Could someone set something straight for me please? I'm getting mixed reviews on what my truck's towing capacity really is.

It's a 2006 Ram 2500 with a CTD. Rear end is an 11.50 (as stated on original sticker) The thing that additionally confuses me is that I've heard people ask if it's a 3.73 or a 4.10 rear end but nothing whispered of an 11.50.

Forgive me for my ignorance but when I bought the thing I told them what I was hauling and they said it could do it (13k Toy Hauler) and no additional technical info was conveyed to me. Well now I find myself looking at a larger trailer and I'm wondering if I need to go 1 ton or not.

Any input would be very much appreciated.

 

Here you go, this will help.

http://www.dodge.com/towing/D/home.html

 

11.50 is the axle
3.73 or 4.10 is the gear ratio There should be a tag on the axle housing that tells you what it is.

 

Thank you gentlemen.

The chart is great Fox, and Chris, I'll check that tag as soon as I can.

With all of this in mind though, I noticed that regardless of whether I had the 3.73 or the 4.10 it showed a towing capacity of 13k.

With my trailer being that heavy when it's empty, I would think I should be looking at either an aftermarket trans/torque converter, or a larger truck all together (which I fear I can't afford) but hey, what's maintenance going to be if I don't, right?

And correct me if I'm wrong but even if I throw a pot of gold at this thing it's still a 3/4 ton truck and won't be able to pull (effectively) what I've got. Right again?

 

The engine will not change from a 3/4 to a 1 ton. I don't think the axles do either.

I would just put some air bags on the rear and tow away. You will probably need to upgrade the trans in the future but I don't know about the newer ones. With stock power you should be fine.

I have been wondering about putting 1 ton suspension in mine but I think air bags would be a better choice.

 

Same rear diff 11.5 AAM the only differance is the 1 ton has 1 more leaf spring, my 06 2500 can tow 13,500 by the book, but they will tow much heavier, its the stopping that is the hard part, firestone air bags seem to work well, good luck.

 

Rear Axle weight is what will get due to your tires weight ratings. Check your tire ratings, that is the hold up.

 

3/4 and one ton are the same truck. The one ton cost me $900 more and it was basically the extra spring in the back.

I have a single rear wheel and put on Nitto Dura tires which are rated at 4,000 pounds each. The rear of my tuck weighs 3200 pounds so I can load an additional 4800 pounds on the rear and not exceed the tire capacity. The rims and axle may be a different story, but I don't worry about it. I often load 3500 pounds on the box and go. I pull my 34 foot fiver with 3000 pounds on the tongue.

All I've done is put in a Smarty jr (best money hands down for mileage, power and long life) and a transmission shift kit. I have 105,000 miles with not a burp....

 

Valuable lesson in that statement, never trust a sales men or dealer.

As to the question. As stated the only differnce between a 1 ton and 3/4 is the 1 ton gets an over load spring, when you get the Cummins. Air bags more than make up for it. The decision to go to a 1 ton is weather to go duel rear wheels or not. My trailer weighs in loaded for trip right at 13k and my 3/4 does just fine. If i go bigger in trailer some day I will go to a 1 ton dually for stability only not because 1 ton can tow more. I personally want a dually now for the stability aspect but $$$$ won't let me, but I have never felt unsafe in 3/4 SRW, just make sure I pay attention to what I am doing.

 

I have a 1 ton dually, and I'm pretty sure the tow rating is actually lower than a 3/4 ton. It has to do with the extra weight of the vehicle and the same gcwr.

Anyway, I tow 12500 all day and all night with no porblems, stock truck with less juice that you are looking at. Still not happy, smarty jr.

I love the dually in that it has MINIMAL body roll. It's nicer even without a load. With a load (Camper or trailer) it kicks!

Tongue weight is 10-15% is set up right. Example 15000lb, tongue should be 1500-2250lb = non issue (Except for maybe the hitch, check this out!)


Chay