jmac2009 wrote:
Researching the RAM website, I have a towing capacity of 12,200 lbs. I figure about 400 lbs in the cab and 75 lbs for the hitch. Now the 5th wheel with options is now at 11,015 lbs. Since there is only the two of us, I'm guessing another 500 lbs in the 5er so I'm at 11,900 -12,000 lbs.
Does this mean I'm going to struggle going uphill or overheat the transmission? Wear the brakes going downhill? What does "Towing Capacity" really mean.
Payload is always your limiting factor and the only way to estimate it is to take the dry pin wt., divide by the dry wt., then multiply by the GVW. That will tell you the approximate max pin wt at GVW. The ratio may vary, especially if you start adding batteries, generators and the like, which tend to be right at the front of the storage, so are putting a lot more weight on the pin. Also, add about 100 more lbs for the hitch. Will you carry water in the FW? 8 lbs per gallon. What about if you can't dump and have to carry a load of black and grey water somewhere? I'm not saying that this truck won't handle a decent payload, but do be careful in choosing your FW.
As far as towing, with a gasser, keep the RPM up in the power band and don't worry about it; gassers are =designed= to run at higher RPM to produce power. Take what speed you can get at the RPM you want and let traffic go around you on the hills. The engine will work =less= hard at a higher RPM and you'll actually get somewhat better mileage. As far as downhills, if your FW brakes are in good repair, they are supposed to stop the full weight of the FW at GVW; the truck's brakes stop the truck. Yes, if the fecal material hits the fan, having a bigger truck, with bigger brakes, is much better, but you have to draw a limit somewhere.
Lyle
