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Moflash · 01-09-2015, 07:34 AM

Actual real world Airstream hitch weight is higher than the specs show.Also all Dodge Ram 1500's are not created equally in the payload department,this particular truck has a low payload capacity and will not be suited for the Airstream model you have chosen.Look at a smaller trailer or a truck that is more suitable for your purpose.You can modify the suspension of you current truck but you will not be happy in with the end result.

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toverman · 01-10-2015, 05:57 AM

I have a 2014 Ram 1500 with the Hemi engine. I was towing a 27' Overlander, which worked like a charm. I have since donated the Overlander to my son and his family, and purchased a 31' AS. We are picking it up next week, and I don't anticipate any problems. The new 8 speed transmission seems to be a nice addition. It doesn't downshift abruptly like my F150 had a tendency to do. Good luck

**Hans627** · 01-10-2015, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toverman

I have a 2014 Ram 1500 with the Hemi engine. I was towing a 27' Overlander, which worked like a charm. I have since donated the Overlander to my son and his family, and purchased a 31' AS. We are picking it up next week, and I don't anticipate any problems. The new 8 speed transmission seems to be a nice addition. It doesn't downshift abruptly like my F150 had a tendency to do. Good luck

Just curious about the rated payload for your RAM and what is the hitch weight of the 27' Overlander or of your new 31'? If the passengers, gear, and the hitch weight exceed the payload and you have not had any issues that says a lot. It seems as though this is the issue that is of some concern from what I've been reading.

And thanks to all for your input. It is of great value.

BoldAdventure · 01-12-2015, 04:39 PM

I have a Laramie 4x4 leather, power everything, every option group, full console, premium sound, sat nav, sun roof, ramboxes. You can guess my payload. 1072lbs. I wonder if that new 8 speed transmission adds weight or what, because you're 102lbs heavier than I am.

RedSHED · 01-12-2015, 04:42 PM

We wanted something smaller, but it was less than a Durango or a Ridgeline and the Flex we drove seemed electrically sketchy.

I actually kind of like it. OK, I like it a lot more than I thought I was going to - coming from a Mini Cooper.

8 spd, brake controller, tow mirrors, rear view camera ... Those together in a package made it pretty attractive, although it was basic otherwise. I think it was on the dealer's lot about 2 days.

I don't have much to add to the thread, sorry.

JimGolden · 01-12-2015, 05:30 PM

Hans,

Just in case you hadn't already gathered this...the older trailers were a lot lighter in weight than the newer ones. The Front Bedroom trailers especially have a higher percentage of their already higher weight on the tongue.

A '77 31 footer weighs about 4600lbs empty, by comparison.

OK everyone, you know where this is going

We've been down this road before

Time to get out your DVD of Luci and Dezi in "The Long Long Trailer" and....

BRING BACK THE SLIMP DOLLEY! Problem solved

slowmover · 01-12-2015, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedSHED

We wanted something smaller, but it was less than a Durango or a Ridgeline and the Flex we drove seemed electrically sketchy.

I actually kind of like it. OK, I like it a lot more than I thought I was going to - coming from a Mini Cooper.

8 spd, brake controller, tow mirrors, rear view camera ... Those together in a package made it pretty attractive, although it was basic otherwise. I think it was on the dealer's lot about 2 days.

I don't have much to add to the thread, sorry.

Yeah, you have more to share all around. Welcome back!

walker · 01-26-2015, 07:41 PM

I have towed our 87 34' wt 8600lbs with our sons 13 1500 Ram with air ride, with Hinsley and Reese. Hemi engine 8 spd. Truck does not know trailer is there. The air suspension is fantastic. Ram would be my first choice in a pick up.

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**Hans627** · 01-31-2015, 06:12 PM

I just read an article in Feb. 2015 issue of Car and Driver comparing the new F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500 and Tundra. According to the editors of this magazine, the new F-150 rated the highest overall. No doubt a very good truck.

But what struck me was the Ram 1500 they tested was equipped exactly like mine yet it had a payload rating, as tested, of 1530 pounds. I'm not sure how this was calculated but that payload rating gives me ample capacity with an AS with a tongue weight of about 800 pounds. It appears as though I'm overthinking the payload issue. I should now decide which AS we would like to have and move on.

Thanks to everyone for your collective input. It has been very helpful and it is sincerely appreciated.

walker · 02-01-2015, 05:22 AM

We haul a 1800 lb slide in camper we use in our Ram 1500 w airride. Works great. Pay close attention to the ride quality comment in the C/D article. Test drive all 3 if u have not. The air ride has amazing ride and you are always level.