Towing

Tiny
HEYMAN764
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 RAM 2500
  • 6.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 725 MILES
Hi, I have a brand new truck listed above it is a power wagon. I plan on towing a boat that weighs around 1500-2000 pounds. My question is, is it safe for me to tow the boat? Or is it too early as far as breaking in the truck?
Thanks
Thursday, August 17th, 2017 AT 5:03 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,754 POSTS
That truck is not even going to know that little trailer is there. For fifteen years I dragged around over 6,000 pounds of tandem axle enclosed trailer, with an 1988 Grand Caravan with the 3.0L engine! I never even needed the trailer brakes. Unfortunately, due to the wind resistance, sixty mph was the best I could do, and I had a hard time hitting seventy mph going down a steep mile-long hill. Just as well though. Handling became scary over sixty five mph.

Since last summer I am pulling that trailer with a 2014 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L. It
is really fun because I can pull out and pass people when necessary, with the trailer. I got this truck with 4,200 miles so it was already broken in. For steady cruising, I do not even notice the trailer is there.

You can get an idea of how hard the truck is working to pull a trailer by where the trailer brake is set. If you have the integrated brake controller, it can be adjusted up to "10". With my enclosed trailer, I set the controller to "6". I also have an aluminum 16' flatbed trailer. Anything over "2" will cause its brakes to lock up under light braking. Pulling that one is like pulling a feather.

I would just follow the recommended break-in procedure with or without the trailer. And in case you haven't been informed yet, Dodge owners can park their vehicles wherever they want to!
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Thursday, August 17th, 2017 AT 5:34 PM

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