Got a 2020 RAM Bighorn 1500, v8 Hemi, 3.21 axle. Would like to buy a camper. My camping will be for short periods of time (4 days). So looking for something in the 20' range. Would like to get some info on equalizer jacks etc., and any other thing that would make travel safe and comfortable. I'm thinking of no more than 500 lbs on trailer hitch. Label on the door says total weight is 1,800 lbs. Any recommendations? Thanks
Ram Heavy Duty Forum
Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Getting into RVing
- Thread starter Ramrod
- Start date
LateToTheParty
Didn't want to come
You may have better luck posting in a 1500 specific forum such as 5th gen rams as this one is geared toward the HDs.
That said, back when I had my 2015 1500 I pulled numerous rented travel trailers ranging from 22-30' and never had any issues. As long as you mind your available payload and consider fully loaded weight, not the dry weight, you should be safe and comfortable.
My TT's sticker is 6100 dry weight/650 lb tongue weight. 33 1/2 ft long tongue to tail. I had a similar truck to yours, 2019 Bighorn Crew Cab with 5.7L hemi. It really wasn't comfortable passing semi's or in more than 10mph wind due to length, 20' may be better. TT's are tall sails, and the longer it is the more wind (and force) you catch. IMO opinion trailer length on a light truck is going to be the first constraint you get to.
Next is payload. Add up passenger weight, 15% of GTW to cover batteries and gear, and 100 lbs for the WD hitch plus anything else significant you're keeping in the bed. Ideally that's less than 80% of payload but you should be OK reasonably above that if you've got the WD hitch set up properly. Unless you've got a heavily optioned mega or crew cab and insist on everyone riding together, you should be OK with most 20-25 ft trailers.
Last is tow capacity. It's highly doubtful you can get length and payload right but exceed tow capacity of a half ton with a travel trailer.
I traded up to a 2500 diesel and have zero regrets, other than not pricing a 3500.
Next is payload. Add up passenger weight, 15% of GTW to cover batteries and gear, and 100 lbs for the WD hitch plus anything else significant you're keeping in the bed. Ideally that's less than 80% of payload but you should be OK reasonably above that if you've got the WD hitch set up properly. Unless you've got a heavily optioned mega or crew cab and insist on everyone riding together, you should be OK with most 20-25 ft trailers.
Last is tow capacity. It's highly doubtful you can get length and payload right but exceed tow capacity of a half ton with a travel trailer.
I traded up to a 2500 diesel and have zero regrets, other than not pricing a 3500.
I hope you don't have a bad experience towing with a 1500 gasser. We used a 2500 Suburban with the 454 and every trip was uphill both directions. We went with the 3500 HO and since Covid have only taken a test drive up and down a local grade. It was an amazing difference. The truck seemed to say "Come on man, put a real trailer back there." Our trailer is a Rockwood Windjammer 3008W, 7700 pounds label weight. You should be fine though if you stay within the borders of Kansas.
Last edited:
foneguy
Active Member
- Messages
- 113
- Reaction score
- 108
- Points
- 43
the only issue is that 3.21 gears! likely even at 20 with a hybrid or ultra light that gearing limits you to anything with real living space.
you will find plenty shorter coaches out there for your truck and liking... but man the gearing will make it difficult for passing. but this is my experience over the past 30 years of rving
had a chevy with those gears terrible towing a 25ft TT
99 2500ram still low gears towed ok with the 360ci.
and a caravan v6 with a pop up...ill never work that hard again camping lol
then ram 1500 with 3.55's that was better,
19 2500 CTD crew cab 40' fiver best towing ive ever had,
you will find plenty shorter coaches out there for your truck and liking... but man the gearing will make it difficult for passing. but this is my experience over the past 30 years of rving
had a chevy with those gears terrible towing a 25ft TT
99 2500ram still low gears towed ok with the 360ci.
and a caravan v6 with a pop up...ill never work that hard again camping lol
then ram 1500 with 3.55's that was better,
19 2500 CTD crew cab 40' fiver best towing ive ever had,
My 2019 1500 had 3.55 and power to spare. I live in the Ozarks so a lot of short but steep runs. Passed plenty of people going uphill with a 33 ft 6100 lbs dry weight TT. 3.21 should still get it when needed. Trans temp was an issue though.
silver billet
Active Member
- Messages
- 122
- Reaction score
- 158
- Points
- 43
Gears only effect the initial "take off". Once you're rolling, and have at least 1 gear left to downshift into (when needed), there is absolutely 0 difference. These 8+ speed transmissions mean you have a gear available for every scenario. If truck one is passing and hits 4000 RPMS, and truck two with a different rear end also hits 4000 RPMs at the same MPH, that means both trucks ended up at the exact same effective gear ratio at that speed, meaning same power.
The problem is when you're in first gear, and need more power, but can't downshift any further. That's when the gear ratio matters. If you're in 6th and need to downshift to pass, your rear end is completely irrelevant.