Towing Question

Dealers tend to always say "you can tow it".

The rated max towing capacity is usually assuming 2 things, so they can claim the highest number.   #1 is a 10% tongue weight on your trailer.   #2 is that your truck has a driver, a full tank of gas, and is pretty much empty otherwise.

First we take a look at your specs, from this chart:
http://dodgeram.info/2003/load-tow/1500.html

This says you have a 5414 curb weight, and 6650 GVWR.

6650 - 5414 = 1236 pounds left for our Dodge to carry.
1236 - 740 = 496 left.   ( we just subracted the Zinger hitch weight )
496 - 100 = 396  (we just subtraced a very conservative number for a battery near your hitch, full propane tanks, and the weight of your weight distrubution hitch itself)

So, you can load a max of about 350 - 400 pounds in your truck, inluding yourself.



The next number to watch out for is GCWR, which is 12,500 if you have 3.92 diff gears.

12500 - 5414 - 4479 = 2607 pounds left. (subtracted dry TT weight and dry Dodge weight)

Dry TT weight does not include battery, propane or hitch.  That is an easy 200 pounds for my setup. 

2607 - 200 = 2407 left.

Now figure a good 500 pounds for options on your trailer.  The dry weight is for a bare bones model, which does NOT include the "Zinger Convenience Package"    The awning, AC and other stuff add up fast.

2407 - 500 = 1907 left

Now add up your weight and whatever family you are piling into your quad cab (remember the 350-400 pounds max above).  Lets assume the max you are allowed, 400.

1907 - 400 = 1507 left.

So, you have 1507 pounds to spare in your TT, as long as it does not add to your hitch weight.  I doubt you would go over 1500 pounds unless you are go hog wild.  (like have full  water tanks, and carry a heavy generator, and some other heavy stuff)

If you have 3.55 gears, you only have 507 pounds left.  If this case be careful how much stuff you pack into your trailer.


So, the conclusion is, you can tow this if you are very careful.  Just be aware that you are cutting it close, and can't safely pile 4 adults into your quad cab while towing.  If you have 3.55 gears on your truck, then also pack your TT very lightly. 

That being said, I myself am cutting it close with my setup, although not quite so close.

Good luck!



Edited by Pleco - 24 Jun 2010 at 3:34pm

Can you pull it?  Sure!   Will you like it and be relaxed while doing so . . . . Not so much!

Whether you "can" tow it and whether you "should" tow it are two different things.  My take is yes, you "can" tow it, but probably shouldn't, ESPECIALLY if you are not an experienced trailer tower driver (new terminology, just made it up myself!).   

Thanks everyone for your replies, you all have been of great help and I have learned a great deal. 

http://crossroadsrv.com/owners/tips.asp