Please check my numbers before I go buy a new truck.

[prichard]

Sorry but not tractor towing, it's a new camper.

Truck numbers:
GVWR 6900
RGAWR 3900
FGAWR 3700

Trailer:
Dry 5560
Dry hitch 560
Gross 7250

CAT Scale:
Front 3280
Rear 3640
Trailer 5620

I didn't drop the trailer to check tongue weight since I was over GVWR. In the truck was me, wife and 3 dogs. In bed was <1000 lbs dog crates, dog containment and pop up shade. Actually guess closer to 600 lbs.

I could possibly move some weight to the trailer but that would be a major hassle and of course some of that weight would be on the tongue.

The major concern really was that was coming home we had clothes and a little food in the camper and only 1/2 tank of gas, all tanks empty. I saw over GVW and thought if we were fully loaded, full gas and water, and added anything we'd be pushing safe limits. I can't see how we can have much on the tongue carrying no fresh water (front of axles) and very little gear.

Before weighing I calculated
Available Payload 330.00 19%
New GVW 6,570.00 95%
NEW GCVW 13,070.00 95%
Towing Capcity 8,210.00 79%

Thinking I need to upgrade to a 2500.

What are your thoughts?

 

[George2615]

Not sure what truck you are looking at but a towing capacity of only 8210 is pretty low. Most 1/2T trucks set up properly can tow 10-11K nowadays. My last 1/2T truck had a towing cap of 11,200 and a payload cap of 2500. I upgraded 2 years ago to 3/4T due to purchasing 2 - 14K trailers and my 32' camper GVWR is 11,300.

A 3/4T would easily work for towing that trailer but there are many 1/2T's capable if they have the max tow package. Check the trailer life towing guide Trailer Towing Guides | How Much Can You Pull | How to tow safely | Trailer Life
A 960 lb. difference between your prospective truck towing cap and trailer gross is too close and would be easy to overload. If you are looking at new trucks ask for the max towing package specs. For used trucks look in the guide above.


The choice is yours, a max tow pkg. 1/2T will do the job but a 3/4T will have heavier suspension and larger brakes among other things.

 

[ning]

Towing Capcity 8,210.00 79%

a towing capacity of only 8210 is pretty low

He was figuring that at 8210#, he was at 79% of capacity, which would mean that his rated capacity is 10,400# (8210/0.79).

 

[prichard]

Thanks George.

Numbers are either from door sticker or Ram website. Towing capacity would be 2k higher if I had the higher ratio rear end.

Truck is a 2015 Ram 1500 with 5.7 hemi and 3.21 rear.

 

[prichard]

He was figuring that at 8210#, he was at 79% of capacity, which would mean that his rated capacity is 10,400# (8210/0.79).

No that is % of 8210 based on trailer max gross of 7250.

 

[atsah]

I would think a 2500 with at least 355's would handle what you want to do.. 3.21 is pretty high.. My cousin just bought a new F150, he has a big boat and big camper, he wishes he bought a 250, sags with a little amount of tongue weight.. The half tons are rated high in towing but IMO they don’t do it comfortably..

 

[prichard]

Wouldn't the 3.73 increase gas mileage? My thinking is better mileage may be worth the loss of 3k in tow capacity. 12,630 vs 15,630. It I were to buy something that large I want a 5th wheel on a dually.

 

[tjkubota93]

I would get 3.73 or 4.10 in a 1/2 ton if your going to haul.

Mine has 3.42. Old truck had 3.73.

About to get some 4.10 gears and put in newer truck.

I miss my 3.73 gear truck, but needed a 4 door for kids and found a deal from a buddy.

 

[atsah]

Yes it would decrease mileage but with 3.21 you will be downshifting a lot more so it’s not that much different.

 

[atsah]

I had 3.55’s in my last Ford and I would never do that again for towing. I had a 250 and a dually with 3.73’s and it seemed just about right for pulling..