New tent trailer! towing questions!!!!

[jsuthey]

Hi all, just got a 06 Starcraft 13RT,slightly used.PO only took it out a few times.We are in the process of getting my 80 ready to tow it.I am working out a deal w/the RV place to install brake controller.Our 80's have the 4-flat style plug& the new one is a 7-round?
I am new to all this towing tech,but my main question is: How do I hook the saftey chains up to my 4x4 labs rear bumper? I guess I can just weld on the U-shaped bolts to hook the chains to.My bumper is 28" to the bottom of the 2" rec.slot.The trailer is about 24" so a 4" drop hitch should work.
The only towing I have done in my 80,was flat towing my FJ40 around.Towed it like 200 miles one time.That was with an OME HD 2.5" lift w/the stock bumper&tow pkg.
The new trailer is about 2600 lbs. unloaded,it can take 4000 lbs.loaded.Although we won't get it that heavy,just camping gear&mountain bikes,kids bikes.
So I have rambled enough,I just need to have it ready to tow in less than 2-weeks for the Pismo surf n' turf event!!!

 

[sirenmoses]

Does the receiver hitch mount not have slots to hook the chains to? Should be on each side of the 2" box opening.

Don't forget to cross the chains under the tounge = creates a cradle to catch the hitch if it comes off. Reduces pucker factor.

 

[John E Davies]

If you haven't already committed to the controller purchase, be SURE to research the pros and cons - most units are pure, unadulterated, aggravating junk. If you want to stick with an easily available model that is decent for pavement, get a Tekonsha Prodigy or the upgraded version, the P3. I have the latter on my RAV4 and it works pretty nicely. Here's some P3 info (RAV4 specific) with some pics:

http://www.spokanister.net/Vehicles_RAV4_Brake_control.html

There's a "why no electric brakes?" thread on this page with more info.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[rusty_tlc]

x2 on the Tekonsha brand, I had a different model but it worked so much better than the cheaper unit it replaced.

 

[Niner]

get what ever you can find. It's better than nothing.

 

[trainrech]

I'd suggest an adjustable plate style receiver hitch. I have J's on my 80 and the ball isn't that much below the receiver once the 80 is loaded up and hooked up to the trailer.

 

[DiHrdBowTi]

I have both the Tekonsha Voyager and Prodigy in my diesel's. They are both great. I prefer the Prodigy in my 07 Duramax GMC truck over the Voyager in my 96 Diesel Yukon for ease of use but they are both high quality and work great.