cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Towing a Travel Trailer

vindicator
Explorer
Explorer
I am new to travel trailers.

I have a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 with a max tow of 8800lbs and payload of 1600lbs.

I am looking to purchase a Keystone Summerland 2820 which has a shipping weight of 6360lbs, capacity of 2240lbs, and hitch of 690lbs.

Will I have any trouble pulling it?

Thanks for your help....
23 REPLIES 23

rayford118
Explorer
Explorer
the 1500 doesnt come in a mega cab and i believe those numbers are for the crew cab. IMO I agree the tow wont be fun but truck could probably handle it. I pull a 32ft Eagle with my F250 and I still get pulled in by semis passing by. Another thing is my 09 Ram squatted alot because of the coil suspension even with a WD Hitch so i would suggest some bags to help raise the rear end up some.
2013 F350 Platinum
2014 Cyclone 4100 King

gcloss
Explorer
Explorer
I had a Ram 1500 with a trailer that was shorted and lighter with Reese dual cam hitch. I didn't have an overall comfortable feeling pulling my trailer. I traded the Ram 1500 for a Ram 2500 and now I feel I have the right combination of TV/TT.

Your combination of TV & TT is not ideal.
2012 Ram 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 8' box
5.7 Hemi, 4x4, 4.10
2015 Jayco Eagle 284BHBE

john_bet
Explorer II
Explorer II
I am still wayne_tw wrote:
That 32' trailer will be a chore for your truck to handle. It is not just the weight, it is the dynamics of that big of a box catching the wind and push/pull effect of passing vehicles, especially 18 wheelers and buses. You will not have an enjoyable towing experience, and without the best sway control hitch like a Hensley or ProPride, you will experience such sway that it can control the truck sending the truck and trailer into the ditch or worse.
He didn't say what cab configuration he had. If it is a Mega Cab then it has the same wheel base, tire size, etc. as my 2500 QC long bed. So that tt wont effect the truck.
2018 Ram 3500 SRW CC LB 6.7L Cummins Auto 3.42 gears
2018 Grand Design 337RLS

popupcamping
Explorer
Explorer
You say you are new to towing trailers and are jumping into towing a very long 4 ton unit. Good luck

I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Explorer
Watch this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwOqARlw1EI

I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Explorer
That 32' trailer will be a chore for your truck to handle. It is not just the weight, it is the dynamics of that big of a box catching the wind and push/pull effect of passing vehicles, especially 18 wheelers and buses. You will not have an enjoyable towing experience, and without the best sway control hitch like a Hensley or ProPride, you will experience such sway that it can control the truck sending the truck and trailer into the ditch or worse.

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
I think you'll be fine. While new trailers are often heavier than their shipping weight clams, they'er certainly not at their GVWR. I don't see anywhere where you'll be beyond anythings specs.

APT
Explorer
Explorer
I would verify payload on the driver's door Tire and Loading sticker. I haven't seen any 2009+ Rams with actual payload that high.

Otherwise, you should be okay as long as payload is correct and you won't load too much into the cab and truck bed. Get a WDH with integrated sway control.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R
2x 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Gray and Black Twins)

Sandia_Man
Explorer II
Explorer II
That TT has a GVWR of 8600 making tongue weight well over 1K, payload will more than likely be exceeded. At over 32' you will definitely need a high quality WD/SC hitch that is properly installed and correctly dialed in. I would guess your 2013 Ram could pull it, but the towing experience will not be an ideal one to say the least.