Help: Will this tow a 31-footer?

[3campers]

I just purchased a 31 limited and looking for a TV. I'm more confused than I should be from reading different posts here.

Looking at Suburbans, Excursions, Yukons and pick ups. Really want and need a pick up. I realize 3/4 ton pick ups would work best but may need be available in my price range and or condition. We won't haul cross country or over mountainous terrain. Mostly short East Coast hauling...100 to 400 miles max. May only tow the AS 4-5 times a year, again mostly "local". I've looked at big SUV's with 5.3 or 5.4 motors and towing packages but I found a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 (ext cab) with the big 5.7 liter Hemi, tow package and around 92,000 miles.

**REDUCED** 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 HEMI 4x4 QUAD CAB

Will this tow my rig? Thanks for your input!

[dznf0g]

Most likely you will be over rear gross axle rating if you bring much in the bed of the truck. Many tow with 1/2 tons and 30 and 31'ers.

As everyone knows, I am a defender of staying within the numbers for a truck......that being said, I have towed with an Avalanche, Yukon XL, Escalade EXT...all 1/2 tons. I do not feel there is any safety issue, per se, while hooked up to any of these 1/2 tons, assuming PROPER hitching and WD and sway control. I do believe, however, that extensive towing with a 1/2 ton and a 30 or 31 will affect long term reliability and durability.

I have also towed with a 3/4 ton Silverado gasser and found the experience to be superior than any 1/2 ton I have towed with. I have, on order now, and will get in May, a 3/4 ton Silverado Duramax diesel. Should be fun....but still have problems making a diesel pencil out vs. costs.

My $.02.

PS, what axle ratio is the truck?

[3campers]

I believe the axle ration is 3.55... It has the same motor and horse power ratings as the 2500 from 2003 to 2008.

[dznf0g]

I think you'll find it to be "OK" from a power standpoint. It's the GVWR, and GAWRs you will need to be concerned with, as well, potentially, the brakes.

If you can borrow a TV, get the AS all loaded up with EVERYTHING like you're going on a trip and get some scale readings. Then compare to the truck specs and see if you can live with it.

Search on key words like CAT scales, scale slips, etc for many threads and posts on proper weighing, if you're not familiar.

[Midnightmoon]

The short answer is yes. That truck will pull your 31'. As mentioned, a properly set up WD hitch will be necessary to keep your axle capacity, tire ratings, and overall GVWR in check. As long as you pay attention to the #'s, you will do just fine. There are many AS owners that pull that size of trailer all the time with 1/2 tons.

Now with that said, I own a 1/2 ton 2010 Dodge 1500 and several Dodge HD Diesels and tow with them all the time. If I would never have owned the HD trucks, I would think that the 1/2 ton is an amazing tow vehicle. Having the diesel HD's sort of change your perspective a little. Only you can determine if a larger truck would fit your needs.

[dznf0g]

Also, I think your 1985 model weighs substantially less than my 2007 Classic. Scale slips and figgerin' is your best bet, IMHO.