My son is interested in buying a family member's RAM to tow a small couples trailer, but I was surprised to find the low tow rating of 4400, and max payload of 1794. The rear axle gearing is 3.21, and has the 8-speed transmission. He would be the only person in the tow, and he weighs maybe 175. I was going to recommend these:CampLite 16, CL16TBS. Dry weight is 3010, and the GVWR 4,400CL16TBSLance 1475 (I'm sure too $$$) Dry weight 2600, GVWR 3700Lance 1475Possibly one of the White Water Retros, but I believe many have had issues with their earlier models. The 177FK and SE have dry weights around 3000 and the larger 179 is 3360.Are even those too heavy? Girlfriend is a traveling nurse, so the use would be two adults the majority of the time. Not a lot of options for them with that truck. He has zero towing experience and this mama is a little rattled. lol Would love some feedback.

Payload isn't too bad for a RAM but 4400 max tow would be unacceptable IMO

If he's within the ratings, I think he's golden. The only part of that platform that will get worked is the engine. It won't win any races, but should be good to go.

TurnThePage wrote:If he's within the ratings, I think he's golden. The only part of that platform that will get worked is the engine. It won't win any races, but should be good to go.Thanks for your opinion. It's appreciated!

TurnThePage wrote:If he's within the ratings, I think he's golden. The only part of that platform that will get worked is the engine. It won't win any races, but should be good to go.The 3.6L with the 8-speed is decently quick. Just gotta spin it to win it. I suspect the sustained high RPMs to make that power is the cause for the low ratings. But I don't think he'd be holding up traffic even maxing out the tow rating.

Ditto carringb and TurnThePage:The Pentastar V6 is the often-overlooked "engine that could". Very capable and tough, but does need to rev to get it done in the hills. Interesting that swapping from 3.21 to 3.55 increases the trailer rating by 3,000lbs, on the same equipped truck.Noticed you have a Tab trailer, what kind of camping is your son likely to do? Haul kayaks, bikes, traditional trailer, stay at regular campgrounds or off the beaten path?Take a look at IntechRV for Luna, small toy haulers, or even the fancy new Sol trailer. Any of those would be an easy fit for the Ram, even with 3.21 gears. Also consider Winnebago's Micro Minnie series.

RAM 1500 3.6L V6 and small trailer opinions | Good Sam Community

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2019
Payload isn't too bad for a RAM but 4400 max tow would be unacceptable IMO
TurnThePage
Explorer
Jun 25, 2019
If he's within the ratings, I think he's golden. The only part of that platform that will get worked is the engine. It won't win any races, but should be good to go.
bakerkids
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
TurnThePage wrote:
If he's within the ratings, I think he's golden. The only part of that platform that will get worked is the engine. It won't win any races, but should be good to go.

Thanks for your opinion. It's appreciated!
carringb
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
TurnThePage wrote:
If he's within the ratings, I think he's golden. The only part of that platform that will get worked is the engine. It won't win any races, but should be good to go.

The 3.6L with the 8-speed is decently quick. Just gotta spin it to win it. I suspect the sustained high RPMs to make that power is the cause for the low ratings. But I don't think he'd be holding up traffic even maxing out the tow rating.
normal_dave
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
Ditto carringb and TurnThePage:
The Pentastar V6 is the often-overlooked "engine that could". Very capable and tough, but does need to rev to get it done in the hills. Interesting that swapping from 3.21 to 3.55 increases the trailer rating by 3,000lbs, on the same equipped truck.

Noticed you have a Tab trailer, what kind of camping is your son likely to do? Haul kayaks, bikes, traditional trailer, stay at regular campgrounds or off the beaten path?

Take a look at IntechRV for Luna, small toy haulers, or even the fancy new Sol trailer. Any of those would be an easy fit for the Ram, even with 3.21 gears. Also consider Winnebago's Micro Minnie series.
bakerkids
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
normal_dave wrote:
Ditto carringb and TurnThePage:
The Pentastar V6 is the often-overlooked "engine that could". Very capable and tough, but does need to rev to get it done in the hills. Interesting that swapping from 3.21 to 3.55 increases the trailer rating by 3,000lbs, on the same equipped truck.

Noticed you have a Tab trailer, what kind of camping is your son likely to do? Haul kayaks, bikes, traditional trailer, stay at regular campgrounds or off the beaten path?

Take a look at IntechRV for Luna, small toy haulers, or even the fancy new Sol trailer. Any of those would be an easy fit for the Ram, even with 3.21 gears. Also consider Winnebago's Micro Minnie series.

I did pass along the Micro Minnie as a possibility too. They do have two 8' kayaks. I don't think they'd like spending time long-term in the Luna due to not having a permanent bed. I did forget about the Sol completely, so thanks for the reminder.

My son will be in one location for 13 weeks at a minimum before moving on so I suspect they'll find a monthly rate at a private CG. Totally the opposite of what I do.
normal_dave
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
Hmmm...admittedly, this is the RV forum, but if I were young, camping with two kayaks, maybe watching a budget, moving around, I'd do what I did, a cargo conversion. Mine is 3,000lbs fully loaded.

7x16 Conversion

I now tow it with my Mitsubishi Montero V6:
bakerkids
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
normal_dave wrote:
Hmmm...admittedly, this is the RV forum, but if I were young, camping with two kayaks, maybe watching a budget, moving around, I'd do what I did, a cargo conversion. Mine is 3,000lbs fully loaded.

7x16 Conversion

I now tow it with my Mitsubishi Montero V6:

He doesn't have the time, tools, or skills to build out something. My advice to him is a ready-to-roll camper. In this post I'm looking for a trailer weight he shouldn't exceed. It most likely will be easier to sell a camper, as well, if they find they want to put down roots in one of the areas. This is supposed to be a minimum of a one-year experience.

Thanks for sharing your option.
rexlion
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
Scamp is about 2600 lbs, 16' overall. But if he gets the rear end swapped out it opens up all sorts of choices.

Doggone these kids that don't get married nowadays. My daughter, same thing. Ugh!
bakerkids
Explorer
Jun 26, 2019
rexlion wrote:
Scamp is about 2600 lbs, 16' overall. But if he gets the rear end swapped out it opens up all sorts of choices.

Doggone these kids that don't get married nowadays. My daughter, same thing. Ugh!

I know! So frustrating. I work in the court system, and we have women with babies from 4 different dads. Don't get me started on the non-commitment thing. Ugh.

I wanted him to consider a Casita, but he's passing on it unfortunately. FOr one thing, a couple of my suggestions have a dry bath.