Forum Discussion

davisenvy's avatar
davisenvy
Explorer
Jun 12, 2020

Towing without WD hitch

I have a 2020 Ram 1500 with a max towing of 11,447 lbs and I'm looking to tow a 25ft toy hauler with a hitch weight of 790lbs and overall weight of 5,100 lbs.

I found the camper about 125 mi away and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow. I didn't have a chance to pick up a WD hitch yet and I'm planning on towing the unit back tomorrow without one. I know it won't be fun and my truck will be squatting a good bit. Would loading a motorcycle in the trailer help with the tongue weight?

Not looking for the weight police, just some that may have had experience with this similar set up and situation.
Toy Haulers
  • samsontdog's avatar
    samsontdog
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    If it was me I would hitch up and take it home. I t will be empty. Back in the 50 and 60s we never had WD or the adjustably hitch head. I towed thousands of miles with no problems. I don't now
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    If your hitch is rated for weight bearing to match the tongue weight I see no problem. I'm quite certain your truck would have enough payload to handle that tongue weight unless you've got it loaded down with a topper, toolbox, or other accessories. Your tongue weight should be well over 10% of the trailer weight so no problem there.
    If your hitch is only rated 500 pounds weight carrying then you will be over that limit which would worry me a bit.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2020
    What does your hitch say as far as limits? I'm glad you're not near my loves ones.
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2020
    I hope it works out for you. It's not a risk that I would take. Why not just buy the WD hitch before you try to tow your new trailer home?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 12, 2020
    How off level do you believe your truck will be? Front brakes won’t help much.
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Jun 12, 2020
    You can get it home if you're super careful, not that I'd brag about it. The weight police are going to eat you alive though.

    I think I drove home with my first RV without the WD hitch and sway control. I sure was happier once I installed them though.

    Take it easy on your drive.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Jun 12, 2020
    It'll help with the steering issue you would have empty. The further back you put the bike, the better. Maybe even load it sideways, towards the cargo door.

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