Very good information concerning the 2019 Ram 1500 and its abilities! I think the 2019 Ram 1500 is the best overall 1/2 ton truck on the market today. Thanks for your time and efforts in getting this information out to the public.
Great review. The best part, real world towing over a real family trip scenario. I wish more truck reviews included something like this. It would really help narrow down which truck does it best. Thanks
The Ram 1500 is one of the worse half-tons for towing. Terrible payload ratings (C&D's 2019 Ram Limited only had 990 lbs payload and it was a 7100 GVWR config) which means you're struggling with balancing tongue weight and passengers+cargo.
Dan, while I truly appreciated the towing attributes of that beautiful Ram 1500, I must say that the REAL star of this video is that fabulous Airstream Flying Cloud! How cool is that?!
I've owned 3 airstreams in 1 year. They are the biggest pieces of shit. And airstream corporate is awful to deal with. They did nothing to correct the problems we went through
Dwight Rapp wow! I’ve had the same airstream for over 20 years and never had to fix or replace anything. I did buy a new sewer hose but that’s because I left mine at a dump station and I wasn’t going to drive 700 miles back to get it lol.
Dwight Rapp - While staying at Amarillo RV park in 104 heat my neighbors in a brand new Airstream were very upset about the lack of insulation. The air Conditioning was not close to cooling their unit down. I too always thought these units to be the best. Not on that day I didn’t.
Love watching this guy then noticed the last name... NOW it makes sense why he knows his stuff so well. Always appreciate that he explains every feature and don’t take viewer knowledge for granted.
Dan is amazing! And surprisingly, he has no relation to the original Edmunds who started the company in 1966. It's just a coincidence. But he REALLY knows his stuff and explains it all so well! Love him!
sure the big 12 inch screen is nice, but they really missed out by not adding massaging seats to compete with the f150, when you take into account luxury in this segment you have to think of every little detail, its stuff like this that keeps the s class ahead of the competition. ( for example ford had the 360 cams/acc/power deployable running boards, etc etc back in '15) the new ram is innovative with the new 12 inch screen/ram box/ etc etc but for the most part ram and gm are just keeping up with ford at the moment.
I dont care about massage seat, the freaking thing have air suspension! if you never been on air you dont know what you are missing! The last air suspension i ride on was a mercedes S500 and that was glorious!
Agree, 100%, I've had everything, presently have a 2017 Ram Longhorn with the RamBox (much more luxurious than the one in the video here), hands down, best truck I've ever had and I pull a 32 foot trailer all over the country with it.
I traveled across Canada with 32 ft. land y and most time in cruise 60 mph. No problem with my dodge 2008 hemi. Plenty of power going through the rockeys.. Airstreem handled like a dream.
Great idea for the rear view mirror while a trailer is attached - I tow travels trailers as well and this made so much sense to me. I hope the manufacturers take heed!
Yeah; my wife and I are building our Flying Cloud 25fb now. I have the 2020 Ram v8 gas 1500. I simply can't believe how comfortable and quiet my truck is! I have to believe they made the truck to compete against luxury cars. I'm very pleased.
Interesting fact. I got into towing because I raced small cars/sports cars in SCCA. One time my racecar broke a hub at a remote track, and I had to hitch a ride with a friend and competitor to get back home. I borrowed his truck and trailer to go retrieve it a few days later, and I made plans to invest in my own tow rig on that very trip. Later on, that all paid off when I got a job working for a major automaker. The small car experience got me in the door, but I soon got drafted into a role as a truck/trailering engineer. I still kept racing and towing on the side.
Also, great idea on the mirror being used as a rear view camera when hooked to a trailer! GM could easily implement this in their new trucks as they already have that kind of rear view mirror available on the higher trim trucks...
A fellow Airstream owner here, 2007 Classic 30' Slide Out. Towing with a Dodge 2500 Cummins. 4:15 mark, I've never set out with an empty truck bed for any of my camps in 10 yrs. That's where the in camp fun stuff gets stored. Mostly outside cooking equipment. Gary
Thank you. Great video. Especially since I am just now starting to look into all the different models of Trucks and RV's and what I will need to pair up together.
@@67L48 Well in his defense, its easy to go over payload ratings in a Ram 1500. Especially a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited. Car and Driver's 2019 Limited had a 7100 lb GVWR and STILL only had 990 lbs of payload capacity. Sadly, Ram still gave it a tow rating of over 10k lbs. Guys are building 2019 Ram's on the Build and Price part of their website and Ram is displaying 1800+ lbs payload capacity in a Laramie trim, but guys end up receiving a truck with a 1500 lb (sometimes even lower yet) payload capacity. It's a bit disappointing since Ram was so proudly proclaiming that they boosted payload ratings. They didn't mentiomed that you woild only notice it in the cheaper trims with crappy interiors.
I love my ram it’s a 2007 hemi 3:92 gears with tow package and with a cold intake system. I’m towing a 2018 26ft Starcraft autumn ridge bunkhouse with fully loaded weighs 6000 lbs we love it! Love that airstream by the way!!
"A little wheel spin" when backing the trailer might be averted if you pop it into 4 wheel drive before backing. I've learned to do this, and it makes parking a trailer that much easier.
You will be exceeding this trucks payload capacity if any additional passengers or cargo were added. Edmunds read the hitch weight max on payload sticker. 850lbs. is dry weight of trailer. Loaded to camp you'd be around 1,000lbs.
You can see that the truck has a bit too much tongue weight. A Limited trim averages 1400 lbs payload capacity on a good day. Brtween the tongue weight, cargo, and driver/passengers, this truck is probably over its GVWR.
I agree, people aren’t aware how important it is ensure that your vehicle is rated to tow a fully loaded trailer. I’ve seen so many SUV’s that have no business towing trailer’s that are way too big, swaying all over the road. Part of the issue is the drivers are oblivious to these tow weight ratios, the other is unscrupulous RV salesmen that just want to make a sale, not caring enough to tell them their vehicles cannot or should not be towing it, the other being no legal enforcement. When was the last time you heard of anyone being fined or pulled over for exceeding their tow capacity and being a danger on the road? Also, the minute you start modifying (lift kits, bigger tires etc.) this also changes your capacity (lowers it). Just because you’ve got a big jacked up truck, doesn’t mean you can just pull anything with it!
