Towing Help! 2023 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 eTorque, 4x4, Crew Cab, short bed, 3.21

[FestiveAle]

Hey guys, long time listener, first time caller . I know this has been posted before and I'm sorry, I'm still confused. I have a new 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie, Crew Cab, 4x4, 5.7L v8 eTorque, short bed, and the 3.21 gear ratio. This is my first truck ever and have only driven RV's recreationally but hoping to get a travel trailer (likely an Airstream) in the next year. The RAM vin lookup tool (which sometimes seems to disappear off the site?) is showing:

1. Max Towing (according to Ram VIN lookup): 8,108lbs
2. According to my sticker in the door, GVWR is 7,100lbs
3. For s**ts, my payload is 1,620lbs

I know I need to look into weight distribution and adhere to the 80% rule, but other than the advice of 'should have got a 2500 or gone with 3.92' can anyone explain it to me like I'm 5 what I can comfortably and safely tow? I'm looking to get an Airstream (25ft or less) in the future but now feeling like I need to set my sites smaller/lighter. Would be a family of four with two dogs. I feel like a heal for falling for the RAM marketing on 12k towing* (when properly equipped) and for not doing my research further. I love my truck but now need to come to terms with what I can safely tow.

Any and all advice welcome.

Let the preaching commence, I know I deserve it.

Any help appreciated, and any resources you'd recommend.

TLDR, which one of these Airstreams could my 3.21 1500 v8 Hemi eTorque haul SAFELY with 4 people and 2 dogs: AIRMKT-2023-Towing-Guide-WEB.pdf (airstream.com)

 

[Likeitfast55]

Following, bought the same truck and it seems you are reading my mind. Answering a few questions before I buy a class 5 hitch.

 

[crash68]

which one of these Airstreams could my 3.21 1500 v8 Hemi eTorque haul SAFELY with 4 people and 2 dogs

well according to some on this forum, none of them unless you have a 5500 CTD diesel.. D'oh!

Look at a trailer with a GVWR about 7K lbs, the further you go over that ballpark the more attention to numbers you'll have to pay attention to. To ensure people aren't mistaken a trailer GVWR isn't what it weighs but the max it should weigh.

Towing something safety comes down to the "nut" holding the wheel, if it's loose things come apart, if it's tightened correctly everything holds together.
Doesn't matter if you had a 2500, a bad set up and driving irresponsibly and the trailer will own you just the same

 

[crash68]

Answering a few questions before I buy a class 5 hitch.

No need for a Class V hitch on a 1500, you'll max out the truck with a Class IV.

 

[Likeitfast55]

No need for a Class V hitch on a 1500, you'll max out the truck with a Class IV.

True, but I am having a hard time finding a class 4 or 3 without the support a class 5 has. The 3 and 4 only have a few bolts holding it on.
I am having a hard time finding a better hitch for the 2023 that what is offered for a few hundred dollars.

 

[Tom Davis]

Following, bought the same truck and it seems you are reading my mind. Answering a few questions before I buy a class 5 hitch.

Class IV is more than enough for a 1500.

 

[crash68]

True, but I am having a hard time finding a class 4 or 3 without the support a class 5 has.

Then you probably should go buy a 2500 as they come standard with a Class V

 

[Likeitfast55]

Agreed, IV is plenty. Any suggestions on make/model? The IV's I see are just so small and fragile looking. No side mounts to the frame like the older class IV. Or they say will not fit a 2023 Laramie.

 

[crash68]

Any suggestions on make/model? The IV's I see are just so small and fragile looking. No side mounts to the frame like the older class IV.

Go down the the Vendor section:

All Mopar Parts

Offering Genuine Mopar Ram Parts & Accessories at discounted prices!

www.ramforum.com

Ask Benny to look up the OEM Class IV the truck gets built with from the factory.

