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  1. #1
    Left The Driveway
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    Post Anyone pulling a 315RLTS with a 1/2 ton?

    Wife and I are looking to purchase a 315RLTS. Currently driving a 2012 1500 RAM has a factory tow package. Yes, ordered specifically for max towing, 10,000lbs. We are weekend campers so the loading the trailer is minimal. Looking for some actual numbers with second A/C etc. I realize advertised weight is approximate and I know I might be pushing the limit with the RAM. Just wondering.

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    The 315RLTS has a dry hitch weight of over 1000 lbs. When loaded, this is going to be over the capacity of any Class IV hitch and thus beyond the capability of any 1/2 ton.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  3. #3
    Fireside Member
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    We considered it. Our 1500 had all the tow options offered - and we only tow 1-2 times a year, but then I looked at the sticker on our door and we would have been 500lbs over our truck’s payload before loading the trailer. Decided it wasn’t worth the risk.

  4. #4
    Fireside Member
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    Ram 1500 payload is notoriously low. Check your door jam sticker to see what your truck's payload is. Many 315rlts owners are reporting ready to camp hitch weights in excess of 1500lbs. So even if you change your Ram's hitch to an aftermarket class five, you will still be over the payload of your truck before anyone gets in the cab.
    Steve and Barb - Delaware
    2021 Solitude S-class 2930rl, solar package, slide toppers, dual panes
    2019 F250 6.2L 3170 payload sticker Reece Goosebox 20K B&W turnover-ball
    2017 Flagstaff 23IKSS Hybrid, 6700 GVW (sold)

  5. #5
    Rolling Along jim1521's Avatar
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    You didn't mention which specific model of Dodge 1500 (std cab, quad cab, Tradesman, Outdoorsman, etc.) so I can't tell you specifically what your numbers are. However, looking through the 2012 RAM 1500 Towing Guide, the max number appears to be 10,150 lbs, so you're going to be bumping up against that number. The rear axle weight rating is only 3,900 lbs, which I'm pretty sure you're going to exceed, especially when adding in the tongue weight of the trailer.

    The max that a Class IV hitch can do is 1,260 lbs. You're going to be extremely close with your trailer. I have the 313RLTS (predecessor to yours) and I load mine to 1,200 lbs, but I have to be a Loadmaster to configure my truck/trailer to tow safely. I have a Sherline tongue weight scale and use it every time I tow my trailer.

    Your truck's GVWR is only 6,800 lbs. The trailer is going to be around 10,000 lbs. That trailer-to-truck weight ratio is going to be troublesome when it comes to stopping the truck/trailer. Your truck may be able to pull it, but the real safety issue is going to be trying to stop with it. And the brakes on the 315RLTS (actually all the GDRV trailers) suck, so you're not going to get any help there.

    Regarding the trailer, I have 2nd AC in mine. Here are my weight numbers from my trip last weekend (this is from a spreadsheet that I use with numbers specific to my truck and trailer). Every time I leave on a trip, I hit the local CAT scale:
    17,760 Gross Weight (Max 19450 from scales receipt)
    7,800 Truck baseline weight (7580 just me/7800 loaded)
    4,180 Steer Axle Weight (Max 4900 from scales receipt)
    4,640 Drive Axle Weight (Max 4900 from scales receipt)
    47% Steer Axle to Drive Axle Percentage
    8,940 Trailer axle weight (Max 10,200 from scales receipt)
    1,020 Tongue Weight (Max 1260. Calculated. Do not change)
    8,820 Truck actual weight (Max 8800. Calculated. Do not change)
    9,960 Trailer actual weight (Max 10,995. Calculated. Do not change)
    1.13 Trailer to Truck weight ratio (Calculated. Do not change)
    10% % Tongue Weight (Calculated. Do not change)

    I was 20 lbs over my max truck weight of 8,800 lbs, so I moved my toolbox into the trailer (didn't bother to re-weigh).

    I would not recommend using your truck to do this.
    2016 Grand Design Reflection 313RLTS
    2020 Riverstone 39FK
    2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke Lariat 2WD DRW

  6. #6
    Rolling Along
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    My 297RSTS has a loaded tongue weight of about 1400#. The 315 is likely to be above that. There is another member who purchased a 297RSTS to tow behind a 1/2 ton truck, and now that he owns the truck and trailer, found out he cannot tow the trailer combo.

  7. #7
    Seasoned Camper 315RLTS in PA's Avatar
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    Tongue weight on our 315RLTS ready to camp is 1700lbs. Trailer weight is 10700lbs. I wouldn't tow a 315 with a 1/2 ton.
    2018 Reflection 315RLTS
    2013 F350 Ultimate Lariat PSD/CC/LB/FX4

  8. #8
    Seasoned Camper Drolaw's Avatar
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    I just weighed my 2018 315RLTS and my tongue weight is 1450lbs. Add the weight of the WDH and you're looking at 1550lbs in pay load. I had to exchange out the 1500lb rated hitch receiver that came with my F250. Even though I have Diesel engine and can have 1800lb of tongue weight the hitch they installed from the factory was rated only for 1500lbs. I put a CURT Class V hitch receiver rated for 2000lb tongue weight. I won't use that much but it's nice knowing I have a solid hitch receiver.

    I've learned the hard lesson always check the payload capacity of your vehicle, check the receiver hitch TW rating, then find the trailer/5er you want. Or find the TT/5er first but then find the vehicle that can pull the trailer and have plenty of payload.

  9. #9
    Site Sponsor
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    Anyone pulling a 315RLTS with a 1/2 ton?

    I hope not.

  10. #10
    Big Traveler
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    I towed my 315RLTS across the Megler Bridge at Astoria, OR today in a gale. This bridge crosses the mouth of the Columbia River, is 4.1 miles long and rises 200ft above the water. 40+ mph side winds. I'm really glad I wasn't pulling this huge sail behind me with a 1/2 ton truck.

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