Bronx and Rosie I had to really sift through a lot of comments to find anyone addressing the payload issue. There’s a lot of fanboys here which doesn’t really help someone who is new to this and trying to research the viability of a combo like this. Something I don’t see people talking about is the short and long-term permanent damage done to the drive train when limits are exceeded routinely like this. Especially going up and down hills. I can only imagine a person taking this kind of information given on this review and running out there and over loading the truck bed five passengers all overweight extra goodies exceeding the weight of the trailer’s ratings and not knowing the immediate danger much less the damage being done to the transmission and the engine. I did learn something here though. I was planning to buy a used truck but after reading this and other blogs where people are using a Ford F150 to pull 27 to 30 foot airstreams and completely happy with that made me realize probably buying used is not a good idea.
The breakaway cable needs to be shorter than the chains. That way if the trailer comes off the ball it actually pulls out the cable and sets the brakes. If the cable is too long the trailer will fall on the chains and not set the trailer brakes which will not slow the trailer down and keep it in a straight line.
That trailer is not going to "come off the ball". It's got over a 1000 lbs. tongue weight. In a stopping situation that breaks the ball or destroys the coupler it's not going to matter how long the breakaway cable is because the trailer is going to jackknife and roll anyway. The breakaway cable can only really come into play if you have a trailer with a negative tongue weight combined with a weak coupler such as when offloading a boat on a boat ramp and then it would take a perfect storm of un-maintained and misused equipment.
Well done, I will order my 2019 Laramie in October for December delivery. After having a 2015 Jeep Overland High-Altitude with "Adaptive Cruise Control" it is must have for towing an RV. Can't wait for my new truck.
Great video. Some nice new features on the 2019. I still love my 2016 RAM Sport with 3.21 axle ratio with the tow package. We've pulled our Coachmen 192RBS across the country twice and the RAM engine never missed a beat. BTW, at 9:04 in the video, it looked like there was a cord, maybe power cord?, hanging off of the right of the trailer or truck.
I have a 2012 Ram Laramie and a 32 foot Springdale. The 5.7 pulls like Jack the Bear. I added air bags as my trailer is about 8 thousand full of water, well fed friends, wife and two dogs.
We are in the market for a new truck; and we tow about 3 to 4 times a year for camping up here in WA. Sounds like the RAM is the way to go, especially with the built in brake controller. Great video. Thanks for posting.
Nice review. For me personally, I love using the rear view mirror for towing. Helps me check out the trailer to see if its swaying back & forth. Thanks for telling how anti-sway bars/load levelers work; I knew what they did but not how they work. But one thing, how can you buy a tow vehicle without getting tow mirrors? Thanks for the video
Thanks for explaining the trailer controller feature. I have never towed anything; yet, seems as parts of it may be getting easier with technology theres an add-on piece of equipment that's needed to ensure a successful tow in my opinion.
What a timely video. This answered two questions. I just purchased my first trailer and decided on an Airstream 23FB which had me wondering if the new Ram 1500 would be sufficient. Looks like it is. Second, I eventually want to upgrade to a 26U down the road and this Ram had no problem pulling yours. Wow I hit the video jackpot. In the meantime I'll wait to see where Toyota goes with their Tundra in 2021 and if it's a stinker I'll definitely purchase a Ram 1500 limited at 2020 year's end. Hope to see you on the road. Safe travels to you and your family. Cheers!
The Ram Limited is way too short on payload for this trailer. He got away with it here, but the combination of tonvue weight, passengers, his weight, and any of their stuff in the truck, was almost definitely over the payload rating of the truck. It's the downside of Ram's multi-link rear suspension - most configurations and trim levels have much much lower patload ratings than all the other half-ton competitors.
Just sold my 2010 tundra and bought a 2019 Ram Rebel with the Hemi MDS VVT, I kept going back and fourth over which truck to purchase F150 3.5 Ecoboost or the Ram rebel. I was leaning hard on the F150! Well as I said I ended purchasing the RAM, I think it was meant to be, (long story to go with that:) I did hook onto my 30’ Grand Design Imagine for a test run and I was very pleased with how the truck handled up and down hill. Can’t wait to get out and do some camping! Very informative video thank you very much!
Great video, easy to understand and illustrates everything for towing with a 1500. Beautiful truck and trailer, looks great together and performed awesome. Great show. That truck is easily the best in class and in looks.
Nice truck. I have a Ram 3500 with 6.4l Hemi and love it. Going over on the truck, makes the drive so much more enjoyable. Bigger brakes, heavier springs and frame, full floating rear axle and heavier rated tires and really doesn't cost that much more.
The Flying Cloud starts at $66k. The truck is say $70k so that's not $200k. I think it's highway robbery to pay $70k for a half ton pickup but that's where we are now unless you want to go the pre-owned route.
Great wealth of knowledge based on all your experiences... oh, just initial experiences. For those of us who own things long term with cash or long term loans, this review doesn't represent the average long-term owner.
I had a 2wd 2005 Ram Crew Cab1500 Hemi 234,000 miles and its the first dodge I've owned. Gave it to my kid when she got married and its a really really nice truck. The only thing is this video never said fuel mileage, We never pulled any trailer with ours but a trip to Michigan and back to Florida we averaged 18 MPG at 70 for the round.
The Payload or the truck cargo capacity is the one most important factor to take into account when towing!. When you add 5 adults (~750Lb), plus the weight in the truck bed (~200Lb), the WD Hitch (~100Lb) + Trailer Weight (15% of the GWVR), you will easily exceed the payload way before you get close to the tow capacity. So, it's not only how much you can tow, it's more about how much you can actually tow w/o exceeding the payload.
I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that in California, you can only use a suction cup accessory at the left or right extreme corners of the windshield so as not to block your forward vision. I tow with an older van so I have a dash camera mounted between the rear view mirror and the windshield. I also have a TPMS mounted with a suction cup on the upper left hand side of the windshield.
I've got a 5.3 half ton chevy with a towing package. It has something like 3.08 diff gears and I couldn't figure out how that came with the towing package until I pulled a trailer. The 3.08 is just right when I don't put it in overdrive. I still get the advantages of high gearing in overdrive and pulling it out of od protects the transmission and I still accomplish the advantage of 3.73 in overdrive. Another way to approach the situation.
Yeah but they suck the gas down(I own a Chrysler 300C so I know). Look at the mileage he's getting with that very light trailer. He would get at least 12-14 with a diesel.
