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Old 07-30-2013, 02:35 PM   #1
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Choosing our first TT for our new 2012 Ram 1500

The last four years, we have owned a old pop-up tent trailer which we pulled with our 2006 Grand Caravan and we loved it. It was time to say goodbye to our tent trailer as it was an old timer.

We are having difficulty trying to decide which jayco trailer to buy as we are concerned about what we can pull.

We love the layout of the x213 but am uncertain that we can pull that trailer over the rockies with our light duty truck.

We could go with the 16V but it will be a tight squeeze for the two of us and the two tall teenagers.

We plan to pull our trailer across Canada and the Northern US next summer.

Would love to hear your experience.
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Old 07-30-2013, 03:21 PM   #2
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Welcome to JOF

Taking the time to look into what your TV's capabilities are before purchasing a new HTT or TT is a smart move. Most 1/2 ton trucks come with some attractive Tow Ratings and GCWR's, but most 1/2 tons fall short in the Payload Capacity as loaded tongue weights increase (loaded tongue weight is supported by the TV, thus reduces payload capacity).

Since you already have the Ram 1500, I would load the truck as if you were going camping (full fuel, passengers, cargo, etc.) and weigh it at a CAT scale. Subtract the CAT scale weight from your TV's specified GVWR that is identified on your driver's door. The remaining weight is what you have for the HTT/TT's loaded tongue weight, WDH weight, and any other weight not accounted for at the CAT scale.

Once you have this information you can narrow down what HTT/TT would be a good match to your TV. Think in terms of "loaded" weights when looking at trailers, the UVW's and DRY weights can be miss-leading if not referenced carefully. Also, the published UVW's are not Ship Weights, depending on the model it can add another 100lbs to 800lbs on top of the published UVW. If the RV dealer has the models on there lot that you are considering, look for a Yellow Sticker on an outside wall...., this will identify the actual Ship Weight (will save making an assumption).

To determine the potential "loaded" tongue weight of a given HTT/TT, RV and WDH manufactures recommend that the loaded tongue weight be in the range of 10% to 15% of the HTT/TT's actual loaded weight.

If you decide to weigh your RAM 1500 at a CAT scale, bring back the weight information and update this thread with the data. We can then look more closely at the HTT/TT you are considering under hypothetical loaded weight conditions ....., and see if your TV has enough payload capacity to support it.

Just some food for thought.

Bob
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Old 07-30-2013, 04:14 PM   #3
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I can't imagine 4 people of any size living in a V16. The x213 might work for you if you keep the loaded weight down. I pulled a 26BH totally loaded at 5500#, yellow sticker wt 4800 plus 700# of my own stuff. My 4.7 litre Tundra worked pretty hard up the hills in our area. Your truck will probably work really hard in the area you describe unless you have the 5.7 litre engine, especially given your axle ratio.

Take the time to read and digest the stickies on this forum; and yes, welcome to JOF
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Old 07-30-2013, 06:50 PM   #4
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Welcome to the forum!
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Old 07-30-2013, 07:28 PM   #5
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With just the two of us and a tank of gas, it is just under 5900 lbs. With the two teenagers and just some electronics, we are estimating around 6200 lbs. We intend to keep our clothing, a little bit of food plus a generator in the TT. We do not intend to keep water in the trailer.

Our GVRW is 6800. Our GCRW is 14,000 and our rear GARW is 3900.

With a weight distributing anti sway hitch, do you think we can pull the x213?
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Old 07-30-2013, 07:29 PM   #6
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Yes it is a hemi 5.7L
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Old 07-30-2013, 09:19 PM   #7
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I have a 04 Dodge Ram 1500 quad 4x4 and I own and pull a X213. I have pulled it with my truck fully loaded with 6 adults and cargo. Mine is rated to pull 8600 lbs and it pulls my trailer fine. I have a brake controller and I also have a WD hitch. I am going to install rear airbags to help level it, other than that it is fine. The newer Dodge Rams actually are rated to pull more. This trailer pulls beautifully behind my truck, I have been on winding highways and some pretty decent hills and it keeps it own, I don't try to push it hard. Good luck on your decision.
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Old 07-30-2013, 09:35 PM   #8
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Choosing our first TT for our new 2012 Ram 1500

Rams have horrible payload capacity... I know this as I bought a 13 Laramie in march. I am already considering selling it and going to a 2500 cummins. The power is there with the hemi, but suspension and payload capacity r lacking compared to other trucks. Hopefully it will work out for u (for reference I want to get the white hawk 28dsbh....and I don't think I have enough payload capacity for it)......
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Old 07-30-2013, 09:38 PM   #9
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Choosing our first TT for our new 2012 Ram 1500

Edit...I didn't realize the x213 was that light. I would think u would be fine pulling it with ur ram
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Old 07-31-2013, 12:50 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by murraygc View Post
snip..... With a weight distributing anti sway hitch, do you think we can pull the x213?
Using your numbers; 6,800lb TV GVWR - 6,200lb Loaded TV = 600lbs remaining in Payload Capacity. Subtract approximately 50lbs for the WDH, 550lbs remaining for the loaded tongue weight.

Hypothetical loaded Jayco X213 based on your comments: (4,020lbs UVW) + (200lbs ship weight delta, est.) + (50lbs RV dealer..., battery, etc.) + (75lbs generator) + (400lbs cargo) = 4,745lbs loaded X213

Recommended loaded tongue weight range would be 475lbs to 712lbs on a 4,745lb loaded HTT. Ideally a 13% loaded tongue weight would be desirable if possible...., because IMO targeting a 10% loaded tongue weight doesn't leave any room for minor weight fluctuations. Under 10% may compromise the TV's ability to control the HTT should a sway event occur.

Based on the weight assumptions, the X213 is doable. Your personal loading habits will determine the actual outcome.., but note that it's very possible to exceed your TV's GVWR. IMO if you go with the X213 a visit to a CAT scale under loaded TV/HTT conditions would tell you everything one would need to know (confirm WDH adjustment, weights, etc..).

CAT scale "how to": http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...igh-Your-tt-tv

A WDH won't increase any weight capacities, but it will enhance the TV's handling characteristics towing the X213. A 600lb rated WDH would be sufficient based on our weight assumptions, but wouldn't support any loaded tongue weights above 600lbs. If you felt that you would be towing the X213 closer to it's 5,500lb GVWR, then I would go with an 800lb rated WDH (assuming that the TV's GVWR isn't exceeded).

Hope this helps.

Bob
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Old 07-31-2013, 08:05 AM   #11
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Many thanks everyone, we will likely take the x213 for a test tow this weekend. We plan to go to Alberta to go see the universities for our daughter who is graduating next year. We will write an update to let everyone know how that went. After next summer, we will likely only have our son on the camping trips so that would help with payload.

We will just all have to go on a diet and loose some weight. That will probably not be a bad thing anyways.

Cheers.
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Old 07-31-2013, 08:25 AM   #12
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murraygc-- You haven't mentioned if your Ram has a factory tow package, that make's a world of difference in towing performance and the life of the truck. Larry
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Old 08-16-2013, 11:51 AM   #13
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As Bob (aka Rustic Eagle) stated in post #2, taking the time to look into what your TV's capabilities are before purchasing a new HTT or TT is a smart move.

Since you plan to travel at high altitudes, keep in mind that a gas engine will lose approximately 3% of horsepower (HP) for every 1000ft above sea level. So, at 10,000ft, you will lose approximately 30% HP. This is another factor to consider as you calculate your towing parameters and/or plan your travel routes throughout mountain country.
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