Upgrading Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 suspension

[Herewego3]

I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 with a max towing capacity of 10,350 and 3:21 gears. Just purchased a 2019 Sunset Trail SS331BH at the Houston RV show with a dry weight of 7400 lbs. Total length of the trailer is 37' 6". I know towing this thing is going to be a struggle but I can't go off and buy a new truck so I want to upgrade my suspension to help out. The dealer threw in an E-2 WD hitch and brake controller. I've hauled heavy loads with this truck before and I know the engine will handle it I'm just concerned about the suspension and trailer sway. What's the best way to upgrade the suspension? Air Bags, heavier springs, Helper springs? I take delivery of the trailer next weekend and need to get this done before then. Other than not taking delivery of the trailer, what's my best options? Thanks for all info!

[BobChill]

I have a 2015 Ram hemi crew and the limit isn't towing capacity. It's payload. Look at the yellow sticker in the driver's door area. It will have payload listed. Mine has 1430lbs payload. The combination of your tongue weight, passengers, and gear in the bed can't exceed whatever your payload # is. Dry weight of the trailer won't include propane, batteries, gear, water, etc so your tongue weight will likely be close to or over 1000lbs. A weight distribution hitch will add close to 100lbs on top of tongue weight.

With the size trailer you have it may be difficult to tow without exceeding payload. Suspension mods won't change your rated payload.

[tuffr2]

Holy smokes, I have a 3/4 ton new (ish) truck and am concerned towing a 37' travel trailer.

What you might think of is trading your 1/2 ton truck on a bigger truck. From what I see the smaller truck cost the same as a bigger truck or very close. I bought a 2017 F-250 that was priced like the F-150.

If you trade in a 2014 Ram 1500 which is a real nice truck in on a 2013 Ram 2500 you might be even.

I am thinking a 37' trailer is too much to for any 1/2 ton truck except a F-150 with the HDPP option.

[Rhagfo]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Holy smokes, I have a 3/4 ton new (ish) truck and am concerned towing a 37' travel trailer.

What you might think of is trading your 1/2 ton truck on a bigger truck. From what I see the smaller truck cost the same as a bigger truck or very close. I bought a 2017 F-250 that was priced like the F-150.

If you trade in a 2014 Ram 1500 which is a real nice truck in on a 2013 Ram 2500 you might be even.

I am thinking a 37' trailer is too much to for any 1/2 ton truck except a F-150 with the HDPP option.

I agree, 37’ trailer is a lot of tail to wag the dog.

[Herewego3]

I didn't see the words "Payload" but there's a white and yellow sticker in the door jamb Labeled "Tire and Loading Information". On that tag it reads "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 1,440 Lbs". Is this the same thing?

[BobChill]

Originally Posted by Herewego3

I didn't see the words "Payload" but there's a white and yellow sticker in the door jamb Labeled "Tire and Loading Information". On that tag it reads "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 1,440 Lbs". Is this the same thing?

Yes, that's the magic # and the most limiting part of the towing math with 1/2 ton pickups

[tuffr2]

To give you an idea a 3/4 ton gas powered truck will have a occupant / cargo capacity of 2,800 - 3,200 lbs.

[Herewego3]

Well that's a great big difference. So there's not really a way to compensate with this truck? Should I try it anyway? Just see how things go.

[Herewego3]

This things says it's got a hitch weight of 936. I'm sure that's dry. An E-2 weight distributing hitch will remove how much of that weight?

[tuffr2]

I would try it initally with the truck as is. The WD hitch should help to level the trailer and truck. You got to find out if a truck rated to tow 10,000lbs. can tow a travel trailer that weighs less than 10,000lbs

The tongue weight on that trailer is going to be heavy. Maybe 1,200 to 1,600lbs. Using 20% of the trailers total weight is a usually an accuate % to estimate the tongue weight. It would be a great idea to get the truck and trailer weighed at a truck stop CAT scale.

I checked Google maps. Looks like you can take streets and not the busy, crazy freeway.

After a few times towing you will have a better idea of what you may want to do.

FYI - my 2017 F-250 6.2 gas engine truck has a occupant/cargo capacity of 3,495 lbs.

[BobChill]

Originally Posted by Herewego3

This things says it's got a hitch weight of 936. I'm sure that's dry. An E-2 weight distributing hitch will remove how much of that weight?

WDH doesn't change tongue weight unfortunately and the hitch itself will weigh 80-100lbs. If you went with beefy springs or airbags or any suspension mod there is no way to circumvent the payload #. Even if the truck towed the trailer perfectly from a ride perspective, the liability issue is serious. If you ever had an accident while towing the risk and liability of being over the factory weight limits is a big deal. Personally, I could never take that kind of risk. You will want to weigh the loaded trailer and truck to make sure everything is within spec.

[tuffr2]

The battery and full propane will add 200 lbs. The storage area on the trailer is in the front. It will be easy to reach 1,200 or more pounds of tongue weight.

[Spdracr39]

You have already made one mistake by buying a trailer too big for your truck. Don't make another by wasting money trying to make it work. Stay local till you can get an appropriate tow vehicle.

[Herewego3]

This feedback has been greatly helpful. I can't thank you all enough for your insight and contributions. I'll follow up after things are moving along. Again, Thank You all so much!