RAM Before You Buy Towing Guide: How Much Truck Do You Need?

If you are new to towing, or you simply have questions, Firkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has all the information that you need to figure out maximum towing ratings, calculate towing capacity, payload capacity, and much more.

Which Features Affect Towing?

If you plan on purchasing a Ram truck with the purpose of towing, then here are a few important features to help you along.

• Engine and Transmission: These two components are the heart of your truck’s towing and payload capacity. An engine that has more horsepower and torque will increase the hauling power.
• Axle Ratio: Ram trucks come with multiple axle ratios. You need to find the perfect balance between towing power and engine efficiency.
• Hitch Receiver Types: Class 1 receivers are rated to tow around 2,000 pounds. Class 5 receivers can tow up to 23,000 pounds. To increase towing capacity, you can add a fifth wheel or a gooseneck trailer.
• Wheel Drive System: 4-by-4 systems send power to all four wheels, providing greater control but more truck weight. A 4-by-2 system sends power to two of the four wheels.
• Cab Size: A truck with a smaller tab will be able to tow a bit more than a truck with a larger cab.
• Box Length: Additionally, a shorter box increases the amount that you can tow.

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Towing Terms

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: This is the total maximum allowable weight of a fully loaded vehicle. This includes the total amount of curb weight, cargo weight, and passenger weight combined.
• Gross Trailer Weight Rating: This is the total weight capability of the trailer plus the maximum allowable cargo.
• Tongue Weight: The amount of weight a loaded trailer exerts to the hitch of the vehicle. It should roughly be 10 percent of total load of the trailer when towering a conventional trailer. Too little tongue weight leads to trailer sway. Too much will negatively affect the towing dynamics of the vehicle.
• Payload vs. Towing: Payload capacity is the amount of weight that you can add to a truck’s bed. Towing capacity is the maximum weight that a truck can tow after adding in the weight of the truck and cargo.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating: The maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer that the vehicle can safely tow. This includes all cargo and passengers.