I have never seen so much confusion and different opinions/websites on how much my '09 1500 will/won't tow. I just purchased a 33ft TT and have driven it about 150 miles and while I can defininitley feel it behind me it seemed to tow fine. Has anyone else had this issue??
Tow capacity for a 2009 Dodge Ram confusion.....Help!!!
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First and foremost, Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Josh and I have ALOT (I do mean alot) of experience towing and hauling heavy loads. Having been in the army, and on 3 combat tours, for the better part of a decade now, I have seen and driven just about everything there is to drive, from tanks, to Route Clearance Vehicles, to pickup trucks. Some are VERY heavy, and some are bone stock trucks guys like you and me drive everyday.
Your truck is rated to tow at least 6500lbs, Depending on how its equipped, it could be rated as high as 8,000. Do you know what gear ratio you have (3:55, 3:92 w/limited slip...etc)? I see that you have the hemi, so even with a high gear ratio in the diffs (3:55) you still should be rated at well over 6500lbs.
How much does your trailer weigh? At 33 feet I cannot imagine it is light, you may notice something profound almost as soon as you set your trailer on your hitch. With a tongue weight of more than about 450 lbs, Your truck will go from raked (the front end lower than the rear), to level or squatting. Your coil springs may collapse under the weight, and while that does not pose a problem to your truck immediately, it can, over time. Towing a load as heavy as this with the 4th gen Ram requires some additional help, due to the smooth riding coil spring Multi-Link rear suspension. Coils were put in the ram because they ride smoother, but they are your worst enemy when towing/hauling heavy. Thats where the good folks at Total Load Control Suspensions come in. TLC will not only hook you up with great customer service, but Ramforumz members even get discounted pricing on their kits. This system is designed and patented specifically for 2009+ Ram 1500's. It will work in conjuction with your coil springs to improve load handling, reduce wear and tear on your coil springs, and even helps with unladen ride comfort and stability.
Shoot me a message at [email protected]_this_part_yahoo.com and we can get you on your way to comfortable and safe towing. Please let me know if there are any other questions you have, I will be watching this thread to assist further as well. Happy Travels!
Your truck is rated to tow at least 6500lbs, Depending on how its equipped, it could be rated as high as 8,000. Do you know what gear ratio you have (3:55, 3:92 w/limited slip...etc)? I see that you have the hemi, so even with a high gear ratio in the diffs (3:55) you still should be rated at well over 6500lbs.
How much does your trailer weigh? At 33 feet I cannot imagine it is light, you may notice something profound almost as soon as you set your trailer on your hitch. With a tongue weight of more than about 450 lbs, Your truck will go from raked (the front end lower than the rear), to level or squatting. Your coil springs may collapse under the weight, and while that does not pose a problem to your truck immediately, it can, over time. Towing a load as heavy as this with the 4th gen Ram requires some additional help, due to the smooth riding coil spring Multi-Link rear suspension. Coils were put in the ram because they ride smoother, but they are your worst enemy when towing/hauling heavy. Thats where the good folks at Total Load Control Suspensions come in. TLC will not only hook you up with great customer service, but Ramforumz members even get discounted pricing on their kits. This system is designed and patented specifically for 2009+ Ram 1500's. It will work in conjuction with your coil springs to improve load handling, reduce wear and tear on your coil springs, and even helps with unladen ride comfort and stability.
Shoot me a message at [email protected]_this_part_yahoo.com and we can get you on your way to comfortable and safe towing. Please let me know if there are any other questions you have, I will be watching this thread to assist further as well. Happy Travels!
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396 Posts
I too have been towing both construction trailers and large travel trailers for years and agree with ArmyofOne. I would also suggest investing in quality stabilisor bars and anti-sway brackets between the truck and trailer. The stabilisors will help with the tongue weight and the sway bars will help to keep the trailer running true.
Could you clarify on "this issue" you mention? Are you talking about your observation that the trailer seemed to tow adequately with your pickup, or did you have a problem? Maybe it would also shed some light to the discussion if you advised us of your trailer's tongue and overall weight, what kind of hitch setup you used, and other technical issues.
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