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Safe towing limits for Ram 1500 3.6L v6

wildwildwest61
Explorer
Explorer
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. 😉
29 REPLIES 29

jerem0621
Explorer II
Explorer II
GCVWR should be in the owners manual.
TV-2022 Silverado 2WD
TT - Zinger 270BH
WD Hitch- HaulMaster 1,000 lb Round Bar
Dual Friction bar sway control

It’s Kind of Fun to do the Impossible
~Walt Disney~

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
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
Explorer
Explorer
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.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers

'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er 11200 two slides

TurnThePage
Explorer
Explorer
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.
2015 Ram 1500
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE

wildwildwest61
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
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.
1992 D250 Cummins 5psd
2005 Forest River T26 Toy Hauler

old_guy
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
What ib516 said...
2011 RAM 3500 Laramie 4x4 6.7 Cummins 6-speed Auto 4.10
2004 Prowler 275 CKS (Sold)
2014 Sabre 36QBOK-7 5th wheel
2016 Forest River 8 x 20 Cargo Trailer

jerem0621
Explorer II
Explorer II
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
TV-2022 Silverado 2WD
TT - Zinger 270BH
WD Hitch- HaulMaster 1,000 lb Round Bar
Dual Friction bar sway control

It’s Kind of Fun to do the Impossible
~Walt Disney~

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

jim1632
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
Hello! What is the door sticker say?

ib516
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
Prev: 2010 Cougar 322QBS (junk)
02 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9L CTD 3.55
07 Dodge 3500 4x4 SRW Mega 5.9L CTD 3.73
14 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew 6.4L Hemi 4.10
06 Chevy 1500 4x4 E-Cab 3.73 5.3L
07 Dodge 1500 5.7L Hemi 3.55 / 2010 Jayco 17z
All above are sold, no longer own an RV

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
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
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380