RAM 1500 - The Tow Vehicle - Part 1
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2021
- The RAM 1500 is designed to tow!!!
This is Part 1 of our RAM 1500 - The Tow Vehicle video.
In this video we explain the external features of the RAM and its towing ability.
Filmed during our Road Trip to the Eyre Peninsula, it shows the RAM in a non-show room environment.
We hope you enjoy this video and gain some knowledge of the RAM.
Glenn and Nat
Excellent video. Nice to have a great descriptive explanation of the Ram's towing ability and setup.. Cheers,
Hi Paul thank you for watching my video
Thank you your kind comments.
I was hoping to answer most of the questions the our fellow RAM mates ask on the Facebook page 👍
Love it! Keep the videos coming mate
Hi Joel thank you for your kind words.
Glenn
Thanks for the review, I pick up my Ram Express in two weeks, my van ATM is 2.8 tonne, seriously cannot wait, they are such a comfortable vehicle to ride, the RAM is very competitive against the 200 series GXL. Really enjoying your videos, I hope you have footage of your travels around Eyre Peninsular
Hi Thank you for watching my video.
Can I say that you cannot imagine exactly how amazing you are going to feel when you are handed your keys and drive your baby home for the first time. 😍
Enjoy it.
Yes I have heaps of video from the Road Trip which I will be editing over the coming few weeks and post on the site.
The Eyre Peninsula is such an amazing place
Great truck mate.
Hi Greg thank you for watching my video
yes the RAM is an amazing tow vehicle
Love it
Great bit of information I just purchased a Silverado LTZ 1500 for the same reason as you did in buying the Ram.
I purchased a 23 foot van and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk because it can tow 3.5 tonne what I found when the van and car was loaded it was very to the 3.5 tonne and this allowed the van to push the Jeep around and it was very nerves between 80ks -90ks this was not a nice experience. So thanks for your reviews on the RAM and safe travels my see you on the road.
Hi Steve thank you for watching our video.
Yes the larger utes certainly help in controlling the larger 3.5 Ton Vans.
What I have found since having the RAM1500 as the tow vehicle, it gives you confidence when tackling those interesting situations, for example going down a steep hill with tight turns.
It has better breaking and weight control than the lighter 3.5 Ton utes.
Enjoy your pride and joy, and yes hopefully we will cross paths one day.
Glenn and Nat
My understanding is that the Ram 1500 has a rear axle load max. of 1770kg. A TBM of 350kg could have quite an impact on the amount of weight that can be carried in the tray of the vehicle.
Hi Thommo thank you for watching our video.
Yes you a correct in what you are saying.
With all the positive things about the RAM in making it an awesome tow vehicle, it’s rear axle weight does limit the payload. By adding the 10% post rego GVM upgrade, it helps to resolve the axle weight limitation.
Something to remember though, if you have a TBM of 350kg, it means that you have a 3.5 ton van on the back.
Due to the RAM having such a massive GCM of 7237, it is one of the few vehicles that can legally tow a 3.5 ton van.
Glenn and Nat
Great informative video, just watched part 2 and at present I'm driving a 2009 200 series and the 5.7 litre get a much better economy as I get roughly 22 -23 litres per 100 towing a 3.5 tonne JB caravan which I think is poor for a 4.5 litre diesel. I'm seriously considering this as my next replacement but I suppose you just have to see how reliability goes compared to a Toyota. Anyway I have subscribed and thanks for the videos. Safe travels.
Hi thank you for watching my video.
Yes the RAMs are certainly selling well in Australia.
Yes time will tell of their long term reliability. Mine is the DS model and they have been in production in the states since 2009. So hopefully they have all the bugs sorted.
So far mine has been flawless.
Glenn
I think you have missed your rear axle load limit of 1700kg. The company " check weight" wieghed the ram. The tare weight for rear axle was 1650kg them add your van towball down weight of 350kg and your on the legal limit before you put any thing in the rear tub such as your water containers tools etc.
The Ram curb weight, fuelled but no passengers or accessories was 2650kg and gvm 3450kg giving a payload of 800kg.
In comparison a Ford Ranger payload is 1069kg.
The maim problem is the Rams poor light weight axle capacity limiting rear load capacity.
It great blurb saying 4500kg towing capacity but that's impossible and I would say your over legal weight on the rear axle limit. Cheers.
Hi Frank thank you for watching our video and for your valuable information.
It is good to have our viewers sharing their knowledge to help others.
From what you are saying, ones needs to include the axle weight loading specs when sizing up a tow Vehicle along with GCM, GVM and payload specs.
Glenn and Nat
@@livinglife2themaxx148 9
Are you guys coming to the Ram Van Jamboree next year at Gootchie Creek Escape March 1-3?
Hi Guys
At this stage I may not be able to get time off work to head up. It looks like it will be a lot of fun.
Glenn and Nat
Hi really enjoyed your video’s. We have a BT50 that needs replacing. We tow a 2.5 tonne semi off road van. Will the RAM 1500 do it with ease with all the payloads legal?
