3rd Gen Ram Tech 2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

2008 Ram 1500 5.7L first time towing

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 31, 2021 | 05:09 PM
  #1  
RamedHemi's Avatar
RamedHemi
Thread Starter
|
Professional
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 247
Likes: 2
Default 2008 Ram 1500 5.7L first time towing

Hey guys, i had this truck since new and never towed with it! I just purchased a 2017 camper travel trailer weighing in at 4k lbs. What can i expect towing this weight, any tips? How many MPG you think ill get having the 3:92 rear. Should be well below the max capacity. Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2021 | 10:43 PM
  #2  
Prismatic's Avatar
Prismatic
All Star
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 895
Likes: 56
Default

Keep the trailer balance correct and you won't even feel it. I regularly pull twice that and it handles it great (see signature)
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2021 | 06:27 AM
  #3  
jrsick's Avatar
jrsick
All Star
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 833
Likes: 68
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default

You won't have any trouble with 4000 lbs. Gas mileage will be poor, especially because the tow/haul mode disables overdrive.
For the trailer, make sure you have 10-15 percent of the weight on the tongue. If tongue weight is below 10 percent, the backend of the trailer can get unstable. If you are over 20 percent on tongue, the truck's rear will get very bouncy over bumps. Though at 4000 lbs, not a huge deal.
Check your trailer brakes to ensure they work. Do you have surge or electric braking on the trailer?
Make sure your trailer tire pressure is near the limit of the tire pressure rating. Always have a spare tire and lug wrench that fits the trailer tire lugs. Tires should be rated for your weight. When you replace trailer tire in the future, spend more and get a higher weight rating than you need.
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2021 | 06:32 PM
  #4  
fj5gtx's Avatar
fj5gtx
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 105
From: PA
Default

3.92 rear is usually compensation for the 20 inch wheels. I think the camper trailer aerodynamics will likely cause more mpg loss than the weight. 4k isn't much weight, you likely will hardly notice it. Watch out for wind, and you should look into sway control hitch setups.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:27 AM.