2013 CC Laramie - Hauling Travel Trailer??

[Gtsum27]

I recently got a 13 CC laramie 4x4 and like it so far. Main reason to get it was to tow ATV's to west va for some good times, as well as the usefulness of a truck in general. We recently started looking at travel trailers (not toy haulers) and I thought I would be in fine shape to tow some different trailers, but the more I look at the numbers, I dont think it will work....

Ram says my 3.55 geared 4x4 has max tow rating of 8450lbs...with a Gross Combined Rating (truck and trailer) of 14,000lbs...however, the payload capacity, or lack thereof, is startling. The sticker on my door jam says max payload is 1161lbs....so me, wife and two kids will be 450lbs...call it 500 with car seats, etc....the max payload of 1161 - the 500 = 661lbs left for payload....almost all decent sized trailers will have a tongue weight of well over that (looking at Jayco 28dsbh with real world tongue weight of around 1000lbs (6700lb trailer weight loaded ready to camp times 15% tongue weight percent = 1005lbs tongue weight needed..notice the 6700lb gross trailer rate is WELL BELOW the 8450 max tow rating on the Ram). The trailer tongue weight obviously has to be included in the trucks payload....even with a WD hitch, I dont think I can do this...do you?

Has anyone else run into this? The tow ratings look fine, and the gross combined ratings look fine, but unless I am missing something, the payload capacity severely limits the Ram's effectiveness for towing something. Not happy at all....I should have done more research on this. F150 has a lot higher payload capacity (perhaps due to not having spring suspension?). I might be getting out of my 3 month old Ram and into something else (likely a F250 if this thing cant (safely) tow what I need it to...

 

[audio1der]

The rear suspension, CC and 4x4 hurt us a little, but its the gears which are the main contributor. You need 3.92s to really pull.
I'm not condoning overweighting your truck, but toss a set of Airlift bags in there, keep the trailer to a reasonable weight/length and you'll be fine. The suspension, tires, brakes...everything else are all the same whether you're rated for 8,500# or 10,200#
My $.02

 

[Gtsum27]

Yeah, I can see I should have gotten the 3.92 gears, but that wouldnt change the payload capacity at all. I think it will work as is (with a WD hitch and air bags), it just ****** me off I didnt know or think to look at the payload capacity...I was just looking at the torque/hp numbers and the "max tow rating" of 8450...thinking I would be pulling at most 7k (and thinking that left me with plenty of safety room). HOpefully with a WD hitch, it will transfer enough weight to the front wheels and the trailer wheels that it will be within spec...but it is still a tight window

 

[Chewy]

Yeah, I can see I should have gotten the 3.92 gears, but that wouldnt change the payload capacity at all. I think it will work as is (with a WD hitch and air bags), it just ****** me off I didnt know or think to look at the payload capacity...I was just looking at the torque/hp numbers and the "max tow rating" of 8450...thinking I would be pulling at most 7k (and thinking that left me with plenty of safety room). HOpefully with a WD hitch, it will transfer enough weight to the front wheels and the trailer wheels that it will be within spec...but it is still a tight window

Unfortunately we give up payload for ride comfort. I believe my air suspension makes up for that some.

 

[Cannuck]

I have a 2013 Crew Cab Laramie with 8 speed 3.92 diff and air ride. Max cargo capacity is 1063 lbs as per sticker. I am not sure about trailer weight but I believe it is 10000lb. This causes me issues because I want a light weight fifth wheel or worst case a 29' trailer.

You could choose to fill clean water closer to your destination. Also dump Gray water as u leave. Lastly try shifting moveable items to better help with hitch weight. Not sure what else to suggest, but I am in the same pickle.

 

[Jeepkid]

Are you sure that Jayco has a tongue weght of 1000 lbs? we have a 29 ft bunk house and it shows a tongue weight of 678, i just towed it this last weekend for the first trip and added a weight hitch. down the road i will add the airbags as i didnt like the backend like it was.

only thing that remotely made me have an issue was the power issue and that might just be my truck needing a few maintenance items.

On another note i wouldnt fill up the water before leaving as it shows our trailer having a fresh water tank of like 60 gallons at 6lbs a gallon thats a lot of weight.

 

[Gtsum27]

Are you sure that Jayco has a tongue weght of 1000 lbs? we have a 29 ft bunk house and it shows a tongue weight of 678, i just towed it this last weekend for the first trip and added a weight hitch. down the road i will add the airbags as i didnt like the backend like it was.

only thing that remotely made me have an issue was the power issue and that might just be my truck needing a few maintenance items.

On another note i wouldnt fill up the water before leaving as it shows our trailer having a fresh water tank of like 60 gallons at 6lbs a gallon thats a lot of weight.

What trailer did you tow?

