MsBama
Florida
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Joined: 03/26/2008
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We have acquired a 1986 Coachmen 26'TT and would like to use it. We have 3 sons who are excited to go camping. However, we are completely lost since neither of us have ever used a TT. So, here's our first question: We have a 2003 Dodge Durango w/ a ratio of 3.55 (whatever that exactly means :-)). The trailer is about 5,000 lbs. or so we've been told - we will need to get it weighed. We know from reading here that we need a brake control but don't know which one to get and we are assuming we will need a weight distributing hitch. We have no idea which one of these we will need. The more we read, the more confused we are!!!! Do we need something for swaying? The trailer is in fairly good shape for the age and we hate to not use it but are TOTALLY lost as I'm sure is apparant. Anyway, any help would be so greatly appreciated since no one we know knows anything about TT. Sorry to be so "primal" about this. Thanks!!
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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Hey, we all had to start somewhere! Glad you're here asking. 
Your trailer may be a bit much for your Durango, especially with the 3.55 axle ratio, which is designed more for good gas mileage and less for towing capacity. (3.73 or larger number would be preferable.) Do you have a 6- or 8-cylinder engine? Obviously an 8 would be better as well. If you have a 6-cyl. with the 3.55, your Durango will have difficulty towing a trailer of this size. I doubt, from the size of the trailer, that it weighs 5000# fully loaded; it will probably be more. 26 feet is pretty long for a midsize SUV like the Durango, too.
At the very least, you will definitely need a brake controller AND a WD hitch AND good sway control with this combination. Your best bet, as a newbie, would be a hitch that combines both the weight-distributing and sway control functions; folks on this forum tend to recommend either the Equal-i-zer (brand) or the Reese (brand) Dual Cam hitch for that purpose. Since you already have the trailer - and I assume it was a private purchase or perhaps an inheritance of some kind - you should search in your area for a company that specializes in hitches. Check your yellow pages, ask farmers or folks around you that have trailers they tow, for recommendations. Good second choice for hitches & brake controllers would be a local RV dealer.
Good luck to you!
2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 5.7L V8 w/ tow pkg, Equal-i-zer
2008 Flagstaff 831RLSS
previous HTT: 2005 Starcraft Travelstar 21SSO
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SemperFiCop
USA
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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Hello,
Wecome to the forums!
The 3.55 rear axle is an economy gear that is better for gas mileage but not as good for towing, but this will not stop you from safely towing (generally, the higher the number 3.73,4.10 the better for towing/worse for gas).
Do you have the Tow Package (heavy duty trans cooler/7 pin wiring)?
You can get the Prodigy Brake Control by Tekonsha for $94.99
&
the "Equal-i-zer" brand Hitch for $399.99
online from RVWholesalers (free shipping on anything over $124.99)
Others will chime in and be able to offer more information to help you...
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MsBama
Florida
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Joined: 03/26/2008
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Thanks for your reply. The trailer was given to us by a relative who is no longer able to use it. Our Durango has the 5.9L V8 engine. My husband was concerned about pulling it w/ our truck, too. I hope we can work it out 'cause we really aren't wanting to buy a new vehicle right now -- got a child going to college in a year! Any useful information would be greatly appreciated.
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old gray beard
West TX
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Joined: 08/02/2007
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It would be your best bet to buy the hitch from a local dealer and have the set it up for you and explane how it works and how to ajust it.
Steve
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jf504mp
Indiana
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Joined: 01/06/2007
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I have a 28 foot 04 Nomad. I pull it with 94 1500 series GMC. It is set up for economy more than towing. My tt is a bit lighter but it takes it down the road with out a problem. I use a wd Reese hitch with anti sway friction control. I would think you should do okay on the flat land in Florida. Welcome to the forum....Lohn
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Hemisport
Prince George BC
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Joined: 01/04/2008
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Althought not an ideal setup. You are over your weight limit. By the time you add supplies to the trailer. I would try to see if you know someone you could borrow a TV from from time to time. With that said I have been to florida a few times and if memory serves me it is pretty flat. If you were towing locally you should be ok...
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robbie69
wauconda, il usa
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Joined: 02/22/2004
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tow rating on you TV is 5850(TL home page under vehicles)
all are good answers but I think the 1st thing I'd do is pick the relative's brain on all he/she knows about towing and any tips, tricks etc.
I would also think he/she would have a pretty good idea what the TT weighs both empty and full.
I would say start there and see which questions he/she answers and which new ones might arise.
all here are more than willing to help but you'll need to be as specific/detailed as you can.
welcome and happy camping
2004 silverado 2500HD crew cab 4x4 long bed 8.1L gas hog
2006 skyline nomad 3260 platium edition, prodigy, reese dual cam
1 very part time camping son and 3 full time camping, 4 legged fur balls
1 SU (spousal unit) who loves rv'in as much or more than me
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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Joined: 01/29/2007
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With a properly setup hitch, you'll have a good combination. A lot of people suggest getting a Prodigy brake controller, but I get by with a good one from Reese. You will need a weight distributing hitch with a friction sway bar or integrated sway control, similar to the Equal-i-zer brand. You and your boys will have a great time camping!
2006 Hornet 28BHDS-Bunk House, Dual Slides
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
5.7L Hemi, Factory Towing Package
Reese Brake Controller, WD Hitch and Sway Bar
Life is short, why not spend it in an RV!
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
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RoyHowdy
Vermont
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Joined: 11/04/2007
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http://www.rvtowingtips.com/index.html
Take a look at this site, it will be very helpful to you. It has some very good Towing information and how to setup both TT and TV
Spring is near, lets hit the road
Roy Howdyshell
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