@@dieseldog00 I struggle with the HEMI vs diesel decision, currently have a HEMI and tow a lot with it. The issue with the diesel, any savings is destroyed by the maintenance cost... $350 +/- per oil change, triple the shop charge when it does need something, the up-front add-on cost is about $12,000 with the Aisin transmission + the Cummins line item, and the parts themselves are expensive. My next one will be a 3500 dually Longhorn or Limited with the new HD Hemi or the Cummins, but I doubt I'll see any savings from either option. If anything, the Cummins probably has a much higher operational cost in my case, because I really don't drive much (around 10,000 miles a year).
Not a bad review. I actually tow Airstreams commercially with my 14 Ram Ecodiesel. 830,000 miles. The diesel does not tow more than the Hemi but it does tow the same more effortlessly and quieter with half the rpms and only a little more than half the fuel. Where you would average 9 or 10 mpg towing the AS at 65 mph with the Hemi you would get 14 or 15 with ED. Each motor has pros & cons. Better depends on how you use your truck. Agreed the trailer brake controller is a useful tool especially when combined with the diesel’s turbo brake and towing in the mountains. (Aftermarket tune option) Both airbags and a WDH help to make especially this half ton a far better more capable tow vehicle. Tongue weight as seen on a CAT scale is less and distributed better with a WDH. Even to a degree adjustable. Instead of the common 15 percent tongue weight with Airstreams I adjust the WDH toward a 12.0 percent tongue weight. This is sufficient for sway resistance from wind gusts and semi truck bow wave. At the same time this replaces the unloaded steer axle weight, takes weight off the drive axle, and returns some tongue weight to the trailer axles for maximum stability & braking. Set like this plus using Airbags makes even a 30’ non “Classic” a stable comfortable even “in spec” tow. You can see in the video his truck & trailer was not set up like this as even the smaller 26’ had his front axle partially unloaded with truck nose up plus rear sagging to less than level. Optimized with WDH, loading, bags, by CAT scale results a daughter could tow that trailer with 2 fingers on the wheel. Not at all to chastise as it was a nice review and most people set up their trailer as he did because it’s not commercially taught by anyone. Anyway hope this helps someone.
Very well produced video. But after seeing that atrocious landscape, man I’m happy to be in NewEngland with Maine, NewHampshire, Vermont at my fingertips. So much lush greenery and limitless big lakes. Cheers
thank you for mentioning the wind resistance factor for towing. too many don't get that. towing a trailer that actually weighs 9,500+ pounds with a 1/2 ton truck is a a very bad idea, especially if something goes wrong.
Thank you for this information. I am always in search of real world test information. I am currently searching for my next truck to pull my current camper. 8758 pounds, and usually another 1500 pounds of cargo. I love the new 1/2 ton max towers, but am undecided on if I should step up to at 2500 series.
I find that wind resistance plays a bigger part in effecting fuel economy as weight , as the rolling resistance is easily overcome by inflating the tires. Even an empty cage trailer can feel like a parachute
I am just finishing my 1963 airstream rebuild hoping to make our first run this summer. My ram is a little older but it is a 250 4x4, I do see any problems in my future towing.
Very informative, very much enjoy the detailed explanation. Recommendations for basic education on trucks, towing considerations, etc would be much appreciated.
Thank you for your very informative video. After looking for a few years, I just recently and finally selected a trailer for vacation and travel. Airstream of course. You gave me a lot to consider about buying a towing vehicle. Being that I'm from Bakersfield, I liked that you videoed the drive up the grapevine to Tehachapi. The climb through the mountains looked so effortless for the Ram truck. I also liked that you showed the hookup. Most videos just have comparisons and upgrades while the trailer is just sitting there. Good idea about the rearview mirror. And the reviews are good too. Hopefully I'm not the only lady leaving a review, lol.
So I did purchase my New 2019 Ram Bighorn and I am loving it. Thank you for explaining the Gear system on the steering wheel for the Downhill portion of towing an RV. I will be towing one that weighs approximately 7,00 lbs. My Ram is good for 8,440 lbs in towing. I am also going to order the same distribution bars you were presenting. I read that the chain version bars are not as friendly in a turn. Happy Camping!
Hallo, could you please do a thorough video on how to properly hitch up a travel trailer to a Ram with the air suspension, from how to initially set the ball height on the tow vehicle to setting and attaching the anti sway/ weight distribution bars. I'm guessing we first lower the vehicle to the lowest entry/exit height for getting the hitch ball underneath the tongue cup then raise truck to normal height for setting the sway/weight distribution bars. You did a very nice job explaining how we use and set the brake controller. Thanks! I'd also like to know if it's always best to keep the Ram in the tow/haul mode whenever we have a trailer hooked up? HAPPY AND SAFE RVing to you and your family 👍🌷
Kind of wish I'd given Ram 1500 a closer look. I had a 2018 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost and it got hot when I went up the grapevine northbound too fast (and it was only a 23' Airstream). Yours handled it with ease apparently. Nice video and nice truck.
Thank you for sharing your trip set up and driving experience with the Ram 1500. Big truck guy would have a fit for not using a 2500 diesel. I have a f150 5. coyote. It has the tow package and it pulls my 28ft imagine trailer without problems. I use the gear override to deselect higher gears on hill descent and the brake controller. No bother.
Informative for sure. But although he at one time mentioned the indicated MPG, it would have been nice to hear the actual MPG out and back. I think I might have opted for a license plate on the trailer.
I think your ram will do just fine.I have a 2019 bighorn classic 4x4 and a 2020 avenger 28 qbsle camper. 6200 lbs with 785 tongue weight .I do use husky centerline t s performs great.
Robert Sparkes The 2019 Ram 1500 is not a Dodge. It’s a Ram. Ram is now a brand of its own, separate from Dodge since 2010. It’s now the truck brand and Dodge is the car brand.
The axel ratio is paramount to a vehicles performance. If you are going to be towing you should get the lowest gearing available and max. cooling everywhere.
