Forum Discussion

wildwildwest61's avatar
wildwildwest61
Explorer
Jan 03, 2018

Safe towing limits for Ram 1500 3.6L v6

We have a Ram 1500 quad cab 3.6L v6 with GVWR of 6950. We currently have a 19' TT with GVWR of 4200 lbs, dry weight of 2660, hitch weight of 250. Exterior height is 8' 10". All is well as far as towing.

We are hoping to upgrade this year to a 26' TT, GVWR 6000, dry 4320, hitch 530. Exterior height 10' 8".

Is this a reasonable, safe tow vehicle for this bigger size TT? Anyone here have a similar combination with feedback to share?

We will eventually be getting a bigger truck, but that'll be a few years and I don't want to buy a TT now only to find we are under-powered. Camper dealership says we're fine...but they're trying to sell campers so I don't totally trust them. ;)
Tow Vehicles
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Jan 03, 2018
    I don't know why anyone would tow with 3:55 gears. just not enough gears to tow anything bigger than the truck itself. that's my opinion
  • Chuck_thehammer's avatar
    Chuck_thehammer
    Explorer
    Jan 03, 2018
    can it do it.. sure..

    I had the Ram 1500 with manual transmission and the V6... my 3,500 pound travel trailer was about Max in WV hills...

    second gear and 5,000 rpms for 40 mph. up hills

    yes I had the 3.55 gears.

    plan on a bigger truck time.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jan 03, 2018
    With 3.55 gears you are good to go up to 7,000 lbs.

    I have the Pentastar in my van and have drove a few Rams with the Pentastar. They are more powerful than my current 4.6 V8 and should do the job.

    It will not do as well as a Hemi and you will need to let it Rev. Just keep it in spec.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 03, 2018
    I honestly don't think your going to like that combination.
  • jim1632's avatar
    jim1632
    Explorer
    Jan 03, 2018
    You should pay attention to the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVR), which is vehicle weight plus trailer. I should be on the driver door stickers.

    I suspect the V6 is just not up to a larger trailer.
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Jan 03, 2018
    For short, local trips on flatish ground, you'll be fine. You'll be hating life if you try long distance, mountain towing, or if you fight much of a head wind.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jan 03, 2018
    wildwildwest61 wrote:
    We have a Ram 1500 quad cab 3.6L v6 with GVWR of 6950. We currently have a 19' TT with GVWR of 4200 lbs, dry weight of 2660, hitch weight of 250. Exterior height is 8' 10". All is well as far as towing.

    We are hoping to upgrade this year to a 26' TT, GVWR 6000, dry 4320, hitch 530. Exterior height 10' 8".

    Is this a reasonable, safe tow vehicle for this bigger size TT?


    Hard to imagine you'd be happy with that li'l V6 attempting to tow that size of trailer. :(

    BTW, those hitch weights you're quoting are dry weights and not even close to actual gross tongue weight with the trailer loaded & ready to camp. :E

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