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Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat - Sun Closed -
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun Closed -
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat - Sun Closed -
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat - Sun Closed -

MAKING SENSE OF RAM TOWING VALUES FOR THE ALL-NEW 2019 RAM 1500 DT

MAKING SENSE OF RAM TOWING VALUES FOR THE ALL-NEW 2019 RAM 1500 DT

Ram, a brand known for its legendary prowess with towing and power is releasing a brand new truck this year that differs from their previous models. The All-New 2019 Ram 1500 DT is a bold, sleek new look for the classic truck that's offered in a number of packages and trims. But does it have the famed Towing Capacity and Quality that the brand is known for? Take a look at this flowchart that breaks down the towing capacity of each engine that's offered by the manufacturer and see for yourself how the numbers stack up!

First, let's brush up on some common towing terms and insights that might be helpful for your journey ahead, keep in mind that if you have any questions you should contact your nearest Chrysler dealer or the manufacturer.

Towing Vocabulary & Tips

Towing Vs. Payload

The difference between the two definitions is pretty simple, basically, it boils down to how you are going to carry weight with your vehicle.

  • Towing Capacity is how much weight your car can pull
  • Payload is how much weight your car can carry

For example, Payload refers to how much weight you can carry in the bed of your truck or in the trunk of your car. This is calculated by taking your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR, and subtracting your vehicle’s weight, or Curb Weight to it. This in turn leaves you with your Maximum Payload Capacity. Please note that your Maximum Payload Capacity includes passengers as well, so if you’re going to be having more than one person in the car you will need to take that into account!

On the other hand, Towing Capacity refers to how much weight your truck or car can tow (obviously), but this weight may differ exponentially from your Maximum Payload Capacity due to the majority of the weight resting on the trailers axles and not your vehicles. Your Maximum Towing Capacity is measured by subtracting your vehicle’s Curb Weight from it’s Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating or GCVWR, which is the maximum weight of your fully-loaded truck and the weight of your attached trailer.

Axle Ratio

Axle Ratio refers to your vehicle's differential, more specifically the gears inside the differential that allow the tires to move on the car. Technically the number is shown as a ratio, like “3.21:1” for example, which boils down to the driveshaft turning 3.21 times with one revolution of your wheel. For simplicity's sake, the Axle Ratio is referred to as “3.21” or “three twenty-one”.

So how does this relate to towing you may ask? Well, as the numerical value for your Axle Ratio increases, so does your Maximum Towing Capacity, but in turn, your fuel economy will decrease as a result. This is due to your engine having to use more RPM’s, or “Revolutions Per Minute”, in order to turn the wheels of your vehicle.

In Review:

  • Low Axle Ratio: Decreases Maximum Towing Capacity, Increases Fuel Economy
  • High Axle Ratio: Increases Maximum Towing Capacity, Decreases Fuel Economy
GCWR Vs. GVWR
  • GCWR or Gross Combined Weight Rating: Specific weight determined by the manufacturer that states the maximum weight of your vehicle with its attached trailer. Your towing weight should never exceed the GCWR for risk of mechanical failure by the vehicle.
  • GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Specific weight determined by the chassis manufacturer that states the maximum weight of your vehicle. This weight includes passengers, cargo, and accessories.
4x2 Vs. 4x4 Drivetrain
  • 4x2: Increased towing capacity due to not having the extra weight of the 4x4 system, Decreased stability when towing in harsh or uneven conditions, Increased fuel economy, Higher risk of frame damage and malfunction.
  • 4x4: Decreased Maximum Towing Capacity due to the extra weight of the 4x4 system, Increased stability when towing in harsh or uneven conditions, Decreased fuel economy, Lower risk of frame damage and malfunction.

Safety Tips

Before you start towing your trailers, campers and boats, let's take a look at some safety rules that you should be aware of!

  • Brakes on any trailer above 3000 pounds gross, with electronic breakaway switch
  • Mirrors cannot extend further than 8 inches further than the trailer
  • Know your local and or destined areas towing laws
  • Never exceed your vehicle's recommended Towing Capacity, GCWR, GVWR, or GCVWR.

And those were some common safety tips that you should know before heading off to your next destination with your Ram DT 1500 and towing payload! Please refer to the towing flowchart below to find your vehicle's Towing Capacity and have fun on whatever adventure you have to come!

TOWING

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