My personal opinion is this is too much trailer for a 1500. I don't know what your payload capacity is, but the charts show that for a 150 is would be between 1200 and 2302 pounds depending on truck options. And don't forget you have to add the 60 or 80 pounds for that WD hitch. I just bought a similar airstream and have a 2500 Diesel. The diesel option steals about 800 pounds of payload, so I'm at around 2300 pounds. Max towing is 14k because I did not go with the 4:10 rear. The 1500 is a nice truck, lots of the same features I have in my 2500 (I do have the excellent towing mirrors). But if you're going to tow trailers that gross out 6500-7000 or above, you should definitely consider moving up to at least a 3/4 ton truck. I've towed with 1/2 ton trucks (a Tundra) and defiantly felt I needed more.
What is the payload capacity of that truck? You had 837 lbs tongue weight. The weight of you hitch ~75 lbs? The weight of your family and gear 650 lbs? Your close to 1600 lbs total. My family is closer to 800 lbs plus another 100 lbs for dogs and another 100 for some gear. My scenario would be just over 1900 lbs! Curious if we would go over the max payload apacity of that truck?
You might be glad you didn't get the trailer towing mirrors. Trailer tow mirrors are not power folding , but worse then that you lose the 360 parking camera feature.
My 2017 Ram 3500 has the towing mirrors and they are power folding. And when you set the memory you do it with the mirrors down and again up and it saves both settings.
Yes, I agree. I only kinda regret not getting them because of that. Trailer blind-spot monitoring kinda makes up for it, especially since this system is so good and auto-detects the trailer's length (Ford's does not do that). This brings up a point: when I'm not towing, I generally do not like blind spot monitoring because I'm pretty tuned-in to traffic. I also like to put on my turn signal well ahead of the lane change itself. Oftentimes this means the system yells at me because a car is slipping past. I KNOW that, because I'm signalling to the car behind, not the car alongside. BSM trains people to use their turn signals late or not at all. HOWEVER: when towing, this system is a Godsend. I can't see what's going on behind, and I don't know if I'm clear. Yes, truckers will sometimes flash their lights, but they don't always do that for civilians, and reguler people in cars never do that. This trailer BSM system is absolutely incredibel. You want it when towing, even if you see no point when you're not. Trust me on this.
Wow! Beautiful truck and airstream! Thank you for sharing sir! I am in the market for a new truck. I’m torn between 5.7 hemi and eco diesel. What swayed you to go with the hemi? Thanks
Thanks for the review! I've got a 2019 1500 as well, and intend on putting an inbed camper on it in the next few weeks. I'll be sure to post my results here on TH-cam as well for anyone who's curious.
Eeek.. how did that work out? Rams have a lot of towing capability, but the payload isn't that great. I've been considering swapping my travel trailer out for a half-ton fifth wheel of comparable length/weight, but that king-pin load is an issue.
3 years later... did you ever do this? #1 reason I'm probably jumping from a 1500 to a 2500 is payload capacity on a 1500 won't support any in-bed campers I've found, and even believing the salesman lies from the camper companies the thing would still end up super top heavy.
@@Wanderlust073 yeah I sure did. Made a whole bunch of videos on it too. Click my name, and head over to my channel. Worked out great, ended up living in the camper combo with the truck for 18 months, afterwards I gave the camper to my friend who uses it with his Ram Rebel with the 6 cyl diesel. Loves It! 👍
I noticed the rear end of the truck looks a little low with that 850 lb. tongue weight. Have you considered installing some airbags in the rear coil springs?
Thats the best concise description I've heard of how tongue weight works and why you want a weight distributing hitch. Great video!
This was one of the most unique and informative reviews I’ve ever seen. Excellent!
It's refreshing to see people *using* their trucks for what they're intended. His delivery is very positive and sincere.
He did a good job explaining how we set the brake controller.
I'm new to the idea of a travel trailer, this is by far the best newb video I've watched.
I was about to write something equivalent. Thanks, Nathan! Oh and you to Edmunds
Very good information concerning the 2019 Ram 1500 and its abilities! I think the 2019 Ram 1500 is the best overall 1/2 ton truck on the market today. Thanks for your time and efforts in getting this information out to the public.
Great review. The best part, real world towing over a real family trip scenario. I wish more truck reviews included something like this. It would really help narrow down which truck does it best. Thanks
The Ram 1500 is one of the worse half-tons for towing. Terrible payload ratings (C&D's 2019 Ram Limited only had 990 lbs payload and it was a 7100 GVWR config) which means you're struggling with balancing tongue weight and passengers+cargo.
Dan, while I truly appreciated the towing attributes of that beautiful Ram 1500, I must say that the REAL star of this video is that fabulous Airstream Flying Cloud! How cool is that?!
Expensive but worth it!
I've owned 3 airstreams in 1 year. They are the biggest pieces of shit. And airstream corporate is awful to deal with. They did nothing to correct the problems we went through
Dwight Rapp: WOW! Thousands of airstream owners disagree. But whatever. Sorry you had a bad experience.
Dwight Rapp wow! I’ve had the same airstream for over 20 years and never had to fix or replace anything. I did buy a new sewer hose but that’s because I left mine at a dump station and I wasn’t going to drive 700 miles back to get it lol.
Dwight Rapp - While staying at Amarillo RV park in 104 heat my neighbors in a brand new Airstream were very upset about the lack of insulation. The air Conditioning was not close to cooling their unit down. I too always thought these units to be the best. Not on that day I didn’t.
Love watching this guy then noticed the last name... NOW it makes sense why he knows his stuff so well. Always appreciate that he explains every feature and don’t take viewer knowledge for granted.
That's true . Also explains how he can afford a truck and trailer combo that's worth upwards close to 200 grand lol
Dan is amazing! And surprisingly, he has no relation to the original Edmunds who started the company in 1966. It's just a coincidence. But he REALLY knows his stuff and explains it all so well! Love him!
AutoTech Jord I’m just guessing here, but I don’t think he owns either ...
I think The 2019 Ram 1500 is easily the most luxurious truck in its class.
sure the big 12 inch screen is nice, but they really missed out by not adding massaging seats to compete with the f150, when you take into account luxury in this segment you have to think of every little detail, its stuff like this that keeps the s class ahead of the competition. ( for example ford had the 360 cams/acc/power deployable running boards, etc etc back in '15) the new ram is innovative with the new 12 inch screen/ram box/ etc etc but for the most part ram and gm are just keeping up with ford at the moment.
I dont care about massage seat, the freaking thing have air suspension! if you never been on air you dont know what you are missing! The last air suspension i ride on was a mercedes S500 and that was glorious!
I have a BigHorn and totally love it.
