Ok, I need some real world results. Please don’t post specs as I’ve researched the numbers over and over on what the RAM engineers have stated this trucks ratings are. Also I am a master certified truck tech, so I don’t need a lesson in horsepower or gear ratios. Below is my question :
Specific to the 3.21 gear trucks, what are some real world towing results you’ve had?
Max towing? Capabilities? MPG? Performance?
I really want to upgrade to the new Jayco 267BHSW with a GVWR of 7500#, which is 700 pounds below my max tow cap, anyone tow at limit? Even slightly above? I know you’re out there, please chime in!
Until recently, I had a 2017 Ram 1500 5.7 crew cab 4x4 with 2.92 gears. We then bought a fairly lightweight travel trailer (Grey Wolf 19sm). Max GVWR for that trailer is 7,000. I’ve owned many 2500 and 3500 trucks, and towed much longer and heavier things, so I feel like I’m very aware of the limitations of a 1500 truck. I wanted to set this 1500 up to handle it safely since we load the camper up pretty well and haul a bunch of gear in the bed under the topper.
Right off the bat, before even going to pick up the new camper, I upgraded the tires to a D old rating. I went with BFG All Terrain KO2 tires. The truck actually handled much better empty and loaded. The OE tires are a joke IMO.
Next I knew I’d need some serious load leveling to handle anything over 500 pounds tongue weight. I got an E2 hitch and am very impressed with it. I bought it online and set it up myself. It’s not hard and online instructions and videos are very good.
Hauling that load, 3 kids, gear, etc cross country I got about 10 mpg. The truck has the power to do it unless you’re in the mountains or at altitude. Then she struggled a bit. You don’t really use 7th or 8th. I ran tow/haul mode and limited it to 6th (1:1). It did ok. It just always felt like the 19sm trailer kinda kicked the truck around in windy conditions and I really had to ask a lot from the E2 hitch. Oh I bought the 10,000 E2 by the way.
I loved the truck. I’ve never had a 1500 that was such a good vehicle. It was my fourth Ram. I’ve now moved on to something that will handle my travel trailer much better. So much better that it’s not even funny. I picked up a 2019 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 6.4 with 3.73 gears and it runs circles around that 1500. So my final opinion for you is that your 1500 can do it with D range tires and a load leveling hitch. But a 26’ trailer is longer than I am towing, so you’ll likely have a lot of “tail wagging the dog” going on. It won’t be the most fun hauling that load. And you’ll have to load level the heck out of it to get it to sit flat. Airbags would also help but you still really need to distribute the weight. A 26’ trailer is a lot for a 1500 truck. Personally, I like all the unfair advantage I can get. Your 1500 can do it if you spend the money to set it up right, but even then it will never be a 2500 truck.