2016 RAM 1500 EcoDeisel / 25' Flying Cloud

[stumppyv]

Our TV is a new 2016 RAM 1500 EcoDeisel Crew Cab with 5'7" Bed and Tow Package. I just conducted a "Test Tow" with a 2017 25' Flying Cloud; all seemed just fine. All the TV ratios are well within guidelines; dry weight is ~ 75% capacity and the RAM maxes @ 7610# and the 2017 FC 25' maxes @ 7300#. I will not get close to the FC 7300# (Dry weight is ~5500#).

I am looking for others that use the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel to tow a FC 25'. I am interested in their experience; pros and cons.

Thank you for any insight you can provide....

[VernDiesel]

Stumpy you are new here. I suggest you peruse the many existing and recent threads that cover that truck at length. You can see I deliver new AS from manufacturer to dealerships with that truck. Yes its a great match for your AS.

Highlights for you; A no sway WDH is a good idea for any truck. Make things safer for all.

If you don't have factory air ride you will like the aftermarket air bags for anytime you load the bed heavy with the AS.

GDE & PPEI are the two companies that I know of that make a tune for the truck that also offer a turbo brake which is an outstanding safety feature for when the AS is pushing you down a mountain. Plus the other benefits of a tune.

Enjoy your family time and more in the Silver Hilton.

[SpletKay06]

Just invest in a good wd hitch setup like VernDiesel said above and you should be good. One thing to note as well if your truck came with 20 inch wheels I would recommend upgrading your tires to Lt rated tires.

[slowmover]

The best hitch is a ProPride. Cheap, for what it can do for you.


1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

[Thiatt55]

I thought it was a great truck but payload is the issue. When I calculated the MAX payload at the RAM site for an eco diesel with crew cab and 6'4" bed it said it was 1099 LBS. the tongue weight of my 25 weight in at 1200 lbs plus then add passengers/dogs-3, and gear and I was probably running at 2000 lbs payload.

That did not cut it for me. Towing capacity is never the issue. Payload and braking are more important.

weight distribution hitches do not add payload capacity to a tow vehicle.

So the Eco Diesel is gone and a 2500 has replaced it and with the cummins it has an engine brake, a beautiful thing.

[VernDiesel]

Thiatt, If safety is the primary concern, at least to a reasonable point weight distribution is the first and single most important factor. Not a payload number. No a WDH doesn't change the payload number. In this case it does something more important. It distributes the load for a safer more stable more enjoyable tow. 1/2 ton 3/4 ton alike. Which wasn't the idea of suggesting a payload to help guide the consumer for safe use.

FWIW Delivering commercially you have to go through state scales. DOT is concerned with axle weights & CVWR for safety. With a WDH & a 25 he is unlikely to be over either or unsafe.

Brakes, for a few hundred bucks and a 15 minute install he can have an engine brake also. If you read the replies we already recommended he consider these tools. Might be cheaper and easier than trading off a new truck for another Larger new truck. If he wants a larger truck sure I love the 2500 Cummins. Is a sledge hammer better than a claw hammer? Depends on what you want to hammer.

If no one told you and you didn't fully understand your options or you were misinformed or if you just decided you wanted a bigger truck that is fine. Or it is what it is. But to suggest if your were that he should spend that money and go that route to justify your decision doesn't seem right. Probably you were just sharing to help. If so we all appreciate that.

[SpletKay06]

Ok I'll add more I have a 2015 Ram 1500 ecodiesel with crew cab and 6.4 bed it's a loaded Laramie 4x4. It's my daily driver and tow vehicle. We tow a 1991 25 ft excella with it that has about 1200 lbs of tongue weight and scales at 6800lbs. My truck has factory air ride I also use an Anderson weight distribution hitch. My axle weights are 3600 lbs front and 3900 lbs rear with 360 lbs of passengers with the trailer axles weighting 2440 lbs each. That also includes full fluids ready to camp with 360 lbs of passengers and bed full of gear. Yes it's at the limit on the rear axle but not over and it tows excellent. I've also gotten a high of 17.6 mpg with this setup.

[VernDiesel]

SpletKay, I also use the Anderson No sway WDH. Most people think along the lines of plastic & or rubber and are afraid to put some serious squeeze on that poly to get the weight transfer but it will hold up. Its still not the strongest at weight distribution but light quiet versatile and IMO among the best in sway control.

My trucks lighter so it takes more trailer especially being dry but I have been exactly there as you described. Ride is smooth and confident with no sway and not harsh for you and your AS. And 17 mpg is the norm towing west at 65 to 67 using the cruise as much as is prudent.

The receiver with WDH is rated to 1,290 tongue so you are not over. My rear axle is normally at 3,900 and the whole truck has been trouble free for 240,000 miles. Only repairs were a light switch & a $158 lift pump at 230k.

[stevenson748]

You will be fine 25' Flying Cloud. I am pulling FC 26U and with initial set up with Blue ox Sway pro the Cat scales reveal with WD applied Steer axle 3100, Rear 3900, Trailer 5940 and Gross weight 13000 lbs The TV weighed in 6000 with one person in truck. This set up transfered approximately 1000 pounds to the TV My truck is rear wheel drive with 3.92 limited slip, Timber grove air bags and Green engine tune with exhaust brake option