Well, the Jayco 28dsbh has dry weight of 5290, dry tongue weight of 590...figure in actual real world camping weights (with LP, battery, supplies, and very limited water, etc) and it is safe to say the trailer would be at 6500lbs loaded. By definition, a person needs 10-15% of that weight on the tongue...usually 13-15% is recommended...13% of 6500 is 845lbs...15% is 975lbs. Even with a WD hitch, which will move some weight to the front axles, as well as to the trailer's axles, best I could maybe hope for (going to the trailer's axles) might be 150lbs or so??? 845 (13% tongue weight) minus the 150 transferred to trailers axles) = 695lb....sticker on my door of my 113 Laramie shows 1061 max payload....that means I have 366lbs left for me, wife, kids, etc...with nothing in the bed of the truck.

I still find it hard to believe the truck could not safely tow this trailer I am looking at, but numbers dont lie. It is really a sad state of affairs...my wife's 12 Town and Country Minivan has a payload capacity of 1150?!?!?!?...and it is only rated to tow 3600 lbs...the ram is rated to tow 8450, but the payload capacity (1061) kills it. If I would have done more diligent research before buying, no way I would have bought this truck

 

[Jeepkid]

we have a 29ft bunk house prime time lacrosse all electric everything so pretty decently heavy.

our dry sticker weight was in the range of 6700 lbs. but factor in i have the 3.92 gears and the complete factory tow package.

I am in the process of adding airlift airbags.

 

[audio1der]

@OP- you really need to weigh the truck & trailer to know (which is tough unless they let you take it for a test drive).
You might be surprised how close to dry weight you are unless you go NUTS adding crap to the trailer LOL
Fully loaded with 3/4 tank fresh (30 gallon tank in ours), 2x20lb LP, 2x6V batteries, heavy 1200# trunion/dual cam hitch and a lot of accessories, our 32' 6500# dry (claimed) weighed 7060#. Our tongue weight was exactly 10% of that; I almost think we need MORE tongue weight!
That's why I suggested that with some bags I would venture to say you'd be safe.
BTW- if you do go this route, play with towing fresh water. Filling our fresh tank before we leave helps calm our sway and porpoising.

 

[Gtsum27]

wow, that lacrosse is a good bit heavier than the Jayco I was looking at...you are at 6650 dry weight and 778 dry hitch weight...at least 1k more lbs trailer wise and 200lbs or so more tongue weight...I have tow package, etc on my Laramie (3.55), but that really doesnt matter...8450 vs 10k gross trailer weight (max)..the issue is payload...at least that is what I am getting told on camper forums. Nearly every one has said it would be at my trucks limits, and very likely a good bit over the limits (payload that is). Seems almost all half ton trucks will hit payload issues long before getting close to the max trailer tow lbs. Have you by chance went to a Cat scale to see your actual weights on each axle and what the trailer actually weighs?

How is it towing for you? that model is almost exactly like the Jayco model I am looking at...same layout everywhere. That is a nice rig you got there!

 

[Gtsum27]

@OP- you really need to weigh the truck & trailer to know (which is tough unless they let you take it for a test drive).
You might be surprised how close to dry weight you are unless you go NUTS adding crap to the trailer LOL
Fully loaded with 3/4 tank fresh (30 gallon tank in ours), 2x20lb LP, 2x6V batteries, heavy 1200# trunion/dual cam hitch and a lot of accessories, our 32' 6500# dry (claimed) weighed 7060#. Our tongue weight was exactly 10% of that; I almost think we need MORE tongue weight!
That's why I suggested that with some bags I would venture to say you'd be safe.
BTW- if you do go this route, play with towing fresh water. Filling our fresh tank before we leave helps calm our sway and porpoising.

yeah, i dont think they will let me tow it to a Cat scale. But, you are giving me hope! How does yours tow? Any issues coming down steep grades or when semi's blow past you? How about mileage...I am guessing 8-9mpg? I have spent so much time the last few days reading and researching tongue weight, GCVW, GVAW, etc, etc, I am about ready to lose it I think! I would certainly think Air Bags would be a necessity since the rear end is so soft...I assume you had your air bags installed and aired up and then set your Dual Cam hitch up?

 

[Jeepkid]

wow, that lacrosse is a good bit heavier than the Jayco I was looking at...you are at 6650 dry weight and 778 dry hitch weight...at least 1k more lbs trailer wise and 200lbs or so more tongue weight...I have tow package, etc on my Laramie (3.55), but that really doesnt matter...8450 vs 10k gross trailer weight (max)..the issue is payload...at least that is what I am getting told on camper forums. Nearly every one has said it would be at my trucks limits, and very likely a good bit over the limits (payload that is). Seems almost all half ton trucks will hit payload issues long before getting close to the max trailer tow lbs. Have you by chance went to a Cat scale to see your actual weights on each axle and what the trailer actually weighs?

