Posted 2015-10-16 8:06 PM (#165119) Subject: Question about short bed truck with camper towing horse trailer
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Washougal, WA
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and would like to get some "expert input":
We currently have a 2015 RAM 3500 crew cab with a short bed (6.4), our horse trailer is a 2 horse stock type, and we are considering buying a 2007 Bigfoot 15C9.3 made for short beds. The truck has a max payload of 4073 lb, max towing 17,200 lb, GVWR 11,700 lb and GCWR 25,300 lb. The dry weight on the camper is 2,100 lb, total length is 15"1'. I'm currently waiting on confirmation how much of this is over the cab vs. on the bed of the truck. The trailer with horses, tack, hay, water is around 5000 lb.
My question: Can this be safely done, and if yes, how? I've been asking around and have gotten as many answers as there are possible options... Would love to hear from people who are actually towing horses with a camper, or have tried and given up.
Btw, we had a gooseneck trailer with small LQ, but want the flexibility to go camping without horses, therefore prefer a camper with bp trailer.
Thanks so much in advance!
Posted 2015-10-16 10:21 PM (#165121 - in reply to #165119) Subject: RE: Question about short bed truck with camper towing horse trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Dry weights of campers are unreliable when compared to their actual weights, whilst equipped with the articles routinely taken with you. These additions commonly can add up to an extra thousand extra pounds or more. Many campers extend past the bed's length a foot or so. This results in the necessity for an extended hitch, so the camper doesn't hit the trailer's front on sharp bends or parking. This extended hitch will reduce the amount of tongue weight the truck can carry. Suspension aids can be added to stabilise the total loads; air bags, Timbrens or air shocks. When you are traveling with a load near your maximum capacity, it is advantageous to have the truck running level and not squatting, especially through curves, braking and uneven conditions. You will be maxing out the carrying capacity of your truck. This will greatly reduce the truck's braking and handling capabilities. The high center of gravity of the camper will hinder your truck's stability, and the wind's interreaction will further reduce it's steadiness.The carrying and towing combination can be made to work; we did so far several years. Once you go to a GN with a LQ, you will not want to use the campe/trailer combination any longer. Using the truck with just the camper is not a problem, and is quite practical.
Posted 2015-10-22 12:27 PM (#165155 - in reply to #165119) Subject: RE: Question about short bed truck with camper towing horse trailer
Regular
Posts: 78
Hi Kirsten,A fella we know has that type of set-up and travels all over with it. IDK his exact weights etc but please remember that your truck's payload has to include a tankful of fuel, passengers, propane tanks for the camper, fresh and waste water tank contents, your provisions and all your other stuff. It adds up quick.I'm thinking our guy has a hitch extension. He also ordered his camper with a side door instead of the door at the rear; they can access the camper without unhooking or cracking their legs on the hitch.For good advice comcerning weights and rigs, try the forums at www.rv.net. The members there are very knowledgable about that sort of thing.
Question about short bed truck with camper towing horse trailer
