Forum Discussion

trapperbking's avatar
trapperbking
Explorer
Jul 06, 2014

2014 dodge 1500 newbie

okay I'm thinking of buying my first TT I bought my truck without thinking about what it could haul but I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab 4X4 6-speed Automatic 5.7L Hemi Tow Package Trailer Brake Package Payload Capacity 1446lbs 8600lb tow capacity i have a class 3 hitch I will not be a full timer but weekend user(i have 2 young daughters), soccer tourneys, camping, maybe a yearly trip within 1000 miles each way things of that nature I dont want a trailer that will wear out my new truck so i didnt want to go too heavy any suggestions on weight limits that won't affect life of truck the heaviest one i was interested in was 2014 Forest River RV Patriot Edition 26BH 29 ft Dry Weight 4541 gross weight 7402 hitch weight 402 Or a 2012 k-z sportsmen 26ft dry weight 4210 gross 6000 we want a bunkhouse style and the more room the better but safe pulling, quality for the money(last for years)not tearing up my truck are the most important things thanks for any advice
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Jul 07, 2014
    Are you sure about that Class III hitch? Normally when you get the tow package, a Class IV hitch is installed. From a cursory glance I don't think you have to worry about tearing up your truck. If you're flirting with any of your limits for extended periods of time then I'd get concerned. The heaviest trailer at gross still seems to be within your limits. Do yourself a favor and get a real payload number. Load up your truck and get it weighed. Subtract that loaded number from GVWR sticker in your door jamb.
  • Speedogomer's avatar
    Speedogomer
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2014
    I have the same truck as well, you shouldn't have any problems with the size trailer you're looking at. You'll want a good weight distribution hitch with sway control.
  • NanciL's avatar
    NanciL
    Explorer II
    Jul 06, 2014
    I am hauling 26 foot, 5000 pound travel trailer with the same truck, and have no problem at all. I have a cap on the back of it and carry two long sea kayaks with a 17 foot canoe between them on the roof. I also have the bed loaded with all our back packing and paddling equipment.
    It tows it much better then my old ford F-150 and I am getting 2 to 3 MPG more than I got with the Ford . .
    My last trip with it was a 2000 miles one and I averaged 10 MPG and most of the time never felt the trailer behind me
    Time will tell, but right now I am a happy camper.

    Jack L
  • OpenRangePullen's avatar
    OpenRangePullen
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2014
    trapperbking wrote:
    okay I'm thinking of buying my first TT I bought my truck without thinking about what it could haul but I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab 4X4 6-speed Automatic 5.7L Hemi Tow Package Trailer Brake Package Payload Capacity 1446lbs 8600lb tow capacity i have a class 3 hitch I will not be a full timer but weekend user(i have 2 young daughters), soccer tourneys, camping, maybe a yearly trip within 1000 miles each way things of that nature I dont want a trailer that will wear out my new truck so i didnt want to go too heavy any suggestions on weight limits that won't affect life of truck the heaviest one i was interested in was 2014 Forest River RV Patriot Edition 26BH 29 ft Dry Weight 4541 gross weight 7402 hitch weight 402 Or a 2012 k-z sportsmen 26ft dry weight 4210 gross 6000 we want a bunkhouse style and the more room the better but safe pulling, quality for the money(last for years)not tearing up my truck are the most important things thanks for any advice

    Trust me you do not want the Sportsman by KZ. I work at a McClains Rv dealer and on sportsman TT's with roof mounted Air conditioners, The A/C is the lowest spot on the roof and we have done many repairs on those. The seal wont last forever and eventually the pooled up condensation will start to leak inside. Go for the Forestriver or try Keystones, or even Openrange.
    Good Luck!!!
  • hmknightnc's avatar
    hmknightnc
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2014
    KD4UPL wrote:
    Fill up with gas, load the family, and weigh the truck. Subtract the weight from GVWR and that's your available payload. Figure you're loaded trailer will be at least 1000 pounds over the dry weight and the tongue weight will be about 13 percent of that. Just keep the tongue weight below your available payload.


    That'll work, and the two trailers you described should fall within this advice. Go have fun and welcome to forum.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2014
    Fill up with gas, load the family, and weigh the truck. Subtract the weight from GVWR and that's your available payload. Figure you're loaded trailer will be at least 1000 pounds over the dry weight and the tongue weight will be about 13 percent of that. Just keep the tongue weight below your available payload.
  • trapperbking's avatar
    trapperbking
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2014
    To clarify I've looked locally but 2 i have described i found online haven't seen in person 2012 K-Z is about an hour away used just looked like good deal and what I'm looking for wanting to spend 8000-15000 any suggestions appreciated

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