Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-05-2021, 10:44 PM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default Need advice on towing

I have a 2021 Thor Tellaro on the Ram platform. It has a tow rating of 3500lbs but with just a 6 cylinder and 9500lbs ... I want to keep towing light and easy as I plan on doing some long trips.
I decided I wanted a secondary mode of transportation and although I wanted a motorcycle, my wife was not comfortable ... so we decided on a Can Am Ryker. The Ryker is just shy of 600lbs and I am in the process of purchasing an all aluminum motorcycle trailer to tow it with (390lbs). All in all should be right around 1000lbs.

My question, is there anyone else towing 1000lbs or so with their class B. Am I asking for problems with the Dodge platform? My next trip is 2400 miles from FL to Zion ... and I want to bring the Ryker ...
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2021, 11:20 PM   #2
Platinum Member
 
rowiebowie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,651
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RSKDSK View Post
I have a 2021 Thor Tellaro on the Ram platform. It has a tow rating of 3500lbs but with just a 6 cylinder and 9500lbs ... I want to keep towing light and easy as I plan on doing some long trips.
I decided I wanted a secondary mode of transportation and although I wanted a motorcycle, my wife was not comfortable ... so we decided on a Can Am Ryker. The Ryker is just shy of 600lbs and I am in the process of purchasing an all aluminum motorcycle trailer to tow it with (390lbs). All in all should be right around 1000lbs.

My question, is there anyone else towing 1000lbs or so with their class B. Am I asking for problems with the Dodge platform? My next trip is 2400 miles from FL to Zion ... and I want to bring the Ryker ...

Welcome to forum!


Congrats on your new Tellaro. It seems you're being appropriately cautious and keeping your towing expectations low. 1,000 pounds should be ok.
rowiebowie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2021, 11:56 PM   #3
Platinum Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Arizona
Posts: 609
Default

We tow a 1600# travel trailer with our Chevy Roadtrek 6.0L V8. It barely notices it's back there and we give up 2-3 mpg on the open highway. Although your Promaster is not as robust, I agree with Rowiebowie that you should be fine with your minimalist set-up.
Roadtrek and Scamp.jpg

I had an idea what the Can-Am was, so I looked up the Ryker. Looks like only one seat, or is there an option for a second?
__________________
2014 Roadtrek 190 Popular
2008 Scamp 13
Jon in AZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 12:23 AM   #4
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default

I am hopeful, and thanks for the pic ... although I am sure the v8 has a lot more torque than my 6
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 01:37 AM   #5
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 12,455
Default

Maybe the 2021 has increase combined weight, but I think the 2020 had 12K# combined, so you would have 2500# towing if on max gross for the van, I think. Be aware you also will need to be sure you stay within the rear axle weight with the added tongue weight, which will actually put more on the axle than on the tongue. At 1K# trailer, the combined will be fine, but be sure on the rear wheel weight on the scales, with the trailer and full load, if you are getting close.
booster is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 02:37 AM   #6
Platinum Member
 
BillsPaseo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: WA
Posts: 259
Default

We're towing about 2000 lbs (860 lb trailer, two 300 lb motorcycles, spare tire, 10 gallons of extra gas, tools, riding gear, etc). We started with a slightly heavier trailer that didn't have brakes, and had a few scares with it, so we upgraded to an all aluminum one that has brakes. Our Transit with the 3.5 EcoBoost has no problem pulling the trailer, but it struggles to stop it. Having trailer brakes makes a HUGE difference. The trailer drops our gas mileage by about 2-3 MPG.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20191226_131635.jpg (324.9 KB, 19 views)
File Type: jpg 20200209_123705.jpg (265.4 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg 20200307_164519.jpg (244.9 KB, 19 views)
__________________
2017 Winnebago Paseo
BillsPaseo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 02:42 AM   #7
Platinum Member
 
BillsPaseo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: WA
Posts: 259
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon in AZ View Post
I had an idea what the Can-Am was, so I looked up the Ryker. Looks like only one seat, or is there an option for a second?
I had to look it up too... If you go to the accessories section, you can add a passenger seat for $300.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Paseo
BillsPaseo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 03:54 AM   #8
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chaska MN
Posts: 1,783
Default

The consistent advice since 2016 from converters on Promaster rigs is about 2000 lbs towing. I would only go over that if you are running light on your packing inside the van. So, you should be OK with your 1000#.
__________________
2021 Promaster 1500 118wb conversion
2019 Roadtrek Simplicity SRT (almost a Zion)
2015 Roadtrek 170
2011 LTV Libero
2004 GWV Classic Supreme
mumkin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 11:52 AM   #9
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default

