Crusher 33 wrote:
Really? That small? Not what I was expecting to hear. It has an 8900 pound towing capacity according to my owners manual.
That 8900 lbs is very misleading. Dodge says your vehicle is rated to pull 8900 lbs. That is weight being pulled behind the vehicle. The keyword here is "behind" (like on a sled).
They also say your vehicle's frame, powertrain, suspension, tires, and brakes, are rated to carry a certain amount of weight. GVWR and cargo capacity (payload).
The problem you have with a travel trailer is, ten to fifteen percent of the loaded trailers weight, is actually being carried by the tow vehicle. An 8900 lb trailer could have as much as 1335 lbs of tongue weight, plus 100 lbs of WD hitch, being carried by the tow vehicle. You could be over weight on the tow vehicle, before you get behind the wheel.
Check your driver side door post, for a sticker that shows your GVWR and cargo capacity. I think you'll find a CC number around 12 - 1300 lbs.
The cargo capacity number is room you have for total weight of all passengers, luggage (inside / outside/ on top), weight distribution hitch (about 100 lbs), and trailer tongue weight.