How To Determine Towing Capacity and Hitch Weight For a 2018 Ram 1500 For Selecting a Travel Trailer

Published 10/12/2022

Question:

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 that lists its towing capacity as being 9800lbs, and a hitch weight/payload capacity of 1003lbs. I reached out to a friend that has a travel trailer similar to what Im looking at for tips, and he explained to me that this 1003lbs of payload capacity has to account for not only the weight of the passengers in the truck and any other weight luggage, etc in the truck/bed, but also the hitch/tongue weight of the trailer itself as well. Is this accurate? If so, with my family in the truck, that would leave less than 250lbs of tongue weight, which if you follow the 10/15 rule, would only allow me to tow a 2500/2650lb trailer, significantly less than my max towing capacity. Just want to verify this is accurate before I get too far into the travel trailer shopping! Thanks for the help!

asked by: Lee H

Expert Reply:

Typically a payload capacity is the amount of weight allowed over the rear axle. The best way to verify your weight capacities on your 2018 RAM 1500 is by checking the information tag inside the door of your truck. There you will find the GVWR and GAWR for both the front and rear axles. Based on the curb weight of your truck you will be able to determine exactly how much weight can be distributed over your truck. If there is a scale near your home they will be able to help you determine the exact weights on each axle to give you more accurate information.

You will want to also verify how much your receiver is rated for. This information is generally found on a tag on the receiver. Once you have all this information it will help you find the correct weights for your travel trailer. This will then help you find the correct capacity Weight Distribution Hitch # FA92-00-1000.

If you can provide me the information listed above I can help you understand the exact capacities for your Ram.

expert reply by: Bud M