Go with the manual. Better yet, I think the rating should be on the drivers door.

 

http://www.bing.com/search?q=2012+ram+tow+ratings+pdf&form=IE11TR&src=IE11TR&pc=ASJB

 

I have seen that chart...that's the one I'm referencing in the initial post. However, the manual in my vehicle says standard is 5000(for trucks pulling off the bumper, mentioned earlier in the manual) and the max is 7450(which I would assume would mean any 1500 with the 4.7L and the tow package).

 

Hello jesterlee

Your particular Rig set up is 5,850 (Max Trailer weight) This is determined with base weight of your truck, the driver of 150lbs and a tank full of gas.
The payloads of the 1500 Ram are horrible. Yours is 1,491.(payload)
So in reality once you add passengers, equipment in the box and add tongue weight your Max Trailer number will decrease fast. Tongue weight should always be 10% to 15% for proper towing stability. To achieve this you'll have to play with hitch head height, angle, weight distribution bars and your local Cat scale.

Here's an example:

Trailer Max 5,850 x 12% = 702 lbs Tongue ( which is now on the trucks payload )

2 Adults 275 lbs
Stuff in the Box 300 lbs

Total 1,277

Take 1,277 from your trucks payload your left with 214 lbs payload and a Max Trailer weight of 4,573 lbs

So not knowing your specific weights if you were to tow this example down the road you would be within the law and have safe travels.

 

That was a good explanation, you deserved thanks.

 

The 'official' weight rating, the one that's going to matter if your truck/trailer is inspected, is what's found on the sticker attached to your truck. Roger could be right about it being on the door or maybe even on the door jamb? :4-dontknow:

 

Thanks all for the input! Maybe all of that will help make heads or tails of it all. I'm familiar with calculating down the payload and GCWR, etc. just never been to sure what number to start with. Looks like it's going to probably be the 5,850 mentioned above. Once again, thanks all!