Hi and thank you for watching our video.
The RAM is amazing. I was totally blown away with is performance and capability. It was the perfect vehicle to tow a 3.5 ton caravan around Australia, especially on the rough roads. People talk about the reliability of certain makes. During the Trip, I spoke to a few people who were having mechanical issues with that particular make and surprisingly, they were having trouble sourcing parts. So don’t be put off with people talking about RAM reliability and part supply. In actual fact, I had the RAM serviced a few times during the trip, and I found that the service agents couldn’t do enough to help me.
If you want a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable, powerful and relatively fuel efficient, it’s hard to find a better vehicle than the RAM.
Some people talk about its payload. Please remember that a RAMs curb weight includes a full tank of fuel (121 litres) Most other vehicles have a curb weight that includes only 10 litres of fuel, therefore their payload isn’t as good as they believe. Also the 4.5 ton rated tow bar is already included in the payload weight.
A couple features that I really like about the RAM is the Tow/Haul mode as well as the built in break controller.
The only limitation of the RAM is its axel weight. A SCD Performance GVM upgrade assists in removing that limitation.
By the way, due to the RAMs 7237kg GCM, it is one of a very few vehicles that can tow a 3.5 ton caravan.
Glenn and Nat
Which camera did you go with , was it something you put on , or did. Come with camera fitted
Hi Perry thank you for watching our video.
We had the camera fitted as part of the caravan build. It a Safety Dave one.
We also have the Safety Dave monitor that fits to your internal review mirror.
It is so good and totally recommend it.
It’s on all the time while driving and it allows you to see out the back of the van.
Glenn and Nat
Hey guys not sure if you have any idea if my van is 3-5 tonnes how much can I put in the car besides me and the boss we both come in at around 150 kg no one can tell me.
Thanks Dave.
Hi David
Thank you for watching my videos.
The following information below is based on my understanding of how to calculate your maximum weights allowed along with the specifications that I have found relating to a RAM 1500 Crew Cab Express.
I suppose the first place to start is with the Definitions
GCM - Gross Combined Mass - Max Combined Weight of the Tow Vehicle and Trailer
GVM - Gross Vehicle Mass - Max Weight of the Tow Vehicle including all Accessories (inc Bul Bar, Tow Bar, Roof Racks, upgraded Tyres, ungraded Suspension, etc) plus the Payload (inc Passengers, Fuel, Gear, etc) and the Trailer Tow Ball Weight. (10% of the Trailer ATM)
ATM - Max Trailer Weight including Trailer Pay Load
KW - Kerb Weight is the weight of the Tow Vehicle without any aftermarket accessories fitted or Payload (The RAM KW does include a full tank of fuel - Some manufactures KW value is based on only 10 litres of fuel load)
RAM 1500 Crew Cab Express Specs
GCM = 7237
GVM = 3450
KW = 2650
ATM - In this example the Caravan is 3500
Therefore…..
The first calculation is the maximum resultant GVM of the Tow Vehicle
GCM - ATM = GVM
7237 - 3500 = 3737
Now this is probably one of the most important results one needs to look at
Due to the RAM having a high GCM value, when you subtract the ATM amount for a 3500 Trailer, you end up with a theoretical GVM amount higher than the maximum GVM amount of the vehicle.
That is the resultant theoretical GVM value = 3737. The maximum specified = 3450
What this means is you could increase your Caravan up to at least 3787 before you start eating into you Tow Vehicle Pay Load calculations
It also means that when you tow a 3500 caravan, you have the Tow vehicle’s max GVM to work with. When you do the same calculation for many other Tow Vehicle out there, the resultant max GVM is reduced below the specified GVM, therefore your resultant payload has been reduced.
There are some, if not most 3.5 Ton tow vehicles out there on the market, that when your ATM is up at 3500, the resultant GVM has been reduced so much that you can not fill the tank or have passengers in the vehicle, let alone any accessories including a Tow Bar.
Therefore the next important calculation is the GVM.
As I mentioned earlier the resultant GVM is equal to GCM minus the ATM
For the RAM 1500 the resultant GVM = 3737
The Maximum GVM = 3450
Therefore to calculate you maximum payload
Payload = GVM - KW
3450 - 2605
Max Payload = 845
David, using with the values you mentioned
Caravan = 3500 therefore the Tow Ball Weight = 350
Passengers = 150
I would suggest that the max remaining payload to work with after adding your Passengers and Tow Ball Weight
845 less 150 less 350 = 345
Therefore you have 345 to play with. Add a Bull Bar and Winch, upgraded suspension, roof racks and gear, you are starting to hit the max payload.
Even though the RAM 1500 has been designed for a Tow vehicle, it too has limitations.
The scary thought is most other Tow Vehicles out there don’t have the high GCM as the RAM, and you see them with all the accessories and towing a 3500 caravan.
At the end of the day, the RAM 1500 is a magnificent Tow Vehicle, but it too does have limitations.
