New Truck Question
New to the boards, I currently have a 2013 Ram 1500 w/3.55, tow capacity is 8700lbs. We are looking at upgrading travel trailers to a Kodiak 30' BH. Dry weight is 7300, loaded is 8900. My Ram...
Forum Discussion
camp-n-family wrote:
Forget about the tow rating, you need to be concerned with the payload first. Most vehicles will max on payload before coming anywhere near the fictional tow rating.
Average payload for 1/2 ton trucks is around 13-1500lbs. That can vary from as low as 900lbs in some Rams to over 2000lbs in other properly equipped trucks. An 8k trailer will easily eat up 1000lbs of that payload with the tongue weight, leaving little room for passengers and stuff. A trailer that size will exceed the ratings of most 1/2 ton trucks and will be much better suited for a 3/4t.
Agree, we purchased a 2008 Yukon XL Denali with decent tow rating, bought a trailer within specs, but close to limit on payload of TV. It towed ok, but I want to relax when camping (including the trip both ways). We traded for 2500HD and are much happier.
