I currently don't own a PW, but I am actively looking to purchase a Ram 2500 or Power Wagon. I think I would like to have a PW, but am mostly concerned that the towing capacity won't be enough. I have a fairly large tractor with loader and shredder that I would like to be able to tow maybe once or twice a year at the most. I don't have any issue with adding air bags to the rear or load range E tires. I'm guessing the total weight, including the trailer would be 15-16k (I know way over the 10k rating). The travel distance would be about 50 miles one way. 99% of the time this truck will be daily transportation, with light towing occasionally. I would like to know what is the most total towed weight any of you with a PW have towed. I realize this isn't the optimal towing scenario, but will the power train handle this on a very limited basis when needed?
PW max realistic towing weight
- Thread starter JeepCJ5
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Danno
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You can't add airbags to a coil spring PW without major modifications.
The max capacity is what the manufacture rated it at. Others have tried to exceed it and stated that the steering and body roll is very dangerous.
The max capacity is what the manufacture rated it at. Others have tried to exceed it and stated that the steering and body roll is very dangerous.
Docpaulo
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You can add airbags... many have.. also daystar cradles if you want to maintain articulation...
That said you can only legally tow what is listed on the decal
I have firestone airbags.. and cradles... works great... i tow a 7000lbs travel trailer.. cant imagine towing over 10k... suspension will be too squirmy
That said you can only legally tow what is listed on the decal
I have firestone airbags.. and cradles... works great... i tow a 7000lbs travel trailer.. cant imagine towing over 10k... suspension will be too squirmy
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JeepCJ5
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I appreciate your responses. Since I posted, I have thought about it and realize that this amount of weight probably would not work well with the softer suspension of the PW. It is designed for a purpose and that is to function well offroad, with some lighter duty towing. It will probably be more practical for me to purchase a standard 2500, but for the little amount I will be towing the tractor, I may just remove the loader or shredder, depending on what I need and be within the towing realm of the 2500. The PW sure looks cool though!
MJockey
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I just got my PW yesterday and will be towing a trailer with similar weight as you. Did you try towing without the airbags first then decided you needed them? I'm trying to figure out if I should get some now or wait and see how it goes.
Docpaulo
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Get the airbags... the springs are too soft and will be squirelly without... and it will squat unless you have some very good weight distribution bars..
I towed without locally and didnt feel confident... but I'm not a seasoned hauler so my comfort level is probably a lot les than others... with a long heavy trailer it would porpoise quite a bit on road bumps and uneven road and i didnt like it... and weight distribution was setup properly...
56PW17
Senior Member
i Just towed 5k lbs this afternoon. I have a 8.5 x 20 Lark for a mobile sporting clays business I operate. I pack clay machines, targets & ammo, a quad and small trailer in it. I can say the truck performed very well towing my trailer. It didn't squat as much as I expected with the stock PW suspension. I'm running a 10 inch drop hitch. I will have it hooked up this weekend and I will check back in with the rear squat measurements if your interested.
56PW17
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The rear of my PW squated 2 inches even, towing 5k lbs. I can say I feel extremely comfortable towing this amount. The confidence I have in this truck versus others ive had in the past is unmatched. With that said, I cant picture myself towing over the 10k rating for safety reasons.
scoutpappa
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Towed our pop (newer with the side slide Flagstaff 625D) so 3500 + pounds fully loaded. Bed full including the edgestar so easily 5-700 more pounds and three kids, a dog and two adults. I'll be conservative and say 5K and it's still "new" so 2017 with right at 10K miles towing 5K ish pounds. If it sagged it was maybe an inch. I use a 10" drop so I can actually run the trailer level. Compared to my last 1/2 ton Ram which would hit the bump stops loaded the same way the PW is awesome. I averaged 10mpg from Houston to Big Bend, through Big Bend (60+ miles of trails in 4wd) and back. Can't complain. Totally stock. Trailer didn't wag the truck, built in trailer brakes worked awesome.
MJockey
Senior Member
I went with the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate bags.
View media item 25241
Haven't used them yet with any air in them, but the good new is they don't change the stock ride when aired out.
View media item 25241
Haven't used them yet with any air in them, but the good new is they don't change the stock ride when aired out.
monteholic
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I have contacted Air Lift and Timber Grove about bags for THE pOWER wAGON
Air lift says to use their spacers because of the additional ride height of the Wagon
and Timber Grove uses a different bag for the Wagon compared to a regular 2500
Air lift says to use their spacers because of the additional ride height of the Wagon
and Timber Grove uses a different bag for the Wagon compared to a regular 2500
Buzz
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Another one I will be watching. So much advice here.
