Hi all.
Sorry to ask this. I really have tried to do my own research, but am getting conflicting stories all over.
I am looking to buy a 6000 lb travel trailer and want to know if it is safe for my truck to tow.
I have a 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 with 5.7 HEMI. It has the trailer package which includes 3.92 axle ratio, Calss IV hitch and a HUGE transmission cooler.
On the RV forums everyone says it is pushing the limit for my truck. The RV Dealership thinks I am crazy for even being concerned about it. They think my truck has PLENTY of capacity.
Are thier any opinions on if this is OK or not. THe hitch wieght of the trailer is 650 lbs.
PS I will be getting a sway controller and an electronic brake controller too.

 

My 2nd Gen Dodge (1994-2001) has a maximum tow rating of just over 7000 lbs. I'm pretty sure your newer truck has an even higher rating, especially with that nicer axle ratio and nicer transmission.

I will move this to the 3rd gen section (2002-2008 Dodge Rams) to get you more help.

 

6k lbs? That's nothing. Hell mid sized trucks are towing trailers around that weight these days. Check out a Toyota Tacoma forum, they are towing good sized trailers.

I only tow a small 18ft toy hauler trailer and the Dodge does it with ease, but my old 00 F150 with the 5.4L and 3.55's towed my parents 27ft TT, it was 6300 dry and 8300 loaded. My new 08 Ram Hemi with 3.92's would out pull that beater Ford turd any day. Max payload if you have 3.92's and 17" wheels is around 9,000 lbs. If you have 20" wheels, it's about 8,000 lbs.

 

6k?...ha...coming from someone with 3.55 gears and a 5200 lbs trailer + boat. No problemo.

 

Your fine, although I might consider air bags to help the suspension and make the truck handle better for towing anything over about 5000 lbs. small investment (around $200) for some added security and stability.
Also, anything over about half capacity of the truck should be towed with a Weight Distributing hitch and the trailer should be equipped with some kind of brakes whether they be surge or electrical.

Your gas mileage will suck *****, but the truck will tow it with no problem...

 

Yeah, I agree with everyone here, as I have towed trailers MUCH bigger than that with my truck (nearing 20,000 Lbs) and I only have 3.55...when working construction, It pulled the bobcat and excavator just as good as the bosses Duramax...he beat me off the line from dead stop, and his fuel gauge didn't move nearly as fast as mine, but getting back up to speed from a curve or something, he couldn't accelerate any faster than I could...you've got 3.92 so you're ahead of me a little already...even still, like hammer said, your fuel gauge will move just as fast as your tach...I don't have air bags or anything like a few have mentioned, though plan to get them in the future. I do have a weight dstribution hitch though, and it works wonders...Only thing to consider, even though the truck will pull it with no problem, they still make bigger trucks for a reason...if you'll be towing a lot of weight on a frequent basis, it'd be wise to upgrade because the load will tear up the 1500 that isn't built for it...although, if your looking at only 6000 lbs, I see no need to worry considering the things I put my truck through.

 

I have an 07 which is other wise very simularly set up. I have towed 11,000 pounds with mine and no problems at all. You will be just fine with yours. But you will use LOTS of gas.

 

Welcome to the site

 

http://media.channelblade.com/EProWe...08TowGuide.pdf

try this.

 

so im guessing you have a gooseneck or a fifth wheel in your truck? no way you can pull that with a bumper pull

20,000 is a lot of weight like enough to make a dually want to have a second thought