Topic: Test Drive: 2019 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4

[EV-Light]

Will be interesting to see the hybrid tests when they come out.

if you are talking about the eTorque system, it likely won't be earth shattering, but it seems like it offers a 2 mpg improvement (over non-equipped models)...i wish that option was available on some of the lower trims...the 2mpg improvement is nice, but the improved start/stop transition and assistance off the line (torque) would be worth it for me...however, it looks like they only offer that option on their top two trims.

The V6 comes standard with eTorque while it's an option with the HEMI. Although the Fuelly average on V6s has been in the 14s L/100km so far compared to the 12s for the previous gen V6s so hopefully it's just engines being broken in and winter temperatures affecting the readout and we see numbers closer to 11 as we head into summer. I'd get one.

i don't count the base V6 trims...they are there to satisfy a "Starting from ..." advertisement...you'd be crazy to buy any of these trucks with the base V6...the EB V6 from Ford is fine, i'm just talking about the NA V6 models from RAM and GM.

I think the take rate of the V6 is more than you'd expect.  There are a few guys I know who are driving around in mid-trim (Big Horn) crew cab Rams with the Pentastar V6.  They don't tow or haul, and basically just use the truck as a daily driver.

There are lots of them out there! These are the folks that are NOT buying Honda Pilots...


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[dkaz]

Why not? It's rated for it.

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

[ArticSteve]

Me thinks the take rate on the V6 e torque will be quite good in Canada.

They offer great a selection of individual options togther with smart group options.

FCA pockets are too shallow for comprehensive leasing.  They need cash to keep the lights on.   

[dirtyjeffer]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

I'm kinda with DirtyJeffer on this one.  I don't think it's generally a very good idea to tow at or near a vehicle's rated tow capacity. 

Here is a link to the 2014 Ram Body Builder page, which lists all the weights and capacities of all configurations: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2014/docs/ram/rammlup1500.pdf

Scroll down to page 6, where a Ram Crew Cab with 5'-7" box,  4x4 with the 3.6L V6 and 3.55 axle ratio is shown
The rated tow capacity is 7200lbs, and GCWR is 12 500, while base weight (curb weight) of the truck is 4964lbs.

Cargo - 930lbs:
Assume a family of four (two adults 200lbs and 150lbs, two children at 75lbs) - 500lbs
Add some luggage in the back of the truck (two suitcases - 45lbs ea, 1 cooler - 50lbs) - 180lbs
Finally add the weight of a 250cc dirtbike (200lbs) plus all the gear (armour, helmet, extra fuel, etc. - 50 lbs) - 250lbs

GCWR - Curb Weight - Cargo/Passengers = ACTUAL Tow Capacity.
12 500lbs - 4964lbs - 930lbs = 6606lbs.

As you can see from the above calculation, once you've added passengers and cargo to the vehicle, it can't actually tow what it is 'rated' for.  This is a pretty common occurance.  Most vehicles' 'MAX TOW RATING' is calculated using the curb weight of the truck, plus the weight of a single 150lb driver, with no extra cargo.  This is pretty far from reality when you actually start towing something to go on a family vacation. 


And then there is something that I like to call 'reserve capacity'.  It's a little bit of a safety factor.  Towing at or near the max tow rating is fine for short trips, but if you do it for longer trips, or more often, you are increasing your likelihood of breaking parts, wearing out equipment, or worse, getting into dangerous situations like sway.  I'm a firm believer in 'buy more truck than you'll need' when it comes to towing.  The heavier and more powerful the tow vehicle for any given trailer, the better and safer you'll be, and the more confidence you'll have in your equipment.

Honestly, with your trailer, coinciding with the fact that you're going to be dragging your family around, as well as a dirt bike, I wouldn't go with anything less than a V8.  But, that's me, and I understand if not everybody subscribes to my school of thought. 

Watch the YouTube channel called 'Big Truck Big RV'.  He tows a lot of CDL-type loads with 1-ton and heavier trucks. He does a lot of heavy duty/half ton truck reviews, as well as large trailer reviews, and listen to his thoughts on towing RV's with a half ton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M75Sm7XaIdY

[dkaz]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

Shouldn't.*

I'm kinda with DirtyJeffer on this one.  I don't think it's generally a very good idea to tow at or near a vehicle's rated tow capacity. 

Here is a link to the 2014 Ram Body Builder page, which lists all the weights and capacities of all configurations: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2014/docs/ram/rammlup1500.pdf

Scroll down to page 6, where a Ram Crew Cab with 5'-7" box,  4x4 with the 3.6L V6 and 3.55 axle ratio is shown
The rated tow capacity is 7200lbs, and GCWR is 12 500, while base weight (curb weight) of the truck is 4964lbs.

Cargo - 930lbs:
Assume a family of four (two adults 200lbs and 150lbs, two children at 75lbs) - 500lbs
Add some luggage in the back of the truck (two suitcases - 45lbs ea, 1 cooler - 50lbs) - 180lbs
Finally add the weight of a 250cc dirtbike (200lbs) plus all the gear (armour, helmet, extra fuel, etc. - 50 lbs) - 250lbs

GCWR - Curb Weight - Cargo/Passengers = ACTUAL Tow Capacity.
12 500lbs - 4964lbs - 930lbs = 6606lbs.

As you can see from the above calculation, once you've added passengers and cargo to the vehicle, it can't actually tow what it is 'rated' for.  This is a pretty common occurance.  Most vehicles' 'MAX TOW RATING' is calculated using the curb weight of the truck, plus the weight of a single 150lb driver, with no extra cargo.  This is pretty far from reality when you actually start towing something to go on a family vacation. 


And then there is something that I like to call 'reserve capacity'.  It's a little bit of a safety factor.  Towing at or near the max tow rating is fine for short trips, but if you do it for longer trips, or more often, you are increasing your likelihood of breaking parts, wearing out equipment, or worse, getting into dangerous situations like sway.  I'm a firm believer in 'buy more truck than you'll need' when it comes to towing.  The heavier and more powerful the tow vehicle for any given trailer, the better and safer you'll be, and the more confidence you'll have in your equipment.

Honestly, with your trailer, coinciding with the fact that you're going to be dragging your family around, as well as a dirt bike, I wouldn't go with anything less than a V8.  But, that's me, and I understand if not everybody subscribes to my school of thought. 

Watch the YouTube channel called 'Big Truck Big RV'.  He tows a lot of CDL-type loads with 1-ton and heavier trucks. He does a lot of heavy duty/half ton truck reviews, as well as large trailer reviews, and listen to his thoughts on towing RV's with a half ton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M75Sm7XaIdY

Why look up an old model?

https://www.ramtrucks.com/content/dam/fca-brands/na/ramtrucks/en_us/2019/ram-1500/capability/pdf/2019_DT_J1_Trailer_Tow_Official_Report_OFFICIAL_A_2018-1-31.pdf

1500 4x2 Crew ST 5'7" Box
GVWR 6900 lb
Weight 5012 lb
Payload 1881 lb

I'm assuming 800 lb weight for adults (my kids won't be kids forever)
Two dirt bikes 400 lb
Trailer tongue weight 617 lb (estimated with 4718 lb trailer + full water tank and 250 lb of gear = 5301 lb)
Weight distribution hitch with sway control 100 lb

Total payload 1867 lb
Total weight 6887 lb <-- yes I'm very close there but the V8 1500s are actually worse.

GCWR 12900 lb
GCWR - total weight = 6012 lb

Works for me.

People have lots of thoughts on towing with a half ton, I'm on the RV forums.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

Shouldn't.*

I'm kinda with DirtyJeffer on this one.  I don't think it's generally a very good idea to tow at or near a vehicle's rated tow capacity. 

Here is a link to the 2014 Ram Body Builder page, which lists all the weights and capacities of all configurations: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2014/docs/ram/rammlup1500.pdf

Scroll down to page 6, where a Ram Crew Cab with 5'-7" box,  4x4 with the 3.6L V6 and 3.55 axle ratio is shown
The rated tow capacity is 7200lbs, and GCWR is 12 500, while base weight (curb weight) of the truck is 4964lbs.

Cargo - 930lbs:
Assume a family of four (two adults 200lbs and 150lbs, two children at 75lbs) - 500lbs
Add some luggage in the back of the truck (two suitcases - 45lbs ea, 1 cooler - 50lbs) - 180lbs
Finally add the weight of a 250cc dirtbike (200lbs) plus all the gear (armour, helmet, extra fuel, etc. - 50 lbs) - 250lbs

GCWR - Curb Weight - Cargo/Passengers = ACTUAL Tow Capacity.
12 500lbs - 4964lbs - 930lbs = 6606lbs.

As you can see from the above calculation, once you've added passengers and cargo to the vehicle, it can't actually tow what it is 'rated' for.  This is a pretty common occurance.  Most vehicles' 'MAX TOW RATING' is calculated using the curb weight of the truck, plus the weight of a single 150lb driver, with no extra cargo.  This is pretty far from reality when you actually start towing something to go on a family vacation. 


And then there is something that I like to call 'reserve capacity'.  It's a little bit of a safety factor.  Towing at or near the max tow rating is fine for short trips, but if you do it for longer trips, or more often, you are increasing your likelihood of breaking parts, wearing out equipment, or worse, getting into dangerous situations like sway.  I'm a firm believer in 'buy more truck than you'll need' when it comes to towing.  The heavier and more powerful the tow vehicle for any given trailer, the better and safer you'll be, and the more confidence you'll have in your equipment.

Honestly, with your trailer, coinciding with the fact that you're going to be dragging your family around, as well as a dirt bike, I wouldn't go with anything less than a V8.  But, that's me, and I understand if not everybody subscribes to my school of thought. 

Watch the YouTube channel called 'Big Truck Big RV'.  He tows a lot of CDL-type loads with 1-ton and heavier trucks. He does a lot of heavy duty/half ton truck reviews, as well as large trailer reviews, and listen to his thoughts on towing RV's with a half ton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M75Sm7XaIdY

Why look up an old model?

https://www.ramtrucks.com/content/dam/fca-brands/na/ramtrucks/en_us/2019/ram-1500/capability/pdf/2019_DT_J1_Trailer_Tow_Official_Report_OFFICIAL_A_2018-1-31.pdf

1500 4x2 Crew ST 5'7" Box
GVWR 6900 lb
Weight 5012 lb
Payload 1881 lb

I'm assuming 800 lb weight for adults (my kids won't be kids forever)
Two dirt bikes 400 lb
Trailer tongue weight 617 lb (estimated with 4718 lb trailer + full water tank and 250 lb of gear = 5301 lb)
Weight distribution hitch with sway control 100 lb

Total payload 1867 lb
Total weight 6887 lb <-- yes I'm very close there but the V8 1500s are actually worse.

GCWR 12900 lb
GCWR - total weight = 6012 lb

Works for me.

People have lots of thoughts on towing with a half ton, I'm on the RV forums.

I didn't realize you were going to be looking at new trucks.  I only used 2014 merely as an example.  Oh, and 4x2 and ST?  Really?  Not even 4x4 Big Horn? 

My point is, you have to do the calculation manually, and not just rely on rated towing capacity.  You seem capable of doing the math, and in the end, its your money, and your family, so if you're comfortable with the numbers that you're ending up with, then that is that. 

[Gurgie]

You most likely will get a 4x4, not a 4x2, so these are the correct figures 

3.21 Gear ratio - GVWR-6900 - Payload-1770 - GCWR-11900 - Max Trailer Weight-6370

3.55 Gear ratio - GVWR-6900 - Payload-1770 - GCWR-12900 - Max Trailer Weight-7370

You'd be over the payload based on your calculations. The V8 would give you 1840lbs of payload.

[dirtyjeffer]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

Shouldn't.*

GBA pretty much already covered it, but think about it this way.

let's say your bike has a top speed of 160 km/hr...how do you think it will be driving 150 km/hr on it for some time??...it's going to be pretty hard on the bike.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Wouldn't feel safe pulling with anything less than a Hino 195. 12000kg GCWR.

[Fobroader]

I would never tow anything thats more than 75% of the tow capacity. Besides the safety part, the stress on the vehicle would be huge.

[dkaz]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

Shouldn't.*

GBA pretty much already covered it, but think about it this way.

let's say your bike has a top speed of 160 km/hr...how do you think it will be driving 150 km/hr on it for some time??...it's going to be pretty hard on the bike.

Wow, so now you're also calling my motorcycle inadequate. I see how it is...

[dirtyjeffer]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

Shouldn't.*

GBA pretty much already covered it, but think about it this way.

let's say your bike has a top speed of 160 km/hr...how do you think it will be driving 150 km/hr on it for some time??...it's going to be pretty hard on the bike.

Wow, so now you're also calling my motorcycle inadequate. I see how it is...

not at all...but didn't you burn out the engine in your previous scooter??

[dkaz]

Enlighten me then with your vast and endless towing knowledge and experience then why I can’t tow a trailer that’s just under a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity as determined by the manufacturer.

i never said you couldn't...have at it.

Shouldn't.*

GBA pretty much already covered it, but think about it this way.

let's say your bike has a top speed of 160 km/hr...how do you think it will be driving 150 km/hr on it for some time??...it's going to be pretty hard on the bike.

Wow, so now you're also calling my motorcycle inadequate. I see how it is...

not at all...but didn't you burn out the engine in your previous scooter??

Ouch dirtyjeffer with a K.O.! Lol I can't stop laughing. Dammit.

I mean, that thing was a POS, swore I'd never to buy a Yamaha ever again.