After extensive researching and test driving the Ford F150, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, and Dodge Ram, we've decided the Ram comes on top. Specifically 1500 Laramie.

Specs include:

- 5.7L Hemi
- 3.92 Rear Axle
- 36.5 Gallon Fuel Tank (base 32 plus 4.5 option)
- Spray in Bedliner
- Nav/Media center
- 20" wheels
- Class IV Receiver Hitch
- Built in Trailer Brake Control
- Power Chrome Trailer Tow Mirrors
- Host of other features

Pulling a Trailer with the following specs:

24' Tango:
Dry - 4,500
GVWR - 7,000
Hitch weight - 520

However, on another forum specific to trailer towing, it's being suggested that this vehicle's GVWR may to be too low for my trailer configuration. Hope that's not the case. Anyway, would like some advice and opinions on this. Bottom-line, what can I expect to comfortably carry in the Ram? Would changing tire size, adding air bags, etc, help? I really don't want to go to a 3/4 ton.

Thanks!

Peter

---------------------------------------------------------------
From the RV forum:

. . . . The 20" wheels and tires are heavier, probably at least 20 pounds each. That is a lot more work to spin, stop, and turn. Worse fuel economy, more wear on brakes and suspension with heavier wheel/tire combos. A lot more than an extra 80 pounds in the bed.

Also, verify the payload of that Ram 1500. The Ram has the lowest GVWR of half ton trucks. There is a yellow sticker on the driver's door or B-pillar of every vehicle sold since 2006.



I recommend at least 1400 pounds for a TT of that size. 700-900 pounds on the tongue, people in the cab, and some stuff in the truck bed adds up quickly.
---------------------------------------------------------------

 

I'd agree with their recommendation of getting rid of the 20's and switch to the 17's. Many may disagree, but 20's are dumb for more reasons than just the rotating mass. You didn't say what cab configuration you are looking at, I'm going to assume Crewcab 4x4. GVWR is 6800, weight of 5538 gives you a payload of 1240 which after your 520lb tounge weight would leave you 720lbs for people and other junk in the truck. Tow rating is 9750 so you would be OK there.

If not, you can look up the various towing/GVWR ratings here:
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/201...ammlup1500.pdf

 

Thanks oldjeep

Yes, CrewCab configuration.

Peter

 

The Dealer sent me this today, indicating a payload of 1,720 lbs.

If this is the correct information, our configuration will work nicely.

 

The 1720 is for a 2wd ST Crewcab with 17" wheels and a 4.7L. Look at the chart I linked to and you will see the exact payloads for each configuration, straight from Dodge.
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/201...ammlup1500.pdf

Laramie 4x4 with 20's, 3.92 and 5.7L is rated for 1240

4x4 is rated lower than 2wd for towing because of all the extra weight, and the Laramie is the lowest tow rating because all of the doodads add up. The dealer knows all this, but is trying to play dumb to sell a truck.

 

Why would rotating mass be an issue if the tire height is the same for both. Is the weight of a 17" rim that much less than a 20" rim when the tire is mounted? Which weighs more, the extra rubber on a 17" or the extra aluminum on a 20"?

 

Thanks again oldjeep.

Really getting frustrated with the dealer in not getting direct answers. It took numerous calls and emails to the sales-rep just to finally get that info from him. Starting to feel a real "Buyer Beware" with this dealership . . . .

Guess I'm too hopeful that this truck will work for us since we really do like its ride and features.

Really appreciate you educating me in this area.

Peter

 

Rim weighs more than tire. A 20" rim with tire weighs 5 -20 lbs more than a 17" rim with tire or the same overall height - depending on the rim and tire.

Just for grins go to tire rack and pick a rim that comes in both sizes, compare the weight. Then look at the weights of the tires in stock ram sizes.

 

Grab two things with the same weight like two 20 oz Coke bottles. Sit down on a swiveling stool or small office chair. The smaller the backrest the better. Hold one bottle in each hand at arms length then use your feet to get yourself spinning and then lift your feet. As you spin, bring your arms in to your chest and see what happens to your rotational speed. Now spread your arms again. Notice anything? You spin faster with the same energy when the weight is closest to the center.

 

Well, my fuel consumption got better after I changed from 17's to 20's. And yes the speedometer was corrected for the diameter.