Everything checks out on paper in terms of weight. I have the super hitch, load equalizer, airbags, and E rated tires. Next on the purchase list is a hellwig sway bar.

I'm moving cross county here in December from Idaho to North Carolina. I want to make this as safe/reliable as possible, while being prepared for the worst.

Any advice or modifications that would help?

Thanks in advance.

 

I had a 06 2500 MC with a Maveric 8801 camper topped out at 11400LB on a trip down east four years ago. The handling was excellent with hellig sway bar, Rancho 9000 shocks, air bags and Toyo AT tires

 

Sounds like you've nailed the mods to the truck, I guess you have a good trailer brake controller? Probably no need for an exhaust brake with only a 20ft enclosed. Regardless, use tow- haul and 4-low to back-up any inclines (your tranny will thank you).

Make sure the tires and valve stems (I like the metal ones) on the trailer are in good shape, including the spare. No fun changing one on the side of the interstate because of sun-rot or tread separation. Check your lug nut toque daily and for excessive heat every fuel stop, that'll be an indicator of bearing health. If you're not sure the last time the bearings were packed then get that done. You'll also get better mpgs running the tire pressure near max.

 

EB a good idea no matter what.

There are better trailer brake controllers, but a P3 is the minimum quality device I'd install.

My biggest concern (after tires/brakes) would be steering wander:

1] Worn truck components or alignment issues
2] Trailer axle alignment/brake drag also

The little stuff that is not a problem in local driving sure can add up on a long trip -- and another reason for stopping every two hours for break and walk-around; plan fuel & meal breaks at the four hour marks -- I do this for a living and the long days (not more than 5-600 miles per day) are all about being rested the day long. And not feeling beat on Day Three. A couple of extra days travel time is irrelevant when a problem pops up in front of you . . we all need the rest. Establish a pace, plan the stops in advance, and break out the day into legs.

What does the trailer weigh? A tongue weight of 400-lbs meets the DODGE requirement for a weight distribution hitch. (Remember that TW is measured "static", but the dynamic forces -- the trailer "lever" -- is far greater when going down the road. Anti-sway is always a good idea to have as well.

Your rig already has a lot of "sail area", so a WDH with anti-sway makes more sense than usual. The "goal" is to restore the FA [front axle] to the weight value when the truck is loaded, but not hitched. It also settles more weight on the trailer axles for improved braking. Resistance to winds, natural or man-made, would certainly concern me.

A certified scale is our friend when setting up for towing. I would also weigh each wheel position individually to be sure of truck tire pressure versus load (trailers are always to be at maximum sidewall pressure; be sure trailer tires are not cheap or five years old).

Also:

- CAC leaks
- New fluids
- New external lamps at all positions (LED upgrade on trailer).

.

 

As already mentioned look for tires and hubs heating up but remember a tire facing the sun will be hotter than one on the other side, you are looking for one that jumps out at you. Buy a cheap infrared thermometer I find one invaluable and always carry one in the truck. I do a walk around check each fuel stop and just point and read. Don't forget those wheel nut torques on the trailer especially if the wheel has been off recently.

 

If your truck does not have a front sway bar you mite look into that as well as a rear sway bar, sounds like you have all the other bases covered.

safe travels

Darwin

 

A Hellwig Big Wig swaybar is essential. Even with the fore/aft extended sleeping area,a scale should show you're tail heavy.
Good luck.

 

Rear tires on the rig are the weak link....E-rated doesn't really mean much...and stated load capacity is a close second....all tires are rated by size and inflation pressure, period....some tire casings are much stronger than others...toyo's m55 is a very tough casing compared to a at or mt, for instance...any 19.5 is much better yet, too.