Please Clarify - Tow ratings

[Happydays]

I need Clarification on how much airstream I can tow with either the Ram or Ford, I just don't get It I want to buy eventually a 30 or 34 ft airstream around 9, 000 pds or just under and I'm unclear about the Advertised Max tow capasicty and the GCWR??? The Ram truck has 6,1000 and a 11,2000 GCWR does that mean it can tow 6,100 pds airstream or can it tow a much larger up to max 11,200 pds. Sheeeesh HELP PLS

2013 Ram 1500 VS. 2013 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab

*Advertised Max Towing Capacity:
6,100
6,400

*GCWR:
11,200
11,700


Available Towing Capacity (GCWR - a - b):
5,765
6,150

Trailer weight:
5,765
5,765 (run 1)
6,065 (run 2)


Note: *Ram requires optional 3.55 rear axle, Ford requires optional 3.73 rear axle

[rodsterinfl]

The reason it is unclear is that you left out payload capacity- very different from towing capacity. Your tongue weight is subtracted from payload which is usually found on the door sticker. That is the one critical figure that separates the 1/2 ton from the bigger trucks and why some tow with 250's or 2500's. The towing capacity is really just how much extra weight the truck can pull but the payload is the "load" it can handle. You will get a lot of feedback on this forum but without ANY alteration of the truck, you need to know BOTH the payload capacity of the specific truck AND the towing capacity with payload being the most important in a 1/2 ton because that is the one you will most easily surpass. What is the rated tongue weight of the trailer you want? That is the weight load bearing down on that hitch and rear of the truck. Mine is rated at 840 but it is 1000 with LP gas, etc. Weight distribution balances out that weight but it still must be within specs to be safe. Yes, if you go with Ford, the max trailer tow package requires the 3.73 and the truck (2013) will have anywhere from 1700-1900 or so payload capacity. The 1900 being the max payload package too. The regular F150 has a payload of around 1400 or so- my neighbor just got a 2013 Lariat with a 1412lb payload. My '09 is 1548 lbs. My tongue weight is 1000 lbs. by the CAT scale so I have 548 lbs left for people and stuff.

[Moflash]

Yes the new rage in truck advertising is how many LBS they can tow.
But the harder thing to find is how much payload can they haul (not advertised).hmmmmm

[Happydays]

Besides the door sticker is their anyway to know maybe by pulling up the VIN??

[Happydays]

Does this help


2013 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab
2013 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab
*Advertised Max Towing Capacity:
6,100
6,400
*GCWR:
11,200
11,700
Advertised Curb Weight:
4,928
5,043
(a) Measured Curb Weight:
5,050
5,165
(b) Occupant and Luggage Weight:
385
385
Available Towing Capacity (GCWR - a - b):
5,765
6,150
Trailer weight:
5,765
5,765 (run 1)
6,065 (run 2)
As-Tested GCWR Percentage:
100%
96.7% (run 1)
99.3% (run 2)
Note: *Ram requires optional 3.55 rear axle, Ford requires optional 3.73 rear axle

[DKB_SATX]

You're not using the right numbers. Max GCWR for an F150 XLT Supercab is 17,100 lb, TRAILER max weight is 11,100 or 11,300 depending on wheelbase.

[Happydays]

What can this tow Make/Model: 2011 FORD F350 SD XL CREW CAB

&

Make/Model: 2011 FORD F150 FX4 SUPERCREW

[rodsterinfl]

The numbers are incorrect. Here is my door sticker. Note the one that says tires and loading info. Note the 1548 lbs. Another source is the towing guide. Ford has one online and I am sure Dodge does too. It will tell you by configuration what the general payload capacity is. Each truck, by VIN has a capacity based on engine, springs, etc.

[rodsterinfl]

Here ya go!

Towing Guides | fleet.ford.com

[Happydays]

O Wow you all just made my evening!!!!

We are looking at a used ford 150 just as listed above.
At first we thought of a Ram but this seems like the right one for us
thank you all sooo much

[7GenTex]

You will run out of payload (trailer tongue weight, driver, passengers and gear in the truck) before you get anywhere near "Max towing".

Imagine that!

What you will see in most brochures / towing guides is "maximum" for tow limit and payload.

How the truck is actually trimmed (XL, XLT, Lariat) and optioned makes all the difference in the world. Higher trims usually equals LESS payload.

Don't believe published tongue weights either - usually VERY low compared to actual "ready to go / camping" weights.

IMHO - For a 9#k trailer - I would be in a 2500 series minimum............

Advertising is like........................advertising!

[rodsterinfl]

Don't believe published tongue weights either - usually VERY low compared to actual "ready to go / camping" weights.

7GenTex has a point.

Glad to help. The towing guide is just that.

[ROBERT CROSS]

The best way to make sure your not over the payload ratings.

Weigh the truck and check the front and rear axle loads against the door sticker. Those specifications along with tire load ratings will tell you how much payload you have available.

As noted... it's way more likely you'll run out of payload before GCWR.

Better to have more than you need than need more than you have.

Bob

[DKB_SATX]

OK, from what you wrote at the beginning, I though you were looking at generic new trucks. Are you looking at specific ones for sale? What engines are in the 2 trucks you're comparing? If you're looking at a naturally-aspirated 3.7l V6, the numbers you quoted for the F150 are close. If you're looking at the V8 or the Ecoboost, it's closer to the numbers I tossed out higher in this thread.

[Wayward]

I like to start at a simple point that any properly equipped 1/2 ton pickup can pull any Airstream. Then get into the details.

Any particular model pickup's towing specs often range from under 5000 to over 10,000 lbs. The chassis and brakes are shared between the models' variations. What makes the difference in towing capacity are primarily tires, overall gear ratios and motor size. Tires and axle gear ratios can be changed to upgrade a used truck, should you buy used. So can transmission coolers.

The biggest variable is what is hanging on to the steering wheel.

I pull a 6000lb+ Airstream with an older, small motor 1/2 ton and with a newer 3/4 ton. The 1/2 ton has upgraded tires and gears, and has done an admirable job for years. The 3/4 ton does it easier, but the huge difference between the two is not their towing or weight capacities. It is the sophisticated digital engine and tranny controller integration system on the newer truck. My driving style varies between the two, but both make for safe rigs.

Towing my 10,000 lb cargo trailer is where I see the biggest difference in the trucks' capabilities. The 3/4 ton handles it well with any cargo load distribution and even without WD/sway bars. The 1/2 ton is used to pull the cargo trailer only for lighter loads with the WD/sway system attached.

I say buy a truck you like and go from there. If you plan lot of mountain travel, a bigger motor is nice.