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Old 01-30-2014, 07:17 PM   #1
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New ST270BH and a new Ram 1500

Hello everyone. This is my first post on this forum being one of its newest members. Not only am I new to this site, but I (and family) are the proud new owners of a Sunset Trail ST270BH which is on our dealers lot till March while we wait for our new Ram 1500 Outdoorsman to be built. Lot's of new stuff as we are jumping in to the travel trailer world with both feet; and we are not looking back.
We've been doing the pop up thing for a number of years with a Honda Pilot and a livin lite 10.0 (love that thing and hate to see it go). Momma wants 4 walls and a roof, and to be honest, I'm tired of the noise through the canvas from outside distractions.
With that said, I want to say that I'm really impressed with the amount of info I've been able to pick up in a short time on this forum, almost too much. Everyone who posts and responds seems to be helpful and courteous and for a first time owner who has more questions than answers I am glad to see there is legitimate help out there from those who have the same unit and tow vehicle we will be getting. Now I will probably re-hash many previous posts about weight distribution/anti-sway hitches. I don't have one yet but I'm seriously considering the Equalizer with 4 point sway control. Probably the 1000/10,000 unit based on my hitch weight (estimating 750# w/propane & battery) plus maybe a couple hundred pounds in the bed of the truck.

Does this sound like the right choice? I'm all about simple designs and ease of use in products and I really like the design and simplicity of the Equalizer. Are there any downsides to this hitch vs. others? Any comments about my set up would appreciated. Thanks much!!!
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Old 01-30-2014, 08:55 PM   #2
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Congrats on your new trailer, I'm waiting for mine to arrive in April. It looks like I will be using the hitch as you referenced. I was going to try the Anderson but after reading the mixed reviews I decided to go with the Equalizer which seems to have a more proven track record.

What gear ratio did you order in your ram?
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Old 01-30-2014, 10:15 PM   #3
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You will want to be very careful putting much in the bed, the payload on those Ram's are extremely low. Once you are hitched up and the family is loaded up you will already be close to maxed out.
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Old 01-31-2014, 03:48 AM   #4
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We ordered the Outdoorsman trim level in 4x4, 5.7L Hemi, 8-speed, 3.92 gear ratio, anti-slip rear differential.
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Old 01-31-2014, 05:00 AM   #5
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Only towed my new setup a few times so far but love the Equalizer hitch, very easy to use. Welcome to the forum!
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Old 01-31-2014, 06:00 AM   #6
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Welcome to the forum and congrats on your choice of TV and TT.
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Old 01-31-2014, 06:48 AM   #7
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I love our equalizer hitch. Easy to setup and nothing to remove when backing up. It also does a great job with sway control and my trailer is longer and heavier than yours. the 1000/10000 is a great choice. once you load up and put some fresh water in the tank you might find you are closer to that 1000 mark than you thought. Enjoy your new camper and feel free to keep the questions coming..
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Old 01-31-2014, 07:22 AM   #8
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I have the slighlty heavier & longer ST290QB and stepped up to a 1200/12K Equalizer from the 1K/10K Equalizer I used with my previous Hybrid TT. Both are/were great. Check the Equalizer website and use their calculator to see what they recommend based on weights you plan to carry. I'd say to consider the 1200/12K now just in case you move up to an even larger TT down the road.

