19 RAM 1500 + AS GT 25ft - Having Payload/Tongue Weight Issues?

[trumpetguy]

I moved from a 1500 Ram to a 2500 due to payload. I don’t notice a size issue and the Laramie interior is plush. The 1500 had a 5.7 Hemi whereas I now have the Cummins TBD. Hate paying the price for diesel and DEF but was told to avoid the 6.4 due to low gas mileage which affects range. In summary payload is important so get the 2500.

[crispyboy]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Well - Lord help me....I’m going to be taking with a local Ram dealer about the 2019 Longhorn - 1500 or 2500 - if I should start a different thread just let me know.

It’s starts by just “doing the numbers” and that almost always leads to doing the deal....

While only 2’ longer than the OPs my 27FB scales in at about 6000 with WD applied and about 1000 on the tongue. While a 1500 could do it, the 2500 would give me more hauling capacity. So I’m leaning there for sure.

I current have a Silverado Duramax 2500 which has been an excellent tow vehicle but 3 things I’m curious about with the Ram:

1) diesel vs gas - I’m leaning gas only because there is so much emission stuff and total cost of ownership from sale to maintenance to diesel costing more than gas where I live - it’s like all the benefits have been chewed up.... You are correct on this point. The 8 and 10 speed transmissions in the gas trucks has changed things.

2) there’s optional air bags - I’ve never had them - best to go without? I know there’s no WD purpose for them and wonder whether it screws up your ability to really dial things in properly. But some people swear by the comfort factor. I like the idea of the air bags and this would be high on my list.

3) I’m not seeing a lot online about integrated brake controllers. What’s the skinny on those? And are they compatible with my drum brakes on a 2012 FC? The integrated brake controllers will work perfectly fine with trailer drum brakes.

Thoughts??

Again - if this hijack should be it’s own thread I’m glad to do that - I just think it’s sorta related....

Thanks!

SteveSueMac,
Just an opinion as I do not own a 1/2 ton.....
You could easily use any manufacturers modern half ton truck to pull your trailer. As you are aware that a certain number of compromises must be made whether you have a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton.
Modern 1/2 ton trucks - are better daily drivers, ride better, sit lower, less payload - so you need to more aware of what you travel with, take your time in dialing in a good hitch.

As a side note One of the guys in our WBCCI unit has over 150k miles on his Airstream 27FB pulling with two different half ton trucks (both F150's) and a Hensley hitch. One of his trucks has had rear differential issues and the other had a bad solenoid in the transmission but he is happy as a clam in the half ton truck and wouldn't have it any other way. He travels heavily loaded.

I personally set up a family member half ton truck with with a 2007 - 25RB Airstream and a Hensley hitch. This model trailer has a very heavy tongue weight but it flat out tows and rides great down the highway. Took it to the scales and there is room for more stuff in the truck.
Towing this size Airstream can easily be done with a half ton but you will have to be a little more involved in watching how it is hitched, loaded, tow vehicle tire selection, etc...

Modern 3/4 ton trucks - Off the showroom floor this truck will be ready to work. These definitely ride better than prior years but it is still a heavy duty truck. It will feel more stable than the half ton when towing. Daily use is not as nice as a half ton - that just the way it is. Apparently you have a 3/4 ton diesel truck. For towing it doesn't get any better than this and you will probably miss this truck if you trade it off. If the diesel engine give you concern have you thought about the 2500 with a 6.4 Hemi, 8 speed tranny and air bag suspension?

There is nothing wrong with what your considering on this possible tow vehicle change and have often went through this mental exercise myself if If didn't have my current truck. I think it would be money well spent to rent a half ton truck for a couple of days and taking your trailer on a short camping trip to see if you like you like how the truck drives. Don't forget to hit the scale for the real numbers.

[ghaynes755]

Forget the arguments about trucks. Get a bicycle. Wally towed an airstream with a bicycle. It didn't crash, didn't kill anyone, could've used a tandem if he needed a passenger.

Interesting as always reading those that tow with xyz and the setup does a fine job. Yet they never post CAT scale numbers to support what a fine job xyz does so that they have facts in support of their setup. No single setup works for all. As some sages have mentioned load up your actual TV and go to a CAT scale or if buying a new one take it to a CAT scale factoring in the other stuff you will carry on the road, the family, the pets, the bikes, kayaks, toys, generators etc so you have a handle on exactly what you have/buy. Factor in the trailer weight, tongue weight, hitch and then decide if it works for you and your level of acceptable safety margins if any.

[twbucksr]

Well stated ghaynes755.

Your 1/2 ton truck configuration, including options, can be engineered to accommodate your needs if you take the time to do the research. Easy way out is to spend more money by buying big off the dealers lot (which is what they want) then go home and not worry about it.

My 1/2 ton set up is using just 54% of its towing capacity to tow my 27FBQ FC. My payload capacity is just 300 lbs less than the 3/4 ton diesel next door. Best part is that my bank account is over $10K heavier.

