Posted 2012-05-14 7:50 PM (#143951) Subject: Towing with a Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed
Member
Posts: 19
Location: Noblesville, IN
We recently purchased a 8' wide Goose-neck Living quarters trailer. We are towing with a 2008 Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed DRW. I knew prior to purchase that the short bed would be an issue. After the purchase I got the trailer home (long story short, after blowing out the back glass and dinging the back of the cab)Once I got it home, insurance agent called, I found a 4" hitch extender for the B&W hitch in the bed and 9" extension on the trailer. My local trailer vendor said it was OK to use the 2 at the same time.That's my question, is it OK to use the 2 hitch extensions together?Is there a better option? (I know the haters will say get a long-bed or a Ford, Chevy....ect) I love this truck, I just need to address the issues.My next step is to weigh the rig and check axle weights.Any in put or advice would be appreciated.
Posted 2012-05-14 8:39 PM (#143954 - in reply to #143951) Subject: RE: Towing with a Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Alberta Canada
I have a 01 dodge short box 4x4 extended cab, with a 8 wide exiss, and use the b&w ball extender only, works good just have to watch the turns when backing, but seem to have enough room to negotiate most turns. Had to get a low profile tool box in box to clear bottom of goose neck. other than that have been good to go...
Posted 2012-05-15 3:57 PM (#143968 - in reply to #143951) Subject: RE: Towing with a Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I would like to hear some opinions also.. Am planning on picking up my new (to me) trailer tomorrow.. also have the crew max and short bed.. Have a 4" offset ball, and had the trailer dealership put a 9" extender on hold for me.. While shopping for trailers, before buying this one, I asked that salesman your very same question.. He said he wouldn't do it.. BUT, when researching Tundra towing, One person blogged in and said they did and had had no problems with it..
Posted 2012-05-17 7:23 AM (#143998 - in reply to #143951) Subject: RE: Towing with a Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I just went and got my trailer yesterday. I did not need the 4" offset ball.. The 9" extended hitch was more than enough to provide clearance. i asked Ty from Stephenville Trailers about using the two together and he said that it puts too much leverage on the ball, that he wouldn't recommend using them both unless you just absolutely had to.
Posted 2012-05-25 5:07 AM (#144200 - in reply to #143951) Subject: RE: Towing with a Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed
Member
Posts: 19
Location: Noblesville, IN
I was able to find B & W's website and got their tech support line. They were very familiar with this situation. They said I could use both extensions, with a limited GVW of 20,000. So I think all is well, thanks for the help!
Posted 2012-05-25 8:08 AM (#144202 - in reply to #143998) Subject: RE: Towing with a Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Originally written by ridingarocky on 2012-05-17 7:23 AM
I just went and got my trailer yesterday. I did not need the 4" offset ball.. The 9" extended hitch was more than enough to provide clearance. i asked Ty from Stephenville Trailers about using the two together and he said that it puts too much leverage on the ball, that he wouldn't recommend using them both unless you just absolutely had to.
I respectfully disagree with his engineering analysis. Neither the ball, nor the hitch know what is on the other side of the connection. The weight/force on the ball is the same from either coupler. Yes- the coupler is more stressed than the straight one, but no difference to the ball.
Same story with an extender ball- it has a hitch pulling on it. No matter the type of hitch.
Towing with a Dodge Mega Cab Short-bed
