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boonie's avatar
boonie
Explorer
Apr 06, 2017

Tow Vehicle vs Trailer question

Looking at a new trailer that would basically be towed to our lake lot then left permanently unless warranty work needed to be done. I am really looking to get everyone's opinion on the trailer size/weight vs tow vehicle capabilities as I am COMPLETELY confused when it comes to this!!!

I currently drive a 2102 Ram 3500 4X4 Laramie HD, regular box, SRWD, crew cab (4 full doors) HO 6.7 CTD. It has the full DPF and EGR delete, a 4' Flow Pro turbo back exhaust with a custom MAP and transmission tune from Double R diesel.

I am looking at purchasing a 2017 Coachman Chaparral 392MBL. The specs are as follows....

Hitch Weight - 2452 lbs
UVW - 12520 lbs
GVWR - 14500 lbs
CCC - 1980 lbs - Not sure what this is

If need be, I also have access to the father in law's 2003 common rail 3500 (i believe) 2WD dually.

What does everyone think? Like I said, we don't travel around, we just go from our lake lot back to the city
Tow Vehicles

19 Replies

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  • boonie's avatar
    boonie
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2017
    Me Again wrote:
    Watch your RGAWR. 17" tires if it has them have a low weight rating. Chris


    Thanks for that, I do have 17 inch tires......can you be more specific as to what I would need to watch and how/what RGWAR is? I tried to search it but could only find a heavy metal band called GWAR which was disturbing to say the least!!!!!

    Would I need to tow it empty then fill it when I get there or just be careful as to how much gets packed in it? Why does there have to be so many acronyms that lead to contradictory stats????
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Apr 06, 2017
    Watch your RGAWR. 17" tires if it has them have a low weight rating. Chris
  • boonie's avatar
    boonie
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2017
    I was sure my truck could "pull" it but I was really unsure about the hitch weight and the size of the trailer being 12 feet hit and 42 feet long. Thanks for all the feedback, it's great to know we will be fine....the wife is getting VERY excited now!!!!
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2017
    Back in the day you might have needed a dually but a recent year diesel SRW HD won't have any issue at all with a 14.5 fifth wheel, one time trip or towed all over.
  • boonie's avatar
    boonie
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2017
    2120.....:o I guess that's what I get for talking to the wife while typing!!!! So you guys don't think not having a dually will be an issue?
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Apr 06, 2017
    You should be fine, whether that's a 2012 or 2001 truck. :) Especially if it's a one time trip.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 06, 2017
    CCC how much you can put in the trailer.

    You have enough truck to tow that 5'er around safely. I wouldn't think twice about it.
  • JnJnKatiebug's avatar
    JnJnKatiebug
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2017
    rhagfo wrote:
    Well assuming that you have a 2012 Ram 3500 SRW, you should be within all numbers towing that 5er.

    If you are waiting for a 2102 Ram, can't help!


    Maybe it is equipped with a flux capacitor.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Apr 06, 2017
    Well assuming that you have a 2012 Ram 3500 SRW, you should be within all numbers towing that 5er.

    If you are waiting for a 2102 Ram, can't help!

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