Your Dodge Ram can handle anything you need it to haul, even though sometimes you need to haul a lot. Remember that being smart when you load your truck this summer will ensure each trip is safe for the whole family.Safety with your truck includes not only what you put in the bed but also what you load onto the trailer. However, that’s not all there is to consider.
Hauling Capacity: It Depends on the Customizable Features Of your Dodge RamCertain features of your Dodge Ram 1500 confine its weight carrying and towing capacity. These limits are based off The size of the truck’s regularly cab or does it have a quad cab? Additionally, how big is the box/truck bed? The bigger the box,the more cargo it can carry; Unfortunately however, this also means that there will be less safe space for towing. If you’re unsure about your own truck’s limits, fret not! You can easily find out by consulting Dodge’s online towing guide.
Pay attention to recommendations such as slightly overinflating your tires before hauling heavy loads or pulling trailers. This technique helps protect the tires from premature wear. Extra weight increases the contact patch and presses hard on them, prompting deterioration on the outer sides. This can save you from the trouble of looking for more durable replacement tires too often.
If you have a four-wheel drive truck, you may be able to tow and carry more weight than a two-wheel drive. However, keep in mind that many factors affect your trucks capacities. Listed below are some important terms to help understand how much weight your Dodge Ram can handle.
How to Safely Connect a TrailerTrailers come in many shapes and sizes. However, when hitching the trailer to your Ram there are generally only three different types of connections. Check out the videos on how to safely connect to a receiver hitch, connect to a fifth wheel hitch in five easy steps, and how to connect to a gooseneck hitch.Tips to remember when you load cargo into a trailer, it is important to remember to load 60 percent of the total weight in the front of the trailer, or the area closest to the truck. The other 40 percent will be in the back, and the entire load needs to be balanced side-to-side.
After you load your cargo, tie it down securely with straps, bungees, or ropes that are appropriate for the weight. If the load shifts while you’re driving, it will make the trailer unstable. And when you have your truck and trailer loaded, remember to take things slow. It takes more distance to accelerate and brake when you’re carrying a lot of cargo. You’ll need as much room as if you were driving on icy roads. Plus, you’ll need extra space to pass other vehicles and turn corners.”
A longer trailer will cause a wider turn. If the trailer does become unstable and starts to whip or sway, take your foot off of the accelerator. Remember that braking too quickly can reduce your control over the cargo. Also, don’t forget when driving a truck with attached cargo to always have a full-size spare tire ready.
A compact spare will not be able to handle the weight of your cargo.The Dodge Ram 1500 is considered a light-duty pickup, but don’t let that fool you – there isn’t much it can’t do. It’s capable of towing boats, ATVs, or trailers.
The heavy-duty Dodge Rams are usually built for towing construction equipment or commercial trucks. But, if you need a truck that can tow your horse trailer or recreational vehicle, you may want the Ram 2500 or 3500 instead.