Thanks Bill, love ur setup! Yes the Ryker can be setup for two passengers. I have made a few upgrades like 3 luggage boxes with integrated passenger seat that makes the wife feel more confortable. I also bought the 900cc rally edition that has adjustable suspension, skid plates, off road tires, etc ... so that we can go just about anywhere on or off road ... although they are not really made for trail riding.
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 11:57 AM   #10
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default

Canam ryker side.jpg

pic
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 01:16 PM   #11
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default

BTW my current trailer does not have brakes .... I thought with such a light weight tow I would not need them, but now I am rethinking that.
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 01:44 PM   #12
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillsPaseo View Post
We're towing about 2000 lbs (860 lb trailer, two 300 lb motorcycles, spare tire, 10 gallons of extra gas, tools, riding gear, etc). We started with a slightly heavier trailer that didn't have brakes, and had a few scares with it, so we upgraded to an all aluminum one that has brakes. Our Transit with the 3.5 EcoBoost has no problem pulling the trailer, but it struggles to stop it. Having trailer brakes makes a HUGE difference. The trailer drops our gas mileage by about 2-3 MPG.

What trailer do you have ... not east finding a light weight trailer with brakes.
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 02:12 PM   #13
Platinum Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Arizona
Posts: 609
Default

Check the axle. Some have the square brake mounting flanges, making them an easy add.
Jon in AZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 02:59 PM   #14
Platinum Member
 
mloganusda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Smyrna, TN
Posts: 584
Default

I own a 2017 Trend that from WGO has a tow rating of 2K#. I have towed my Smart Car (about 1900#) for over 25K miles with no problems. Because it is under 2K#, I do not have a separate brake system but do have a ready breakaway system for emergency braking if separated from MH. With the V6 I still get between 12-14 mpg at about 60 mph.

MLogan
Smyrna, TN
mloganusda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 05:15 PM   #15
Platinum Member
 
BillsPaseo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: WA
Posts: 259
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RSKDSK View Post
What trailer do you have ... not east finding a light weight trailer with brakes.
Mine is the EZHauler, made by Alcom. I had to special order it to get one with brakes. Since trailers under 3000 lbs are not legally required to have them, no local dealers stock them.

If I remember correctly, I think it was around a $500 option to add them when ordering a trailer. One advantage to ordering, I was able to get a pretty close color match of the trailer to the van. And was able to get every option that I wanted. We added on electric brakes, aluminum wheels, a roof vent, rear ramp door, side door, and 6" extra interior height. Total price came out about $1500 higher than the closest thing to it I could find locally, but it was exactly what I wanted, so well worth it. Took about 4 weeks to get it from time ordered to delivery.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Paseo
BillsPaseo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 05:19 PM   #16
Platinum Member
 
BillsPaseo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: WA
Posts: 259
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon in AZ View Post
Check the axle. Some have the square brake mounting flanges, making them an easy add.
Yeah, if your trailer has real Dexter axles, and not a cheaper knock-off, most likely it will have the flanges. If it does, any trailer repair place can add the brakes. It will cost somewhere in the vicinity of $1000 for a single axle trailer.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Paseo
BillsPaseo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 05:22 PM   #17
Platinum Member
 
BillsPaseo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: WA
Posts: 259
Default

One more thing to keep in mind on the towing... when people say they are towing at close to their limit without brakes, where are they towing? East coast hills and midwest flatlands towing are not at all the same as west coast towing through the Cascade and Rocky mountain ranges.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Paseo
BillsPaseo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2021, 05:36 PM   #18
Platinum Member
 
BillsPaseo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: WA
Posts: 259
Default

This descent into Death Valley National Park from the California side, where you drop about 3000 ft in 10 miles is what prompted me to sell my old trailer and buy one with brakes.

I thought we would never get to the bottom of that descent... engine screaming in first gear the entire way, and still the brakes were starting to fade by the time we got to Panamint.
Attached Images
File Type: png Capture.PNG (639.5 KB, 12 views)
__________________
2017 Winnebago Paseo
BillsPaseo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2021, 11:27 AM   #19
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default

My trailer I was buying was aluminum bear trailer 65" by 120" with a rock shield but it does not have a flange for brakes ... back to the drawing board. Like the current shortage in B class RV's ... aluminum trailer are as rare as the do do bird
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2021, 11:31 AM   #20
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 19
Default

The other variable I have to contend with is that although Cap Coral allows trailer to be parked behind the house, I do not have enough room to drive it there without going onto the neighbors yard ... so light weight enough to push is also needed as my garage is already filled with cars that are to expensive to leave out in the FL sun
RSKDSK is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT. The time now is 09:04 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.