Today was positive and I've got some real world towing data for you.

[JJEH]

Here's some real world data from a tow I did today. Nothing spectacular, I just wanted to share a positive day.

Our RAM 1500 is listed with a towing capacity of 10K and some change. Trailer weighs 2,200 and some change and the car 3,400 and some change curb weight, which makes it an approx. 5,700 pound tow. Easy right?! And plenty of room to go.

Sagging a little, but nothing to be concerned about. Suspension wise our RAM is factory btw.

Look at this cute little fella:

​

It's a Weigh Safe hitch, has integrated scale, comes with 2 different ball sizes (3 available total), height adjustable, made in the U.S. and worth every penny! Got mine at Summit Racing, my favorite store after a bakery.

Under 800 lbs tongue weight. Perfect.

Weather was dry, temp was between 40 and 50 degrees. Heavy traffic at times but I did only between 65 and 70 miles an hour, with plenty of space in front of me. Again, safety first and all the idiots who can't wait to get to their destinations have 2 other lanes to pass me.

The other good data:

207mi driven with an avg mpg of 15.1 for a 4.5hr trip.

Loading/unloading took way less time and effort than anticipated, so all in all it was a very good day today

 

[Truckman]

The Weigh Safe is neat, I've never seen that before...I would be very happy with mileage like that even unloaded......Ben

 

[Rustyt1953]

That seems worth the investment.

I let professionals handle my needs.

 

[Kenna]

That seems worth the investment.

I let professionals handle my needs.

Rusty you have way too much time on your hands!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I remember when this was a national new story. A procession to say good-bye to one of their own!

Ivan

 

[Rustyt1953]

Rusty you have way too much time on your hands!

I wish that was the case.

 

[JJEH]

The Weigh Safe is neat, I've never seen that before...I would be very happy with mileage like that even unloaded......Ben

It's a great hitch and worth the money. I got mine at Summit Racing but they do sell consumer direct if you are interested.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pv-QlZlCI8[/ame]

Weigh Safe Trailer Hitches | Towing Peace of Mind

That seems worth the investment.

I let professionals handle my needs.

I get it.... it's a Toe Truck, haha

Man, great times... I remember seeing custom vehicles on TV sometimes... one looked like a high heel, then there was a roller skate, etc.

What happened America?!

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

I like that Weigh Safe set up...

 

[Rodan]

The Weigh-safe hitches are convenient if you're constantly towing variable loads, but I would worry about the long term durability/accuracy of the scale with the constant weight fluctuations going down the road.

I have a Sherline tongue weight scale that I use to determine tongue weights. Our race car/loadout for a race weekend is pretty consistent, so I was able to determine how to distribute the load with the scale, and once that was figured out, I don't need to use the scale unless there is a major change.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Sherline-LM-1000-Trailer-Tongue/dp/B007REJTGI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=167Q4Z7S2N00P&keywords=trailer+tongue+weight+scale+-+1000lb&qid=1679491101&sprefix=tongue+weight+scale%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840[/ame]

The scale is also about 1/2 the price of the Weigh-Safe hitch.

I only get 8-10mpg, but I do have a little heavier GCW...

 

[WR Moore]

It is kinda neat, but I'd worry about the accuracy life myself. The load cell is only going to take so much abuse.

If you're cost conscious the local truck stops can do your tongue weight measurements for about $10 (it's been awhile, might be more now) and you get to weigh both truck & trailer and truck, trailer and load for that.

 

[crazyphil]

You brought back of many pleasant memories, when I had a new Chevy
diesel in 1982 and pulled a 32' Holiday Rambler all around the country.

 

[rbmac52]

Love the Weigh Safe. I've had mine for a few years now. Bought it on Amazon. Not cheap but worth it, in my opinion.

 

[JJEH]

You brought back of many pleasant memories, when I had a new Chevy
diesel in 1982 and pulled a 32' Holiday Rambler all around the country.

Glad I could help

I used to do it all the time... first for my friends (accident, paint shop, etc) and since I had the largest car and didn't mind it, they'd always ask me to be the designated driver. Later, as apprentice, we used to tow semi-trucks and coaches (whole new ballpark). Then military (incl. crane operator). Great times...

 

[crstrode]

This story without info on the motor or trans is as useless a reloading data without powder type and charge weight.

 

[JJEH]

This story without info on the motor or trans is as useless a reloading data without powder type and charge weight.

I'm sorry, how could I forget...

5.7L HEMI (395 HP / 410 lb-ft.) with ZF Torqueflite 8HP70 Transmission and 3.92 rear axle ratio.

 

[WR Moore]

Out of curiousity, do you know the gear ratios in that tranny? I'm trying to avoid new junior tow vehicle shopping, but it might turn out to be necessary.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

GREAT mileage!
I think that hitch would be a bit of overkill on the new Tacoma though
Kinda like when I looked at the new Honda Ridgeline with a 5,000# towing capacity that was equipped with a 5th wheel attachment in the pick up bed.

 

[JJEH]

Out of curiousity, do you know the gear ratios in that tranny? I'm trying to avoid new junior tow vehicle shopping, but it might turn out to be necessary.

1st: 4.71
2nd:3.14
3rd: 2.10
4th: 1.67
5th: 1.29
6th: 1.00
7th: 0.84
8th: 0.67
Rev: 3.30

GREAT mileage!
I think that hitch would be a bit of overkill on the new Tacoma though
Kinda like when I looked at the new Honda Ridgeline with a 5,000# towing capicity that was ecquiped with a 5th wheel attachment in the pick up ed.

The 2" hitch wouldn't be overkill since the 1 7/8" ball is rated for 7.5K lbs and the 2" ball for 8K lbs. So you'll be totally safe there.

The 5th wheel hitch is a ridiculous overkill, unless it was used at a trailer manufacturer or -dealership to haul them empty trailers around in the yard to park them.

 

[WR Moore]

Thanks for the info. I think Caj is referring to the hitch given that he's towing a small/medium fishing boat and the load is known & pretty much constant. Depending upon how many beer coolers are on board.

 

[venomballistics]

Rusty you have way too much time on your hands!

Yes ... But he spends it well