I've got an '11 Big Horn with the 4.7 and 3.55 gears. I've added a class III hitch, 7 pin plug, trailer break controller and transmission cooler, (all aftermarket) but the dealer is no help as to what I should be able to tow with this set up. Anyone have any ideas?

MNTeacher

 

Should be that same as stock. http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/towing_payload/2011/

But with you putting on a class III that will reduce your tow rating to 5000 pounds. My truck came with a Class IV stock. Most Class III hitches are rated for 5000 pounds where as Class IV is rated for 10,000 pounds.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tow_hitch

 

Yes, but the hitch says 5,000 lbs. weight bearing or 8,000 with a weight distribution set-up (which is what I have). The question becomes can I pull 6,000 - 6,250 lbs. with this set-up?

MNTeacher

 

You have the torsion bars and all? If so, I wouldn't be afraid of pulling it. You are good up to 7k with the trans and all, beings you added all the goodies... just be careful.

 

My 2010 Bighorn Extended Cab, with the factory tow package is rated for 7,250 lbs. That's with the 3.92:1 posi gears. I don't know how the 3.55:1 gears effect your towing limits. Does your truck have the Tow/Haul function on the gearshift/instrument panel? This chart should help you:

https://www.ramtrucks.com/shared/pdf...wing_Chart.pdf

 

Shouldn't it be posted on the placard on the drivers door. I'd be interested in seeing what it says.

 

If the same rating difference for gears that the Ram has holds true, deduct 1000 lbs. from the rated capacity with 3.92 gears if you have 3.55s...

 

I have the 3.55's with the 4.7
I tow a camper that is estimated at about 6000-7000 lbs depending on what I put in it.
I would not recommend this up any larger hills (the Appalachians) or in nasty winds.
Truck got 12 mpgs on the way to my last camping trip. But fought 70 mph tornado winds on the way home... got pretty hot and only 9 mpgs.

 

hey where did u get the aftermarket 7 pin wiring harness for a truck without the towing package stock i couldnt find it yet?

 

I got mine at Princess Auto (much like Harbour Freight in the Excited States). I found a brake controller there on sale, including a connector package that I had to cut and paste, since I didn't have the factory tow package connector under the dash. I bought some 10- and 12-guage wire in various colours and some fuse holders. Wired the 12-Volt supply to the battery with the fuses and ran the wires to the back of the truck alongside some existing wires. I have not connected the reverse lights yet, since I don't currently haul any trailers that need them.

My current problem is that the bracket that came with the connector is crap and just hung under the hitch. Backing into snowbanks last winter means that my bracket and connector are toast this spring. I'm researching a good, solid bracket that will hold things together next winter.

Here is what I used:



It is from Hopkins.

Plugs in to the current 4-wire (if you have it, with pig-tails for everything else. Need a day that isn't raining or 95degrees to get under the truck and fix it.