Hi all, I still am rocking my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 OFF-ROAD edition and still love it. We are going to be headed out for a weekend get away for the holiday weekend and leaving tomorrow. Started off as just a couple of us, then turned into a few, and I definitely dont mind, just makes for more fun! Anyhow since I am the one with the biggest trailer I was auto elected to tow the fourwheelers up north camping. As of now I have a Large 24' Enclosed trailer loaded with 4 Full size utility ATVs and another in my truck box, along with all the camping gear, then of course I am going to have passengers. My hitch sticker was painted over, so I couldnt read the tag off it, but if I recall these 1/2 ton trucks had a towing capacity of like 6,800lbs. I currently know the weight of each wheeler and the trailer, and added up I am hovering the 7,500lb mark. This is the most I have asked out of a half ton, is it too much? I have all necessary equipment to haul a big trailer. It will be around a 4hr trip. I was actually quite surprised that when I got everything all loaded up, it is only sitting about 2" past level, I expected far more squat than that. What do you guys think, OK to do, or too much? Truck has 112,000mi on it and I try to keep it maintained pretty well.

 

Depends on what options...

According to dodgeram.info, the ram 1500 4x4 quad cabs have about a 7200 pound tow rating, so really you're not that far above. Above is above though, so don't crash.

Your payload though, is ballpark 1400 pounds.

At 7500 pounds you should have about a thousand pounds sitting on the trailer hitch ball.

1000 + one ATV + you + passengers + other cargo = 1400 pounds?


You're going to be overloaded, and depending on the terrain (hilly?) you could really be taxing the brakes, axles, transmission, and the local law enforcement's patience.

 

It's a Dodge RAM, right?... it will shift whatever you can fit in/on it.

So, back to a more practical reality... if your rig is in good condition, the above is still true if you employ a good does of common scenes... load balance, tie it down securely, and drive with an abundance of caution.
Poorly loaded, tied, and driven, will draw unneeded attention to your journey.
Properly loaded, tied, and driven with caution, will get you there without incident.

It is a Dodge after all

 

Usually you need a load leveler system to pull over 5000 lbs with the factory trailer hitches.

I'd get one if you're going to keep that large trailer long term, they'll transfer to the next truck.

http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...s/PS49583.html