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Really want to tow this trailer with a 2019 Ram 1500

Jettix2

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Hi to all;

Currently driving a 2017 Ram 2500, 6.4L Laramie with every option except Diesel, which I had previously and simply don't need. It's my 3rd Ram, has been a good truck, but really want to step down into a 1500 because it suits my daily needs far better. 1/2 the payment on a lease, 2x the gas mileage (approx). Much nicer to drive, park, maneuver.

I drive about 20,000 miles a year. I haul lightweight things in the bed, use 4WD in Michigan winters, make 2 school runs every morning, commute back and forth to my store. I don't need to snow plow, I don't need to haul cinderblocks in the back, etc. This truck is incredibly overkill for my daily needs, the payment is huge, my avg fuel mileage is horrendous (around town this winter, it's under 10mpg), the part-time 4WD is rudimentary and overall ride is what you'd expect from a 3/4 ton truck. It is my last choice of vehicles to drive of the 3 that we have.....

I actually take my wife's 2014 Escalade to run the kids to school and back, because of better AWD, lower center of gravity, better weight balance, and mileage in the high teens.

We're on track this year to put 25,000 miles on her Escalade and 5,000 on the truck this year, because of this.

BUT, here's the kicker - We have a large bumper-pull camper that we tow locally 2 times a summer (10 miles round trip) and once to the Upper Peninsula on a 750 mile round-trip vacation. That's it. I am 100% confident a 1500 Ram will tow it to the local campground, but am unsure about the longer trip. (Honestly, I'd sell the blasted camper if my wife didn't love it so much, hahaha).

We have 5 family members (450# total). Topper on the truck (250#). Camper is a 2013 Cougar 32RBK. Specs show it is about 7400# dry (we've removed one of the scissor-sofas), tongue weight about 750#. I have a Pro-Pride anti-sway hitch (aka Hensley Arrow).

I'm going to approximate (haven't scaled it) that it is 8500-9,000# loaded.

I would order (or find) a 2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab, Laramie, 5.7 w/ 3.92, towing package w/ IBC, could get the 6-4" bed if needed for stability, air suspension if it's better or could add rear air bags & E load rated tires if it helped. The Laramie I test drove yesterday had a sticker on the door jamb of 1580# capacity. Lease payment is 1/2 my current payment. Fuel mileage is nearly 2x as good. Full time 4WD mode would be nice. Overall better ride, handling, etc.

Attached is a photo of our current setup. It's a long trailer. I've seen 3 other people on here towing around 10,000 lbs and they're pleased with the performance. I'm not worried about acceleration, I'm worried about cross-wind sway, being passed by Semi Trucks and causing sway.

Any thoughts? I plan to test tow with a 3.92 axle ratio Ram here in a few weeks once the snow is gone and I can get a feel for it. But in the meantime, am wondering..... camper.jpg
 
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Quicker10u

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9000 would be a tall order based on what else you are going to have in the truck, People Etc. Have you read any of the hauling reviews on youtube? I think the trailer they use is 6000-8000 but it is smaller so there would be less wind impact. I will be towing a 26' enclosed race trailer with a 3400lb car in it next Monday on the highway, so it should give somewhat of an indication. I know towing a 28' at 7400lbs with a Ram 2500 (05') Diesel was effortless for me, no sway (with Bars), but I haven't towed with this one yet. I would check out "The Fast Lane Truck" on YouTube and watch the 2019 Ram 1500 towing videos. Might give you some insight.
 

CMags

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There is a thread where everyone was posting their payload stickers, you’ll find trucks equipped with your desired list have a payload around 1450 depending on options. 1580 seems more in the range of quad cab or no options. Just something to think about as you would likely be over legal weight on most configurations.
 

Jettix2

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Yep, I watched TFL videos doing the Gauntlett on YouTube..........also looked on the board here, and looks like LivingFast85 has a trailer that's even heavier (same length) and was happy with towing, a couple other members were pretty close on length and weight and were also happy. Just looking for input:))
 

myram2019

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I tow a 14 foot dump trailer. I take scrap metal bales to the scrap yard. My last total weigh in was 17,820 lbs. (truck, trailer and load ). Truck with empty trailer is 10,100 lbs. it pulls the load with no issues. Tongue weight 600 lbs.
 

