New 2019 Ram 1500?

[sjski]

We’re thinking of upgrading our TV from an SUV to a longer wheel base truck. After shopping all of the American brands, from 2017 to 2019, we’ve been blown away by the new 2019 Ram 1500, Laramie Longhorn trim. Wow! The outside is great and stylish but the interior is just stunning! And so many safety features! Has anyone picked one of these up yet? We have a 2018 23’ International Serenity, GVWR 4806 empty. Truck has a 3.21 rear axle ratio and I believe around 8900 lb tow capacity.

Thoughts? (Constructive comments only, please )

[divedemo]

Hello i just drove home a flying cloud 23cb 2019 with a new 2018 f150 ecoboost supercap xlt. No sun roof or large electric running boards.
Towing package and 3.73 gear.
Plenty of power and control. 325 HP 400 torque.
Your truck will do the same. I did carefully make sure towing capacity is 8300lbs which is well over anything i will ever tow.
These are a top selling truck for a reason and 60 months no interest put me over the top.
Bottom line 1500's properly outfitted pull 23's just fine.

[Daquenzer]

The 2019 Ram looks like a nice truck from pictures and info I’ve seen. Sounds like it would have plenty of power to pull your AS. What size engine? What’s the payload on it? Just curious.

I have a 28’ and it’s a bit tongue heavy. Have been thinking that when I get a new truck I might serously consider the Ram 2500 if it has similar trim to the new 2019 1500. Also the option of having air suspension may make the ride a bit nicer.

[Hans627]

I've been looking at the new RAM 1500 and agree that it is an awesome truck. I seriously thought of buying one. But after a trip in the Adirondack Mts. in New York I've determined I need more capability in my TV and will be picking up a RAM 2500 Cummins tomorrow.

I think the RAM 1500 with the 5.7 hemi is perfect for a 23' AS. Get it!

[SecondFloor]

Hi - I have some relevant experience, so I would guess this is my chance to give back to this forum which has done so much to educate me about Airstreams, tow vehicles, and RV life in general

I have a 2019 Ram Limited 4x4 with the 5.7L Hemi with eTorque and the trailer tow package. I also have a 27FB. I now have 1,800 miles on the Ram.

Our payload is not the greatest, being a 4x4 Limited with options like the panoramic sunroof and off-road package. It is 1,290, probably the lowest possible for a 2019 Ram. Lesser equipped Rams have more - I have heard anywhere between 1500-1900. I understand the tongue weight of the 27FB, so no need for someone to educate me

We use a Blue Ox Pro for weight distribution and sway control. We do not store anything under the front bed, and have a rear hatch which is where we stow our 2 bikes and 2 SUPs.

At this point, we are using the 9th chain link on the Blue Ox Pro, and (with air suspension off to check) the whole rig seems very level, with no visible or measured sag. We have not taken it to the scales yet, but that will happen “soon.”

After I passed the first 500 miles (for engine break in), my wife and I then took our 27FB out for a 200 mile trip to a nearby KOA. We kept the speed at 50 mph, as advised in the manual for the first 500 miles towing. We were pleased to get 13 mpg on that trip, especially given how early it is mileage-wise.

Stability while towing? Rock solid, and with no sway despite some time on an interstate and some on a 2-lane state highway, and passing several semis.

We seriously considered buying an SUV (X5, Range Rover, Durango, JGC - with a strengthened hitch) for our tow vehicle. Payload challenges were there, too, as are well-known. However, the Ram has all (or nearly all) the tech of those vehicles, has the bed for better utility, and with the weight distribution in place, the capability (imo) to handle a 27FB.

And, as you discovered, when not hooked up, the new Ram has an incredible ride and handling.

To beat the ¾ ton folks to the punch - I can confess that I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if my next vehicle for our 27FB is a ¾ ton...I understand the issues involved, thanks to the many lengthy (and heated :P ) discussions on this forum - and I appreciate everyone’s passion. But for now, it seems clear to me that this ½ ton can easily do the job adequately for us. The 5.7L Hemi, with 390hp and 410ft-lb doesn’t strain at all, and the e-Torque provides a couple extra mpg (I’m getting 20-22 mpg at this early point when not towing).

I hope this is helpful to those considering this TV.

I do think it should handle your 23’ easily.

