I just bought a 2002 b1500 converison van with a 5.2l, V8, grear ratio 3.55. The sticker states it has a gvrw of 7000 and a combined of 11500. Do I take what my van weighs (5800) and subtract it from the 11500 to get my max weight I can tow (travel trailer)? I never towed anything before and my wife would like to get a travel trailer it just seems like I should beable to tow more 5700 lbs. I have heard many different trailer weights, but 50% of the things I am hearing is take my van weight and all the weight that I will have in it (people and bags, etc) and subtract that from the 11500, that would be the max I could pull. Any help would be great thanks.

 

A 1/2 ton van can only take a class 3 hitch (3 tons) which is 6,000 pounds. So you're right in the ballpark with being able to tow 5,700 pounds.

 

Um I thought a class 3 was the heaviest duty hitch commonly available.

jaldri01, you may want to ask the dealer, they will try to sell you something, but 2002 should be new enough to get that type of information straight from them.

 

I called 3 dealers each gave me different numbers (6600, 7700, and the dealership I bought it from told me 4100 on the low end and 8300 on the high end). I guess I will jusst stay on the safe side and use the 5700 lbs as my total.
thanks for all the help

 

Jaldri01,

The reason why you were given different numbers is due to the different wheel bases and the suspension specifications. You'll need to read that on the drivers side door jam.

In your case, the B1500 does NOT have the HD suspension rating like that of a B2500 HD with the 8-lug (16-inch) wheels and HD brakes. The B1500 has the classic 5-lug (15-inch) wheels and the standard frame and standard suspension. Your Ram Vanis around the 6600~6800 rating. I know, I tow TT's and other trailers with both our B1500 V6 3.9L/239cid 3.55 and B2500 5.2L/318cid 3.92. (FYI, some B2500 have 5-lug (15-inch) wheels and are NOT HD suspension)

You do have one advantage though, you have the V8 5.2L/318cid Magnum engine. The 3.55 rear end is somewhat wimpy for towing. So, don't take the TT camper out to the Rockies or the Appalachian Mts. The foot hills may be alright and practical to tow in those lesser grades. The 3.55 rear will be a slow start to get going from a dead stop, but nothing too serious.

Have you checked outhttp://www.rv.net/fourms yet? I've been a member there for years. It's the largest forum on the internet dealing with RV'ing and campers and towing. Best of all, it's FREE!

I would highly recommend getting the Roadmaster Active Suspension kit for the rear and a Timbren kit for the front. What are you looking for in a TT (travel trailer)?

 

A class 5 is what you put on a 1 ton rated vehicle and it's just as common.