Camping trailor

Lomey · Jun 11, 2017

I purchased a 2015 1500 Outdoorsman with a V6 and I believe 3.21 gears. Has factory 20 wheels with new tires and 25k miles. I would like to eventually get a camping trailor and wondering how big I could tow. I really just want a queen size bed, a small refrigerator, sink and possibly ac. I would be towing it in some mountainous terrain on occasion. Do you guys have any suggestions on what I should look for?

Thanks!

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fordtech90 · Jun 11, 2017

Pop up camper possibly. Should have all those amenities.

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Lomey · Jun 11, 2017

I was hoping for something a little more than a pop up, but if that is all I can tow then that's what I have to get.

Am I correct that it has the 3.21 gears? It's a 4x4 if that makes a difference.

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crash68 · Jun 11, 2017

You can look up your build sheet to find out axle ratio, Outdoorsman are supposed to 3.92, but that is not always the case and was not an option for the V6 gasser.
This is the SAE towing chart for your truck:

Express SN95 · Jun 11, 2017

I believe the Outdoorsman Pentastar's (3.6L) came with 3.55's. To confirm it, go to https://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.html and in the left hand column click "equipment listing." Plug your VIN in and it'll pull your build sheet which will have the gears listed.

As far as camping trailers go, I have seen one Ram 3.6L tow a small travel trailer (I believe a member here). Besides weight, size is one of the biggest factors as frontal/side area is what will make the truck struggle.

Express SN95 · Jun 11, 2017

I actually just looked it up and it appears the example I gave you was posted on another ram forum. Just google ram pentastar travel trailer and it'll be a red single cab hauling a white travel trailer.

Lomey · Jun 11, 2017

Express SN95 said:
I believe the Outdoorsman Pentastar's (3.6L) came with 3.55's. To confirm it, go to https://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.html and in the left hand column click "equipment listing." Plug your VIN in and it'll pull your build sheet which will have the gears listed.

As far as camping trailers go, I have seen one Ram 3.6L tow a small travel trailer (I believe a member here). Besides weight, size is one of the biggest factors as frontal/side area is what will make the truck struggle.

Thanks for the link. It says 3.55.

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Lomey · Jun 12, 2017

Anyone have other suggestions than a pop up camper?

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crash68 · Jun 12, 2017

Here's a few ideas: http://www.rvingplanet.com/blog/top-5-best-travel-trailer-rv-brands-under-5000-pounds/

grizzstang · Jun 12, 2017

Lomey said:
Anyone have other suggestions than a pop up camper?

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You can check out R-pod travel trailers. They are a hard sided travel trailer and they are small and light. The 17' model we were looking at had a queen bed, a normal toilet (not a toilet shower combo) and all at about 2900 pounds. This will be our next trailer down the road.

mowin · Jun 12, 2017

Look into hybrid trailers

Lomey · Jun 12, 2017

grizzstang said:
You can check out R-pod travel trailers. They are a hard sided travel trailer and they are small and light. The 17' model we were looking at had a queen bed, a normal toilet (not a toilet shower combo) and all at about 2900 pounds. This will be our next trailer down the road.

Took a look at them and that looks like exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

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Farmer Fran · Jun 12, 2017

Take your VIN goto

https://www.ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/

Drop your VIN in the Box after clicking LOOK UP MY VEHICLE

That will give you max tow ratings for a start

spoon059 · Jun 12, 2017

mowin said:
Look into hybrid trailers

R Pods are really nice, but SMALL on the inside. For the money, I would much prefer a pop up camper. Your other option, like mowin said, is a hybrid camper. Hybrids are a great compromise... relatively small and lightweight box moving down the road, but open up to provide a LOT of space when you get camping.

Either are great options. Popups are generally cheaper, easier to tow, get better fuel mileage and have a ton of space once opened up. Often you can get a full length queen or even king bed (one on each end) and other sleeping options inside the box. Heat and AC are pretty standard now. Its rare to find a popup with a bathroom... although you can add a cassette toilet if you need... You will have less interior room to pack stuff before the trip and will have to crawl inside the camper to pack everything.

Hybrids are a little more expensive and the frontal area is bigger which means fuel mileage drops and you "feel" the truck behind you a lot more. Hybrids will have a bathroom with an actual toilet and shower. You have more interior room to pack stuff for the trip.

billyw · Jun 13, 2017

R-Pods are a good choice. There are several look alikes by other brands as well (Winnebago, Jayco). An easy way to narrow down your choices would be to look for single axle travel trailers. There are lots of them with the features you're looking for.

MADDOG · Jun 13, 2017

Pick out a travel trailer that fits within your towing capacity. Most of the ones that you can tow with your truck are going to be in the 14 foot - 20 foot range depending on how many slides they have.

Figure out what your truck weighs with you, passengers, gear and a full tank of fuel in it.

Then figure out how much a trailer weighs with your gear packed in it.

With the load in the trailer, estimate the tongue weight. This will be added to your truck's total weight.

Add all the weights together.

Now look at the image pasted above to see if that weight is above or below your gross combined vehicle weight rating.

csuder99 · Jun 14, 2017

I'm pulling a small Wolfpup 16FB with a Pentastar/3.55 axle ratio. It's only 3000ish pounds (single 3500 lbs axle) and the weight is not an issue for the drivetrain. The wind drag is certainly noticeable in the gas mileage though.

I also own a Jumping Jack trailer (sort of a pop up but all tent) and that one barely shows up in the rear view mirror. Consequently the truck still gets ~20mpg at 65mph on the Interstate.

Not to derail the thread, but a word of advice regarding the majority of RVs. Forest River and Thor make over 80% of RVs under various brand names, and for the most part quality control is not existent. Flashy looking and cheap is the goal. My Wolfpup is a FR product and I can attest to that. I'm handy and the trailer works well for my purposes just be aware.

patchelect · Jun 15, 2017

You might check out rv.net as another source for information. I've looked on there for ideas when I was trying to pick a trailer for my Dakota to tow. Never did it and now I'm planning on getting a Ram so I shouldn't have too much trouble. But I'm not into the big units anyway.

14RAM4X4 · Jun 16, 2017

I pulled a Crossroads Z-1 18SS with my 1500 (5.7 though). The trailer is about 3600# dry and rated about 4600# loaded. Has 20 gal fresh water, electric & gas water heater, and roof mounted a/c, and separate toilet & shower. The shower is small, but it gets the job done. If you go for the non slide models you save about 100#. Personally, I liked the slide because it felt roomier with 2 adults & 2 small kids.

Barricade · Jun 16, 2017

Without a doubt R Pod ! Love mine and I can tow it easily with my 1500 or 3500 !

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