Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories

[CT Mark]

I just spent a bunch of time this weekend wiring my tow vehicle so that I can run the winch using the tow vehicle's battery (with the truck running of course). I'm tired of messing with the batteries in the trailer,,,always worrying about charging it. I ran wire from the battery to the hitch. Then from the winch to the tongue. I use a 4 foot length of wire with quick connect on both ends to bridge the gap. Anyone else done this?

[Chateau Slate 66]

I have the regular Prodigy (about $20 bucks cheaper) and absolutely love it. We also use them at work with great success. It is very adjustable and comes on nice and smooth.

The one you are looking at has even a couple more features and is probably worth the extra $20.

There is an adapter that comes with the truck when it is new (if you still have it) that makes it a snap to install the controller. I am sure it is readily available from a dealer if you didn't get it with the truck. Just pay close attention to the wire labels because the colors do NOT match between the adapter and a Tekonsha controller.

[RamAirDave]

[ QUOTE ]
I just spent a bunch of time this weekend wiring my tow vehicle so that I can run the winch using the tow vehicle's battery (with the truck running of course). I'm tired of messing with the batteries in the trailer,,,always worrying about charging it. I ran wire from the battery to the hitch. Then from the winch to the tongue. I use a 4 foot length of wire with quick connect on both ends to bridge the gap. Anyone else done this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I hear ya. Something we just haven't gotten around to doing. The deep cylcle batt is usually good for a dozen pulls or so (I have no idea for sure, but we don't have to constantly charge it while pulling a vehicle or two/week on average), but would be nice to just plug it into the tow vehicle.

Just looked through pics, and the only one I have is one of the few low-res that I didn't save the hi-res. Shows 1700 on it.

[Eddie M.]

when I use the winch to load I found that it will pull power through the charge wire and get it hot then I end up with a bad connection from a over heated connection at the plug only to find out the battery is dead because of it so I put a switch in the trailer to shut off the charge wire so it won't back feed when I load with winch I also put a volt gauge in the trailer so I could watch it.
works great now

[CamarosRus]

15" Trailer Tire issue is driving me nuts!!!!!!!!!!

I want to replace the 6 year old GY Marathons, but with what ???????

I've joined a DODGE Cummins Forum after buying my (new) 03 Quad-Cab RAM. Many of these guys pull heavy fifth wheel trailers. A lot of them use 16" wheels are installing Michelin LT "Ribs" commercial truck tires or a 16" Goodyear G614 trailer tire..............

I really dont want the expense of going 16" and not even sure they would fit (diameter and width) on my 20 Pace American Shadow GT.

Anyway, after reading for hours on end, I just cant find or reach a conclusion........

Also read whereas MAXXIS has a load range E tire, that some have used........where others still bad mouth ALL the Chinese tires.......

Rant over.................

[Charley Lillard]

I have usually gotten good tire recommendations from my Les Schwabb dealer. Doesn't hurt or cost anything to talk to them. You might even call the Tire Rack and talk to them.

[CamarosRus]

Charley, First of all, I do THANK YOU for responding.

Les Schwab has manym dealers with may opinions. I believe the only 15" trailer tire that Schwab sells is either the Towmaster or Towmax. There is absolutely no conviction or comclusions on the internet, by REAL users (not tire salesmen) that any of these ST chinese made trailer tires hold up.

For those that will suggest, yes I know that DENMAN tires are made in Mexico.

I honestly believe this is one of those subjects, that will never reach an answer with any conclusion......

[Chateau Slate 66]

Have you looked at the reviews/ratings on Tirerack.com? I have found their user reviews helpfull and pretty accurate in the past.

[CamarosRus]

I have SOLD my 6 year old Goodyear Marathon 225 X 75 X 15 tires and Enkei Modular wheels for $400. Tires had NO visible defects and 8/32 thread. ALL the misc aging discussion I have read about convinced me to throw in the towel and start over........NEW !!!!!!!!!!

I woundup calling Les Schwab's headquaters today in Oregon. They have over 400 stores throughout the West.

Last year they sold 24,000+ TOWMAX 225 x 75 x 15 ST trailer tires Load Range D (2540@65psi). In 2008 they had a little over 100 that were brought back for misc warrnty issues.

Man I spoke with informed me that TOWMAX recently came out with a 10Ply/Load Range E in the 225 X 75 X 15, good 2830#@ 80psi. Schawb sells these 10 ply's for $115 each (plus mount/balance)

I also spoke with a tire employee at COSTCO about BFG Commercial T/A All Seasons in 225 X 75 X 16 that are 29.4 inches dia 8.8 wide on a 6" Rim. Has anybody seen or tried 16" wheels/tires on a Pace, Haulmark, trailer with 6 lug, 5000# axles......

Anyway, I'm leaning towards the 10Ply 15" Towmasters and new Enkei Motorsport Wheels that are made for Pace American.

I have read pages of threads from a variety of forums on the net. The only conclusion I did find was that many of the 16" fifth wheel R/V guys went to the $$$ Michelin XPS Rib Tire. I believe these have what is called a ALL STEEL CASE. These are not offered in 15" sizes.

Anybody been buying trailer tires or THINKING about it ????

Thanks for reading and replying

Chuck Sharin

[Charley Lillard]

Schwabb also is usually great about Warranty.