[redhat200]

Will check out a video on that model I know that I love the Dodge Rams. We currently Pull our 25 FT International serenity with a Dodge Durango Citadel Hemi. It’s great but I do love the interior and all the other things you can do with the Dodge ram. Haven’t convinced my husband yet.

[SecondFloor]

Here is a Edmunds video of a 019 Ram towing...an Airstream

https://youtu.be/E3de_70FD4k

[jimfa440]

I have the RAM 1500 ECO Diesel, Laramie trim level. We love it. I pull a 30' Airstream with it, does a great job and is very comfortable.

[switz]

We have heavily modified our 23D to the point that it scales 6,028 pounds ready to go camping. Our tow vehicle is my 2007 Mercedes ML320 CDI V6 turbo diesel with 183,000+ miles on it (have owned it since new). The engine has over 500 foot pounds of torque, so the mountains work out okay in 4th gear and 3,000 rpm maintains 55 mph. We cruise at 55 and see 16.5 mpg. Our tongue weight is 928 pounds, but we can put a propane converted 2,000 watt Honda gen set, grill and chairs plus the two of us in the car and the numbers work out on the axle loading.

Load the proposed truck up with you & significant other and fill the gas tank. Cross some truck scales to see the base weight and subtract from the door post GVW. The difference is the number for your payload of the trailer tongue weight and stuff you put in the truck. A weight distribution hitch will, in theory and properly setup, distribute the tongue weight ⅓ to the trailer axles, ⅓ to the truck rear axle and ⅓ to the truck fronts axle.

You may find that a lower trim level is necessary to be able to carry the load. A while back I looked at the Ford 150 web site and the difference in payload of a base model to the fully loaded model was the the loss of 500 pounds of useful load!

So do more research before signing anything.

[Steel Girder]

Originally Posted by sjski

We’re thinking of upgrading our TV from an SUV to a longer wheel base truck. After shopping all of the American brands, from 2017 to 2019, we’ve been blown away by the new 2019 Ram 1500, Laramie Longhorn trim. Wow! The outside is great and stylish but the interior is just stunning! And so many safety features! Has anyone picked one of these up yet? We have a 2018 23’ International Serenity, GVWR 4806 empty. Truck has a 3.21 rear axle ratio and I believe around 8900 lb tow capacity.

Thoughts? (Constructive comments only, please )

I was in the market for a TV and looked at the 2019 RAM. I ended up with Sierra 1500 for my 23' Int Serenity. For me it was my preference for the Sierra looks and the better deal at the dealer. In terms of features and capabilities, the RAM has more. I would get a 3.92 gear ratio - i think it is $95 extra, blind spot monitoring - it will figure out how long your trailer is automatically. There is a good you tube video from Edmunds that features a 2019 Laramie towing an AS.

Thanks

[Tomsap]

Bought a 2019 1500 Laramie 14 days ago with 3.92 rear end. Bought a new Globetrotter the following day. Been on one short trip. Vehicle and trailer are a perfect match. I would select the 3.92 to give you more options in the future.

[sjski]

Originally Posted by Tomsap

Bought a 2019 1500 Laramie 14 days ago with 3.92 rear end. Bought a new Globetrotter the following day. Been on one short trip. Vehicle and trailer are a perfect match. I would select the 3.92 to give you more options in the future.

Tomsap, what kind of mpg’s are you getting with the 3.92?

[sjski]

Originally Posted by SecondFloor

Here is a Edmunds video of a 019 Ram towing...an Airstream

https://youtu.be/E3de_70FD4k

Thanks! Great video!!

[sjski]

Originally Posted by redhat200

Will check out a video on that model I know that I love the Dodge Rams. We currently Pull our 25 FT International serenity with a Dodge Durango Citadel Hemi. It’s great but I do love the interior and all the other things you can do with the Dodge ram. Haven’t convinced my husband yet.

Don’t take a checkbook if you go to look at one at the Ram dealer - you’ll be putting down a deposit!! ��

[sjski]

Originally Posted by SecondFloor

Hi - I have some relevant experience, so I would guess this is my chance to give back to this forum which has done so much to educate me about Airstreams, tow vehicles, and RV life in general

I have a 2019 Ram Limited 4x4 with the 5.7L Hemi with eTorque and the trailer tow package. I also have a 27FB. I now have 1,800 miles on the Ram.

