2014 dodge 1500 newbie

[trapperbking]

okay I'm thinking of buying my first TT I bought my truck without thinking about what it could haul but I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab 4X4 6-speed Automatic 5.7L Hemi Tow Package Trailer Brake Package Payload Capacity 1446lbs 8600lb tow capacity i have a class 3 hitch I will not be a full timer but weekend user(i have 2 young daughters), soccer tourneys, camping, maybe a yearly trip within 1000 miles each way things of that nature I dont want a trailer that will wear out my new truck so i didnt want to go too heavy any suggestions on weight limits that won't affect life of truck the heaviest one i was interested in was 2014 Forest River RV Patriot Edition 26BH 29 ft Dry Weight 4541 gross weight 7402 hitch weight 402 Or a 2012 k-z sportsmen 26ft dry weight 4210 gross 6000 we want a bunkhouse style and the more room the better but safe pulling, quality for the money(last for years)not tearing up my truck are the most important things thanks for any advice

[BubbaChris]

KD4UPL wrote:
Fill up with gas, load the family, and weigh the truck. Subtract the weight from GVWR and that's your available payload. Figure you're loaded trailer will be at least 1000 pounds over the dry weight and the tongue weight will be about 13 percent of that. Just keep the tongue weight below your available payload.

This is the best reply I've seen in the thread. I also wonder if the "Payload Capacity 1446lbs" cited by the OP is from the Yellow Sticker. If so, I'd basically suggest he stay with a trailer that doesn't weigh over 7,000 lbs loaded. And lighter would be better.

[PAThwacker]

i camp at state parks April thru October. I carry duplicate of everything for the kids:extra clothes, bedding, matress pads, ect. have seen it all, done it all, wrecked 2 times towing, and camp a lot!

I concentrate on heavy duty running gear, interior/exterior storage vs glamper appeal, marketting facade and shiny paint. I have to deal with a sloped driveway and the worst condition of roads in north east PA.

[JordanH]

i love hauling my 25ft Dutchment with my Ram 1500, tows perfectly

[PAThwacker]

good luck in your search. I have limited tow rating but benefit from heavy payload. The best bunkhouses are in the 8000lb plus loaded weights.
Things to look for:

4500lb axles/ 15" tires, heavy duty running gear well within its load ratings vs 3500lb/14" tires at max load ratings.

300lb plus bunkbeds vs cheesy 150lb bunks
34" wide or full bunk beds vs coffin bunks
storage wards vs non existant
90 gallon FW/50 gallon plus gray/ 30 gallon black vs 36/30/30

we just completed a 5 day/4 night family of 4 on electric only site in a 36/30/30 setup.
We used 90 gallons of fresh and had to dump the gray 3 times.
I lug 9 gallon aqua tainers, 25 gallon external gray/black tank, flo jet macerator pump, along with normal weekend camping gear. Truck Payload: 2351lbs/Camper Payload: 1600lbs.

I haul 2 mt bikes, childs bike, canoe, firewood, extra battery, tools, 94lb lab, 2 kids in car seats.
Camper had the mt bikes, cooler(s), external gray tank, clothes, and loaded to the gills fridge.

[kodiakcanuck]

That Ram will be quite capable. What is the gear ratio? 3:55 is OK, but the 3:92 is better. If you can do without the 20 inch rims, the 17 inch version will usually tow a little more and be much cheaper when it comes to replacing tires. The factory brake controller is also amazing.

I am towing a 5500 lbs trailer, with a little higher of a tongue weight, 736 lbs, due to it's design. I have 3:55 gears and they suit me fine, there is some gear hunting on the highway, but keeping it on tow/haul mode locked in 4th gear it is fine. The HEMI really makes the difference, avoid the 4.7 motor.

Good luck!

[trapperbking]

Yes it says trailer tow package class iv reciever hitch standard then under optional equipment going with preferred package 20 inch rims and such it says delete class iv receiver hitch I also have trailer tow mirror and brake control group upgrade

[Community Alumni]

Are you sure about that Class III hitch? Normally when you get the tow package, a Class IV hitch is installed. From a cursory glance I don't think you have to worry about tearing up your truck. If you're flirting with any of your limits for extended periods of time then I'd get concerned. The heaviest trailer at gross still seems to be within your limits. Do yourself a favor and get a real payload number. Load up your truck and get it weighed. Subtract that loaded number from GVWR sticker in your door jamb.

[Speedogomer]

I have the same truck as well, you shouldn't have any problems with the size trailer you're looking at. You'll want a good weight distribution hitch with sway control.

[NanciL]

I am hauling 26 foot, 5000 pound travel trailer with the same truck, and have no problem at all. I have a cap on the back of it and carry two long sea kayaks with a 17 foot canoe between them on the roof. I also have the bed loaded with all our back packing and paddling equipment.
It tows it much better then my old ford F-150 and I am getting 2 to 3 MPG more than I got with the Ford . .
My last trip with it was a 2000 miles one and I averaged 10 MPG and most of the time never felt the trailer behind me
Time will tell, but right now I am a happy camper.

Jack L

[ChooChooMan74]

You should have no problen with the Ram Truck Ram 1500.

[OpenRangePullen]

That is Sportsman Classics.

[OpenRangePullen]

trapperbking wrote:
okay I'm thinking of buying my first TT I bought my truck without thinking about what it could haul but I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab 4X4 6-speed Automatic 5.7L Hemi Tow Package Trailer Brake Package Payload Capacity 1446lbs 8600lb tow capacity i have a class 3 hitch I will not be a full timer but weekend user(i have 2 young daughters), soccer tourneys, camping, maybe a yearly trip within 1000 miles each way things of that nature I dont want a trailer that will wear out my new truck so i didnt want to go too heavy any suggestions on weight limits that won't affect life of truck the heaviest one i was interested in was 2014 Forest River RV Patriot Edition 26BH 29 ft Dry Weight 4541 gross weight 7402 hitch weight 402 Or a 2012 k-z sportsmen 26ft dry weight 4210 gross 6000 we want a bunkhouse style and the more room the better but safe pulling, quality for the money(last for years)not tearing up my truck are the most important things thanks for any advice

Trust me you do not want the Sportsman by KZ. I work at a McClains Rv dealer and on sportsman TT's with roof mounted Air conditioners, The A/C is the lowest spot on the roof and we have done many repairs on those. The seal wont last forever and eventually the pooled up condensation will start to leak inside. Go for the Forestriver or try Keystones, or even Openrange.
Good Luck!!!

[hmknightnc]

KD4UPL wrote:
Fill up with gas, load the family, and weigh the truck. Subtract the weight from GVWR and that's your available payload. Figure you're loaded trailer will be at least 1000 pounds over the dry weight and the tongue weight will be about 13 percent of that. Just keep the tongue weight below your available payload.

That'll work, and the two trailers you described should fall within this advice. Go have fun and welcome to forum.

[KD4UPL]

Fill up with gas, load the family, and weigh the truck. Subtract the weight from GVWR and that's your available payload. Figure you're loaded trailer will be at least 1000 pounds over the dry weight and the tongue weight will be about 13 percent of that. Just keep the tongue weight below your available payload.

[trapperbking]

To clarify I've looked locally but 2 i have described i found online haven't seen in person 2012 K-Z is about an hour away used just looked like good deal and what I'm looking for wanting to spend 8000-15000 any suggestions appreciated