Makaveli Killuminati the massage seat is subpar. All it does is push your body here and there to get the blood flowing on long distance driving.
Agree, 100%, I've had everything, presently have a 2017 Ram Longhorn with the RamBox (much more luxurious than the one in the video here), hands down, best truck I've ever had and I pull a 32 foot trailer all over the country with it.
I traveled across Canada with 32 ft. land y and most time in cruise 60 mph. No problem with my dodge 2008 hemi. Plenty of power going through the rockeys.. Airstreem handled like a dream.
Great idea for the rear view mirror while a trailer is attached - I tow travels trailers as well and this made so much sense to me. I hope the manufacturers take heed!
Yeah; my wife and I are building our Flying Cloud 25fb now. I have the 2020 Ram v8 gas 1500. I simply can't believe how comfortable and quiet my truck is! I have to believe they made the truck to compete against luxury cars. I'm very pleased.
I've havent towed anything in my life as I drive sports cars/small cars, but found this incredible interesting. Great video
Interesting fact. I got into towing because I raced small cars/sports cars in SCCA. One time my racecar broke a hub at a remote track, and I had to hitch a ride with a friend and competitor to get back home. I borrowed his truck and trailer to go retrieve it a few days later, and I made plans to invest in my own tow rig on that very trip. Later on, that all paid off when I got a job working for a major automaker. The small car experience got me in the door, but I soon got drafted into a role as a truck/trailering engineer. I still kept racing and towing on the side.
You, I thought this video was perfetct. Just what you need to know. Well done
Also, great idea on the mirror being used as a rear view camera when hooked to a trailer! GM could easily implement this in their new trucks as they already have that kind of rear view mirror available on the higher trim trucks...
Nice truck and a nice family. I just ordered a 2019 Ram 2500 and seeing this gives me confidence in my purchase. Thanks for the video!
This dude was pleasant to listen too.. He was simple.
A fellow Airstream owner here, 2007 Classic 30' Slide Out. Towing with a Dodge 2500 Cummins. 4:15 mark, I've never set out with an empty truck bed for any of my camps in 10 yrs. That's where the in camp fun stuff gets stored. Mostly outside cooking equipment. Gary
Nice...i felt like I was on this cruise to the camp ground!
😎
I've driven trucks but never owned a truck , or towed a trailer but this was fascinating to watch! Thanks!
Thank you. Great video. Especially since I am just now starting to look into all the different models of Trucks and RV's and what I will need to pair up together.
Being that I am a new 19 Ram 1500 owner and currently hunting an Airstream, I thoroughly enjoyed this video.
You forgot to mention your payload capacity in the video description. Very important when you tow with your family and cargo.
He didn't forget. It ruins the video when you disclose that you're way over your payload rating.
@@67L48 Well in his defense, its easy to go over payload ratings in a Ram 1500. Especially a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited. Car and Driver's 2019 Limited had a 7100 lb GVWR and STILL only had 990 lbs of payload capacity. Sadly, Ram still gave it a tow rating of over 10k lbs. Guys are building 2019 Ram's on the Build and Price part of their website and Ram is displaying 1800+ lbs payload capacity in a Laramie trim, but guys end up receiving a truck with a 1500 lb (sometimes even lower yet) payload capacity. It's a bit disappointing since Ram was so proudly proclaiming that they boosted payload ratings. They didn't mentiomed that you woild only notice it in the cheaper trims with crappy interiors.
I love my ram it’s a 2007 hemi 3:92 gears with tow package and with a cold intake system. I’m towing a 2018 26ft Starcraft autumn ridge bunkhouse with fully loaded weighs 6000 lbs we love it! Love that airstream by the way!!
"A little wheel spin" when backing the trailer might be averted if you pop it into 4 wheel drive before backing. I've learned to do this, and it makes parking a trailer that much easier.
Finally, carpet that matches the truck's upholstery! I've been so disappointed in black showing every speck of dust or gravel.
You will be exceeding this trucks payload capacity if any additional passengers or cargo were added. Edmunds read the hitch weight max on payload sticker. 850lbs. is dry weight of trailer. Loaded to camp you'd be around 1,000lbs.
You can see that the truck has a bit too much tongue weight. A Limited trim averages 1400 lbs payload capacity on a good day. Brtween the tongue weight, cargo, and driver/passengers, this truck is probably over its GVWR.
I agree, people aren’t aware how important it is ensure that your vehicle is rated to tow a fully loaded trailer. I’ve seen so many SUV’s that have no business towing trailer’s that are way too big, swaying all over the road. Part of the issue is the drivers are oblivious to these tow weight ratios, the other is unscrupulous RV salesmen that just want to make a sale, not caring enough to tell them their vehicles cannot or should not be towing it, the other being no legal enforcement. When was the last time you heard of anyone being fined or pulled over for exceeding their tow capacity and being a danger on the road? Also, the minute you start modifying (lift kits, bigger tires etc.) this also changes your capacity (lowers it). Just because you’ve got a big jacked up truck, doesn’t mean you can just pull anything with it!
Bronx and Rosie I had to really sift through a lot of comments to find anyone addressing the payload issue. There’s a lot of fanboys here which doesn’t really help someone who is new to this and trying to research the viability of a combo like this. Something I don’t see people talking about is the short and long-term permanent damage done to the drive train when limits are exceeded routinely like this. Especially going up and down hills. I can only imagine a person taking this kind of information given on this review and running out there and over loading the truck bed five passengers all overweight extra goodies exceeding the weight of the trailer’s ratings and not knowing the immediate danger much less the damage being done to the transmission and the engine. I did learn something here though. I was planning to buy a used truck but after reading this and other blogs where people are using a Ford F150 to pull 27 to 30 foot airstreams and completely happy with that made me realize probably buying used is not a good idea.
The breakaway cable needs to be shorter than the chains. That way if the trailer comes off the ball it actually pulls out the cable and sets the brakes. If the cable is too long the trailer will fall on the chains and not set the trailer brakes which will not slow the trailer down and keep it in a straight line.
That trailer is not going to "come off the ball". It's got over a 1000 lbs. tongue weight. In a stopping situation that breaks the ball or destroys the coupler it's not going to matter how long the breakaway cable is because the trailer is going to jackknife and roll anyway. The breakaway cable can only really come into play if you have a trailer with a negative tongue weight combined with a weak coupler such as when offloading a boat on a boat ramp and then it would take a perfect storm of un-maintained and misused equipment.
