What does " when properly equipped" mean!

[Sims]

I ha e a 2012 ram sport 1500 5.7 hemi with 3:55 gears HD Tran cooler, HD engine cooler, distribution hitch and sway bar. 6 speed auto 4x4, Crew cab Short box. The manual says I can tow 8600 lbs, but it also says I can tow 10,450 lbs when properly equipped. Can anyone give me clarification on when properly equipped means. Have I got the proper setup to tow 10,450 lbs, and is the rating for just a travel trailer or 5th wheel trailer also. Thks

 

[Neil E]

Probably means trailer brakes and the proper hitch setup.

 

[OC455]

a travel trailer or 5th wheel trailer also

Travel trailer

 

[crash68]

as mentioned above, the proper WDH to distribute the trailer tongue weight along any other aid needed to tow a load correctly.
It's best to set up a WDH with the truck and trailer fully loaded using scales to see where the weight is at.

 

[Wahrsuul]

Sorry, doubt you're "properly equipped" for 10k+ towing. With a Hemi/6spd 3.55 crew cab, you're at the 8600 lbs mark. Properly equipped is the max a 2012 1500 can tow, and that usually with a 3.92 rear and a single cab. Check here: https://www.ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/pdf/RAM.1500.Towing.Specs.pdf

Also, there's are a few 5th wheels that a 1500 can tow, but very few. Mostly it's due to the pin weight taking up too much of the truck's weight capacity. So the 5th wheels you can tow are usually on the small end. And with a crew cab, you'll need a 5th wheel with the proper hitch/neck for a short bed - they pivot in two places for easier turning.