Need advice on towing

RSKDSK · 03-05-2021, 10:44 PM

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 ...

rowiebowie · 03-05-2021, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSKDSK

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.

Jon in AZ · 03-05-2021, 11:56 PM

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?

RSKDSK · 03-06-2021, 12:23 AM

I am hopeful, and thanks for the pic ... although I am sure the v8 has a lot more torque than my 6

booster · 03-06-2021, 01:37 AM

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.

BillsPaseo · 03-06-2021, 02:37 AM

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.

BillsPaseo · 03-06-2021, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

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.

mumkin · 03-06-2021, 03:54 AM

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#.

RSKDSK · 03-06-2021, 11:52 AM

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 · 03-06-2021, 11:57 AM

Canam ryker side.jpg

pic

RSKDSK · 03-06-2021, 01:16 PM

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 · 03-06-2021, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillsPaseo

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.

Jon in AZ · 03-06-2021, 02:12 PM

Check the axle. Some have the square brake mounting flanges, making them an easy add.

mloganusda · 03-06-2021, 02:59 PM

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

BillsPaseo · 03-06-2021, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSKDSK

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.

BillsPaseo · 03-06-2021, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

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.

BillsPaseo · 03-06-2021, 05:22 PM

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.

BillsPaseo · 03-06-2021, 05:36 PM

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.

RSKDSK · 03-07-2021, 11:27 AM

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 · 03-07-2021, 11:31 AM

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

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