2013 Ram 1500 4X

[jsmith032]

Im looking to get a 27' -30' AS International and curious what peoples opinions are on a Gas 1/2 ton pulling it. The GVWR isnt bad on a 27-30' and the salesman told me I could get away pulling it behind my rig. (they pull theirs around with a F150) I have a 2013 Dodge Ram Crew Cab 4X4 and soon to be installed trailer brake. The max towing weight is 9800, the max weight on a 27-30' is 7600-8800lbs.

What are everyone's thoughts? I cant afford a new AS AND a new RIG

[m.hony]

I say go get you that shiny new silver trailer and pull it with the truck you already have.
Go campin'.
Life is good.
Please see my avatar and signature.
I owe $575 on the truck. It will be paid off April 23. What do you think I'm gonna do?
I have towed from here to Florida and Texas without any trouble at all getting 10-12 mpg depending on wind conditions.

[jsmith032]

Originally Posted by m.hony

I say go get you that shiny new silver trailer and pull it with the truck you already have.
Go campin'.
Life is good.
Please see my avatar and signature.
I owe $575 on the truck. It will be paid off April 23. What do you think I'm gonna do?
I have towed from here to Florida and Texas without any trouble at all getting 10-12 mpg depending on wind conditions.

You tow your 30 footer behind your Road King? Nice . Seriously though, nice to know the 1/2 tons can pull the big boys. I've pulled some long heavy boats behind mine and gotten horrible (10+ mpg) but such is life...

[m.hony]

I guess I should remove the Road King and the Pathfinder from my signature to eliminate confusion.
Lol.

[m.hony]

The truck is almost paid for.
It has 34,000 miles.
It will probably have 35,000 miles when I get it paid for.
This may be my last truck. It will take me 20 years to get 100,000 miles or 40 years to get 200,000 miles or 60 years to get 300,000 miles.
It will out live me.
I plan to leave it to the kids, along with the Heirstream trailer...

[moparjohn]

I have an 09 Ram, pull a 73 25 footer (4500lbish) towes it effortlessly,
I have the 5.7 Hemi. John

[dkottum]

The three components of good trailering are truck, hitching, and trailer. Make good choices by matching the assembly and you will enjoy the experience much more.

We use a 2012 Ram 1500 Reg Cab 4x4 for our 2012 FC 25' Rear Bed. It is a great tow vehicle, has plenty of power and rides nicely. But there are qualifications.

The truck's payload is limited so plan trips accordingly, without heavy loads in the truck's bed.

A $2500 ProPride hitch will ensure absolute stability for safe and comfortable trailer control in severe winds and semi's blowing by, best money you will spend here (no matter what you tow with).

For similar money as a 27 Int'l I would recommend you consider a 27' Eddie Bauer. The cavernous living space accessible by the rear hatch offers seating, equipment carrying, and sleeping options no other Airstream can come close to. You can even unbolt and remove the rear seats to configure it in many ways, convertible sofa, recliners, whatever, it's an open and accessible space. The interior materials are the most durable Airstream offers. And it comes stock with 16" wheels and Michelin tires that many of us switch to aftermarket anyway for reliability.

This Airstream model has family vacations written into it's design, and will take you right on through your retirement years. Importantly, it will tow very nicely with your Ram truck and a ProPride/Hensley style hitch.

These toys are expensive to buy, use and maintain, make sure it fits your family budget. There are many ways to go camping.

[pappy19]

I guess the only question I have is what rear end ratio you have on your 1500. No question it can tow with no real problems, but if it has a 3:55, you may have a harder time in the mountains. I would also look at adding a Transgo Shift Kit to the tranny. The kit costs about $100 and your local tranny guy can change out the plastic parts for good metal and also stronger springs for a firmer shift. It's real easy for a tranny guy to do with the pan off; change out the internal filter and away you go. It's not the engine you need to worry about, it's the tranny.

[jsmith032]

Originally Posted by pappy19

I guess the only question I have is what rear end ratio you have on your 1500. No question it can tow with no real problems, but if it has a 3:55, you may have a harder time in the mountains. I would also look at adding a Transgo Shift Kit to the tranny. The kit costs about $100 and your local tranny guy can change out the plastic parts for good metal and also stronger springs for a firmer shift. It's real easy for a tranny guy to do with the pan off; change out the internal filter and away you go. It's not the engine you need to worry about, it's the tranny.

I have the 3.92 tranny. Only thing I think I need to get is a trailer break....

[pappy19]

You have the 3.92 rearend ratio and that's good, but it has nothing to do with the tranny. You should still consider the Transgo Shift Kit for the tranny, as it will shift stronger and with no lag as is common with a stock auto tranny. Buy the kit from ebay or amazon and then take it to a good tranny outfit in your town that has a really good reputation. You will like the results.

[jsmith032]

I meant rear end. Thanks.

My rig had the "tow kit". Does that help?

[pappy19]

Originally Posted by jsmith032

I meant rear end. Thanks.

My rig had the "tow kit". Does that help?

No, the tow kit is just for the suspension and springs, the Transgo Shift kit goes inside the guts of the transmission. It replaces the cheap parts and weak springs inside the tranny. The tranny pan must be dropped anyway to change the internal filter and the shift kit can be inserted at that time. It will make a big difference in how your truck behaves while towing. Not sure if this is your tranny or not.


Amazon.com: 604 42LE 42RLE TRANSGO Shift Kit Valve Body Rebuild Kit: Automotive