2wd

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Jettix2 you really did your homework. Given how infrequently you tow that trailer the new truck will probably handle the job just fine (not as comfortable as the 2500 but again, just 3 trips a year, 2 of them very short).

Are you dead set on Laramie? I was able to get a loaded up BigHorn that compares very well to a Laramie and has more Payload (1726). I'm missing leather, cooled seats, heated rear seats, reclining rear seats. Also at the time I purchased, I got an extra 1000$ rebate on BigHorn vs Laramie. (BigHorn is the volume model and you can sometimes get better pricing).
 

Jettix2

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riccnick, the Laramie yesterday VIN 1C6SRFJT6KN733290 has a sticker on the door jamb of either 1580 or 1582, I can't remember which. Only thing I would change is going with a different wheel style, and getting 3.92 rear axle instead of stock 3.21

If we take
1582
-450 weight of people
-250 topper (could be removed in a pinch if I'm running risk of going over GVWR)
-750 tongue weight (which could change slightly depending on what is in the trailer and how it's balanced)
-125 hitch weight

We have 7 lbs left for snacks. Right? LOL I'm being sarcastic, but generally that's what we're looking at, correct?
 

devildodge

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Tow what you feel comfortable, know your local/state laws on weight and use common sense.

The 1500 is going to be the same length as the 2500, just sit a bit lower. You may be surprised that your Laramie 2500 doesnt have much more payload than a sparsley optioned big horn.

The 1500 will tow trailer. Payload will always be the limiting factor.

A properly set up weight distribution hitch and a slower steadier pace and it should meet your small amount of travel trailer needs...which are far outweighed by the positives of the 1500.

Since you are going to be able to test tow, that will really help with the decision.

Good luck.
 

CMags

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riccnick, the Laramie yesterday VIN 1C6SRFJT6KN733290 has a sticker on the door jamb of either 1580 or 1582, I can't remember which. Only thing I would change is going with a different wheel style, and getting 3.92 rear axle instead of stock 3.21

We have 7 lbs left for snacks. Right? LOL I'm being sarcastic, but generally that's what we're looking at, correct?

One more note, the 5.7 can be thirsty while towing, did the truck have the 26g or 33g tank?
 

riccnick

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riccnick, the Laramie yesterday VIN 1C6SRFJT6KN733290 has a sticker on the door jamb of either 1580 or 1582, I can't remember which. Only thing I would change is going with a different wheel style, and getting 3.92 rear axle instead of stock 3.21

If we take
1582
-450 weight of people
-250 topper (could be removed in a pinch if I'm running risk of going over GVWR)
-750 tongue weight (which could change slightly depending on what is in the trailer and how it's balanced)
-125 hitch weight

We have 7 lbs left for snacks. Right? LOL I'm being sarcastic, but generally that's what we're looking at, correct?

Well, how are you calculating the weight of your people? Are you included in that? (Payload Calculations assume a single 150lb driver, no other passengers)

Also, I'd bet some good money that your hitch weight while loaded is going to be really close to 1,000 lbs, not 750, based on your trailer info you've provided. At 9,000lbs running weight, a 12% hitch weight is 1080 lbs before the weight distribution bars (which you need) and trailer sway control bars. Anywhere from 10-15% is what most TT's end up at, and depending how they're loaded / where the bedroom / kitchen is, that can change drastically.

Taking the topper off (to me) would be a no brain-er for payload reasons, but, you'd miss it for sure when camping I'm guessing. BTW, what other things are going in the back of the truck for camping? Chairs? Luggage? Air Mattress? Tent(s)? Fire pit? Grill? Gazebo? (not joking) I'm just thinking out loud here, because very single time we went camping with my parents, no matter with what truck he had, my father's truck bed was always 110% full of stuff my stepmother decided needed to be at the campsite. Every. Single. Time.
 

