Towing with RAM 1500

[jsmith_15]

I have a 2016 RAM 1500 v8 5.7 8hp70 transmission Crew cab with a max pay load of 1520/GVWR 6900. It has a max towing weight of 8040lbs and GCWR is 13,800. The trailer I am interested in has a dry weight of 5385, dry hitch weight of 619 and GVWR is 7619lbs. My rear axle ratio is only 3.21. I would be traveling with tanks empty (unless filling is better for stabilization) through fairly flat areas, no steep hills. I need advice on whether this is too much trailer for this vehicle. I have no experience towing...just sold my Class C yesterday. I'm getting mixed signals on whether this is something I can tow.

[MitchF150]

Not much payload left for ya after you consider the tongue weight of the trailer, but it's all what you want to do with that figure..

Travel with the restrictions you have already placed on yourself and you'll probably be okay.. I like to use my trailers capabilities to it's full potential, so I don't have to limit myself just to go 100-150 miles away from home... 😉

But, that's just me.. I like going 200-300-whatever miles over any terrain and fill the dang trailer to it's gills.

You'll get down the road no matter how you pack that trailer.. It's just gonna be how well you like towing it? That, we can't really say.. Sure, there are those that say once you reach your payload, that's it..

There are other's that say just hitch it up and go and enjoy..

I'm kinda in the middle where I like to know where my weights are and if I exceed the payload by a few hundred pounds, I'm not gonna go out and buy a $50k 350 series truck! 😉

Now, if that's what you want to do, great... Just saying, you can do whatever is most comfortable for you.. That might not be the same comfort level as me, or anyone else..

In the end, all you have to do is be happy with your choices and go from there..

I just know that I would not be happy not loading up my new trailer with all the stuff I want because it'll be too heavy for my truck... 😉

Good luck!

Mitch

[jsmith_15]

says combined weight not to exceed 1351 lbs.

[APT]

Need to locate this sticker on driver's door or door jam. Note the as equipped payload where mine says 2051.

.

[BillB800si]

APT wrote:
What is actual payload per the tire and loading sticker? That could be an issue with 800 pounds of loaded TW.

The 5.7L and 8-spd even with 3.21 will do very well. You should have at least 5 usable towing gears. Lock out the top 3 gears, keep the engine over 2000rpm at all times.

======================================

Use the tow/haul when pulling the trailer. That Hemi will pull that trailer anywhere. I cruise at 1800RPM at 63 MPH on I-75 going to Florida each year. On the flats the Hemi is in the ECO Mode ( uses only 4 cylinders not eight) and sure improves the gas mileage.
Happy trails,

[NorthTrail23]

I have the exact same truck and a very similsr trailer; use the tow/haul mode to help the tranny stay cool and a good WD hitch with sway control (I use a blue ox) and you should be fine.

[lbrjet]

Get a good integrated sway control hitch and hit the road.

[TurnThePage]

I think you'll do fine. Make sure your tires are aired up to their max, and use a properly setup equalizing hitch, and a properly calibrated brake controller.

I have the 3.92 gears and a little lighter trailer. The truck squats more than I'd like, but I don't blind on coming traffic at night. It handles the load very well, and has muscle to spare, even in the mountains.

My Ram has about 1400 lbs of payload available, but also has over 900 lbs of cushion for GAWR.

[jsmith_15]

Tires say Max Load 2601 lbs.

[APT]

What is actual payload per the tire and loading sticker? That could be an issue with 800 pounds of loaded TW.

The 5.7L and 8-spd even with 3.21 will do very well. You should have at least 5 usable towing gears. Lock out the top 3 gears, keep the engine over 2000rpm at all times.

[allen8106]

Not necessarily apples to apples but I had a 2000 Ram pulling a 6500 GW TT and it sucked big time. Really struggled.

[jsmith_15]

Also, wheel base is 140". Tires are 20" but P rated.

[TxTwoSome]

jsmith_15 wrote:
When you say 6000 lbs...is that dry weight or total weight?

Total Weight sorry I did not clarify that.

[jsmith_15]

When you say 6000 lbs...is that dry weight or total weight?

[TxTwoSome]

I have a 2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with the 3.21 gear. After a lot of research when I was looking to buy I decided to keep total trailer weight below 6,000.

I just completed a 1,300 mile trip to North Carolina and had zero problems pulling or stopping.

I do have a WDH which I would advise getting also.

I do not like being at the max on things I left some cushion.

This setup worked well for me and I averaged 12 MPG towing using Tow Haul and keeping my speed at 62.

[TNrob]

13800 combined - 6900 gross truck = 6900 to tow. If 700 or so tongue + fuel, passengers, gear = less than 1500 cargo, you should be safe on weights.

The longer wheel base in your crew cab will help with stability, as well as proper hitch. If your truck is equipped with adequate cooling you shouldn't burn it up, but I think you are asking all from it that it will want to give.

And it won't like it.