Greetings!

We own a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT with the 5.7L engine, towing package, 3.9x rear ratio. We have put a refundable deposit on a travel trailer with the following characteristics:

GVWR=7100#
GVW=5590#
Hitch Weight=856#
Base/Dry axle weight=4734#

I know its apples vs oranges and Dodge claims 8000+ pounds towing capacity, etc., etc.

My question is do the actual owners of similar Ram 1500s think I'll have trouble hauling this travel trailer?

Thank you!

Greg

2004 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT
5.7L

 

I have an '05 1500 with the Hemi and I pull a bumper pull horse trailer weighing in at 6500 lbs and have no problem what so ever. The only thing you might want to consider is if it is a tag-a-long type trailer (not a 5th wheel) , you might want a weight distributing hitch. Especially if the hitch weight is 856 lbs. One other thing, did you get the towing package on your 1500?

Duck

 

Thanks for your input.

I have a weight distribution system now (for a 24 ' trailer) and the dealer is going to upgrade it "free" to 1000 lbs bars.

The 1500 has the tow package.

We also have some hilly terrain around here (and most places one might camp at tend to also).

Thanks again!

Greg

 

you'll have a smile on your face when you hitch up, put it in gear and the thing takes off without you touching the gas pedal

happy trails

 

I have pulled much heavier things with no problem, i thinknyou should be fine.

 

You're golden. Take it out of OD, use the distributing hitch, and consider airbags or overloads for the rear end of your truck and you won't have a problem.

 

Okay. Now I can display my ignorance. What the heck is "airbags or overloads"? First time I have heard those terms in regards to towing.

Thank you!

 

airbags just increase the hauling capacity of the suspension. also gives a better ride, and you can raise and lower the entire vehicle as well

overloads I would imagine would be adding in another leaf spring

 

That makes sense. I'm fairly new to hauling trailers so I was a bit lost.

I'll check into those.

Thank you!

Greg

 

Thanks for the info.

Anyone have any links to this air bag option should the trailer push my rear bumper to the ground?

Thanks!