Towing Tips for your Next Summer Road Trip

Summer is officially underway in Albuquerque, New Mexico! With just a few short months to take in the warmer weather and lazy vibes, at Melloy Dodge we hope that you'll make the time for that ultimate summer adventure- the road trip! Whether you're headed across country, or just out of the city, Melloy Dodge has a vehicle for you to tow your trailer so you can achieve the ultimate in comfort and convenience when you head out on the road this summer. Our line of high performance RAM trucks never fails to get the job done, whether it is hauling work supplies, or all your camping or beach gear. When it comes time to pack up and head out, keep in mind some of these towing tips so you make it to your destination safely and hassle free.

1. Know your load What's the max towing capacity of your truck? Be sure not to overload your vehicle, and keep in mind the combined weight rating of your truck, trailer, items in the bed of the truck, and even your passengers. Your owner's manual should help you make an approximation at this number so you don't go overboard on the weight your truck can handle, not that you need to worry much when you're behind the wheel of a Dodge RAM. The RAM 1500 can tow up to 9,000 pounds, while heftier models like the RAM 3500 can handle a whopping 11,910 pounds.

2. Have the right hitch Seem like an unimportant detail? Think again. Having a hitch that is the right size, shape, and fit for your RAM truck is essential for safe towing. For added peace of mind, you may want to consider a few worthwhile extras like safety chains. As you cruise down the road, in between sightseeing and pit stops, take a moment to check that you hitch is still level with the trailer.

3. Take extra precautions It may seem obvious, but a trailer set up will change the way your Dodge SUV or RAM truck handles. Be sure to reduce your driving speed, give yourself extra stopping distance, and increase your following distance as well. The staff of Melloy Dodge suggests you err on the side of caution- better safe than sorry!

4. Reverse with care You might feel pretty comfortable throwing your truck into reverse normally, but if you've driven a truck while towing nearly anything, you know it's a whole different ball game. If at all possible, avoid reversing. If you must maneuver in reverse, make sure you have plenty of room, and that you keep your hands at the base of the steering wheel in the direction you need to go.

Ready to head out? We hope so! Just be sure to consult your owner's manual and a trusted mechanic, and have a great time! Enjoy your summer, Albuquerque!

Regular vs. Premium Gas: What Really is the Difference?

At Melloy Dodge our sales staff answers a lot of questions to make sure that any given customer drives away in the right car for them. For some it is a Dodge Journey, for others it is a Dodge Dart. While all Dodge vehicles offer a degree of versatility, there many other design and style options to consider. Regardless of which car has been selected, one question we frequently get from new car buyers is: regular or premium gas? There is lots of talk, and lots of myths surrounding this particular topic. As the Albuquerque experts on high performance vehicles, we're here to give you the low down on the real differences, and when you should choose premium over regular.

The most important difference between these two types of gasoline is the octane rating. Generally, a premium gasoline will have a higher octane level, meaning that is less flammable and can withstand more pressure. This high octane quality means that it can help engines run more efficiently. In addition, most premium gasoline includes additives that reduce carbon build-up inside the engine and inhibit corrosion. Ethanol may be added as well to boost the octane rating in premium gasoline. So, you have a brand new Dodge vehicle and you want to take the best possible care of it- should you be using premium gasoline?

Regardless of the vehicle that you're driving, when making a decision at the fuel pump, first consult the owner's manual. Does it say to use premium? Does it say that premium gasoline is recommended? Or does it indicate that regular gasoline is just fine? Most vehicles, even if they suggest the use of premium gasoline, can run on regular, but regular gas may retard the ignition, produce less power, and may prove slightly less fuel efficient. It is always a good idea to consult the staff of your dealership, or your mechanic if you're not sure which kind of gas to use, or if you are making a switch between varieties.

If you're invested in high performance sports vehicles like the Dodge Viper or Dodge Challenger, sticking with equally high grade fuel is a great idea in order to get the maximum benefit and drive from your new vehicle. For most other vehicles (just remember to check the owner's manual first!) regular unleaded gasoline will do the job just fine and maintain a consistent environment under the hood. Want to talk shop with us at Melloy Dodge? Get in touch with our staff with more questions.

Top Summer Driving Songs

Sun is out? Yes! Windows down? Check. Great destination in mind? Then you're ready to head out on your next trip, whether it is across town or across country. At Melloy Dodge we don't think there is any shame in singing loud behind the wheel of your car, so we've compiled a list of some of the greatest summer cruising songs to add to the fun of your next road trip. Go ahead, turn it up and sing it loud! Have some additions to our list? Submit them in the comments, or on the Melloy Dodge Facebook page!

Let's kick this list off with a classic! Any Queen fans out there? Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody” is arguably good to accompany any activity, but belting it with your friends in the car may be the very best. This undeniably catchy classic rock opus will definitely kick your energy into high gear and set an epic vibe for your trip.

Since the 1960s, the Beach Boys have been the soundtrack to summertime. Why not crank a classic like “California Girls”? The Beach Boys manage to capture the magic of a summer road trip perfectly and their lyrics conjure up beaches, summer romance, and warm weather fun. You may be hard pressed to find a good surf spot in New Mexico, but that doesn't mean you can't get behind the wheel of your Dodge Dart and seek adventure!

If you really want to set the mood for a long drive get comfortable in something spacious like the Dodge Journey and crank up “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane. This classic hit conjures up good times while make the highway seem a little more, well, epic. This ditty kind of sums up our philosophy at Melloy Dodge- life is highway, and a lot of life happens behind the wheel of your car. Invest in one that you love.

Find the right vehicle for you and your family at the right price with the help of Melloy Dodge, New Mexico's number one Dodge distributor. Browse our monthly specials, or get in touch with us today!