Need help understanding all the numbers

Don't rule out a GM or Ford with max trailer. It's not like the trailers you are looking at are beyond the capability of all 150/1500. Ram just has really low payload in their 1500. A properly equipped Ecoboost or chevy 6.2 8 speed would tow the **** out of a 7,000lb trailer and give you better empty ride and mileage than any 2500.

I tow with a Ram gas 2500. My toy hauler is 8k empty and 11k loaded up. Needed the payload as it has over 1600 lb tongue weight. Tows it just fine. Not as well as a diesel does, but I didn't expect it to. Empty ride is harsh compared to my 2012 f150 and mpg is 2mpg worse.

rctoyguy wrote:
I was afraid y'all would say this. I really like this truck but if it won't work, it won't work. I only expect to pull the TT occasionally, but I don't want any drama when I do.
What's the general thought on 3/4 ton gassers?

For the weight you are asking about pulling, it would be a perfect setup. None of the listed trailers above would be too much. Every one of the big three's gas engines would have plenty of power. The only thing negative I can say about the gas engines is you have to let them rev to make power. Revving makes noise, and I personally hate that, hence the reason I went diesel after a while. The other big thing is to make sure you are getting the right gears with the gas engine. I personally would get the lowest gear possible, usually 4.10 or 4.30 depending on the make of truck.

I have been in you're shoes and went the half ton route with our first trailer. It was a 26ft bunkhouse, and with two kids a dog, and wife it was too much for the truck. I was overloaded for sure. We thought we wouldn't load up much stuff in the trailer, but once you see how easy it is especially with kids to take every thing under the sun you will want as much payload as you possibly can. My next truck will be a single rear wheel one ton due to this same issue with our current trailer.

I was afraid y'all would say this. I really like this truck but if it won't work, it won't work. I only expect to pull the TT occasionally, but I don't want any drama when I do.
What's the general thought on 3/4 ton gassers?

rctoyguy wrote:
What is the maximum trailering capacity 7940 telling me? I figured that meant loaded trailer 7940 pounds regardless of what's in the truck.

Key word maximum. I believe it is GCWR minus weight of truck with full tank of fuel and 150lb driver and passenger. Anything you put in or on your vehicle beyond that will reduce your rating by that much.

Family of 4 with 2 kids under 6 and a medium size dog with only accessories on the truck being side steps, bed cover, and bed mat takes up 700lbs.

Nope. You need to stay within GVWR and GCWR. As you add people and cargo you get closer to those ratings leaving less left over for your trailer tongue weight and overall trailer weight. As trailer weight increases with cargo, so will tongue weight.

Ram 1500 isn't the right tool for a family and larger camper.

What is the maximum trailering capacity 7940 telling me? I figured that meant loaded trailer 7940 pounds regardless of what's in the truck.

My advice is to look for a 250/2500 truck (or even bigger).
Don't make the same mistake many of us made and buy a too small truck if you are getting into RV'ing.

Very likely your first trailer will not be your last trailer. You will soon be getting a larger unit and then will need a more capable truck..

Old-Biscuit wrote:
TT1 is only one that will not be too heavy (close) by the time you add 1500# of stuff

I agree, you will add 1000-1500 lbs of gear, so TT1 will be near 7000 lbs ready for camping. Pin weight will be around 15%, so maybe 1050 lbs and that is getting real close to the max. pin weight with a weight distribution setup. In addition, the truck's dry weight is around 5500 lbs and GVWR of 6900 leaves TOTAL carrying capacity of 1400 lbs. Subtract the pin weight from that and there is very little left over for your family and gear in the truck.

10,380# is MAX Tow depending on trim level

1500# of stuff added to those dry trailer weights will put you close or over based on which trim level that RAM 1500 has (gearing/tranny etc.)

Based on that RAM 1500
TT1 is only one that will not be too heavy (close) by the time you add 1500# of stuff


2015 RAM 1500 Towing Chart

EDIT: Added caveats