Half ton TV advice
I'm new to the TT world, looking for a 19-26' TT for the wife and I. We planning to semi-retire in 5 years, when we'll be late 40's, and live a minimalist lifestyle, try fulltiming and visit a lot of the national parks.
I've read a lot of threads on the viability of pulling with a half ton pickup, and what it seems to come down to on these trucks is a low payload weight. Since there is a lot of variability in half tons, here's what I have. A 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman, with tow package, which gives me some nice-to-haves. My limiting factor appears to be payload. Here's my TV specs:
Class IV receiver hitch, 4 and 7 point harness.
V-8 Hemi, 390hp, 407lb-ft torque
Heavy duty oil cooler
Heavy duty transmission cooler
160 amp alternator
3.55 gear ratio
Multilink Rear coil springs
6350 GVW; 14000 GCW; 1440 max payload
Max trailer 8900lbs.
To improve towing capacity, will add:
* load balancing system
* integrated electronic trailer brake controller
* 1000# rear suspension airlift system
My problem is, between the wife and I and a full tank of 26g of fuel, plus 50# of extra gear, and subtracting the 150# of driver weight (boy I wish I was back at 150#!) we're left with payload of 870 pounds.
Dialing in the tongue weight at 15% of trailer weight, I'm looking at a limit of 5800 pounds.
Have I calculated this correctly? Any advice for fulltiming in something this light? I suspect the answer is "give up and buy a 3/4 ton truck." But would appreciate any help analyzing this and some advice on looking at the problem from people with more experience on this than I. Thanks!
I've read a lot of threads on the viability of pulling with a half ton pickup, and what it seems to come down to on these trucks is a low payload weight. Since there is a lot of variability in half tons, here's what I have. A 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman, with tow package, which gives me some nice-to-haves. My limiting factor appears to be payload. Here's my TV specs:
Class IV receiver hitch, 4 and 7 point harness.
V-8 Hemi, 390hp, 407lb-ft torque
Heavy duty oil cooler
Heavy duty transmission cooler
160 amp alternator
3.55 gear ratio
Multilink Rear coil springs
6350 GVW; 14000 GCW; 1440 max payload
Max trailer 8900lbs.
To improve towing capacity, will add:
* load balancing system
* integrated electronic trailer brake controller
* 1000# rear suspension airlift system
My problem is, between the wife and I and a full tank of 26g of fuel, plus 50# of extra gear, and subtracting the 150# of driver weight (boy I wish I was back at 150#!) we're left with payload of 870 pounds.
Dialing in the tongue weight at 15% of trailer weight, I'm looking at a limit of 5800 pounds.
Have I calculated this correctly? Any advice for fulltiming in something this light? I suspect the answer is "give up and buy a 3/4 ton truck." But would appreciate any help analyzing this and some advice on looking at the problem from people with more experience on this than I. Thanks!
