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
I am surprised at the negative feedback for occasionally towing a 7000lb +/- trailer with a new 1/2 ton. I towed 5500lbs with a 2008 Hemi Durango/Aspen SUV for 6 years with passengers, and it was a walk in the park...matter of fact that truck drove better with a load behind it than without...and that vehicle did not have the 9000lb+ towing capability, the HP, the 8 speed, nor the longer wheelbase of the 2014 Ram 1500 Hemi.
I use to do 70-80mph over hundreds of miles for years without even a hint of an issue. Never felt a trailer sway once EVER!! With 335hp and 370 ft. lbs. it was never at a loss for power even up hills, never had overheating issues. The rear never sagged. This was a loaded Aspen with every luxury option available and a 3:55 rear. I could forget it was even back there.
And now I am hearing that a truck MUCH more capable than my 2008 Aspen, can't handle 7000+/- lbs?? I would bet my 2008 Aspen could have handled the 7000lbs with no issue, let alone the 1500. The thing that worries me is the surface area of the travel trailer catching wind, compared to the shorter race car hauler I use to tow. That was really my purpose for the thread.
So it sounds like towing anything larger than 30ft, in general is a white knuckle experience, probably regardless if you had a 1500 or 2500. Fifth wheel is probably more stable at the longer lengths.
But after I have towed 5500lbs with an SUV without an issue, I refuse to believe a Ram 1500 is less capable.
I use to do 70-80mph over hundreds of miles for years without even a hint of an issue. Never felt a trailer sway once EVER!! With 335hp and 370 ft. lbs. it was never at a loss for power even up hills, never had overheating issues. The rear never sagged. This was a loaded Aspen with every luxury option available and a 3:55 rear. I could forget it was even back there.
And now I am hearing that a truck MUCH more capable than my 2008 Aspen, can't handle 7000+/- lbs?? I would bet my 2008 Aspen could have handled the 7000lbs with no issue, let alone the 1500. The thing that worries me is the surface area of the travel trailer catching wind, compared to the shorter race car hauler I use to tow. That was really my purpose for the thread.
So it sounds like towing anything larger than 30ft, in general is a white knuckle experience, probably regardless if you had a 1500 or 2500. Fifth wheel is probably more stable at the longer lengths.
But after I have towed 5500lbs with an SUV without an issue, I refuse to believe a Ram 1500 is less capable.
