2015 Ram 1500 Towing

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Sixpakcuda440

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Have a 12,000 lb trailer, am considering towing it from Connecticut to Florida. Am aware of factory recommendations but wondering if anyone has hauled something this heavy. Have had several private towing companies quote towing this trailer who have Ram 1500’s, so I question maximum capacity. Tongue weight on the trailer is 1200lbs.
 

mikeru

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Max tow rating on a 4th gen is lower than it is for a 5th gen. Actual rating depends on configuration. From what I could find on 4th gens, the maximum towing capacity for the 2015 RAM 1500 is between 9,000 and 10,500 lbs. Your 2015 isn't rated to tow that trailer. I would advise against doing that.
 
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Sixpakcuda440

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I believe the 2500 series is capable. I know the tires are different, not sure about the rear springs. Am hoping someone who really knows the difference so I can evaluate options for an upgrade. I already have air bags, and my rear tires are load range D. I have the 6 speed with the hemi, so I question what is the weakest link.
 

dhay13

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I would advise against towing that with a 1500. With that much tongue weight you will be quite a bit over on GRAWR probably by at least a few hundred lbs. I say this cause a 9300lb TT with 1100lbs tongue weight put the rear axle at 4260lbs and pretty sure that 1500 has a GRAWR of 3900lbs.
A 2500 will tow it for sure. I have towed that 9300lb TT with my 2018 6.4 with no problems. My max tow with 4.10's is 15,600lbs but I wouldn't want to go that high but would definitely be comfortable towing 12,000 with mine.
 

ThunderMug95

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Weakest links are everything but the motor…brakes, suspension, tires, overall wheelbase, weight of the truck.
Can it be done? Absolutely, happens everyday around you. Weve all seen contractors towing probably double the rated weight. Can it be done safely? Maybe…but its a liability. Its not like DOT is going to pull you in to a scale, but get in an accident because the power unit couldnt handle the towed unit and it comes out in court? Accident where someone gets hurt and you have to live with it?
 

crash68

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I believe the 2500 series is capable. I know the tires are different, not sure about the rear springs. Am hoping someone who really knows the difference so I can evaluate options for an upgrade. I already have air bags, and my rear tires are load range D. I have the 6 speed with the hemi, so I question what is the weakest link.
A 2500 frame, springs, brakes, and axles are all different. The GAWR(s) on your 1500 is 3900 lbs(front/rear each).
A 2500 GAWR(s) is 6000 front and 6500 rear(or 7000 depending on the truck configuration).
With your 1500, over half the rear GAWR is already on the axle when the truck is empty.
 

06 Dodge

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Have a 12,000 lb trailer, am considering towing it from Connecticut to Florida. Am aware of factory recommendations but wondering if anyone has hauled something this heavy. Have had several private towing companies quote towing this trailer who have Ram 1500’s, so I question maximum capacity. Tongue weight on the trailer is 1200lbs.
Best advice I can give you don't do it, that amount of weight needs either a 2500 or 3500 truck depending on trailer length & configuration...
 

nekkidhillbilly

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id recommend air bags if you do in the rear. the coils like to sag. you will be overloaded for sure.
 

Irishthreeper

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I agree with the folks saying don’t do it. Not only will you be way over axle ratings but I doubt your hitch is rated for that
much tongue weight. I think even a classV is rated for 1,000 lbs. If you do decide to do it I’m sure you’ll be on the Crazy Highway called I95. Use the right lane and do 60 as everyone passes you at 75-85 :)
 

mtofell

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Yeah, you're short of capability at nearly every component of the truck. Honestly, the engine is probably the most capable component. Depending on your axle ratio you actually might be able to pull it quite easily. You just won't be able to stop, turn or go over any bumps without something falling apart or burning up.
 

2003F350

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Am hoping someone who really knows the difference so I can evaluate options for an upgrade.

The entire truck. There is a night and day difference between them.

I would not hitch a 12k trailer to a 1500. No amount of air bags or weight distribution or tires or spring upgrades is going to make it safe or legal.

If you're really wanting to pull it yourself, obtain a 2500 or bigger truck. Otherwise get someone to haul it who is going to use a 2500 or bigger truck - a 1500 just isn't enough truck.
 

Doug Ram

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You don't say much about the truck, trailer or your set up. That makes me believe you already know the answer: this is a VERY, VERY BAD IDEA.

Is this a 5th wheel? If not, do you have weight distributing hitch? Airbags? Heavy duty tires? How are the brakes and controller? Do you even know what the truck is tow rated for?

BAD IDEA!
 

Doug Ram

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Have a 12,000 lb trailer, am considering towing it from Connecticut to Florida. Am aware of factory recommendations but wondering if anyone has hauled something this heavy. Have had several private towing companies quote towing this trailer who have Ram 1500’s, so I question maximum capacity. Tongue weight on the trailer is 1200lbs.
I would pass on any private towing company who's using a 1500 to tow a 12,000 pound trailer 2000 miles.

At the very least I'd insist on seeing and verifying the company's insurance policy. Because if that rig is in an accident, your insurance may not cover your loss if the investigation finds that the travel trailer is too heavy for the truck.
 

StNick

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I have to agree with the people saying don't do it. If you have a Class 5 hitch AND an equalizer hitch your ratings jump to 1700/17000 but is it safe? As a 20 yr truck driver, no it's not. Pulling is one thing, stopping is another. As a highway patrol officer friend once advised me, if you rear end someone and it comes out you were overloaded, there goes your license and your bank account. To me, it's not worth it. If you must tow it, find a bigger truck to rent/borrow/steal.
 

nekkidhillbilly

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ok so i dont think you are going break the truck tbh. family tows 9900lbs regular with a 16 1500. its right at the max rating. do it about once a month and have for a couple of years and for long distances each time. did add air bags in rear and i feel they are a must on the coil spring trucks. you will be overloaded but the truck will handle it. is it a good idea legally to do go over the rating no but the truck will do it. i cant see 2100 more lbs breaking the truck.
 

dhay13

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Thanks folks for the advice, going to the Ram dealer to discuss my options, possible trade?
Be careful with what advice they give you. They are known to mislead by either not knowing or not being truthful to get a sale. There is no 1500 made that will be legal or safe towing a 12,000lb trailer. I think there are some F150's that are rated that high but it's still a stretch. Can almost guarantee you will be overloading the rear axle even on the F150. 12,000lbs is well into 2500 territory
 

tron67j

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Before you go buying a truck, get your hitch weight of your trailer. If you are somewhere around 20% of trailer weight on hitch, you could be bumping up against weight limit of many 2500s. Combine that with weight of passengers, hitch, etc. in truck and you could be over a 2500.

It is critical you buy a truck based on the data on the sticker on your door jamb plus the unique data found in the Ram towing page, link below. DON'T just use a general value, you must input an exact VIN to see the actual towing capabilities of a specific truck. For example, a diesel engine or a Power Wagon package could derail your plans. Tradesman are generally going to get you the highest towing and payload capacities.

Good luck

 
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