Tow capacity

[Craneshaggy]

I have a 2022 ram 2500 big horn towing capacity is 19,980 lbs. but after some research my hitch weight of 2040 lbs so am I right that my tow capacity is only around 12,000 lbs. Thanks for any input Truck has the Cummins

 

[Dredger]

Taken from: https://www.ramtrucks.com/towing/before-you-buy.html

 

[PolarisCobra]

Towing weignt and carrying capacity depend on the way the truck is optioned. A Cummins is heavier than a HEMI, that reduces capacity. A tradesman has a higher carrying capacity than a Larimie because the additional options all add weight. All the trucks have the same springs, frame, brakes, wheel bearings, etc.

You need to look on the post behind the drivers door. Find a sticker (usually yellow) that will list the carrying capacity for YOUR truck. That is the number that matters.

If your trailer is a 5th wheel, find the sticker on the drivers side front, that will tell you the loaded weight of the trailer. Take 15% of that number, which is your approximate pin weight.

If your carrying capacity is 3000 pounds, and the camper weighs 12000 pounds - 15% is 1800 pounds. Subtract that from the 3000 pounds, you get 1200 pounds. That weight is for you, passengers and anything else you put in the truck. As long as you stay within the carrying capacity, you sould be good.

If the towing capacity for YOUR truck is 19000 pounds, and you tried to pull a trailer that heavy, you will find that 15% of 19000 is 2850 pounds. If your truck has a 3000 pound carrying capacity as in my example above, you only have 150 pounds to work with, and that does not include the weight of the hitch in the bed. You will likely never be able to tow 19000 pounds, unless your truck is a Tradesman.

This is a game the truck companies play, they show you the max towing capacity on TV, with a picture of a Limited truck, and some fine print at the bottom of the screen.

The camper companies do the same thing. They talk about the trailer weight of the empty trailer the way you buy it, but that's not the way you take ir on vacation.