1st Timer - Old truck and pulling heavy, worth it?

[MountainBound]

I have a 2005 RAM 2500 Diesel w rebuilt motor and transmission that runs great and I want to buy a toy hauler to go far with. I've never done anything like this. How bad of an idea would it be to pull close to my weight limit? Dallas to Utah and back over a couple months. I have a new motorcycle I will put in the back of the toy hauler so should be fun. Thank you!

• TRUCK: 2005 Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel (2WD): Maximum towing approximately 13,600 lbs; maximum payload approximately 2,740 lbs.
• TRAILER: 2017 Jayco Octane T32H: Dry weight 9,600 lbs; maximum loaded weight 13,000 lbs; dry tongue weight 1,275 lbs; length 37′10″; ceiling 7′10″.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

The common rule is 80% . The closer you are to the limits the more issues you have.

These are some of the things you can do to reduce the problems.

1. Use E rated tires.(Always)
2. Travel at lower speeds than the posted speed limit.
3. Keep the thought that lower gears can be used to lower engine and transmission temperatures.
4. Don't just shut her down after a serious climb.( Turbos require a cool down to avoid freezing up)
5. Know your weights, and maintain tires pressure for the weight the tire manufacturers state.
6. Check hub temperature every stop.

Just remember that race car pit crews monitor and maintain the car's vitals all the time. The reason? is they want to finish the race.