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Tow Vehicle Question (year recommendations)

Aridon
Explorer
Explorer
Folks, could use some advice from people with more knowledge on the topic of tow vehicles than I have.

I know the DRW 1 tons in the relatively recent past have been upgraded considerably. If I were considering a used truck to tow a:

Grand Design Momentum 395

Momentum 395 Stats

Dry weight: 15,400
Hitch weight: 3,400 ish
GVW: 25,000


What years would I be looking at to be able to tow that with a DRW 1 ton from Dodge or Ford or Chevy?

Anything I should know about those years in particular (years to avoid, specific issues with components, new year for engine type etc)?


Thank you for time and knowledge.
2019 Grand Design Momentum 395
2018 Ram 3500 DRW 4.10

2014.5 DRV Atlanta (sold)

2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified) Sold
19 REPLIES 19

john_bet
Explorer II
Explorer II
jerem0621 wrote:
Do you have to have a CDL to be GCVW OVER 26k?

Thanks!

Jeremiah
No Fedaral CDL of any class needed for any RV period. All RV's are exempt.
2018 Ram 3500 SRW CC LB 6.7L Cummins Auto 3.42 gears
2018 Grand Design 337RLS

RustyJC
Explorer
Explorer
jerem0621 wrote:
Do you have to have a CDL to be GCVW OVER 26k?

Thanks!

Jeremiah


You're not engaged in commerce, so why would a CDL be required?

Texas requires an exempt (non-commercial) Class A license for GCWRs of 26,001 and higher if the towed load is over 10,000 lbs.

Rusty
2014.5 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSSA #6972

2016 Ram 3500 Dually Longhorn Crew Cab Long Bed, 4x4, 385/900 Cummins, Aisin AS69RC, 4.10, 39K+ GCWR, 30K+ trailer tow rating, 14K GVWR

B&W RVK3600

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
work2much wrote:
RustyJC wrote:
Our 2016 Ram 3500 dually CCLB 4x4 Longhorn with 385/900 Cummins, Aisin AS69RC transmission and 4.10 axle ratios is rated for 39,100 GCWR and 30,050 trailer tow rating.

Rusty


Shopping for this truck now in 2017 version same motor/trans/axle ratio. I take it you are happy?


I would highly advise adding the factory rear air option. I have same truck in the 15 version. Pulls my 33K combo with confidence is all weather and terrain conditions.

I am sure Rusty will add his positive comments. Rusty has more power. ๐Ÿ˜ž

Pic is with 9,750# @ full RAWR. Unloaded pic is in ALT ride mode same with loaded pic. Notice the same ride height automatically is kept.



2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

RustyJC
Explorer
Explorer
work2much wrote:
RustyJC wrote:
Our 2016 Ram 3500 dually CCLB 4x4 Longhorn with 385/900 Cummins, Aisin AS69RC transmission and 4.10 axle ratios is rated for 39,100 GCWR and 30,050 trailer tow rating.

Rusty


Shopping for this truck now in 2017 version same motor/trans/axle ratio. I take it you are happy?


I'm very pleased with the truck. I have about 8,500 miles on it with most of those towing - no problems at all. The only major modification I've made is to have the dealer install a 55 gallon Titan OEM replacement fuel tank for extended towing range. I had the dealer do the installation for warranty coverage reasons.

Rusty
2014.5 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSSA #6972

2016 Ram 3500 Dually Longhorn Crew Cab Long Bed, 4x4, 385/900 Cummins, Aisin AS69RC, 4.10, 39K+ GCWR, 30K+ trailer tow rating, 14K GVWR

B&W RVK3600

work2much
Explorer
Explorer
RustyJC wrote:
Our 2016 Ram 3500 dually CCLB 4x4 Longhorn with 385/900 Cummins, Aisin AS69RC transmission and 4.10 axle ratios is rated for 39,100 GCWR and 30,050 trailer tow rating.

Rusty


Shopping for this truck now in 2017 version same motor/trans/axle ratio. I take it you are happy?
2022 Ram 3500 Laramie CTD DRW Crew 4x4 Aisin 4:10 Air ride.