Our payload is not the greatest, being a 4x4 Limited with options like the panoramic sunroof and off-road package. It is 1,290, probably the lowest possible for a 2019 Ram. Lesser equipped Rams have more - I have heard anywhere between 1500-1900. I understand the tongue weight of the 27FB, so no need for someone to educate me

We use a Blue Ox Pro for weight distribution and sway control. We do not store anything under the front bed, and have a rear hatch which is where we stow our 2 bikes and 2 SUPs.

At this point, we are using the 9th chain link on the Blue Ox Pro, and (with air suspension off to check) the whole rig seems very level, with no visible or measured sag. We have not taken it to the scales yet, but that will happen “soon.”

After I passed the first 500 miles (for engine break in), my wife and I then took our 27FB out for a 200 mile trip to a nearby KOA. We kept the speed at 50 mph, as advised in the manual for the first 500 miles towing. We were pleased to get 13 mpg on that trip, especially given how early it is mileage-wise.

Stability while towing? Rock solid, and with no sway despite some time on an interstate and some on a 2-lane state highway, and passing several semis.

We seriously considered buying an SUV (X5, Range Rover, Durango, JGC - with a strengthened hitch) for our tow vehicle. Payload challenges were there, too, as are well-known. However, the Ram has all (or nearly all) the tech of those vehicles, has the bed for better utility, and with the weight distribution in place, the capability (imo) to handle a 27FB.

And, as you discovered, when not hooked up, the new Ram has an incredible ride and handling.

To beat the ¾ ton folks to the punch - I can confess that I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if my next vehicle for our 27FB is a ¾ ton...I understand the issues involved, thanks to the many lengthy (and heated :P ) discussions on this forum - and I appreciate everyone’s passion. But for now, it seems clear to me that this ½ ton can easily do the job adequately for us. The 5.7L Hemi, with 390hp and 410ft-lb doesn’t strain at all, and the e-Torque provides a couple extra mpg (I’m getting 20-22 mpg at this early point when not towing).

I hope this is helpful to those considering this TV.

I do think it should handle your 23’ easily.

Excellent tips! Which gear ratio do you have, the 3.21 or 3.92?

[sjski]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

The 2019 Ram looks like a nice truck from pictures and info I’ve seen. Sounds like it would have plenty of power to pull your AS. What size engine? What’s the payload on it? Just curious.

I have a 28’ and it’s a bit tongue heavy. Have been thinking that when I get a new truck I might serously consider the Ram 2500 if it has similar trim to the new 2019 1500. Also the option of having air suspension may make the ride a bit nicer.

Payload is 1800 lbs, engine is 5.7L V8 and 3.21 axle ratio.
The air suspension ride is extremely smooth and I believe the interior on the 2500 is the same on the Laramie Longhorn trim.

[SecondFloor]

Originally Posted by sjski

Excellent tips! Which gear ratio do you have, the 3.21 or 3.92?

I have the 3.21. With the 8-speed transmission and the tow-haul mode, it seems to have plenty of power where needed. Plus, the better mileage when not towing is nice.

[sbowman]

I noticed there appears to be several comments from new members, this is good. The original poster ask question(s) on RAM, not Ford, not GMC, and not on other brands. This thread is on RAM 1500, stay on this please. There are are threads on other brands, use the thread that pertains to your band.


There is a good selection on all the brands. These threads on TV's become a chicken herding drama. Buy what you want and drive what you want, just stay on the question, thank you.


Safe travels and best regards..................

[Castaway]

I just ordered a 2019 Bighorn to replace our 2014 Bighorn, both have a 5.7 engine with a 3.92 rear end . We have pulled our 25 ft FC Twin over 30,000 miles and never had a problem with power. Our MPG on interstate @ 62 mph is around 13 pulling and 21 without trailer.

[suncoasteng]

Sjski

You did not say if you were looking at 2 door, crew or quad cab. Make sure you carefully check the tyre ratings and GVW of each of those vehicles.
I rented Dodge 5.7 quad cab from Enterprise last fall and was amazed at both the power and fuel mileage from their new transmissions. Not like the old days of Dodge where you never got more than 14 mpg.

Enterprise and Alamo seem to have lots of pickups in their fleet. I always recommend that friends rent one for a weekend before pulling the trigger.