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by Steven62

My claim was that the RAM Limited wasn’t the ideal choice but was adequate for a 25’ Airstream and that I had traveled a good distance with it. Here are the specs for my specific 2016 by VIN and here’s some of the places it’s been.

This sort of makes the case that your particular truck is not adequate. With loaded tongue weights in the neighbourhood of 1000k lbs, you have a little over 200 lbs of payload left for you, passengers, gear and gas.

[ghaynes755]

Warden it's probably a typo but I think a 1000K lbs would crush the truck. Just sayin' Even Wally's bicycle might struggle.

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

Warden it's probably a typo but I think a 1000K lbs would crush the truck. Just sayin' Even Wally's bicycle might struggle.

You are quite right

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

Forget the arguments about trucks. Get a bicycle. Wally towed an airstream with a bicycle. It didn't crash, didn't kill anyone, could've used a tandem if he needed a passenger.

Interesting as always reading those that tow with xyz and the setup does a fine job. Yet they never post CAT scale numbers to support what a fine job xyz does so that they have facts in support of their setup. No single setup works for all. As some sages have mentioned load up your actual TV and go to a CAT scale or if buying a new one take it to a CAT scale factoring in the other stuff you will carry on the road, the family, the pets, the bikes, kayaks, toys, generators etc so you have a handle on exactly what you have/buy. Factor in the trailer weight, tongue weight, hitch and then decide if it works for you and your level of acceptable safety margins if any.

Or buy something with lots of margin so you don’t have to weigh each passenger before you camp.

[Steven62]

For the RAM 1500, I use an Anderson weight disruption hitch. The Anderson is only 60lbs.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Steven62

My claim was that the RAM Limited wasn’t the ideal choice but was adequate for a 25’ Airstream and that I had traveled a good distance with it. Here are the specs for my specific 2016 by VIN and here’s some of the places it’s been.

Steven62, fellow Ram 1500 owner here. What’s the payload number on your door sticker? There’s a problem with Ram’s online VIN version of the payload.

I purchased a 2019 Ram 1500 to pull our 27’ Globetrotter. Dealer used his “Ram Configuration Tools” to input the trailer’s specs and found us a truck with 1840 lbs. payload. We replaced a VW Touareg with 1168 lbs. payload and wanted at least 1800. All is good until another poster on the forums said to check the door sticker - it’s 1220 lbs., not 1840.

Once we took delivery of our GT we went to the CAT scales and found out we’re over the 4100 lbs. rear axle max. After months of discussion with the dealer, our salesperson found a friendly ear with a Ram regional manager and they’ve agreed to buy back the truck (leased). We’re waiting for final blessing and will replace it with a 2019 Ram 2500. I’m sure Ram and others build in a safety factor (wheels won’t fall off, axle won’t snap in half) but this is not what we signed up for.

I absolutely love the Ram 1500’s ride and power but would rather not worry about being so close to capacity.

[Andrew T]

Hi Jeff. If you’re 4100 on the rear axle you’re weight distribution is not transferring weight effectively. 1500’s we setup are 36-3800. Which hitch are you using?

Compared with the Touareg It takes considerably more pressure on the torsion bars to transfer weight on the truck due to the additional length.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Hi Jeff. If you’re 4100 on the rear axle you’re weight distribution is not transferring weight effectively. 1500’s we setup are 36-3800. Which hitch are you using?

Compared with the Touareg It takes considerably more pressure on the torsion bars to transfer weight on the truck due to the additional length.

Hi Andrew,

We're using the same Blue Ox Sway Pro with 1000# bars. If I really crank up the tension, I can get just under the 4100#. My primary concern is the door sticker's 1220# payload knowing the GT's tongue weight is over 1000# leaving just 200# for passengers and gear in the truck bed like a Champion 3400 generator, bicycles etc.

That was another reason why we swapped the Touareg TDI for the Ram 1500 thinking we'd increase the payload. The Ram was a dealer-trade and we didn't get a chance to inspect it prior to signing the deal.

What's your opinion on door payload vs. CAT scale results? Some say if you're under the axle and GVWR you're okay regardless of the door sticker.

Big fan of your articles and posts! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with the community.
-Jeff

[Tin Can Tena]

Originally Posted by qualitydays

Hello,

New to this forum, please take it easy on me.

I've got a great problem, My wife is saying "when you gonna get the truck and airstream." She is pushing me because the weather is getting good

I'm about to pull the trigger on :

19 RAM 150 Limited with all the tow related options and 20" tires.
19 Airstream Globetrotter 25

I'm reading about issues with the tongue weight and a low payload specific to this RAM/AS combo.

adult - 200lbs
adult - 130lbs
3 toddlers - 100 lbs

We pack heavy.

I do not want to jump to 2500 due to size and features.

What do you guys think?

My Ram 2019 1500 has a payload of 1524 as listed on the drivers door frame, also has a tow capacity of 12500 lb. I tow a 1969 31' Sovereign with ease, you should have zero issues