 

[Jane S]

Hey guys, long time listener, first time caller . I know this has been posted before and I'm sorry, I'm still confused. I have a new 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie, Crew Cab, 4x4, 5.7L v8 eTorque, short bed, and the 3.21 gear ratio. This is my first truck ever and have only driven RV's recreationally but hoping to get a travel trailer (likely an Airstream) in the next year. The RAM vin lookup tool (which sometimes seems to disappear off the site?) is showing:

1. Max Towing (according to Ram VIN lookup): 8,108lbs
2. According to my sticker in the door, GVWR is 7,100lbs
3. For s**ts, my payload is 1,620lbs

I know I need to look into weight distribution and adhere to the 80% rule, but other than the advice of 'should have got a 2500 or gone with 3.92' can anyone explain it to me like I'm 5 what I can comfortably and safely tow? I'm looking to get an Airstream (25ft or less) in the future but now feeling like I need to set my sites smaller/lighter. Would be a family of four with two dogs. I feel like a heal for falling for the RAM marketing on 12k towing* (when properly equipped) and for not doing my research further. I love my truck but now need to come to terms with what I can safely tow.

Any and all advice welcome.

Let the preaching commence, I know I deserve it.

Any help appreciated, and any resources you'd recommend.

TLDR, which one of these Airstreams could my 3.21 1500 v8 Hemi eTorque haul SAFELY with 4 people and 2 dogs: AIRMKT-2023-Towing-Guide-WEB.pdf (airstream.com)

You bought the truck before you knew what TT you wanted.

"You put the truck before the TT."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously dude ...

 

[Cactusmonkey]

We did the same thing, bought the truck and then bought the Airstream. Truck was a good idea but the Airstream not so much.

 

[FestiveAle]

Well luckily nothing else has been purchased, still at early stages of figuring out what kind of TT we want/can safely pull. Any friendly advice based on my setup greatly appreciated.

 

[Tulecreeper]

Talk to these people about what Class IV you need, and which WDH is best for your set-up.

etrailer.com

etrailer.com is the #1 online retailer of trailer, rv and towing products. Find recommendations, installation help, and advice from real people.

www.etrailer.com

Airstream is a very good TT manufacturer. They are, however, very expensive and really not worth the extra cost IMO. Look into Forest River, Coachmen (made by Forest River), Keystone (Thor Industries), and Dutchmen (also Thor Industries). Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. There are a lot of models to choose from just from those couple of manufacturers. Decide on whether you want one that is 4-season, or if you will only be using it in the summer, and whether you want 30A or 50A service (50A would be for a second A/C unit). There are a number of other factors you will need to decide on.

RVs | Travel Trailers - Forest River RV

Find the Forest River Travel Trailer that is right for you.

forestriverinc.com

RVs | Travel Trailers - Coachmen RV

Find the Coachmen Travel Trailer that is right for you.

coachmenrv.com

https://www.keystonerv.com/rv-type/travel-trailers

Dutchmen RV | Best Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers for Sale

Dutchmen RV is an industry-leading RV manufacturer with some of the best brands for short- and long-term adventures, including Aerolite, Aspen Trail, Coleman, Kodiak, and Voltage

www.dutchmen.com

 

[CanRebel]

Talk to these people about what Class IV you need, and which WDH is best for your set-up.

etrailer.com

etrailer.com is the #1 online retailer of trailer, rv and towing products. Find recommendations, installation help, and advice from real people.

www.etrailer.com

Airstream is a very good TT manufacturer. They are, however, very expensive and really not worth the extra cost IMO. Look into Forest River, Coachmen (made by Forest River), Keystone (Thor Industries), and Dutchmen (also Thor Industries). Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. There are a lot of models to choose from just from those couple of manufacturers. Decide on whether you want one that is 4-season, or if you will only be using it in the summer, and whether you want 30A or 50A service (50A would be for a second A/C unit). There are a number of other factors you will need to decide on.

RVs | Travel Trailers - Forest River RV

Find the Forest River Travel Trailer that is right for you.

forestriverinc.com

RVs | Travel Trailers - Coachmen RV

Find the Coachmen Travel Trailer that is right for you.

coachmenrv.com

https://www.keystonerv.com/rv-type/travel-trailers

Dutchmen RV | Best Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels & Toy Haulers for Sale

Dutchmen RV is an industry-leading RV manufacturer with some of the best brands for short- and long-term adventures, including Aerolite, Aspen Trail, Coleman, Kodiak, and Voltage

www.dutchmen.com

Just a note. Airstream is also Thor, as well as Jayco.

