2017 Ram 1500 - Can I tow this?

[HotLights]

Good Morning gang,

I am looking to tow this here:



and here is the highlighted specs on my ram:



From what I can understand, I'm within my weights if the dry weight is correct. I will be exhausting every measure to ensure I'm not at the GVWR. That includes removing all water and waste water, extra items not from the manufacturer, and food/supplies. I will most likely be the only one in the vehicle at the time and a full tank of gas.

I'm only travelling 45km or about 28mi one way. The tires on the vehicle are a load range E 10 ply MT tire.

Can I pull this off?

 

[billyw]

If you're keeping it and the truck empty, and have a proper hitch, sure.

 

[14hemiexpress]

Yeah that's 1000 lbs on the hitch dry and empty that only leaves you 500lbs for people and supply's in the truck it's pretty close.

 

[sticknstring]

If you can get it to move and you can get it to stop. Go for it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mohemipar]

One time 28 mile tow? If you are the only other weight in the truck that should be fine. The 1500 has plenty of power and the trans does good. The biggest issue with any 1500 is less stability. 28 miles is not bad at all though.

 

[HotLights]

Good to know, thanks guys. I've towed this with my old 2013 1500 once before. It just sat on the bump stops the whole way. I was looking at getting some HD spring coils +25% capacity. But for how often I tow I'm not sure it would be worth it

 

[billyw]

Get yourself a WD hitch. That will distribute the weight, reducing strain on the hitch and rear axle, while making the whole thing tow much more stable. Huge safety bonus for only a couple hundred bucks.

 

[HotLights]

Get yourself a WD hitch. That will distribute the weight, reducing strain on the hitch and rear axle, while making the whole thing tow much more stable. Huge safety bonus for only a couple hundred bucks.

The camper came with one. So it's good to go

 

[mohemipar]

Good to know, thanks guys. I've towed this with my old 2013 1500 once before. It just sat on the bump stops the whole way. I was looking at getting some HD spring coils +25% capacity. But for how often I tow I'm not sure it would be worth it

Yeah, that is the problem with the 1500. They have a great drivetrain but the rest of the truck lets it down lol.

 

[GsRAM]

I personally think that's way too much trailer for a half ton. Don't go by dry weight. If you want some safety margin, use the gvwr figure. If we use 10k as your loaded trailer weight, at 12% tongue weight, that's. 1200lbs, your payload rating on the yellow sticker is probably 1400 or so lbs, so if your 200 lbs, your maxed out before you put a single campfire log or any gear in the truck or trailer.

A 33 foot rig of those weights is a big trailer. I think your in 3/4 ton truck territory. Good luck

 

[zogg]

Good to know, thanks guys. I've towed this with my old 2013 1500 once before. It just sat on the bump stops the whole way. I was looking at getting some HD spring coils +25% capacity. But for how often I tow I'm not sure it would be worth it

All to often we see folks trying to modify a truck that is not up to the task for a job that simply requires a bigger truck.

Folks talk about adding heftier springs, air bags, "E" range tires, etc., etc.....still winding up with a too-small 1/2 ton truck.

I know it is easy to say "you need to trade for a 3/4 ton", but not everyone can afford to do that....

However, the cost of the consequences of a too-small truck can be absolutely outrageous.

My neighbor has a 7,000 pound 5th wheel that he pulls with a 1/2 ton GMC with the HD towing package and 6.2 liter gas engine. He's added bigger sway bars, bigger tires, some kind of spring stabilizer, and air bags, and he's so frustrated with the towing capability of the truck that he decided to park the camper in a permanent campground and never tow it again! His salesman said the truck would pull it, and is certainly does....just not very well. He said he's actually afraid to drive the combo....sad.

He looked at the underside of my Ram 2500 when I was rotating the tires last week and I thought he was going to cry....he was absolutely amazed at the difference in structure, brake size, and design between his truck and mine.

 

[mohemipar]

All to often we see folks trying to modify a truck that is not up to the task for a job that simply requires a bigger truck.