Also be prepared to buy a longer drop shank if you have larger wheels/tires or added lift. These trailers ride low to begin with but any of the things I mentioned will really affect the offset from receiver to coupler. I have to order a new 6" drop shank because the standard 3" drop shank that came with my Equalizer won't be long enough once I add in the Roadmaster Active Suspension system to the rear of my Titan.
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Old 01-31-2014, 07:38 AM   #9
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And don't forget to buy the 'bracket jackets' that stop the squeaking/grinding sound when turning . They are only $20.
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Old 01-31-2014, 11:09 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MidOhioHunter View Post
We ordered the Outdoorsman trim level in 4x4, 5.7L Hemi, 8-speed, 3.92 gear ratio, anti-slip rear differential.
Nice truck! Just wanted you to be aware the Dodge's are usually around 1350 payload and I think your trailer will be around 900lbs tongue weight. Say you are 7000lbs loaded then around 15% tongue weight that only leaves you 400lbs or so between your family and gear. Just something to be aware of. Nice setup go have fun!
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Old 01-31-2014, 12:02 PM   #11
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That truck has a 1620 pound payload, with that gear ratio
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Old 01-31-2014, 12:03 PM   #12
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The bracket jacket! I didn't even know such a thing existed. I just ordered a pair. It wasn't directed to me, but thanks for sharing the info!
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Old 01-31-2014, 01:18 PM   #13
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That truck has a 1620 pound payload, with that gear ratio
Gear ratio has no affect on payload. It will depend on the trucks options and gvwr.
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Old 01-31-2014, 02:06 PM   #14
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With two passengers payload capacity on that truck is 1475. (according to Dodge spec sheet).

Listed hitch weight of the trailer is 614. (Crossroads spec sheet)

He should have no problems with that combo.

And believe it not, the rear end ratio does have a slight difference in payload capacity. The 3.55 rear changes to 1659 vs the 3.92 of 1625. Go figure.
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Old 01-31-2014, 02:40 PM   #15
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With two passengers payload capacity on that truck is 1475. (according to Dodge spec sheet).

Listed hitch weight of the trailer is 614. (Crossroads spec sheet)

He should have no problems with that combo.

And believe it not, the rear end ratio does have a slight difference in payload capacity. The 3.55 rear changes to 1659 vs the 3.92 of 1625. Go figure.
Tongue weight is dry and not realistic, add a battery or two, LP, fill your front pass through, front closets and under bed storage and it will be close 900lbs.
The truck payload is also with no options at all, add running boards, bed liner, moon roof etc and that all comes off your number.
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Old 01-31-2014, 03:15 PM   #16
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According to the Ram site with the 355 rear end the payload increases from 1600 pounds to 1619 and the towing goes from 8200 to 8850. Now there may be a suspension mod or a something as simple as a better style tire.I do not know. Now this is a Quad cab, with the premium package
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Old 01-31-2014, 03:25 PM   #17
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According to the Ram site with the 355 rear end the payload increases from 1600 pounds to 1619 and the towing goes from 8200 to 8850. Now there may be a suspension mod or a something as simple as a better style tire.I do not know. Now this is a Quad cab, with the premium package
Odd I know it raises the towing but not the payload. Anyways 19 pounds is a non factor.
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Old 01-31-2014, 03:27 PM   #18
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I agree that we may be right up to our limit most of the time but I just couldn't pass on the truck, I liked it that much. I tried to get into the Fords at first but ultimately I just couldn't get what I wanted within a reasonable budget, they must have gold in the frames or something. I was figuring 615# dry hitch, 50# propane, 50# battery, 50# hitch. Other incidentals I haven't figured on yet but will be careful.

Well, I think I'm set on either the E2 or Equalizer 4pt as the choice. Thanks for the tips.
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Old 01-31-2014, 03:36 PM   #19
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I agree that we may be right up to our limit most of the time but I just couldn't pass on the truck, I liked it that much. I tried to get into the Fords at first but ultimately I just couldn't get what I wanted within a reasonable budget, they must have gold in the frames or something. I was figuring 615# dry hitch, 50# propane, 50# battery, 50# hitch. Other incidentals I haven't figured on yet but will be careful.

Well, I think I'm set on either the E2 or Equalizer 4pt as the choice. Thanks for the tips.
I like the set it's a good choice, just stating the fact you will need to be careful and load everything possible in the trailer and as little possible in the truck. I think you will enjoy both very much.
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Old 01-31-2014, 04:30 PM   #20
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I think you will be just fine with the Outdoorsman & 270BH. Also just for your calculations the Equalizer will be more like 85-100lbs depending on load bar size, shank and hitch head/ball. Post pics once you get'm both home.
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