Vanlecktor
Junior Member
So my Ram 1500 3.6L 2wd is tow rated at about 4,960 lbs with 3.21 gears. The same truck with 3.55 gears is rated at 7,100 lbs. The additional 2,100 lb capacity with a jump to the 3.55 gears sure seems like a lot to me. Here's my concern: I am going to tow a HiLo camper trailer that weighs 5,500 lbs. So I'm going to be 540 lbs over weight for my truck rating. I'm actually only going to be towing at 60 mph on flat ground Interstate through New Mexico, Oklahoma and into Missouri on I-44. I have no intention of going into the mountains with this truck and trailer. I figured I would use the tow/haul mode when needed.
I'm not interested in the process of switching to 3.55 gears and reflashing the computer for what little towing I will be doing on flat ground. Can someone with accurate knowledge inform me as to whether there is any safety concern or drive train damage concern in exceeding my trucks rated towing capacity by over 500 lbs ?
As is usually the case the service writers at the dealers really have no idea and all they do is look up the same tow ratings I can easily look up.
I'm not interested in the process of switching to 3.55 gears and reflashing the computer for what little towing I will be doing on flat ground. Can someone with accurate knowledge inform me as to whether there is any safety concern or drive train damage concern in exceeding my trucks rated towing capacity by over 500 lbs ?
As is usually the case the service writers at the dealers really have no idea and all they do is look up the same tow ratings I can easily look up.