I posted something like this yesterday BUT cannot find it... please help.

OK, I have a 2005 dodge ram 4x4 1500 with 3.55 axle and 5.7 HEMI

Want to tow rv trailer (ball/hitch) with GVWR of 7500, UVW of 5565(empty)

I think my hitch says 5000 max towing and 500 toungue weight max

Everywhere I look I see different answers.

One issue here http://www.new-cars.com/2005/dodge/d...er-towing.html

it says GCWR for my dodge is 13,000lbs... but in the last row it says GTWR 7600...............

GVWR GEAR PAYLOAD CURB WEIGHT GCWR GTWR
6650 5.7L V-8 Auto 5-spd 3.55 1250 5233 13,000 7600

How do you figure out GCWR? The GVWR of Truck AND Trailer?? or the CURB wright of truck and GVWR of trailer??????



I know the truck can handle it... but am I legal???

 

Only way to actually know your combined weight is to weigh the rig. Your truck probably actually weighs 5500-5600# + passengers and cargo, then with a loaded trailer likely around 6500#, you'll be very close to the GCWR but I woudn't worry too much about the GCWR since that's more of a warranty / performace rating. The only place you have to worry about being legal is in BC Canada where they go by the GVWR on your pillar. Not aware of any other places that will fine you for exceeding numbers printed by the manufacturer.

 

No matter what the truck is rated to tow I wouldn't go over the rating of the hitch itself.

I'm not sure I would want to tow that much weight in RV form (more wind resistance) with only 3.55 gears.