 

[Ratman6161]

Hey guys, long time listener, first time caller . I know this has been posted before and I'm sorry, I'm still confused. I have a new 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie, Crew Cab, 4x4, 5.7L v8 eTorque, short bed, and the 3.21 gear ratio. This is my first truck ever and have only driven RV's recreationally but hoping to get a travel trailer (likely an Airstream) in the next year. The RAM vin lookup tool (which sometimes seems to disappear off the site?) is showing:

1. Max Towing (according to Ram VIN lookup): 8,108lbs
2. According to my sticker in the door, GVWR is 7,100lbs
3. For s**ts, my payload is 1,620lbs

I know I need to look into weight distribution and adhere to the 80% rule, but other than the advice of 'should have got a 2500 or gone with 3.92' can anyone explain it to me like I'm 5 what I can comfortably and safely tow? I'm looking to get an Airstream (25ft or less) in the future but now feeling like I need to set my sites smaller/lighter. Would be a family of four with two dogs. I feel like a heal for falling for the RAM marketing on 12k towing* (when properly equipped) and for not doing my research further. I love my truck but now need to come to terms with what I can safely tow.

Any and all advice welcome.

Let the preaching commence, I know I deserve it.

Any help appreciated, and any resources you'd recommend.

TLDR, which one of these Airstreams could my 3.21 1500 v8 Hemi eTorque haul SAFELY with 4 people and 2 dogs: AIRMKT-2023-Towing-Guide-WEB.pdf (airstream.com)

So, do this:
1. Add up the weight of the 4 people
2. Add up the weight of the dogs
3. Assume a weightndistributingnhitch weighsn100# (mine weighs 106)
4. Add up the weight of everything you have in or on the truck that wasn't on it from the factory. Misc cargo, running boards and other Add ons etc.
5. Add all the weights of steps 1 - 4 or better yet just load all the people and stuff and drive on to a cat scale.

From there, if you didn't use a scale, subtract the total weight of 1-4 from you 1620 payload or if you did use a scale, subtract that weight from your 7100# GVWR. The result is the payload remaining for trailer tongue weight.

I know my wife and I and our stuff is 435. Assume 75 a piece for the kids and 50 each for dogs and 100mfor a hitch. I'll further assume nothing else in the truck and no add on accessories. That adds up to 785. 1620-785 = 835 available for the trailer. Assume a tongue weight of 13% of total loaded trailer weight. 835÷.13 = 6423# max trailer weight IF all my assumptions are true and IF you are willing to totally max out the truck ( bad idea). Finally, remember manufacturers advertised weightsnare dry weights and you always have more stuff than you think.

 

[Smokeybear01]

You bought the truck before you knew what TT you wanted.

"You put the truck before the TT."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously dude ...

Most people own or buy the truck before the trailer. How else you going to get it home?

 

[Kabitz]

Many good info & suggestions here. Get the electric over hydraulic break system.
Most of the time a 1/2 ton towing anything is rarely ever a problem but stopping can be.

 

[Marshall]

Does your truck include the towing package? Mine did and I don't tow anymore.
With out knowing what trailer weight is we can't say much.

 

[jimboschnitz]

I kind of agree with Smokie, of course you're going to buy the truck before the TT but to determine
what truck you need depends on the load you want to pull. Given that the Ram 1500 you purchased
was designed for economy instead of towing you'll have to downsize your trailer expectations. No other
advice from me that would be without some sarcasm. Good Luck.

 

[2003F350]

There are plenty of small campers that you can pull, most of them around 25' or less. Many are called 'couple's campers' but some of them also have bunks if you've got kids you're taking with you.

Be warned - even with a slide they're not that roomy, you should expect to spend quite a bit of time outside.