2020 Grand Design Solitude 2930RL 2520 watts solar. 600ah lithium. Magnum 4000 watt inverter.

stickdog
Explorer
Explorer
jerem0621 wrote:
Do you have to have a CDL to be GCVW OVER 26k?

Thanks!

Jeremiah


As others have stated it depends what state your licensed in and 26,000 is not the trigger that requires a non commercial cdl. In many states towing over 10,000 lbs. requires it.
9-11 WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
FULLTIME SINCE 2010
17 DRV MS 36rssb3
17 F350 King Ranch CC DRW 4x4 6.7 4:10 B&W hitch
John
โ€œA good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.โ€ Lao Tzu

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
jerem0621 wrote:
Do you have to have a CDL to be GCVW OVER 26k?

Thanks!

Jeremiah


Not in WA, SD where I am familiar with. CA requires a endorsement from what i have been told.

I am licensed in SD and can tow my 33K combined anywhere with no special endorsement.
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

Aridon
Explorer
Explorer
jerem0621 wrote:
Do you have to have a CDL to be GCVW OVER 26k?

Thanks!

Jeremiah


No, not necessary in our state.
2019 Grand Design Momentum 395
2018 Ram 3500 DRW 4.10

2014.5 DRV Atlanta (sold)

2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified) Sold

jerem0621
Explorer II
Explorer II
Do you have to have a CDL to be GCVW OVER 26k?

Thanks!

Jeremiah
TV-2022 Silverado 2WD
TT - Zinger 270BH
WD Hitch- HaulMaster 1,000 lb Round Bar
Dual Friction bar sway control

Itโ€™s Kind of Fun to do the Impossible
~Walt Disney~

RustyJC
Explorer
Explorer
Our 2016 Ram 3500 dually CCLB 4x4 Longhorn with 385/900 Cummins, Aisin AS69RC transmission and 4.10 axle ratios is rated for 39,100 GCWR and 30,050 trailer tow rating.

Rusty
2014.5 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSSA #6972

2016 Ram 3500 Dually Longhorn Crew Cab Long Bed, 4x4, 385/900 Cummins, Aisin AS69RC, 4.10, 39K+ GCWR, 30K+ trailer tow rating, 14K GVWR

B&W RVK3600

justafordguy
Explorer
Explorer
2011 and up 6.7 Ford, also the exhaust brake got much better in 2015.
2015 Heartland Gateway 3650BH
2017 F350 CCLB KR FX4
2005 F250 CC FX4
77 Bronco, 302,C4,PS,PB,A/C,33" KM2s,D44/Lock-Right,9"/Grizzly locker

Aridon
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks folks, I don't know how I screwed up the GVW on the fifth but it being 20k instead of 25k makes a huge difference in what can and can't tow it.

Appreciate the help.
2019 Grand Design Momentum 395
2018 Ram 3500 DRW 4.10

2014.5 DRV Atlanta (sold)

2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified) Sold

kennethwooster
Explorer
Explorer
If you go dually they should all handle the job. I'm only acquainted with Ford. Having owned a 6.0 6.4 and now 6.7 I definitely would only get the6.7 which is 2011 up. I have a 2014 6.7 and DRW. I love the current truck. It will handle your rig.
kenneth wooster- retired farmer. Biblical History Teacher in public HS, and substitute teacher.
wife Diana-adult probation officer, now retired.
31KSLS Full Body paint Cameo
Ford F350 2014 DRW 4X4 King Ranch.
20K B&W Puck mount hitch

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
2013 or newer RAM/Cummins/Aisin/4.10's. True Medium Duty combo. 2015 or newer with factory Rear Air Ride is a GREAT option. I have that combo.

I tow 33K combined, the truck has performed great in all weather and mountain conditions. Trans temp 165-172 no matter the conditions. Cooling easily in check even on 14 percent grades.

9,750# on the 4 rear tires, truck rides level with the factory rear air.

2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD