Son has a new 2014 Ram 1500 V8 for towing his 6000Lb trailer. Had trailer towing package with trailer brake assist installed at dealer. Anything else he needs to know?
Some trailers need to have the contacts flipped for the reverse lights and ground to match up with Ram's plug. It's a good idea to throughly check the lights and brakes on anything you're towing before every trip, but it especially needs to be done the first time out.
Make sure the ball you use is rated for the load you plan on carrying. Drop hitches, especially, are notorious for being rated lower than the receiver they are designed to fit.
Tow/Haul mode is not always required, especially when cruising in flat terrain, but on hills, it's hard to beat. You can use the ERS system to do just about everything Tow/Haul mode does, but Tow/Haul doesn't forget. Also, Tow/Haul provides for automatic engine braking when decelerating from higher speeds.
Also, the 1500s will squat quite a bit, as they have a softer suspension. This will affect the way the vehicle handles, especially under braking. It's not bad, just different, and you need to be ready for it.
If he will be towing regularly, he should consider investing in a set of helper air bags (several companies make them, they're rather inexpensive), they help balance out the load without negatively affecting the ride when empty. Also, a load-distribution hitch would help alot, especially if the trailer is tongue-heavy.
Finally, if you're going to be towing the majority of the time, do the other drivers out there a favor and readjust your headlights down to account for the squat in the rear...
Just remember the helper air bags do not increase the legal tow rating. +1 on the load distribution hitch.
I use to have a link that helped calculate the true tow rating. Don't exceed the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (total of weight of truck, trailer and everything in them should not exceed the GCVWR). It's good practice to allow for a 15-20% safety margin. Also the tongue weight should not exceed 10% of the trailer weight.
My '06 has a tow rating of 7,750 lbs according to Dodge, but by the time I factor in safety margins, tongue weight, etc it's more like 5,000 lbs.
Just remember the helper air bags do not increase the legal tow rating. +1 on the load distribution hitch.
I use to have a link that helped calculate the true tow rating. Don't exceed the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (total of weight of truck, trailer and everything in them should not exceed the GCVWR). It's good practice to allow for a 15-20% safety margin. Also the tongue weight should not exceed 10% of the trailer weight.
My '06 has a tow rating of 7,750 lbs according to Dodge, but by the time I factor in safety margins, tongue weight, etc it's more like 5,000 lbs.
You are absolutely correct on the air springs. They DO NOT increase LEGAL capacity.
HOWEVER, they do correct the sagging of the suspension, which prevents braking and handling issues, and also keeps the lights aimed correctly. A load distribution hitch will help with this also, but it will not increase the legal capacity either. (Nothing will.)
You are absolutely correct on the air springs. They DO NOT increase LEGAL capacity.
HOWEVER, they do correct the sagging of the suspension, which prevents braking and handling issues, and also keeps the lights aimed correctly. A load distribution hitch will help with this also, but it will not increase the legal capacity either. (Nothing will.)
A quality equalizer hitch will eliminate the need for air bags, headlight adjustment etc. etc., Plus it's safer, handles and brakes better and is less stressful and fatiguing to tow over long distance. Especially for a 6,000 lb. trailer.
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