I'm new to the forums and have had my 04 dodge ram 1500 for awhile and am wanting to purchase and tow a travel trailer around with a gvw of around 4500. I am wanting to install a tow package on my truck but can not find any definitive information on how much weight I can tow without having the factory tow package. I have tow/haul on my dash but I have no hitch, I do have the connector under the bumper to plug in for the electrical/lights but no connectors under the dash for a brake controller or anything. Is this a lost cause? Even the dealer with my vin can not give me any info on it. I spoke with one guy who said he remembers back in the day if you got a dodge without the factory tow package you would only be capable of towing 2 to 3000 pounds, but he also could not give me a rock solid for sure answer. Any info anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

I don't think the tow package really effected the weight rating, atleast back in 04. It was mostly just being prewired for trailer plug/brake controller, possibly having tow mirrors and a hitch preinstalled. Unless you bought the truck new all of which could've been removed.

What I'm finding is between 7 and 8000lbs depending on engine, package setup, cab style, box style ect. If you've got a trailer plug but no hitch I think you have some sort of trailer tow prep package. The brake controller connector can be a bugger to find sometimes. Its a white 4 pin connector, maybe 1.5 inches wide, if it indeed does not have it adding one is not the worst thing. You just need to tap into the brake light wire for brake signal, battery power and ground, and run the brake wire back to the plugin

 

What size engine do you have, what is your axle ratio, and what size tires do you have? Has your truck been modified from stock? These are major factors in determining towing capacity. The tow rating for the 2004 Ram ranges from 3300 to 9200 lbs, depending on configuration.
I rec adding a class 3 or 4 tow hitch. These are fairly easy to install and will allow you to set the correct hitch height while giving more security.
I don't think any 1500s came with a trailer brake connection. You will need to add that also. What type of braking system does your trailer have?
I'd also recommend getting scan tool that plugs into your OBD connector and reads transmission temp.

 

This is for 2003-2005; I have a 2wd with factory 20" wheels (that's what the # next to the A5 means).

 

I bought a 2004 QC 4x4 SLT with factory tow package new. It had the 20" wheels so it came with 3.92 ratio ring/pinon gears. I had a 7500lb 18ft car trailer and towed many miles with that setup w/o issue. That truck did come with extra coolers, ps and trans - not sure if that was a tow package item - but you can add a cooler. It would squat pretty good if I had the load too far forward on the trailer, so you want to make sure your trailer is balanced well. Doesn't hurt to have an equalizer hitch either, especially if you plan to hit the highway often. Mine came with a hitch and both 7pin and 4pin harnesses. Also the blue socket under the dash, as well as a adapter plug in the glove box for a brake controller.

Look really well for that blue socket under the dash, I think most trucks (if not all) came with it. That'll save you some under the dash effort, because I think anything over 3k lbs needs brakes. I know PA requires both axles of my car trailer to have brakes. Some states only require one of those axles to have brakes.

Google is your friend... check out the picture halfway down.

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