Towing

[CaptPat]

Hello everyone. I’m new here. I have a question about towing capability on a 2019 Bighorn Lonestar. 5.7hemi, 4x4 crew cab. Vin says I have a 6’4 bed with 3.21 rear axle. I need to haul a 9574 gvwr camper. A 3.92 was suggested. Is this a good idea? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[pacofortacos]

A one time haul or multiple times?
Distance if one time and any hills?

If it is a camper that you are going to tow yearly, I'd say get a 2500.

 

[huntergreen]

agree, your in 2500 territory if towing that weight regularly.

 

[dhay13]

Agreed with above. While the 3.92 might state 10,000+ lb towing you won't likely get there without exceeding other limits first. And even if you can I can assure you towing that much weight with a 1500 won't be fun. A few trips in and you will likely agree with me. Even with a good WDH and proper load balancing that trailer will want to control the truck more than the truck will control the trailer. But like said, if only once a year and not too far you can probably get by with your current truck, just go slower and take your time.

 

[Irishthreeper]

My ‘19 1500 with 3.92’s pulled that much weight just fine but I was over on payload and axle weight. I now have a ‘21 2500. You’ll likely have the same issues.

 

[Riccochet]

Yup, as said, that's 2500 territory. My TT is not far off at 8300# and it was a chore for my last 1500 to tow it. And that truck was as upgraded as I could make it with Helwig sway bars front and rear, air bags and 3.92 gearing.

 

[crazykid1994]

Good rule of thumb is you don’t want to pull over 80% the trucks towing capacity because stuff can start getting uncomfortable. Stability and breaking becomes greatly reduced. A good weight distribution hitch is a definite. Your 3:21 gears puts your tow capacity around 8,000 lbs and the 3:92 is around 10,000 lbs. it would be a better idea to upgrade to a 2500 if you plan on long distance hauling that trailer.

 

[CaptPat]

Thanks guys. Appreciate all the info. Going to get something a little smaller. Lol

 

[dhay13]

FWIW I think to feel comfortable stay under about 7000lbs loaded on your TT and you should be fine as far as comfortability. That isn't a 'set in stone' number but a general area where a 1500 should feel fine

 

[crash68]

Good rule of thumb is you don’t want to pull over 80% the trucks towing capacity because stuff can start getting uncomfortable. Stability and breaking becomes greatly reduced.

Whether your at the max or down 20% doesn't really make a difference on stability, how the load is set up is the determining factor. Many have had "white knuckle" driving experiences at or below 80% capacity due to a poor set up.

 

[crazykid1994]

Whether your at the max or down 20% doesn't really make a difference on stability, how the load is set up is the determining factor. Many have had "white knuckle" driving experiences at or below 80% capacity due to a poor set up.

Correct but as a good rule of thumb 20% down is just less stressful on the truck. Especially for a 1500. I know proper loading of a trailer is most important but on something like a tow behind camper it’s not necessarily as big of a concern given the campers come pre setup and any weight you are adding is usually minimal and negligible at best to the distribution of the weight of the camper. Honestly a weight distribution hitch would be a huge definite for something so large but that doesn’t help with braking or maneuvering which is why I suggest the 80% rule. To many times I’ve seen people driving maxed and try to maneuver and end up being overtaken by their trailer. That’s more common lately with the f150 eco boosts towing 10,000 to 12,000 lbs and trying to stop quick when someone cuts them off. I’ve been around trucks and trailers my whole life as my dad has always had them. Boats or other flat trailers for hauling.