William Guenthner obviously you haven’t drove down a bumpy road and forgot to put the pin in to lock your trailer to the ball
@@mykalpolenz that's why you dont forget to put the pin in.
Just saying, they can come off
Wow what a beautiful truck! Best 1/2 ton in the segment and it’s not even close
Agree.
What?
Well done. Informative without any personal bias. All around pleasant introduction to towing with the Ram HEMI.
Impressive towing capacity for a half ton truck! I believe that Ram is the best towing truck out there.
Well done, I will order my 2019 Laramie in October for December delivery. After having a 2015 Jeep Overland High-Altitude with "Adaptive Cruise Control" it is must have for towing an RV. Can't wait for my new truck.
Very well done! I like how you explained the truck and the Airstream. Looks like the trip was a lot of fun!
Great video. Some nice new features on the 2019. I still love my 2016 RAM Sport with 3.21 axle ratio with the tow package. We've pulled our Coachmen 192RBS across the country twice and the RAM engine never missed a beat. BTW, at 9:04 in the video, it looked like there was a cord, maybe power cord?, hanging off of the right of the trailer or truck.
I think it was a go-pro camera.
I have a 2012 Ram Laramie and a 32 foot Springdale. The 5.7 pulls like Jack the Bear. I added air bags as my trailer is about 8 thousand full of water, well fed friends, wife and two dogs.
We are in the market for a new truck; and we tow about 3 to 4 times a year for camping up here in WA. Sounds like the RAM is the way to go, especially with the built in brake controller. Great video. Thanks for posting.
Nice review. For me personally, I love using the rear view mirror for towing. Helps me check out the trailer to see if its swaying back & forth. Thanks for telling how anti-sway bars/load levelers work; I knew what they did but not how they work. But one thing, how can you buy a tow vehicle without getting tow mirrors? Thanks for the video
Thanks for explaining the trailer controller feature. I have never towed anything; yet, seems as parts of it may be getting easier with technology theres an add-on piece of equipment that's needed to ensure a successful tow in my opinion.
What a timely video. This answered two questions. I just purchased my first trailer and decided on an Airstream 23FB which had me wondering if the new Ram 1500 would be sufficient. Looks like it is. Second, I eventually want to upgrade to a 26U down the road and this Ram had no problem pulling yours.
Wow I hit the video jackpot.
In the meantime I'll wait to see where Toyota goes with their Tundra in 2021 and if it's a stinker I'll definitely purchase a Ram 1500 limited at 2020 year's end.
Hope to see you on the road. Safe travels to you and your family.
Cheers!
The Ram Limited is way too short on payload for this trailer. He got away with it here, but the combination of tonvue weight, passengers, his weight, and any of their stuff in the truck, was almost definitely over the payload rating of the truck. It's the downside of Ram's multi-link rear suspension - most configurations and trim levels have much much lower patload ratings than all the other half-ton competitors.
Just sold my 2010 tundra and bought a 2019 Ram Rebel with the Hemi MDS VVT, I kept going back and fourth over which truck to purchase F150 3.5 Ecoboost or the Ram rebel. I was leaning hard on the F150! Well as I said I ended purchasing the RAM, I think it was meant to be, (long story to go with that:) I did hook onto my 30’ Grand Design Imagine for a test run and I was very pleased with how the truck handled up and down hill. Can’t wait to get out and do some camping!
Very informative video thank you very much!
Great video, easy to understand and illustrates everything for towing with a 1500. Beautiful truck and trailer, looks great together and performed awesome. Great show. That truck is easily the best in class and in looks.
Nice truck. I have a Ram 3500 with 6.4l Hemi and love it. Going over on the truck, makes the drive so much more enjoyable. Bigger brakes, heavier springs and frame, full floating rear axle and heavier rated tires and really doesn't cost that much more.
Oops. I goofed. The 3.92 gear option is $95, not "50 bucks". I misremembered that fact.
Loved this video, Mr. Edmunds. You should definitely do more like these. And this is coming from a fan of the original Top Gear from the BBC lol
Right he said $50 it's fifty! Pulling $200k of truck and trailer guess what it's 1/4 tank gas money bro
The Flying Cloud starts at $66k. The truck is say $70k so that's not $200k. I think it's highway robbery to pay $70k for a half ton pickup but that's where we are now unless you want to go the pre-owned route.
Airstream is worth way more than that truck
That $66K is for a 19 foot trailer. This 25FB model starts at $85.9K
Well done. A fun and informative video. 55mph would drive me up the wall though.
I have to wonder how many people actually stick to the 55 limit...
I like when he went to put the truck in park he grabbed the volume knob first 😂
Maybe he was turning the Paul Simon down first. This dudes chill AF
Great wealth of knowledge based on all your experiences... oh, just initial experiences. For those of us who own things long term with cash or long term loans, this review doesn't represent the average long-term owner.
Thanks for the in-depth video, great job!
we tow a 6000 lb tt with a ram 1500 as well. great power and handling.
I had a 2wd 2005 Ram Crew Cab1500 Hemi 234,000 miles and its the first dodge I've owned. Gave it to my kid when she got married and its a really really nice truck. The only thing is this video never said fuel mileage, We never pulled any trailer with ours but a trip to Michigan and back to Florida we averaged 18 MPG at 70 for the round.
Glad to see the 2019 Ram added to the long term fleet! Can’t wait to see all the updates here and on the website. BTW, where else do you post updates?
Truly an excellent video. Thanks for publishing it.
The Payload or the truck cargo capacity is the one most important factor to take into account when towing!. When you add 5 adults (~750Lb), plus the weight in the truck bed (~200Lb), the WD Hitch (~100Lb) + Trailer Weight (15% of the GWVR), you will easily exceed the payload way before you get close to the tow capacity. So, it's not only how much you can tow, it's more about how much you can actually tow w/o exceeding the payload.
I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that in California, you can only use a suction cup accessory at the left or right extreme corners of the windshield so as not to block your forward vision. I tow with an older van so I have a dash camera mounted between the rear view mirror and the windshield. I also have a TPMS mounted with a suction cup on the upper left hand side of the windshield.
