Making Sense of Towing Numbers

[392DevilDog]

https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/no-go-for-standardized-tow-ratings.html

"Maximum tow ratings can no longer be based on a stripped base-model truck with a 150-pound driver traveling alone. Test trucks must now be equipped with popular options found on 33 percent (or more) of the configuration being tested. The 150-pound test driver is now accompanied by a 150-pound passenger."

That is exactly what I said

And...RAM was one of the first to do this.

I have a tradesman with only the protection group and tow mirrors as an option and I still weigh more than the chart truck.

The allocation is 150 for driver 150 for passenger...or a driver and cargo up to 300lbs.

Hitch is 90 for conventional 70 for goose neck and 150 for 5th wheel.

And max towing is figured with only a 10% tongue weight.

Almost no one travels at these settings.

 

[runamuck]

I looked mine up on that link using my vin and it showed the same numbers as are on my yellow doorjamb sticker. was way off a year ago so i guess they got their act together.

 

[Bobby Lee Jr]

I tow a 28 ft trailer that weighs in at 6700 lbs using an Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch and my 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab 4X4. I have no problems towing and have gone on cross country trips. I average 10 mpg while towing and 17 mpg without the trailer. The 1500 is a very comfortable daily driver. I have had the truck for 1 and 1/2 years and have had no problems with it at all.

 

[Bobby Lee Jr]

I have the 2020 1500 Limited, 4x4, 3.92, 5.7 etorque, 4 point air suspension , EZ Lift R3 weight distribution,20" tires. Tow a Flagstaff Micro Lite 21 FBRS . It should tow that trailer good but something is not right with it. Just weighed at the CAT Scale and the Front Axle shows 3380lbs, Drive Axle 3520 lbs, and Trailer Axle 3820 lbs. Total at 10720 lbs. This is with the weight distribution hitch. Trailer has Double Axles too. Do I need to shift some weight some where? Feels heavy , especially on the Highway. Thanks for any input.

 

[OC455]

Wow! So I did it by vin and it's substantially more than my configuration. Not sure why?

All jt is is a tradesman 4x4 crew cab 8 foot bed 4.10 rear 6.4/8 speed. Configuration says like 15,200 lbs. My vin shows a pic of a single cab and claims over 17k lbs but it says photo might not be the same.

I was pleasantly surprised. View attachment 216495

I plugged my VIN into there, and it shows 6292 lbs. cargo capacity and 13792.06 lbs. towing capacity, and it shows the base model 3500 regular cab like what shows in your post.

The calculator is accurate because my door jab sticker that shows the cargo capacity says 6292 lbs.

Little disappointed with the tow rating, but I'm pretty sure anything I look at in the future will be within spec.

 

[OC455]

Same generic stock photo...lol

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Patrik A]

Imagine my surprise on a 2021 Longhorn Limited 4x4 with a 5.7 Hemi when I looked up my vin and saw I only have a payload of 997 lbs. If I read this forum correctly after allowing for a couple passengers and some tools in my ram box that's about 400 lbs. Meaning my max with I can tow is only 4000 lbs assuming a 15% tongue weight. Does this math seem about right? I called Dodge and they validated the numbers and I asked how it could be so low. They turned in over to their technical department for a response and hopefully I get that tomorrow. If this holds true then I'll have to trade out my truck. I love the way it rides but with all the extras it must be loading down the truck. I was stunned when I saw this number. I have a towing package and it's worthless. Very disappointed.

 

[dhay13]

Unfortunately that is what this means. You might be a able to get away with closer to 12% or so so that will add a little but yeah a 1500 can't 'legally' tow much.

 

[392DevilDog]

You get options or usefulness. A limited has all the options, but very little usefulness. Hence the name Limited.