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 ...