I've got a 5.3 half ton chevy with a towing package. It has something like 3.08 diff gears and I couldn't figure out how that came with the towing package until I pulled a trailer. The 3.08 is just right when I don't put it in overdrive. I still get the advantages of high gearing in overdrive and pulling it out of od protects the transmission and I still accomplish the advantage of 3.73 in overdrive. Another way to approach the situation.
You have to admit Hemi's sound great.
Mopar!
Yeah but they suck the gas down(I own a Chrysler 300C so I know). Look at the mileage he's getting with that very light trailer. He would get at least 12-14 with a diesel.
Oh what best sounding v8 out there
@@dieseldog00 Very true.
@@dieseldog00 I struggle with the HEMI vs diesel decision, currently have a HEMI and tow a lot with it. The issue with the diesel, any savings is destroyed by the maintenance cost... $350 +/- per oil change, triple the shop charge when it does need something, the up-front add-on cost is about $12,000 with the Aisin transmission + the Cummins line item, and the parts themselves are expensive. My next one will be a 3500 dually Longhorn or Limited with the new HD Hemi or the Cummins, but I doubt I'll see any savings from either option. If anything, the Cummins probably has a much higher operational cost in my case, because I really don't drive much (around 10,000 miles a year).
this was a really nice subtle video, made me really want a truck now, a dodge ram at that
Not a bad review. I actually tow Airstreams commercially with my 14 Ram Ecodiesel. 830,000 miles. The diesel does not tow more than the Hemi but it does tow the same more effortlessly and quieter with half the rpms and only a little more than half the fuel. Where you would average 9 or 10 mpg towing the AS at 65 mph with the Hemi you would get 14 or 15 with ED. Each motor has pros & cons. Better depends on how you use your truck. Agreed the trailer brake controller is a useful tool especially when combined with the diesel’s turbo brake and towing in the mountains. (Aftermarket tune option)
Both airbags and a WDH help to make especially this half ton a far better more capable tow vehicle. Tongue weight as seen on a CAT scale is less and distributed better with a WDH. Even to a degree adjustable. Instead of the common 15 percent tongue weight with Airstreams I adjust the WDH toward a 12.0 percent tongue weight. This is sufficient for sway resistance from wind gusts and semi truck bow wave. At the same time this replaces the unloaded steer axle weight, takes weight off the drive axle, and returns some tongue weight to the trailer axles for maximum stability & braking. Set like this plus using Airbags makes even a 30’ non “Classic” a stable comfortable even “in spec” tow.
You can see in the video his truck & trailer was not set up like this as even the smaller 26’ had his front axle partially unloaded with truck nose up plus rear sagging to less than level. Optimized with WDH, loading, bags, by CAT scale results a daughter could tow that trailer with 2 fingers on the wheel. Not at all to chastise as it was a nice review and most people set up their trailer as he did because it’s not commercially taught by anyone. Anyway hope this helps someone.
Great Video. Beautiful truck and Airstream.
Very well produced video. But after seeing that atrocious landscape, man I’m happy to be in NewEngland with Maine, NewHampshire, Vermont at my fingertips. So much lush greenery and limitless big lakes. Cheers
Very nice real world review. Great job Edmunds!
beautiful truck that Interiors phenomenal good job dude
Big toy for big boy.
Gorgeous!
Cheers from France America
thank you for mentioning the wind resistance factor for towing. too many don't get that. towing a trailer that actually weighs 9,500+ pounds with a 1/2 ton truck is a a very bad idea, especially if something goes wrong.
Great video!! Nicely done. The 1500 is my next vehicle. Thank you
Very nice review. I didn't know anything about Ram trucks but this was fun to watch.
We have the flip-up towing mirrors. They are a must have!
What a handsome setup.
Great video and even better shirt. My neck of the woods 😉
Thank you for this information. I am always in search of real world test information. I am currently searching for my next truck to pull my current camper. 8758 pounds, and usually another 1500 pounds of cargo. I love the new 1/2 ton max towers, but am undecided on if I should step up to at 2500 series.
3.6-liter fuel V-6 up to 7,600 lbs. 3.0-liter turbodiesel up to 9,200 lbs, V-8 up to 10,650 lbs towing appropriately furnished
I find that wind resistance plays a bigger part in effecting fuel economy as weight , as the rolling resistance is easily overcome by inflating the tires. Even an empty cage trailer can feel like a parachute
I am just finishing my 1963 airstream rebuild hoping to make our first run this summer. My ram is a little older but it is a 250 4x4, I do see any problems in my future towing.
Very informative, very much enjoy the detailed explanation. Recommendations for basic education on trucks, towing considerations, etc would be much appreciated.
Thank you for your very informative video. After looking for a few years, I just recently and finally selected a trailer for vacation and travel. Airstream of course. You gave me a lot to consider about buying a towing vehicle. Being that I'm from Bakersfield, I liked that you videoed the drive up the grapevine to Tehachapi. The climb through the mountains looked so effortless for the Ram truck. I also liked that you showed the hookup. Most videos just have comparisons and upgrades while the trailer is just sitting there. Good idea about the rearview mirror. And the reviews are good too. Hopefully I'm not the only lady leaving a review, lol.
So I did purchase my New 2019 Ram Bighorn and I am loving it. Thank you for explaining the Gear system on the steering wheel for the Downhill portion of towing an RV. I will be towing one that weighs approximately 7,00 lbs. My Ram is good for 8,440 lbs in towing. I am also going to order the same distribution bars you were presenting. I read that the chain version bars are not as friendly in a turn. Happy Camping!
How is your ram holding up?
Hallo, could you please do a thorough video on how to properly hitch up a travel trailer to a Ram with the air suspension, from how to initially set the ball height on the tow vehicle to setting and attaching the anti sway/ weight distribution bars. I'm guessing we first lower the vehicle to the lowest entry/exit height for getting the hitch ball underneath the tongue cup then raise truck to normal height for setting the sway/weight distribution bars. You did a very nice job explaining how we use and set the brake controller. Thanks! I'd also like to know if it's always best to keep the Ram in the tow/haul mode whenever we have a trailer hooked up? HAPPY AND SAFE RVing to you and your family 👍🌷
Oh my gosh...I absolutely LOVE that airstream.. nice truck to lol
Kind of wish I'd given Ram 1500 a closer look. I had a 2018 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost and it got hot when I went up the grapevine northbound too fast (and it was only a 23' Airstream). Yours handled it with ease apparently. Nice video and nice truck.
