Safe towing limits for Ram 1500 3.6L v6

[wildwildwest61]

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. 😉

[jerem0621]

GCVWR should be in the owners manual.

[ScottG]

JIMNLIN wrote:

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.

FYI.....There is no GCWR number stickered on any truck.
The drivers side door tag certification sticker has GVWR/FAWR/RAWR only.

There isn't a sticker on the truck itself but there is indeed a rating.

[JIMNLIN]

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.

FYI.....There is no GCWR number stickered on any truck.
The drivers side door tag certification sticker has GVWR/FAWR/RAWR only.

[TurnThePage]

I think you'll be plenty safe. The truck itself is more than a match for the trailer you're considering. That engine is probably OK too. It's just not going to win any races. I didn't notice if you mentioned the year or which transmission you have. If it's the 8 speed, I think you might be just fine.

If I were you, I'd go by the owners manual and reference stickers in the the driver door jam.

[wildwildwest61]

Thanks for the feedback. This is what I was worried about. I want to be safe and have enough power to not worry about making it up the next steep hill. Sounds like we better wait until we are ready to upgrade our truck too. Looks like another year in our itty bitty camper!

[1320Fastback]

It will not be fun, it will not be efficient but you could do it.

Recommend upgrading to E rated tires and possibly stronger rims as they most likely will be overloaded, airbags might be needed also.

[old_guy]

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]

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.

[Frostbitte]

What ib516 said...

[jerem0621]

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]

I honestly don't think your going to like that combination.

[jim1632]

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.

[Tankcar]

Hello! What is the door sticker say?

[ib516]

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]

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