Folks talk about adding heftier springs, air bags, "E" range tires, etc., etc.....still winding up with a too-small 1/2 ton truck.

I know it is easy to say "you need to trade for a 3/4 ton", but not everyone can afford to do that....

However, the cost of the consequences of a too-small truck can be absolutely outrageous.

My neighbor has a 7,000 pound 5th wheel that he pulls with a 1/2 ton GMC with the HD towing package and 6.2 liter gas engine. He's added bigger sway bars, bigger tires, some kind of spring stabilizer, and air bags, and he's so frustrated with the towing capability of the truck that he decided to park the camper in a permanent campground and never tow it again! His salesman said the truck would pull it, and is certainly does....just not very well. He said he's actually afraid to drive the combo....sad.

He looked at the underside of my Ram 2500 when I was rotating the tires last week and I thought he was going to cry....he was absolutely amazed at the difference in structure, brake size, and design between his truck and mine.

Dealers always tell people they can pull a space shuttle with 1500 trucks. Its pretty bad. But its also mainly the manufacturers faults. They all brag big numbers and technically you can do it but in reality you dont want to be towing 10000 pounds with a 1500. OP would never want to tow that weight regularly with a 1500. But one time 28 miles, doesnt have much of a choice.

 

[HotLights]

I totally agree, it comes down to not being able to afford a "real truck" I'm gonna have to make due with what I have. I understand the GVWR and with that number it would be too heavy. With that being said I will ensure everything extra is removed. As soon as I load it I will determine if I want to tow it or not. If I don't feel comfortable, I will get a "real truck" to do the job.

 

[Farmer Fran]

Threads like these make me *****!

 

[HotLights]

Threads like these make me *****!

Is it because you own a real truck? It's not practical for me to own a diesel or 2500. I tow once or twice a year. So I have a question and I ask it. I want to know if it's possible, I want other opinions.

 

[VernDiesel]

Yes you should have enough. For longer tows Having a modern WDH with built in anti sway feature is very helpful with a heavy TT & a 33' floor plan. Also you want the strongest weight transfer bars or whatever for your hitch. Air bags or stronger springs also help. Last the 8 speed helps a lot. Adjustments to your hitch at a scale can also really help. I've towed many 33's 1,000 of miles with my 1500 ED set up is key.

 

[HotLights]

Yes you should have enough. For longer tows Having a modern WDH with built in anti sway feature is very helpful with a heavy TT & a 33' floor plan. Also you want the strongest weight transfer bars or whatever for your hitch. Air bags or stronger springs also help. Last the 8 speed helps a lot. Adjustments to your hitch at a scale can also really help. I've towed many 33's 1,000 of miles with my 1500 ED set up is key.

I had airlift 1000s in my rig before. I did not like them. They had a very rough ride even playing around with the psi. Towing they were so so. If I decide to tow more frequently I am looking at some coil replacements. I'm leaning towards the 35% increase.

 

[VernDiesel]

Sounds like you didn't follow me. Bags or stronger springs can be a good compliment to the WDH for a big heavy TT especially if you have weight in your bed. I don't use the cheap in coil bags either. I use the much better axle to frame bags that help support control & dampen the suspension.

Bump stops or extended bump stops like Timbrens can be harsh as can stiff springs. Airbags you can adjust right down to zero psi so harsh with airbag makes little sense.

 

[HotLights]

Sounds like you didn't follow me. Bags or stronger springs can be a good compliment to the WDH for a big heavy TT especially if you have weight in your bed. I don't use the cheap in coil bags either. I use the much better axle to frame bags that help support control & dampen the suspension.

Oh no I understood. I just was rambling about the coil bags I once had.

 

[Ratket]

It's 28 miles - just take it slow and steady - leave extra room for breaking. After the hour of hooking it up- and dropping it off is said and done with, no more issue- if you see a guy in another Ram trying to take a pic of you while towing - show him the finger so we can Haras him when he posts it on here lolol. Let us know how it goes.