Cmerkert

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Give this a try with your numbers. (there are much more sofisticated calculators out there but there is always a number I can't fill in). link

I tow a 7,200 dry weight 31SQB and I come in under. When truck has passengers, less cargo (no generators, firewood, etc.). When I pull it onto the beach (local) no passengers, but tons of beach stuff, so payloads evens out either way. Payload ends up being the main limiting factor, well before the towing capacity. I estimage it is 8,500 lbs fully loaded. Never travel with tanks full. I am moving up from a '13 Avalanche that sways at 55mph and squats. Did LOTS of homework on just what you are saying, and also do not want to drive a 3/4 ton daily.
 

Jettix2

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Well, how are you calculating the weight of your people? Are you included in that? (Payload Calculations assume a single 150lb driver, no other passengers)

Also, I'd bet some good money that your hitch weight while loaded is going to be really close to 1,000 lbs, not 750, based on your trailer info you've provided.

Taking the topper off (to me) would be a no brainer for payload reasons, but, you'd miss it for sure when camping I'm guessing. (BTW, what other things are going in the back of the truck for camping? Chairs? Luggage? Air Mattress? Tent(s)? Fire pit? Grill? I'm just thinking out loud here, because very single time we went camping with my parents, no matter with what truck he had, my father's truck bed was always 110% full of stuff my stepmother decided needed to be at the campsite. Every. Single. Time.)


I'm 175, wife is 100, kids are 65, 40, 30, plus weight of their (2) car seats. Back of the truck has a couple kids bikes in it, the rest was in the camper. Empty water tanks on the trailer. If the tongue is 750 dry (which is about 10%), it should be around 850 loaded. I'm double-counting myself if I'm already in the payload calculation on the truck side of things...LOL
 

devildodge

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Payload includes nothing for driver/passengers...the tow rating involves 300lbs for driver/passengers.

GVWR of 7100 GCWR (with 3.92) 17000.
 

riccnick

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Payload includes nothing for driver/passengers...the tow rating involves 300lbs for driver/passengers.

GVWR of 7100 GCWR (with 3.92) 17000.

Payload includes a 150lb driver only. (Who's gonna drive the thing?)(edit: I was wrong about payload, read further) The J2807 towing guide assumes two-150lb people in the vehicle. Before that it was a single 150lb-er as well.
 
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devildodge

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Payload includes a 150lb driver only
Payload is what can be put in truck, were have you seen they give 150 for driver...to be sure I am understanding you...you are saying the 1580 door jamb number would be 1730?...that is wrong unless you can show me different.

The tow rating allows 300 for driver and passenger. 75lbs for conventional hitch and a 10% tongue weight.
 

Jettix2

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Give this a try with your numbers. (there are much more sofisticated calculators out there but there is always a number I can't fill in). link

I tow a 7,200 dry weight 31SQB and I come in under. When truck has passengers, less cargo (no generators, firewood, etc.). When I pull it onto the beach (local) no passengers, but tons of beach stuff, so payloads evens out either way. Payload ends up being the main limiting factor, well before the towing capacity. I estimage it is 8,500 lbs fully loaded. Never travel with tanks full. I am moving up from a '13 Avalanche that sways at 55mph and squats. Did LOTS of homework on just what you are saying, and also do not want to drive a 3/4 ton daily.

Do you have a picture of your Ram hooked to that trailer? It's almost identical!! :)))
 

Cmerkert

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Do you have a picture of your Ram hooked to that trailer? It's almost identical!! :)))
I will in less that 2 months! D1 status now. "Trigger 3.0" is about to hit the assembly line this week. haha
Is you're a Cougar Xlite 31SQB also? or BH?
 

Jettix2

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I will in less that 2 months! D1 status now. "Trigger 3.0" is about to hit the assembly line this week. haha
Is you're a Cougar Xlite 31SQB also? or BH?

Ours is a 32RBK...........rear triple bunk with kitchen, the lower scissor bunk has been removed. I'll have test-tow pics before your truck is here :p
 

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