How is it towing for you? that model is almost exactly like the Jayco model I am looking at...same layout everywhere. That is a nice rig you got there!

i had myself the wife my mother and our son in the truck along with probably 150lbs of wood in bed of truck.

The trailer has something special with the wheels being spaced farther apart so they say it tows better, the only thing i noticed was it was pretty heavy and for the truck saying 10k towing i doubt your gonna be going up any hills at or close to the speed limit. i burned up almost a half tank on the trip and our campsite was 45 min away with one stop on the way home. id say we averaged close to 8 or 9. the trailer would want to pull the vehicle towards vehicles that passed and we didnt have any side winds when we towed due to the weather just lots of rain but not windy.

On the freeway was nothing just fine. it was in town turning etc that you would have to swing wide etc.

Keep in mind i have the smaller cab then you and i didnt have tow mirrors so i could barely see around trailer.

 

[audio1der]

yeah, i dont think they will let me tow it to a Cat scale. But, you are giving me hope! How does yours tow? Any issues coming down steep grades or when semi's blow past you? How about mileage...I am guessing 8-9mpg? I have spent so much time the last few days reading and researching tongue weight, GCVW, GVAW, etc, etc, I am about ready to lose it I think! I would certainly think Air Bags would be a necessity since the rear end is so soft...I assume you had your air bags installed and aired up and then set your Dual Cam hitch up?

Maybe a test tow needs to be part of the deal for you. They will claim almost anything is "half ton towable" to get a sale. If you're serious and have 1 or 2 models picked out, make them come with you for a test pull to the nearest scale. You'd have to have the empty truck weighed already to get the tongue weight...
I don't have much experience but I think it pulls heavy. The Hemi works hard but doesn't seem over stressed. 100km/hr(60mph)= 2600rpm. We get 10mpg at that speed.
Yes, I had the airbags aired up then set our dual cams, and have been playing with hitch head angle/links under tension to see what tows best. With the dual cam setup there is virtually NO sway. I could not tow without it. I pulled it only once last year on some wind, and vowed never to do that again. You have the length to contend with, not just weight- don't forget that!! No dealer will ever mention the length. Even if you are within your limit the length will factor in for sway, which is where having a 3/4 ton would be nice.
Our braking is amazing, power is good, cooling systems do their job admirably. The tow/haul mode incorporates electronic sway control and engine braking which helps.
Hope this helps you.

 

[audio1der]

Sorry- was just looking at the Jayco site. VERY nicely appointed trailers. May I suggest if you like that floorplan, shop around? Items like all that fancy trim, electric tongue jack etc make it heavier.
FLOORPLAN 28DSBH
Weights
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) 5,290
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs) 590
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs) 7,500

These specs are VERY similar to ours and we're within spec. I think your 15% of a calculated "real world tongue weight" is throwing you off. Again, I was surprised how close to claimed dry weight our actual loaded tongue weight was.

 

[Gtsum27]

Sorry- was just looking at the Jayco site. VERY nicely appointed trailers. May I suggest if you like that floorplan, shop around? Items like all that fancy trim, electric tongue jack etc make it heavier.
FLOORPLAN 28DSBH
Weights
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) 5,290
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs) 590
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs) 7,500

These specs are VERY similar to ours and we're within spec. I think your 15% of a calculated "real world tongue weight" is throwing you off. Again, I was surprised how close to claimed dry weight our actual loaded tongue weight was.

yep that floorplan is kind of what we are looking for since we have 2 and 5 year old boys. The bunks would be perfect for them and then when others come, we would have sofa and or dinette to sleep guests as well. Perhaps I am being too negative and thinking I would be hauling more weight and having more TW than reality? Because looking at the above specs you posted, it would seem the Ram would certainly be more than capable of towing it (safely). Thanks for all the input..it is good to hear of real world examples of towing with the ram 1500 and what works and what doesnt it, as opposed to just crunching numbers

 

[HonuTime]

I, like you, crunched the numbers. I crunched them so much, I made a miss calculation and didn't factor in enough for the payload. I bought a 2012 1500 with 3.92 gears. I towed my boat (dry 7300# w/ trailer) around for a full year. I thought everything was fine. I got air suspension. I got a canopy. I started towing the same boat this spring and it just didn't feel safe, I was nervous driving. I was STILL crunching numbers and then I realized... with a family of 4 + 1 teenage friend plus everyones clothes/gear/food/water/fuel/fishing gear, I was over at least 500 lbs max GCWR. I panicked. I want to be safe when towing, not only for my passengers but for everyone around me. I see countless people towing large boats and large trailers with 1/2 tons and SUVs. I see them driving too fast, I see their rear ends sagging so bad their springs are completely engaged. I decided I had to move to at least a 3/4 ton. I need that stability of the chassis, the heavy duty braking, and the stiffer rear end.

