RV Towing Newbie

[Lance1985]

When backing the trailer I have found it handy to put my hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Don't overdo it though. Smaller turns of the wheel are better.

 

[2003F350]

I'm skipping a lot of posts, because most of the smart guys have already chimed in, but there's ONE point that might not have been made that I'd like to make:

Figure out what trailer you want and will suit your needs before deciding on a truck.

If you're sticking with a travel trailer (some call it a bumper pull), if you stay under 35-ish feet long and under 8-9k GVWR you should be okay with a 1500. Might be pushing the limits but probably not illegal or unsafe. If you're going over those lengths and weights, you're likely going to want a 2500.

Unless you're getting a Scamp fifth wheel, there isn't a fifth wheel I'd put behind a modern half-ton truck, even if they claim they're 'half-ton towable'. The pin weight alone puts you over the average payload of most half-ton trucks, so forget about any passengers or gear in the truck. If you're looking at your average fifth wheel, you're going to be well-served to at least get a 2500, the 6.4 gasser is no slouch and gives you more payload because it's lighter than the diesel.

If you decide that an average camper isn't going to cut it for you, and you need to have all the luxuries and bells and whistles of a heavy 35-40' fifth wheel, you're going to want a 3500 SRW, the 6.4 will handle the job but if you plan to be on the road a lot then you may want the diesel for torque.

If you decide you have to have a top-of-the-line rig, 40+ foot long with all the bells and whistles, whether it be just a fifth wheel or a big, tall-sided toyhauler, you're getting into 3500 DRW or bigger territory (the Ford F450 is a popular choice for these rigs). These rigs come with pin weights approaching or exceeding 3k lbs that lesser trucks just can't handle, and the stability of the extra tires in the back of your truck is worth its weight in gold.

This is my two cents, take it or leave it.

 

[Kool-aid kid]

Hello RAM experts! I am trying to do my due diligence before shopping for a used RAM to tow an RV trailer, neither of which I have ever owned. Still learning all about what specs affect towing capacities, safety accessories, etc. Hoping that a properly spec'ed 1500 will do the job.
My 1st question is: how much safety margin would you advise between the rated max towing weight and the actual GVW of the trailer (with water, some payload, etc.)? For ex., if the truck is rated to tow 8500 lbs, would I be safe towing 6500 lbs? 7000? Assuming the GAWR is within limits as well. Thanks!

A lot of good advice on here. Yes, a 1/2 ton will pull a lot but be wary of the trailers advertised as "1/2 ton towable". These generally are of a size that push the limits. A lot of things affect how well a truck and trailer handle. I own a trailer that was advertised as 1/2 ton towable but I own a 3/4 ton. The model was advertised and numbered as a 29 footer. I'll admit I'm not sure how length is determined but the body of the trailer measure 33ft. With tongue that puts it in the 35+ foot range that 2003F350 mentioned. I have pulled it with a 1/2 ton but did not like the way it "felt". As several have said "pick your camper then pick your truck.

 

[nlambert182]

A lot of good advice on here. Yes, a 1/2 ton will pull a lot but be wary of the trailers advertised as "1/2 ton towable". These generally are of a size that push the limits. A lot of things affect how well a truck and trailer handle. I own a trailer that was advertised as 1/2 ton towable but I own a 3/4 ton. The model was advertised and numbered as a 29 footer. I'll admit I'm not sure how length is determined but the body of the trailer measure 33ft. With tongue that puts it in the 35+ foot range that 2003F350 mentioned. I have pulled it with a 1/2 ton but did not like the way it "felt". As several have said "pick your camper then pick your truck.

On a fifth wheel the length is based on rear of the living quarters to the beginning of the overhang. So usually they're about 3-5' longer than advertised. Just a guess, but I assume on a travel trailer that they're only accounting for frame length minus the tongue.

When these folks advertise 1/2 ton, they aren't talking about the 1/2 tons that most of us have. They're talking about the unicorn 1/2 ton that are almost impossible to get.

 

[Loudram]

Just a guess, but I assume on a travel trailer that they're only accounting for frame length minus the tongue.

You're close.

The advertised length on a travel trailer is from ball to bumper. It used to be that the first two numbers in the model number was the actual box length but not so much anymore. That only holds true in some cases now.

 

[PappyD]

...So much GREAT information!

I have to chime in as I have a 1500 Laramie, 5.7 Hemi, and the 3.21 axle. Wife and I had a Roadtrek Class B van for a couple of years and wanted to switch to a trailer. So, we bought a 2015 Ram in 2019 and in the same year bought a Keystone Passport 23RB. About 27' total with a dry weight of 5800. Added Air Lift air bags to the rear coils, E rated tires, and a Curt TruTrak WDH. Pulls like a dream, etc.

So now we are 3 years into this rig and are considering getting something "a little bigger".
Here is what I found out. During a big multiweek road trip I pulled through a CAT scale, 2 times, to get hitched and unhitched weights. Going by the sticker on the truck, I was pretty much maxed out on payload. We laughed but when adding the weights - 2 passengers, 45 lb dog, 100 lb generator, 32 gallon fuel tank, tools, popup gazebo, lawn chairs, kayaks, etc, etc, we were on the edge. (put the dog on a diet!)

I think I could "get away" with pulling heavier but maybe not. IF WE STAY with the current setup we'll be fine. I keep saying though - "new RV...then bigger truck". Easy to see in campgrounds as we walk around - lots of 3/4 and 1 tons.

I'll cast my vote for getting the 2500.

 

[mtofell]

You're close.

The advertised length on a travel trailer is from ball to bumper. It used to be that the first two numbers in the model number was the actual box length but not so much anymore. That only holds true in some cases now.

Worth adding this is how the manufacturer lists them. Dealers and private party sellers? It's all over the map. some go bumper to ball, some do just floor space. Best practice is to take your tape measure with you if length is a concern.

 

[nlambert182]

Worth adding this is how the manufacturer lists them. Dealers and private party sellers? It's all over the map. some go bumper to ball, some do just floor space. Best practice is to take your tape measure with you if length is a concern.

What I figured out on most fifth wheels is that if you take the model number and add 4, you get pretty close to the actual length. For example, my last rig was a Chaparral 392MBL. so 39+4 = 43. Measured bumper to nose, it was 43' 1".

I haven't had a TT in a decade or better so I didn't want to assume that they were the same.

I've noticed that dealers in my area always advertise them shorter than they are. Private sellers... whole other ballgame..... I think some just toss a few numbers at the wall and whatever sticks is what they go with.

 

[dhay13]

My son has a Grand Design Imagine 2670MK, advertised as 26'. Total is about 32' with spare tire and coupler. Step-son had a Grand Design Imagine 3250BH and total length was 36'

 

[2003F350]

For those of you who are trying to figure out the rhyme/reason for numbers on RVs today: As someone who was in the RV industry for a while, the numbers...don't actually mean much anymore other than a manufacturing code. From what I can tell every manufacturer does things just a little different now.

For instance I have a shadow cruiser 277BHS. Literature claims it's 32'10" long. Actual measurement from ball to bumper is about 34'. Include the spare on the rear and it's pushing 35'.

Their 280QBS claims it is 31'11", so my lower numerical model number is actually longer per their literature.

Gone are the days when the numbers meant length. Today it feels like they just slap numbers on.