Towing with 2017 2500 long bed 4x4

[17Ram]

I have a 2017 2500 long bed 4x4 with the 68RFE transmission. I do not tow much and don’t plan to but need to tow a 26’ trailer weighing approximately 13,000lbs. I looked at the specs on the RAM site and looks as though this truck is capable of towing this much. Any advice from more experienced with this is greatly appreciated. Also open to advice about hitches for the receiver. Thanks.

 

[Wiredawg]

Are you towing this trailer once and how far? I like Gen-Y hitches. stout and great adjustment. If towing very far or more than a few times, you may want to get a weight distribution hitch. I've towed both setups with 3/4 ton trucks.

 

[17Ram]

Are you towing this trailer once and how far? I like Gen-Y hitches. stout and great adjustment. If towing very far or more than a few times, you may want to get a weight distribution hitch. I've towed both setups with 3/4 ton trucks.

Thanks for the advice. I would be towing about 1,300 miles, from Colorado to California, so over some mountains and most likely once. Also, what do you think about having a Four Wheel pop up camper on while towing? Camper weighs about 1,500 pounds. Not essential but would be convenient. Thanks again

 

[petersonj]

You say you are towing a trailer that weighs about 13,000 lbs. You didn't say what type of trailer - travel trailer?, a loaded equipment trailer? etc.

The tongue weight of the trailer should be about 10-15% of the trailer weight, which would be approximately 1300 lbs to 1950 lbs of tongue weight in your situation. This tongue weight could unweight the truck steering axle enough to cause the combination of truck and trailer to handle poorly (especially in curves on a downgrade). A properly set up weight distribution hitch would work well in this case.

Whether or not you use a weight distribution hitch, it is very important to know the actual weight of the truck and trailer separately, and to know the actual tongue weight of the trailer. One method is to load everything as if the truck and trailer were ready for the trip. Then, take the truck and attached trailer to a scale. Place the truck with both axles on the scale and record the weight of the truck. Next, disconnect the trailer (ensuring the jack is not on the scale) and record the new weight of the truck. Note and record the difference - this is your tongue weight. Finally, reattach the trailer to the hitch and weigh and record the trailer axles only.

A tonnage gauge (like the one shown in the photo) is a useful tool for measuring exact tongue weight.

- John

 

[bcbender]

I generally use the truck stop scales... pull in and weigh out,.. then drop trailer and re-weigh. most scales only charge once for a weight and re-weigh are free within 24h.

 

[AH64ID]

For a 13K bumper pull on the highway I would personally want to use a WDH, and I would ensure it had 13-15% tongue weight for the most stable platform.

Capacity for the camper depends on the tongue weight and WDH transfer of the trailer. You will be limited by RAWR and need to monitor it.

Even with a WDH there will be some weight lost from the trucks front axle that will end up on the rear axle. Bottom line is I would weigh your setup with the trailer hooked up ready for travel and see if you have the capacity for the camper, it’s very possible you do but will likely be right at the limit.

 

[17Ram]

You say you are towing a trailer that weighs about 13,000 lbs. You didn't say what type of trailer - travel trailer?, a loaded equipment trailer? etc.

The tongue weight of the trailer should be about 10-15% of the trailer weight, which would be approximately 1300 lbs to 1950 lbs of tongue weight in your situation. This tongue weight could unweight the truck steering axle enough to cause the combination of truck and trailer to handle poorly (especially in curves on a downgrade). A properly set up weight distribution hitch would work well in this case.

Whether or not you use a weight distribution hitch, it is very important to know the actual weight of the truck and trailer separately, and to know the actual tongue weight of the trailer. One method is to load everything as if the truck and trailer were ready for the trip. Then, take the truck and attached trailer to a scale. Place the truck with both axles on the scale and record the weight of the truck. Next, disconnect the trailer (ensuring the jack is not on the scale) and record the new weight of the truck. Note and record the difference - this is your tongue weight. Finally, reattach the trailer to the hitch and weigh and record the trailer axles only.

A tonnage gauge (like the one shown in the photo) is a useful tool for measuring exact tongue weight.

- John

View attachment 134167

Thanks so much. The trailer is a 26’ tiny house on a dual axel trailer. I also just learned that the tongue weight is approximately 1,750lbs. This all great information and I truly appreciate all the response.

 

[AH64ID]

That’s a great tongue weight percentage, I’d still want WDH with it. Probably just barely enough capacity for the slide-in as well.

 

[petersonj]

@17Ram , have you checked the trailer GVWR, each axle GVWR, and each tire load capacity? How old are the tires? Also, do you know the condition of the trailer brakes and tires? If this is not your trailer, do you know the history of maintenance on this trailer?

- John

 

[Wiredawg]

Along with other recommendations, also you may want to inspect the construction and structure of the tiny home, especially consider it could be traveling 65 MPH with a headwind. Might help to post some pics of it as well.

 

[17Ram]

Thanks to all that chimed in here. The trailer sold before I could make a deal but I now have more information and great advice for later down the road. Thanks again.