Community Forums

dvmweb · 01-12-2014, 08:41 AM

We are looking at new pick up trucks. Closing in on a new Dodge. I use my truck for everything. Hauling, towing, snowplowimg, hunting, some travel, daily driver. Considering it for a dinghy too. Does anyone else do this? I think you could put the base plate on it too. I see a few pick ups being used as toads. The new Dodges can be used as dinghies per the OM.

FIRE UP · 01-12-2014, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvmweb

We are looking at new pick up trucks. Closing in on a new Dodge. I use my truck for everything. Hauling, towing, snowplowimg, hunting, some travel, daily driver. Considering it for a dinghy too. Does anyone else do this? I think you could put the base plate on it too. I see a few pick ups being used as toads. The new Dodges can be used as dinghies per the OM.

Well Sir,
You don't say what your RV is, type, size, engine, trans, etc. so, I don't know if you done all the homework or not in terms of just what it can tow or not but, if not, I'd surely start there. Now, with that being said, the Dodge, Chevy and GMC full sized trucks, in the 1500 4x4 versions, have been flat towable for quite some time now, years in fact. But, Ford, in its infinite wisdom, had its head in the sand in terms of allowing it's F-150 4x4 series being flat towed for years and years.

Now, in the year 2012, Ford finally turned the light on, DING! Let's make ours flat towable! So, now you've got a full range of flat towable, full sized trucks. We tow an '11 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Extended Cab. And, much of the time, that truck, when being towed, also has a "Rampage" lift/carrier in the bed, holding a 2008 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing. The truck was very easy to install base plate(s), yes I said "PLATES".

There is no connecting arm between the tow bar attachment points so, there's two, independent base plates. They work flawless. Now, if you're intending on the new Dodge, do not, I REPEAT DO NOT, BELIEVE ANYTHING THE SALES PERSON SAYS in terms of being flat towable or not. Go directly to the owners manual of the model you plan on towing. Make sure you read it thoroughly. Make sure it states that it IS FLAT TOWABLE behind a motor home and, what, if any, restrictions in speed etc. there might be.

Then and only then, you are sure that it's flat towable. Also, do not, depend on the Dinghy Towing guides "estimate" or, printing of the weight of the truck you intend on purchasing. Get it weighed yourself. I've proved that Dinghy Towing guide wrong way more than once. This way you'll know exactly what it weighs which, will help you with future decisions on type, size, and brand of tow bar etc. Good luck.
Scott

dvmweb · 01-13-2014, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the reply.

The Dodge we are considering is flat towable per the owner's manual. I will weigh it as suggested when we buy it. We are in the shopping phase right now.

I am also researching a supplemental braking system.

Walt B.

Kassack · 01-25-2014, 07:52 PM

I have a dodge 1500 4x4 with electronic transfer case. Have towed over 20,000 miles without any problem. Easy to put in neutral and put back in gear No speed or time restrictions. It's a 2012

Kassack · 01-25-2014, 07:56 PM

I use M and G braking system out of Athens Texas. It's an air based system. Once installed can connect and disconnect in yow minutes or less

RoyM · 01-25-2014, 09:27 PM

You mention plowing snow, forget the F-150/1500. The drive train and suspension will not stand up with this kind of use. F250/2500 is the bare minimum, 350/3500 even better.
You don't say what you are planning to haul and/or tow. The big three produce trucks that when properly equipped should meet your needs admirably, it comes down to budget and personal preference.

dvmweb · 02-01-2014, 06:39 AM

Thanks for the ideas.

SuperGewl · 02-02-2014, 07:28 AM

Yes the 4X4 RAMS are normally 4flat towable. Now for the bad news, Snow plow duty means 2500 minimum most likely 3500. Now I'm not sure if you can put the plow stuff on with base plates for TOAD duty so that could get real ugly. As far as weight, I hope you are getting a 450 hp or better DP because the Ram weighs in at 7K lbs or more, thus you need to be able to tow 10 -15k lbs. As far as a daily driver, yes no problems, I had a 3500 QC SB Cummins and let it go at around 155k miles to get a MH.

I averaged 15mpg around town and >20 on the highway, unless towing the 5th Wheel, then 12mpg.
These are the things you need to think about before buying. If you getting a gasser then you are Out of luck, you can't tow a pickup truck because they can only tow about 5k and some DP are the dame because they are using basically the same engine that is in the RAM 2500/3500 the 6.7ltr Cummins with an Allison 2100, 2500, or if you are lucky 3000 tranny.

These are all just food for thought, good luck in deciding, but choose wisely