Determining A Compatible Trailer Weight For A 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel And Parts Needed To Safely Tow

Updated 09/14/2022 | Published 09/13/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 2" Hitch - Underslung - 10K GTW, 1K TW

(58)

$844.76

Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(141)

$27.00

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2813)

$190.00

Question:

I have a 2016 RAM Rebel 1500 I am buying a camper and Im looking for a safe weight with 4 adults in truck and will be traveling all over. I will need to know exactly what I will need to do this as well. E brake, Stabilizer, weight distribution and ect. Thank you,

asked by: Phil W

Expert Reply:

You'll first need to ensure that the trailer you're buying falls within the towing capacity of your 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel. This can typically be found in your owner's manual or by subtracting the vehicle weight (GVWR) (including your passengers and anything else loaded in it) from your vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This will give you the max loaded trailer weight that your vehicle can tow.

For example, if your GCWR is 13,000lbs, and I use a GVWR of 6,500lbs as a conservative estimate, that leaves 6,500lbs for the trailer.

If you're planning on towing a travel trailer then you'll then need to find out the what the tongue weight of the trailer is, which can be found by using a tongue weight scale # e99044 or you can get a conservative guess at it by taking 10-15% of your trailer's GVWR. Once you have your tongue weight you can then choose a weight distribution hitch rated for your specific weight capacity. I tend to recommend going with one where the tongue weight sits right around the middle of the hitch's capacity.

I really like the Blue Ox Sway Pro because it's definitely the easiest to install and use. For example, if you had a tongue weight of 850lbs then I would recommend the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BXW1003, which has a tongue weight capacity range of 750-1000lbs.

If you're looking at fifth wheels then you'd need to look more into suspension enhancement to help distribute the pin weight of the trailer. I really like SumoSprings like part # SSR-307-47, because they add more stability and can work independently with offset loads without giving you a stiff ride when not hauling.

One other very important thing you'll need to tow a trailer is a brake controller to actuate the brakes on the trailer. If your Ram doesn't currently have one then I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR along with the Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers # 331-TPH-020. I personally use this brake controller and love how easy it is to use and how small it is compared to all other bulky aftermarket options.

If you can get me some more information on your vehicle and the trailer I can help find the correct setup for your needs.