How long a camper can I (should I) tow?
I have a new 2014 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi (8 speed) with approximately 9000lbs tow capacity. Looking to buy a travel trailer and trying to understand what is a safe camper length for this vehicle. I would...
Forum Discussion
You mention a 1280 lb. payload, assuming you got that from the sticker in the door jamb. Go to a scale and weigh the truck with your entire family, dirt bike, and weight distributing hitch in the truck. Subtract that weight from the GVWR rating, also on the door sticker. This is what you will have available for tongue weight. Tongue weight will easily be 12-15% of the total, trip ready weight of the trailer. I agree with Ron (lanerd)about not towing over 25' travel trailers with a half ton truck, but that is a personal comfort zone thing for me. Gets too easy for the tail to wag the dog when driving in less than perfect weather and road conditions. Please let us know what your available tongue weight is after you weigh the truck.
