I'm looking at a Haulmark 8.5x24' enclosed car hauler with a 10K GVWR..I also am looking at a Lance truck camper (1030) that will need about a 40" hitch extension to reach the trailer. Most GVWR I will be towing with the trailer will probably be a lot closer to 8k than 10K since I am only hauling a Goldwing and some tools and misc stuff (about 3K worth). My truck has a CGVWR of 23K. Would this work ok? By ok I mean within the realm of being <reasonable> and <prudent>?? I figure my truck weighs about 7,800lbs, the Lance 1030 around 4K loaded and the Haulmark will be around 8K with between a 800 and 1000lb hitch weight (depending on how I load it)..What is screwing me up is the hitch extension and number two: How hard is it to wire (myself) an electronic brake controller (Prodigy maybe)?? Thanks...rob in maine

 

Rob,

The combined gross weights aren't that big of a deal.

The wiring is easy.

Its that 40" extension with almost 1k tongue weight pulling 8-10k that would concern me. Its that "Reasonable and Prudent" part that keeps surfacing.

Might be worthwhile to look for a lighter trailer?

 

Rob I tow a Haulmark toyhauler 8.5x18. My Harley wifes Honda knight hawk and all of the camping gear like it's not even back ther no problems. As far as brake controller under the dash their is a plug by the emergency brake to plug into if you buy the plug with the prodigy controller.

 

A 40" hitch extension definitely would put some excessive torque on the receiver frame. I've seen those around here and often wondered what they're rated at.

 

The TorkLift Superhitch is rated at 10K with 1K tongueweight with 40-48" extension. It's the only one that is that I know of.

 

Sounds like yu have a SAVE & PRUDENT problem here. If yo don't already have the Lance then I would opt for a Toy hauler, either a 5VR or TT. It will do the job much better and be one heck of a lot safer

 

Well, you've got the right truck to do the job- dually, 6 spd., w/4:10's.
(wish I had it!)

Your truck, camper, and trailer weights are within the truck's GCWR.

Now you just need the right hitch to get them all together.
For a 40 inch extension and heavy trailer, I'd recommend the TorkLift hitch on the truck, with a set of Reese equalizing bars with anti-sway cams for the trailer.

JMHO

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the reese titan hitch is what most lance guys I know use .also air bags and rancho 9000s are in order to keep the truck level and stable. I got a 5er and am glad I ditched the lance no more white nuckels on windy days

 

If the truck is set up right, there is no white knuckle driving.
See my sig.

I went with the truck camper because I tow 3 different trailers with toys most of the time. Plus I've got to get into some pretty close quarters with the rig.

Can't do ANY of that with a 5er...

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Roadranger, where do you stow your EU2000 genset? My 8.5' Lance (shortbed) has only one compartment and that's full of other stuff. Could I use the EU2000 to run the rooftop AC? Thanks.

 

Rare1-

Usually I'm towing one of the 3 trailers, and the EU2000 rides in the trailer.

Occasionally, when we don't tow, the EU2000 rides inside the camper on the floor up front.
The gas cap closes up tight, and there is no smell at all.

I ride the gas can inside the ventilated generator compartment, when not in a trailer. Genset too tall to fit the generator compartment.

We've run our Coleman Mach III 13,500 btu A/C at 11,000 ft. elevation, and 107* Arizona heat, with no problem.
However, we have to switch the 'fridge to gas, and can't run the microwave at the same time.

 

. I have a 9.5 Lance and pull a 2 horse slant trailer. If you buy the Tork lift and an equalizer you will never know its back there. Its a little spendy but its the best and safest. Go to their web site and study it and you will see what I mean. When I go by a semi truck it doesn't even know it. If you try just using a long stinger you are really taking a big chance and I am speaking from experience. Your trailer will wip around and you could really be taking a chance.

 

When I had my Fleetwood Caribou 11K I towed a 8x12 flatbed on a 36" extension with no problem. Now the most I ever had on that trailer while using the extension was two or three sleds in the winter, or two four wheelers in the summer, along with some firewood, extra gas, etc. Never had a problem with it, and couldn't even tell the trailer was back there when the camper was in the truck. I regularly inspected the hitch for cracks, and always tried to load the weight over the trailer axle. Drove it around Alaska like that for four years, and down the ALCAN.
Well I sold the camper and got a TH, but I do miss that camper sometimes (a couple pics in gallery). I've been thinking about putting a hitch on the back of the TH so I can still pull my trailer along sometimes too, but that's another thread.

 

I use a Torklift Superhitch with a 42" extension and it works good for my applications. I flat tow a Jeep or a 3 bike trailer.

 

I tow a 25ft Wells Cargo loaded with 6 quads and a small VW buggy behind my Lance Max 981. It pulls just as nice as the Fifth wheel toy hauler we use to have. No sway at all.

You defitnitely need a load equalizing hitch to handle that kind of weight. You probably only need a 36" extension because the equalizer will add about 6" to 8".

Defitnitely get the Superhitch from Torklift. They also make some really nice frame mounted camper tie downs.

Your truck should have come with a harness that you will need to butt splice to the prodigy. Then simply plug it into the blue connector under the dash by the P brake.

Good luck..................Jim