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Lets see what you are towing!

Another dumb question. So exactly what are the batteries in the camper used for? I have two in the front of my 5’r. Tried to lift the front up to get it ready for the truck and nothing happened. I then hooked hooked up the shore power and presto, ready to lift. If I am doing something stupid point it out. I can take it...
 
Another dumb question. So exactly what are the batteries in the camper used for? I have two in the front of my 5’r. Tried to lift the front up to get it ready for the truck and nothing happened. I then hooked hooked up the shore power and presto, ready to lift. If I am doing something stupid point it out. I can take it...

You probably had the master switch in the off position. When "on", your batteries should power most of the trailer without a generator or shore power---most everything other than the A/C unit, the TV (usually), and the microwave.

Look for a push/pull switch in the battery storage area or a red on/off switch.
 
Would like to know how the truck did (mpg, octane used, range). We leave the 2nd week in July and our 2021 2500 6.4/4.10 should hopefully have 1000 miles on it by then.
Truck did amazing. I'm coming out of a 2014 ram 2500 6.4 3.73 gears and this truck pulls way better. The old truck I would have to down shift manually to 3rd before any grades or I would lose speed and the truck would shift down to first or second. this one I can set my cruise and forget about it. Never lost any speed always in the right gear. I always run mid grade 89 octane. I got 8.4mpg on 400 mile round trip with lots of wind. Last year in the 2014 I got 6.8mpg on the same exact trip. Love the new 2021 ram
 
You probably had the master switch in the off position. When "on", your batteries should power most of the trailer without a generator or shore power---most everything other than the A/C unit, the TV (usually), and the microwave.

Look for a push/pull switch in the battery storage area or a red on/off switch.
Fwiw, Our factory battery disconnect is in the pass through storage and only disconnects the battery from the converter and power distribution.

Basically only the front - Jack control and storage lighting is still powered. The back of the RV is disconnected. That said, our jack control panel is also in the secure compartment.

I added a real main disconnect at the battery location.

Of course, they're all setup a little different.

Sent from my work avoidance device
 
Another dumb question. So exactly what are the batteries in the camper used for? I have two in the front of my 5’r. Tried to lift the front up to get it ready for the truck and nothing happened. I then hooked hooked up the shore power and presto, ready to lift. If I am doing something stupid point it out. I can take it...

Something simpler, like dead batteries? Very easy to have happen as there are parasitic drains that are often missed when in storage.

Brad
 
Something simpler, like dead batteries? Very easy to have happen as there are parasitic drains that are often missed when in storage.

Brad

That's what I was thinking. Hooking shore power would allow the converter to supply 12V (and charge the battery).

Precisely why I added a primary battery disconnect. In addition to the front end power, it still supplies power to the propane/CO detector even why the factory disco is off.
 
Thanks for the information. I should have added that I did verify that the master kill switch was in the “on” position. I did think about the batteries being dead. I was trying to get it moved before a storm hit. I’m gonna check batteries and then charge. I may need to add a kill switch to isolate batteries from parasitic loads.
Bottom line is that I should be able to use batteries for the front jacks? Awesome site! Great help as always!
 
That's what I was thinking. Hooking shore power would allow the converter to supply 12V (and charge the battery).

Precisely why I added a primary battery disconnect. In addition to the front end power, it still supplies power to the propane/CO detector even why the factory disco is off.
What brand and where did you source the primary battery disconnect? I definitely think there should be a total way to isolate batteries.
 
What brand and where did you source the primary battery disconnect? I definitely think there should be a total way to isolate batteries.
Came out of my boat after doing a mod to that for dual batteries (start+house).

I tend to get all Blue Sea marine rated parts. A little more spendy, but buy once, cry once.

Surface mount, covered connections. Mount in the battery compartment.


RV repair buddy uses these (type) as well for panel mount (exposed connections) typically exits in the propane compartment of fifth hwheels.


The bigtime boondock guys probably have other options. We are generally glamping at lakes and with power/water sometimes dump.
 
Came out of my boat after doing a mod to that for dual batteries (start+house).

I tend to get all Blue Sea marine rated parts. A little more spendy, but buy once, cry once.

Surface mount, covered connections. Mount in the battery compartment.


RV repair buddy uses these (type) as well for panel mount (exposed connections) typically exits in the propane compartment of fifth hwheels.


The bigtime boondock guys probably have other options. We are generally glamping at lakes and with power/water sometimes dump.
Excellent. I’ll check them out.
 
What is the maximum recommendation for trailer weight for a 2020 power wagon with firestone air bags. I'm looking to purchase a boat in the 13000 weight range.
 
Picked up this 3500 3 weeks ago. This is my first tow. It was like it wasn't even there.
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What is the maximum recommendation for trailer weight for a 2020 power wagon with firestone air bags. I'm looking to purchase a boat in the 13000 weight range.

Search online on the Ram site for the Power Wagon towing specs. I think they are only rated for about 10,000lbs or so and you would be overloaded. All the things that make the Power Wagon so great offroad are the opposite of what you want for towing, especially its soft suspension, and off road biased drive train.
BTW, Firestone air bags will not increase your tow rating. They may help reduce the rear end sag, but do nothing to change the rest of the components and their ability to tow the weight.
Now, perhaps you could push it and do just fine; you wouldn't be the first person to be over on your ratings, but being about 30% over seems a lot.

Brad
 
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