Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-21-2015, 09:43 AM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
2023 25' Globetrotter
Manheim , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 201
Blog Entries: 1
Going nuts worried - Dodge ram 1500 25' flying clound

We bought a 25 flying cloud twin which has a published base weight of 5,600 lbs. with loaded weight max of 7,300 lbs.

TV is
2009 Dodge Ram crew cab slt hemi.
3.55 axle
20 inch wheels
GCWR 12,000
GVWR 6,800
max trailer 6,400

Same truck with 17 inch wheels is rated
GCWR 13,000
max trailer 7,450

Do I get smaller wheels or a bigger truck? I bought the trailer, can't change that.
Jukeboxfun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 10:33 AM   #2
cwf
Rivet Master
 
cwf's Avatar
 
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 2
Good truck? Good suspension? Weight distributing hitch? More thoughts to follow.
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
cwf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 10:39 AM   #3
Always learning
 
Lance M's Avatar
 
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
Images: 24
Blog Entries: 2
Send a message via Yahoo to Lance M
You don't need a bigger truck

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jukeboxfun View Post
We bought a 25 flying cloud twin which has a published base weight of 5,600 lbs. with loaded weight max of 7,300 lbs.

TV is
2009 Dodge Ram crew cab slt hemi.
3.55 axle
20 inch wheels
GCWR 12,000
GVWR 6,800
max trailer 6,400

Same truck with 17 inch wheels is rated
GCWR 13,000
max trailer 7,450

Do I get smaller wheels or a bigger truck? I bought the trailer, can't change that.
Where did you get these numbers? I don't recall ever seeing the tire size changing the tow rating of a RAM. The rear end ratio is usually what makes the difference. Does the truck with 17" wheels have a 3.92 rear end?
Your question brings more questions-
__________________
Lance

Work is never done, so take time to play!
Lance M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 10:41 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
SilverEagle6's Avatar
 
2013 25' Flying Cloud
2008 30' Classic
On The Road To Wherever We End Up , Traveling the USA
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 552
If you have cat scales close by, I would load the trailer like you would for camping, to include a full tank of fresh water, then load your truck. Go to the scales, weigh your truck and camper hitched, then drop your trailer with the tongue on one scale, the axles on another scale and weigh again. You also need to weigh your truck un hitched with and axle on separate scales. After all that you will have a better picture of what to do.

I have a 25' FC rear twin and on several long trips, the most we weighed on the trailer was about 6,325 lbs and 880 on the tongue.

I would suspect you will be ok, but may be surprised about payload in your truck. Typically, 150's and 1500 series can max out pretty quick.
__________________
Jeanne and John, and always with us...Jake
2008 30' Classic Ltd Rear twin, 2014 Ford Super Duty
WBCCI 3100, unit 12, TAC USA-1, Escapees 129379
SilverEagle6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 10:53 AM   #5
3 Rivet Member
 
2023 25' Globetrotter
Manheim , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 201
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Top View Post
Where did you get these numbers? I don't recall ever seeing the tire size changing the tow rating of a RAM. The rear end ratio is usually what makes the difference. Does the truck with 17" wheels have a 3.92 rear end?
Your question brings more questions-
No, both are 3.55

Found this info here

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/200...r/mlup1500.pdf
Jukeboxfun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 11:12 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
SteveH's Avatar
 
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
Just my opinion, but with a 25' and a 1/2 ton with the big engine, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd get a good hitch, make sure it's setup correctly, and go.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
SteveH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 11:43 AM   #7
Always learning
 
Lance M's Avatar
 
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
Images: 24
Blog Entries: 2
Send a message via Yahoo to Lance M
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH View Post
Just my opinion, but with a 25' and a 1/2 ton with the big engine, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd get a good hitch, make sure it's setup correctly, and go.
^^good advice^^

You can enter your VIN on the RAM website here.
Ram Trucks - Towing Capacity Chart
Click on the red button that reads "LOOK UP MY VEHICLE"
__________________
Lance

Work is never done, so take time to play!
Lance M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 11:55 AM   #8
3 Rivet Member
 
2023 25' Globetrotter
Manheim , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 201
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Top View Post
^^good advice^^

You can enter your VIN on the RAM website here.
Ram Trucks - Towing Capacity Chart
Click on the red button that reads "LOOK UP MY VEHICLE"

Yea, I did that, my VIN doesn't work . It seems I have fallen prey to my own ignorance and misleading information from RV dealers. Woe is me.
Jukeboxfun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 12:07 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
TG Twinkie's Avatar
 
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill , Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 5
Is your truck equipped with the tow package? If so. Hitch it up correctly and go. Be aware of the payload which includes the tongue weight of the coach. This weigh subtracts from what the truck can carry as weight in the bed and cab.


Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums
TG Twinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 12:29 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
andreasduess's Avatar
 
1984 34' International
Toronto , Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,499
Images: 5
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH View Post
Just my opinion, but with a 25' and a 1/2 ton with the big engine, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd get a good hitch, make sure it's setup correctly, and go.
Steve hit the nail on the head. Your truck is more than capable, but getting the numbers right is only part of the game. You can be well within specs and still have a terrible towing experience, if your hitch isn't set up correctly.

