towing questions, 3.6l, 3.2:1
#1
04-20-2017, 08:50 PM
Join Date: Apr 2017
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towing questions, 3.6l, 3.2:1
Recently bought my first Ram after years of GM life and really love it as I don't haul much more than a 4 wheeler in the box and rarely tow more than a 5 X 10 tool trailer. Because of this I was okay with the 2013 Bighorn, 3.6l, 8 speed - for gas mileage and didn't worry about the 3.2 axle ratio. All good until wifey and I started talking about taking up camping.
Just bought a small (20') camper with a tongue weight of 380#, empty 3188# with Gross of 3700#.
Is that truck going to tow it allright? I'm guessing that WDH is a good idea.
Just bought a small (20') camper with a tongue weight of 380#, empty 3188# with Gross of 3700#.
Is that truck going to tow it allright? I'm guessing that WDH is a good idea.
#2
04-21-2017, 07:04 AM
the towing capacities are listed in the owners manual. depending on your build 4x4 or 4x2 the max tow capacity is 6250lbs.
wdh are always a good idea. in addition to loading benefits, keeping the ride height proper means no toe change to the front tires.
wdh are always a good idea. in addition to loading benefits, keeping the ride height proper means no toe change to the front tires.
Last edited by primem; 04-21-2017 at 07:09 AM.
#3
04-21-2017, 11:49 AM
It will tow it ok on the flats but will not like head winds or long grades.
I have a trailer with the same specs a yours, single axle TT, 20 foot long with higher tongue weight. I started towing it with a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 with the vortec 4.8 and a 4 speed auto. The vortec had very similar HP and TQ numbers as your truck. It did have the 3.73 axle so that helped. With the 8 speed tranny, the 3.21 should not be an issue.
My biggest issues were when towing up long grades, the truck would sit in 2nd gear and rev like hell to get to the top. I just got in behind the semis and took my time. If you had long grades and strong head winds, it was a dog.
After one particular long trip in the mountains of Utah, I came home and traded the GMC in for a 2009 Ram with the hemi, 5 speed auto and 3.21 - problem solved. I now own a 2017 with the hemi and 8 speed. I haven't towed with it though.
The WDH is a must, without it, the Ram will squat too much and make the steering light and drifty
I have a trailer with the same specs a yours, single axle TT, 20 foot long with higher tongue weight. I started towing it with a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 with the vortec 4.8 and a 4 speed auto. The vortec had very similar HP and TQ numbers as your truck. It did have the 3.73 axle so that helped. With the 8 speed tranny, the 3.21 should not be an issue.
My biggest issues were when towing up long grades, the truck would sit in 2nd gear and rev like hell to get to the top. I just got in behind the semis and took my time. If you had long grades and strong head winds, it was a dog.
After one particular long trip in the mountains of Utah, I came home and traded the GMC in for a 2009 Ram with the hemi, 5 speed auto and 3.21 - problem solved. I now own a 2017 with the hemi and 8 speed. I haven't towed with it though.
The WDH is a must, without it, the Ram will squat too much and make the steering light and drifty
#5
04-22-2017, 07:26 AM
the 8 speed tranny is your friend when towing... and maybe engage the Tow/Haul mode button you should not have an issue
a WDH will help you out also
I got the Harbor Freight WDH for less than $200 out the door with the coupons that are all over... it is the same as the Reese brand hitch for much less... just need to get a 2 5/16 inch ball which is not included
a WDH will help you out also
I got the Harbor Freight WDH for less than $200 out the door with the coupons that are all over... it is the same as the Reese brand hitch for much less... just need to get a 2 5/16 inch ball which is not included