Time For A Change

On the way back from Wisconsin we talked a lot about whether it was time for a change; in tow vehicles that is! We have been towing with Ram vehicles since 1990. Our first excursion into “real” towing was with a 2500 Dodge conversion van. What an awesome vehicle that was. Not only did it have great towing capability, but since it was so tall it reduced the wind resistance of the trailer. It also had an amazing amount of room inside for the kids, and our dog(s).

When both our Dodge Van and Travel Trailer were totaled by a driver going the wrong way on the interstate; we didn’t hesitate to immediately get another conversion van (to read about that fiasco click here). I have often wondered why Dodge made a decision to get out of the Conversion Van business, it has so much to offer. If they were still being made, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one.

After about ten years with the second van, we traded it for a Jeep Cherokee for Tammy and began towing with my Ram 1500. I have had Ram trucks since 1992. The first one I bought was a single bench seat model, so that was not really a family tow vehicle. Later I would move to Crew Cab models which gave a lot more flexibility.

We knew when we purchased our most recent travel trailer that the Ram 1500 would be able to tow it. However, we also knew that the cushion was not as great as we would like it to be. While we have taken the trailer through Colorado with no issues, we knew heading west would probably be stressful; not only for the truck but for us as well.

So after 13 years of towing with the Ram 1500 series we decided we would upgrade to a Ram 2500. Now the discussion revolved around whether it would be the big V8 Hemi or the Turbo Diesel engine. I had pretty much convinced myself that I would go with the Gasser but after talking to my son Jeff and a few of the diesel guys in the neighborhood I started to waffle. After comparing the towing capabilities, I was sold. The diesel could tow over 19000 lbs. This would be the way to go. It would give us ample flexibility from a towing standpoint.

However, first we had to know that a 4×4 diesel could fit in our garage. If it didn’t fit we would need to get a two wheel drive 2500. If that was the case, it would probably be the Hemi because I don’t even know if there is a two wheel drive diesel.

So this is where my buddy Frank comes in; he has a 2018 Ram 2500 Diesel. Frank came over and slowly pulled in my garage as I stood on the running board while watching the roof of his truck. In particular, I was concerned that the Sirius antenna would get knocked off. However, there was about a half an inch of room to spare. That settled it, the Ram Diesel was the Truck for us.

Now we started in earnest to find one in the area. It didn’t take long and we were sitting in a dealership in Greenville Texas, carving out what I thought was a great deal.

Once the Ram came home we had to get running boards as getting into the vehicle was a real issue. Putting the new running boards on wasn’t a very hard task, however, it would have been easier if the instructions were better; but I finally figured it out.

Next we ordered a topper, since we like to utilize the bed for storage. One of the main reasons we like travel trailers is that the bed is available for whatever you want to haul. When you have a topper it adds height and water proofing to your storage. In addition you can lock everything up tight. So if you decide you want to carry your tools, hoses, poop wagon, power chord, etc. in the back; that is not a problem. Slide everything in and lock the door and you are all set.

The new topper will take about a month to arrive. So I’ll probably be making the return trip to Indiana without it. So I will have a completely full back seat.

The next hurdle was modifying the equalizer hitch set up. Unfortunately the current hitch shank will not work with this truck. It has only a four inch drop. Now, with the height of this truck I needed a nine inch drop. So I had to buy another shank and transfer everything over.

Since I know the height of the hitch on the trailer when level, I have set it up accordingly. I’m hoping that I have it dialed in correctly, but just in case I am wrong, I’m taking all my tools to adjust it if necessary. Everything is more complicated when your trailer is over 900 miles away!

The importance of having your weight distribution system set up correctly can not be overstated. Many times we have witnessed incorrect hitch set-ups as we drove down the highway. These are just an accident waiting to happen. In addition, many dealerships do not have a hitch expert, and can set your hitch up incorrectly. I have found this to be the case on a couple of occasions. I will only do it myself now.

So, now we wait for the call from the Service Department at Grand Design telling me to come get the Travel Trailer. I have to say that I am a little excited to see how the Ram tows. I do miss the 1500 as it was a really excellent truck. Whoever buys that truck will be getting an excellent piece of equipment. But, as I mentioned in the beginning; it was time for a change. I think it is a change we will enjoy.