We've been towing a variety of RVs with a variety of trucks for the past 20 years. A couple of years ago we decided the economic picture indicated its time to pull the plug on our RV lifestyle so we sold the F-350 Diesel and 34' Silverback 5th wheel. Then we decided maybe we could kinda still do a little camping so we bought a Chev 2500 and used Travel trailer. That was a switch because we always had a 5th wheel but it worked just fine. Last year we decided we really have to quit so we sold out again and bought a 2014 Ram 1500 with a gas V-6 for my daily driver. The gas mileage is fantastic (I have done over 30mpg). Now we're thinking maybe we can just buy another older used travel trailer and at least use it to go visit my kids in another state and maybe one or two other shorter trips.This truck was never intended by us to be used for towing but it comes equipped with a built-in brake controller and 7-pin trailer plug. It has an 8-speed transmission and 3.23 (I think....lowest one whatever that is)rear-end. The book says I should be able to pull 5,000 empty and 7,000 gross. The truck is what it is without any chance (or desire) to upgrade. Is there anybody out there that has any experience, or know of anybody else pulling any kind of a camper with this truck? Will this transmission hold up pulling a travel trailer?

I have a much older rig than you do with a 3.42 rear end...see sig.What engine do you have?

I think the tow rating is 7,550lbs with 3.55 rear end, and 4,600 with 3.21 (this is for crew cab 2WD). I have a 2015 with the 3.6 and 3.55. My trailer ready to travel is 5,400lbs, and it pulls it fine. I tow in 6th gear, which is 2,500 RPM's at 65MPH. It will shift to 5th on anything more than a small hill, which is 3,000 RPM's. Since these trucks shift so smooth, and are so quiet, no one would notice but me. I think you would be fine with the rated load (4,800 lbs).CT51

Tent trailer is about what you can handle.

Saying that all you can tow is a tent trailer is ridiculous. You don't have an old slant 6 with 3 speed, you have a 300 or so hp modern engine with 8 speeds. Yes, you don't have tons of low end torque but lots of gears to choose from and an engine with a broad powerband that can rev. Your truck will tow just as well at its rated capacity as a 3500 Cummins towing at its rated capacity.

The ZF8HP45 transmission in your truck is rated for 370 lb ft torque, 100 more than your engine puts out. Shouldn't be an issue.

Ram 1500 V-6 | Good Sam Community

bguy
Explorer
May 24, 2015
Well I guess you won't be passing any EB, but you just might get a chance to go around an ED.

Your truck will be fine at anything up to the max capacity and probably beyond. Nice little engine. Bet it would be fun to let her scream up the hills.
calliopeguy
Explorer
May 24, 2015
I just checked my window sticker and my truck was ordered with the 3.55 rear end ratio. It is also 4wd.

CT51 - It looks like we have about the same truck. Do you know what the empty weight is of your truck?.....just curious.
wilber1
Explorer
May 24, 2015
The ZF8HP45 transmission in your truck is rated for 370 lb ft torque, 100 more than your engine puts out. Shouldn't be an issue.
rjstractor
Nomad
May 24, 2015
Saying that all you can tow is a tent trailer is ridiculous. You don't have an old slant 6 with 3 speed, you have a 300 or so hp modern engine with 8 speeds. Yes, you don't have tons of low end torque but lots of gears to choose from and an engine with a broad powerband that can rev. Your truck will tow just as well at its rated capacity as a 3500 Cummins towing at its rated capacity.
donn0128
Explorer II
May 23, 2015
Tent trailer is about what you can handle.
CT51
Explorer
May 23, 2015
I think the tow rating is 7,550lbs with 3.55 rear end, and 4,600 with 3.21 (this is for crew cab 2WD). I have a 2015 with the 3.6 and 3.55. My trailer ready to travel is 5,400lbs, and it pulls it fine. I tow in 6th gear, which is 2,500 RPM's at 65MPH. It will shift to 5th on anything more than a small hill, which is 3,000 RPM's. Since these trucks shift so smooth, and are so quiet, no one would notice but me. I think you would be fine with the rated load (4,800 lbs).

CT51
Tachdriver
Explorer
May 23, 2015
I have a much older rig than you do with a 3.42 rear end...see sig.

What engine do you have?

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