Ram 1500 Towing Question

[Lori Meyer]

We want to get a Keystone Laredo Super Lite 294RK TT which weights 6,834 lbs.

I'm looking at a 2002 or 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 L V8. Has anyone had any experience with this set up? (Can't get a new one but there are many used, affordable options out there).

I have a 2002 Suburban 5.3 L V8 but I don't think she'll pull it.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Lori

[wrvond]

Either of those vehicles should pull it ok. However, the issue of tongue weight and cargo capacity are still unresolved. You need to ensure that whatever vehicle you get has the factory tow package installed. Even then, you are going to need a weight distribution hitch. You are probably looking at 900 pounds or more of hitch weight once the camper is loaded.
One other thing that's good to know - four wheel drive trucks generally have about 200 pounds less capacity that the equivalent two wheel drive.

[TXiceman]

Be careful of the weight of the trailer. You have listed a dry weight which does not include any item listed as a option,,,like A/C, microwave, TV, batteries, etc. Them you add your clothes, food and other camping supplies. Your trailer can easily weigh 1000# or more than the dry weight.

Look at the trailers GVWR for a better ... I found it to be 8500#. Hitch weight would be closer to 1020# or more. This will not leave you much if any load capacity in the truck for passengers and other cargo.

I would move up to a 3/4 ton (2500) as a minimum for that trailer.

Ken

[JIMNLIN]

Check out the 1500 Dodge Mega Cab with the Hemi in those year model. It sits on a 3/4 ton truck chassis with a 8510 GVWR with a 6000 RAWR and E tires and wheels.

[gggplaya]

If you can manage to find a 2004+ nissan titan, you will also be happy with the tow. When the titan came out in 2004, it outclassed all of the competition with it's lower end torque(380ft-lbs at 3200rpm) and 5 speed transmission(Ford and GM had 4 speed, Hemi had 5). It's a beast of an engine and should be able to tow 7000lbs slightly better than the Hemi and way better than the Ford or GM. If you do get any of these vehicles, make sure it has the factory tow package which will usually come with the correct axle ratios for towing. Slapping on a hitch to a truck doesn't give you the same tow ratings without the proper axle gears.


But at that dry weight you'll be at the top end of the trucks capabilities. An F250 or excursion truck with a V10(Ford) is worth considering. It gets only 13-14mpg unloaded but doesn't lose as much while towing. Dodge also makes the ram 2500 with the same hemi engine.

You could also get the 2500 suburban which has a 6.0L engine. Or the Yukon XL which also have the 6.0L engine and i think the HD chassis. However the 6.0L is only slightly better than the hemi and matches the titan in torque. So personally if you're going to do that you might as well get the excursion V10.

All gas engines aside from the ecoboost, need to rev. If you don't like the revving while climbing grades, you'll have to get a diesel. But diesels are costly to fix and maintain when the miles get up there. However, diesels are designed for commercial duty so the engines last a very long time.

It looks like you guys are going upscale. Unfortunately you gotta pay to play with luxury. All the nicer materials add more weight.

[Lori Meyer]

Thanks for all the awesome feedback. We sold our 25ft Crossroads Zinger and want something with more room and a little more luxury. We choose the Laredo 294RK but the Suburban may not pull it although it pulled the Zinger across the country without blinking an eye.... then again the Laredo is 2,200 lbs. heavier so I guess a 3/4 ton would be better. Thanks again.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by Lori Meyer

Thanks for all the awesome feedback. We sold our 25ft Crossroads Zinger and want something with more room and a little more luxury. We choose the Laredo 294RK but the Suburban may not pull it although it pulled the Zinger across the country without blinking an eye.... then again the Laredo is 2,200 lbs. heavier so I guess a 3/4 ton would be better. Thanks again.

By all means go 3/4 ton. The Hemi is a great motor but with the 1500 you just won't have the payload capacity to haul you, mama and the kids plus whatever else. Then add 900lbs for tongue weight and you'll likely be over the trucks GVW.
Check the sticker on the door of the truck and see what the cargo/payload rating is. Anything over 2000lbs would be ideal.

[mgfiest]

Hi.. currently have a Class C and deciding to go with at TT... the one we are interested is about 8klb fully loaded.... So this month.. Chrylser is giving away(ya right) vehicles.. I was looking at a 2014 Ram 1500 Big Hord 4x2 quad with 5.7l hemi.. gear ratio 3.92.. it has an 8gear trannie.. also the tow package... it is rate for 10klb.. my question will I notice it when pulling.. we still like to travel and most if it is going over the mtn ranges in the east... I had my exposure of I95 outside Springfield, Mass ... blow the trannie on my C... so I am being on the safe side in purchasing the next vehile.

Thanks

[caissiel]

Originally Posted by mgfiest

Hi.. currently have a Class C and deciding to go with at TT... the one we are interested is about 8klb fully loaded.... So this month.. Chrylser is giving away(ya right) vehicles.. I was looking at a 2014 Ram 1500 Big Hord 4x2 quad with 5.7l hemi.. gear ratio 3.92.. it has an 8gear trannie.. also the tow package... it is rate for 10klb.. my question will I notice it when pulling.. we still like to travel and most if it is going over the mtn ranges in the east... I had my exposure of I95 outside Springfield, Mass ... blow the trannie on my C... so I am being on the safe side in purchasing the next vehile.

Thanks

I did the same roads with an 88 2.9 Ranger for 3 years. Towing a 5600lbs 5th wheel.

You should be OK but you will feel the load no mather what you drive. Just keep the Rev up. But my limit for gas truck was around 7k lbs. Times have changed, they seam much mote capable. The problem was overheat.

It was the toughest stretch going to Florida from Canada.
I did have the Ranger modified.
My friend followed with a 3.9 Dakota with a 6100 lbs 5th wheel also for 3 years.