Good tires with stiff sidewalls, well dialled in Weight distribution and effective sway control are just as important, if not more important, than checking payload etc.
andreasduess is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 12:40 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
SteveH's Avatar
 
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jukeboxfun View Post
Yea, I did that, my VIN doesn't work . It seems I have fallen prey to my own ignorance and misleading information from RV dealers. Woe is me.
Your VIN should work on that site, but make sure you are not making the mistake I made first checking mine it that I was typing a 0 (zero) where an O (oh) went. If you make a mistake like that, it will not work.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
SteveH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 01:56 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
J. Morgan's Avatar
 
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton , Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
Images: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH View Post
Just my opinion, but with a 25' and a 1/2 ton with the big engine, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd get a good hitch, make sure it's setup correctly, and go.

I concur.


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......

J. Morgan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 02:06 PM   #13
Full Time Adventurer
 
BoldAdventure's Avatar
 
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic , USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
OMG, what are you thinking with that truck, you'll probably die the moment the Airstream touches the hitch. ((3/4 ton Airforum Ford owners ))



Dude, seriously relax. You are going to be more than fine. Talking from experience here. Just be SMART about your load.

Andy said it best, getting that hitch dialed in will make all the difference in ride comfort and stability.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
BoldAdventure is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 02:15 PM   #14
3 Rivet Member
 
2023 25' Globetrotter
Manheim , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 201
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH View Post
Your VIN should work on that site, but make sure you are not making the mistake I made first checking mine it that I was typing a 0 (zero) where an O (oh) went. If you make a mistake like that, it will not work.

Yes, I tried it with a 0 and a o.

Here is the chart I spoke of earlier.
It clearly shows the increased towing capacity of my truck with 17" wheels rather than my 20''.

Jukeboxfun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 02:26 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
Twenty inch wheels themselves are rated for lower weights because of their construction inmost cases. Lower psi air pressure. Jim
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 02:27 PM   #16
Full Time Adventurer
 
BoldAdventure's Avatar
 
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic , USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
Quote:
Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi View Post
Twenty inch wheels themselves are rated for lower weights because of their construction inmost cases. Lower psi air pressure. Jim
Really Jim? Where did you find this information, can you please share your source material from a manufacture?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jukeboxfun View Post
It clearly shows the increased towing capacity of my truck with 17" wheels rather than my 20''.
The 17 inch tires have a higher load rating and are LT as opposed to the P tires on the 20's.

Go to a cat scale. Airstream has a sticker inside that tells you the weight of the trailer minus propane and things. You can figure out your load for yourself. We have 3.92 and stated tow of 10K but a 2010 Laramie. I just realized you have the lower gears, and that is part of the problem.

But really, our's didn't way close to 6K when we bought it. I'm curious to see where it will be when we hit the scales again fully loaded the way we intended to travel.
BoldAdventure is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 02:37 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
No. Jim
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 03:26 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
SteveH's Avatar
 
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
I've never seen wheels that didn't have greater capacity than the tires you could buy to put on them.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
SteveH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 06:02 PM   #19
Always learning
 
Lance M's Avatar
 
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
Images: 24
Blog Entries: 2
Send a message via Yahoo to Lance M
Quote:
Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi View Post
Twenty inch wheels themselves are rated for lower weights because of their construction inmost cases. Lower psi air pressure. Jim
Quote:
Originally Posted by BoldAdventure View Post
Really Jim? Where did you find this information, can you please share your source material from a manufacture?
Quote:
Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi View Post
No. Jim
Lol!

Jim, I'm sure you were trying to help, but did you think about that before you typed it?

I do believe there are hundreds of thousands of tractor trailers on the road today with big ol' 22.5' and 24.5" wheels. Yes, 7,400b capacity.



Now, back to the OP's question
__________________
Lance

Work is never done, so take time to play!
Lance M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 06:28 PM   #20
3 Rivet Member
 
2023 25' Globetrotter
Manheim , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 201
Blog Entries: 1
Well, after thinking about it, and your comments, I have just about made up my mind. My truck is an '09 but is in good condition and only has 46,000 miles on it. I can't really afford to get a bigger truck anyway. So I'm going to get smaller wheels and tires to increase my GCWR from 12,000 lb to 13,000 and max trailer from 6,400 to 7,450 lbs.

Any additional comments are of course welcome and appreciated.
Jukeboxfun is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1500


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Towing with a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab with 8ft. box with 5.9L engine Paul and Sue Tow Vehicles 11 07-27-2009 08:44 PM
Dodge Ram 1500 Tow Vehicle UK-Airstream On The Road... 6 06-07-2008 12:54 PM
Dodge Ram 1500 Tow rating HELP!!! cobra93 Tow Vehicles 11 02-05-2008 07:20 PM
Dodge RAM 1500 SLT 5.9 liter tow vehicle abridges01 Tow Vehicles 10 08-17-2006 08:25 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:49 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.