You did an impressive job on this video. I own a AS sport 16, and my TV is a BMW X3 and it was still informative.
Thank you for sharing your trip set up and driving experience with the Ram 1500. Big truck guy would have a fit for not using a 2500 diesel. I have a f150 5. coyote. It has the tow package and it pulls my 28ft imagine trailer without problems. I use the gear override to deselect higher gears on hill descent and the brake controller. No bother.
Funny you mention the camera on the mirror, Chevy just announced such a thing on their 2020 models.
Thanks for the video very useful, I have a Ram 1500 and Iove it, getting my Airstream very soon...
Great video. Love the casual style of the presenter. I would love to see a review of that travel trailer.
Not a review but an in depth presentation. He explains how all the systems work.
th-cam.com/video/QfIRTwLDKAo/w-d-xo.html
Usually you’d weigh the truck and trailer to set up the weight distribution hitch properly, or not
Greta job on the video. Good looking family too; hope you made some nice memories.
Informative for sure. But although he at one time mentioned the indicated MPG, it would have been nice to hear the actual MPG out and back. I think I might have opted for a license plate on the trailer.
I think your ram will do just fine.I have a 2019 bighorn classic 4x4 and a 2020 avenger 28 qbsle camper. 6200 lbs with 785 tongue weight .I do use husky centerline t s performs great.
Just a FYI the weight you posted are “dry” weights for your trailer. Your tongue weight is closer to 900+. Check your payload.
The 2019 Ram is pretty cool...Dodge by far is #1 for 2019...that coming from a Bowtie Guy....
However that being said, the Air Stream is the Bomb!
Robert Sparkes The 2019 Ram 1500 is not a Dodge. It’s a Ram. Ram is now a brand of its own, separate from Dodge since 2010. It’s now the truck brand and Dodge is the car brand.
God that is an awesome truck!!!!Just Beautiful!!! WOW!
The axel ratio is paramount to a vehicles performance. If you are going to be towing you should get the lowest gearing available and max. cooling everywhere.
Great video! Enjoyed watching it.
I’m a Chevy fan but that RAM is one nice truck
My personal opinion is this is too much trailer for a 1500. I don't know what your payload capacity is, but the charts show that for a 150 is would be between 1200 and 2302 pounds depending on truck options. And don't forget you have to add the 60 or 80 pounds for that WD hitch. I just bought a similar airstream and have a 2500 Diesel. The diesel option steals about 800 pounds of payload, so I'm at around 2300 pounds. Max towing is 14k because I did not go with the 4:10 rear.
The 1500 is a nice truck, lots of the same features I have in my 2500 (I do have the excellent towing mirrors). But if you're going to tow trailers that gross out 6500-7000 or above, you should definitely consider moving up to at least a 3/4 ton truck. I've towed with 1/2 ton trucks (a Tundra) and defiantly felt I needed more.
My 2016 dodge ram i can turn back uo camera on at all time and still listen to radio 😎
Obstructed view on the monitor on top of the dash. Virginia that’s a primary stop for LEO.
Great but I'll take the 2020 Rebel ecodiesel to tow an airstream. I wish you had given info on the campsite for those of us in CA. Nice.
What is the payload capacity of that truck? You had 837 lbs tongue weight. The weight of you hitch ~75 lbs? The weight of your family and gear 650 lbs? Your close to 1600 lbs total. My family is closer to 800 lbs plus another 100 lbs for dogs and another 100 for some gear. My scenario would be just over 1900 lbs! Curious if we would go over the max payload apacity of that truck?
That us one beautiful trailer and the trucks nice too. I'm a chevy guy myself
That back up camera makes a "huge" difference for hooking up the trailer
You might be glad you didn't get the trailer towing mirrors. Trailer tow mirrors are not power folding , but worse then that you lose the 360 parking camera feature.
Elvis Tam that’s kinda a bummer. Would have expected more from a feature that has a pretty high take rate.
My 2017 Ram 3500 has the towing mirrors and they are power folding. And when you set the memory you do it with the mirrors down and again up and it saves both settings.
Yes they are power mirrors
Yes, I agree. I only kinda regret not getting them because of that. Trailer blind-spot monitoring kinda makes up for it, especially since this system is so good and auto-detects the trailer's length (Ford's does not do that). This brings up a point: when I'm not towing, I generally do not like blind spot monitoring because I'm pretty tuned-in to traffic. I also like to put on my turn signal well ahead of the lane change itself. Oftentimes this means the system yells at me because a car is slipping past. I KNOW that, because I'm signalling to the car behind, not the car alongside. BSM trains people to use their turn signals late or not at all. HOWEVER: when towing, this system is a Godsend. I can't see what's going on behind, and I don't know if I'm clear. Yes, truckers will sometimes flash their lights, but they don't always do that for civilians, and reguler people in cars never do that. This trailer BSM system is absolutely incredibel. You want it when towing, even if you see no point when you're not. Trust me on this.
Elvis, if one can't turn one's head while using the tow mirrors to maneuver without a camera system, they probably should not be driving!
My dream truck, maybe someday
Same. I'm waiting til 2021.
Wow! Beautiful truck and airstream! Thank you for sharing sir! I am in the market for a new truck. I’m torn between 5.7 hemi and eco diesel. What swayed you to go with the hemi? Thanks
Thanks for the review! I've got a 2019 1500 as well, and intend on putting an inbed camper on it in the next few weeks. I'll be sure to post my results here on TH-cam as well for anyone who's curious.
Eeek.. how did that work out? Rams have a lot of towing capability, but the payload isn't that great. I've been considering swapping my travel trailer out for a half-ton fifth wheel of comparable length/weight, but that king-pin load is an issue.
3 years later... did you ever do this? #1 reason I'm probably jumping from a 1500 to a 2500 is payload capacity on a 1500 won't support any in-bed campers I've found, and even believing the salesman lies from the camper companies the thing would still end up super top heavy.
@@Wanderlust073 yeah I sure did. Made a whole bunch of videos on it too. Click my name, and head over to my channel.
Worked out great, ended up living in the camper combo with the truck for 18 months, afterwards I gave the camper to my friend who uses it with his Ram Rebel with the 6 cyl diesel. Loves It! 👍
I noticed the rear end of the truck looks a little low with that 850 lb. tongue weight. Have you considered installing some airbags in the rear coil springs?