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!
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.
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.
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.