I towed long distance with it this weekend for the first time to the same place we usually go and I can't even begin to tell you how much better it feels towing. My kids actually got so annoyed with me because that's all I talked about in the truck, both directions! The braking, the tires, the power of the diesel, the rear end, the fact that I can hardly tell my boat is even behind me.

If you're going to tow something big, you owe it to yourself, your family, and everyone else on the road to do it with the right tow rig.

Probably not what you wanted to hear but honestly, it's safer.

 

[Gtsum27]

I, like you, crunched the numbers. I crunched them so much, I made a miss calculation and didn't factor in enough for the payload. I bought a 2012 1500 with 3.92 gears. I towed my boat (dry 7300# w/ trailer) around for a full year. I thought everything was fine. I got air suspension. I got a canopy. I started towing the same boat this spring and it just didn't feel safe, I was nervous driving. I was STILL crunching numbers and then I realized... with a family of 4 + 1 teenage friend plus everyones clothes/gear/food/water/fuel/fishing gear, I was over at least 500 lbs max GCWR. I panicked. I want to be safe when towing, not only for my passengers but for everyone around me. I see countless people towing large boats and large trailers with 1/2 tons and SUVs. I see them driving too fast, I see their rear ends sagging so bad their springs are completely engaged. I decided I had to move to at least a 3/4 ton. I need that stability of the chassis, the heavy duty braking, and the stiffer rear end.

I towed long distance with it this weekend for the first time to the same place we usually go and I can't even begin to tell you how much better it feels towing. My kids actually got so annoyed with me because that's all I talked about in the truck, both directions! The braking, the tires, the power of the diesel, the rear end, the fact that I can hardly tell my boat is even behind me.

If you're going to tow something big, you owe it to yourself, your family, and everyone else on the road to do it with the right tow rig.

Probably not what you wanted to hear but honestly, it's safer.

Thanks for the input..it is much appreciated. I have looked and looked and I think we will get a camper around 5k dry weight, maybe running 6300 or so full and ready to go. With a good hitch (ie Propride...ouch, thats gonna be pricey!), I am pretty sure I wont have many issues. Its not like we will be in the Rockies, but there are certainly some mountains in western va and wva, etc, so the Propride hitch will be worth the money imo...(plus, I will always have it for future trailers)...but they are NOT cheap

If it turns out the truck is not enough for the trailers we want, I will sell the truck and get a F250 King Ranch (likely). Unless Ram redesigns the 2500 like they did the 1500.

I dont know what I am more pissed off about to be honest with you....myself for not thinking this through all the way before I bought the truck (I use it for daily driver and also to tow ATV's to West Virginia to ride), or RAM for having, by FAR, the lowest payload capacity of any full size truck (assuming one with leather, power everything, etc)...the tow ratings are a bunch of BS IMO...doesnt do much good to be "able" to tow 8450-10k lbs if the truck cant handle more than 1k of payload...sad, sad. I wonder why Ram doesnt offer a HD payload option like the F150 does?

 

[HonuTime]

If you do upgrade, I'd recommend a Cummins 2500

I think the biggest thing people miss, including me, is the payload. The advertising has always been "10k with a 1/2 ton! How amazing!" yet if you don't read the fine print, you'll wind up with a truck not up to the task.

The 1500 can tow, don't get me wrong. I towed the same boat with a Escalade... now that was SCARY! After doing that one time for about 15 miles, I drove straight to the Ram dealer and bought the 1500. Oops.

 

[audio1der]

2 things up front;
I am a fan of doing things properly, and will spend money where warranted (that's subjective to each individual, of course)
But I don't like spending money where I don't feel it is warranted.

Do a lot of reading on the Anderson/Hensley/Propride hitches vs. something much much cheaper like the Reese dual cam setup. For about $650 you can accomplish most of what the $3K hitches provide. Just food for thought.

 

[AF_Hemi]

2 things up front;
I am a fan of doing things properly, and will spend money where warranted (that's subjective to each individual, of course)
But I don't like spending money where I don't feel it is warranted.

Do a lot of reading on the Anderson/Hensley/Propride hitches vs. something much much cheaper like the Reese dual cam setup. For about $650 you can accomplish most of what the $3K hitches provide. Just food for thought.

The Equal-i-zer is another VERY popular WD hitch with sway control. I've used it on multiple applications and it tows like a dream. It seems to be a favorite on many RV forums.

To the OP, is your Laramie a 6 or 8 speed? If it is the 8 speed, unless you paid the $50 option fee to get 3.55's you more than likely got 3.21s. Ram decided to make the 3.21 the standard rear end on all non-outdoorsman 8 speeds (even though the window sticker says 3.55) unless you got the optional 3.55 or 3.92 for a $50 charge. The best way to tell is go crawl under the truck and read the sticker on the axle tube (drivers side). With as much pain as you're going through now, I REALLY hope you dont have 3.21s because the tow rating becomes around 6,500.