out pretty good, but that truck lives with a trailer behind it...our '02 dually pulled our little trailer probably a dozen times per year or more, and our hitch is ok...weld a piece of heavy C channel on it and roll on...!

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

All the GM hitches are bolt on and can be replaced with equivelent products from Putnam, Hidden, reese or Curt.
The replacements sit snuggly to the bumper on Suburbans and Yukons and as such the equalizer will need adjustment or if you are using a fixt drop stinger,you will need to change that as well. I had a 2" drop for my Hensley with the factory hitch and am switching to a 4" drop for the new Putnam.

Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

THIS IS REPRINT FROM A TIRE CORP EXECUTIVE


Subject: RMA Aged Tire Position



I want everyone to be aware that there was a program segment on ABC’s 20/20 (5/09/2008) dealing with tire aging. I am attaching some RMA (Rubber Manufactures Association) information on this subject for your review and so you will have information if the program creates questions in our customers mind and they come to you for answers.



As you will see below RMA takes the position that there is no proven age at which a tire must be removed from a vehicle. The information that RMA wants to get out is that the tire care is the most important element in the life and safety of a tire not the age of the tire...



Our organization is not experts in tire design or development of tires we depend on the manufacture to determine the safety of the product they manufacture. We are governed by the position of the Rubber Manufacture Association.



Below is an article stating RMA’s position on tire aging; you will also find information on how to read the sidewall of a tire so you will be sure as how to read the DOT serial date to determine the age of a tire.



Background:
Some people promote the idea of a tire age limit – that tires should be removed from service once they reach a certain age - either number of years from date of manufacture or number of years in service.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) represents the position that there is not one specific chronological age at which tires should be removed from service because there is no data that supports a specific age. For both the April 30 segment on “Today,” and the upcoming “20/20” segment, an RMA official was interviewed on tape, and parts of these interviews are being used in the news programs’ stories.

During the interviews, the RMA official stated the organization’s position on the issue, which is consistent with Goodyear’s position.
1. There is no data to support a particular year after which tires should be removed from service.
2. The reason the industry takes the position it does, is twofold:
A. Tire care is a greater factor in their safe operation than age alone; and
B. as a result of that, any suggestion that would encourage the public to believe that tires less than X years old are completely reliable regardless of tire care (or anything that would take the emphasis off tire care) would be a huge disservice.

What you need to know:
This information is for your own awareness, and for that of your store personnel. It is possible that after the segment airs on TV, some consumers may ask about the tire age issue when they visit your store. Again, the main points are these:

Age is not the key.
Consistent maintenance, proper inflation and regular inspection for tread wear patterns and damage are the keys to good tire performance
There is no data that demonstrates a tire is less safe when it reaches a certain age.
For consumers who are concerned about the age or condition of their tires, it is recommended they let a tire professional inspect the tires.



The above information is pretty much self explanatory however I would like to make sure that we all read the DOT serial “Date of Manufacture” correctly.

All highway tires produced in the year of 2000 or later will have the four numeric character DOT serial date.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I would like to read postings as to what changes, updates, modifications you're making on your truck/trailer/towing equipment............

1) Does anybody use a metal "hook" to catch the factory oblong hole on front subframe.........or do most use a axle strap around lower control arms ????????

2) There is no real evidence that AGE alone, is a reason to replace tires !!!!!


Thanks for your additional comments.........

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Chuck,
I use the oblong holes, but I use the t-hook that you can get from Northern Hydraulic. It has all rounded edges so it will not cut the frame. Those holes were used by the factory for transprot, so they are designed to hold up. It also loads the suspension so that the car is not bouncing around when the trailer goes over bumps. You can dip those t-hooks in plasit-dip to keep them from marring up your frame.

As for trailer tires, last season I had 2 go on me. One was a true blow out and another was the tread seaperating on me and growing a large bubble on the tread. My trailer was 3 years old last summer. I would strongly suggest that if you are going anywhere, have a spare mounted. If you are going over 500 miles in one direction, I would consider carrying another tire that could be mounted in case you get stuck in a place that does not have any tires available. By the way, as much as I hate doing business with WalMart, they do carry Good Year Marathon trailer radials (and even the D range tires).

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Rusty, Thanks for the comments..........

Curious if when using those "T" hooks (that the car transports use) if there is a problem getting a straight line pull on the rachet strap.

My application would be 69 Camaro with front spoiler.

I've been told by another member with 69 Yenko Camaro that he goes around lower control arm, with axle strap!!!!!!

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Here is the t-hook I was talking about... Northern Tool Sorry I stated Northern Hyrdaulic-- it is Northern Tool. They are designed to lock into that hole and not let go!! I have e-track in the floor and I have to cross my straps. If I had the in the floor tie downs, I would go ahead and run them straight. I work at the Ford KC Assembly plant as a supplier and every transporter that I see is using chain, t-hooks and pulling straight down loading the suspension.

The only problem that I had when I tried the straight line pull was 1) the e-track attachments wanting to put a wrong pull on the e-track (it was off center and wanted to pull one corner up) and 2) making certain that I had enough strap laid out. That was easy to change with the e-track, but it would be a pain with the set in tie downs.

One thing with the axle strap around the lower control arm, get the axle strap that has a sleeve around it or wrap a towel, vibrating nylon does wonders to well detailed paint!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I did the straps, the t hooks and also did the straps over the tires. The straps over the tire don't do any paint scuffing.



As for what works best for you depends on where and how your points are in the floor of the trailer.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Freshening up this thread..........

Please post more great comments on what changes or additions youve made to your trucks and trailers.

What new items, both functional or cosmetic you've added.

What brand name or model# LOCK do you use on your 2 5/16"
Hitch at the ball location AND on the little lever handle ??

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

How big of a winch do you guys use to put the car inside the trailer with? How about a China winch over a Warn or another name brand one.


Reason why I ask some guy here in Minneapolis is selling china 8000lb winches for $200 new in the box. The Warn one that is like it is $600-900 depending where you get it. The only bad thing is the 12 foot lead on the controls.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

As for a lock, I use a Chevy truck in front of it. I bought a $30 lock, but from what a friend of mine at a boat marina told me is that if someone wants it, they will cut it off and still take it. So an ins. policy is the best lock on it. They get a few stolen a year...with and without boats on them.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Smokey,you can order a cordless remote for the winch. they are around $135.00 and any northern tool and equipment can get them.

Chad

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Did you put the winch on the side of the trailer or in front? On a friends old Doc Holiday trailer, Doc mounted a 4,000 pound winch that is about 20 years old on his.Its on the side next to the walk in door and they used a pully to to get a straight pull.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

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?

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

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............

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

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 !!!!

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

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.