I hope this information assist you
Glenn and Nat
@@livinglife2themaxx148 Glenn, I urge you to also calculate your rear axle load. Unfortunately the RAM's rear axle has the same rating as Aussie double cab utes, so your advice to add 345 kg of cargo and 150 kg of bodies is very ambitious. Let me show you my calculations: Kerb weight of 2630 (Warlock figures - your Express will be very similar) means you'll have about 1100 kg sitting on your rear axle at kerb weight. Your rear axle rating of 1770 kg leaves you with 670kg. Next, add 350 kg tow ball weight, but keep in mind that due to weight transfer from front axle, this weight will take about 420 kg from your rear axle load capacity. This leaves you with 250 kg. By the time you add yourself and your wife, your 3 water jerries, your max trax, your fishing and snorkelling gear (distributed about 50/50 across axles) I'd say you'll be just under your rear axle capacity. You could probably add accessories to the front of the car, like a bull bar and winch - these will actually serve to take some weight off your rear axle, but you certainly can't add any more weight to the tub.
Hi Steven
Yes since doing more research and listening to the valuable comments from my subscribers, I have now reduced some weight out of the ram.
I have a new water solution.
Thank you for your information
Glenn and Nat
I am thinking about getting aRam 1500 what are they like on fuel. Some people say that they are not bad but some say that they are a pig can you please let me know cheers mate
Hi David
Thank you for watching my video.
I suppose your fuel economy is in direct proportion to how heavy your right foot is. The RAM 1500 has a 5.7 litre V8 and it can drink the fuel if you give it some.
However as my daily drive, I average 11 litres per 100. This is mainly country driving.
When I have my van connected and loaded up to 3.5 ton, I normally average 21-22 litres per 100. Of cause if you have a strong head wind and going up hills this will be higher. My worst ever was 24 litres per 100 and that was pushing against a 30 knot westerly.
At the end of a day, when you are towing a 3.5 ton Van, and want to have a legal tow vehicle, there are only a couple of choices.
As we are all starting to learn, once you tow over 3 ton, most of the 3.5 ton Ute’s GVMs are reduced, resulting in overloading and become illegal.
Do yourself a favour and go for a test drive. You will be blown away
Glenn
How capable is the Ram off road? minus the caravan that is. Looking at a 1500 instead of a Ranger for work but also weekend fun with mates out for beach runs/bit of off roading but don't want to be getting bogged every 2 seconds.
Hi Kilcarnup - thank you for watching our video.
I’m not sure how it compares with a Ranger, however if it is anything like my previous Ute, a Navara NP300, the RAM is far superior.
I haven’t done any extreme off roading however what I have done, it is amazing.
I have done lots of beach driving with it and compared to the Navara it is amazing. So powerful.
I would suggest going for a test drive, and even though you won’t be able to experience any off roading, you will be blown away with the RAMs capabilities.
Glenn and Nat
@@livinglife2themaxx148 do you have the Express model? If so, did you attach recovery points on the front. Have been trying to source these but no one here in Australia can give me an answer if the parts I can find will fit.
You mentioned that you use a higher octain of fuel but my understanding is that higher octane just changes the point of ignition in the chamber and that is why cars are recomended to run on certain octane levels. If the octane level is wrong then it could lead to piston knock due the the wrong ignition point. Do you still run on higher octane and have you experienced any negitive issues using the higher octane?
Hi Frank and thank you for watching our video.
I haven’t looked into recovery points as yet so I can’t advise you, however have you contacted either Murchison Products or SDC, both in Queensland???
They may some experience.
I understand what you are saying about octane levels. I have only ever run 91 once while towing and I personally didn’t feel that the RAM was performing as it does while I’m using either 95 or 98. I haven’t noticed any pinging on any of the fuels.
I do personally believe that when the caravan is loaded and up near 3.5 ton, and I’m running 98, the RAM performs at its best.
Glenn and Nat
Do you think you have lost storage space with the ram boxes
Hi Perry thank you for watching our video
Good question, I may have lost some space in the tub, however to RAM Boxes are a very efficient way of storing items. I use one for the fishing gear and the other for my snorkelling gear.
Something to think about, the boxes are built around the wheel wells so you may not be able to store much around them in the non-RAM Box tubs
Glenn and Nat
What were mccarrolls like to deal with?
Hi Yeahmate thank you for watching our video.
McCarrols sales team were all good to work with. It was a great experience, especially when I arrived and found the car covered and a big bow.
The service - team are very professional and also look after you.
Glenn and Nat
Ram has a worst payload then a np300 which sucks too
Hi Toothless thank you for watching our video. It is very much appreciated.
I have compiled the following information below, please know that this is not directed at you….
It’s information that each and every caravaner out there needs to know.
During our lap of Australia, it has become very clear that many people have been mislead about their tow vehicle’s capabilities.
The caravan industry needs to be regulated and owners educated on what they are embarking upon before heading off in their dream journey
Glenn and Nat
……………………………………….
Hi
You may be correct in saying that the RAMs payload is low, however once that is said, referring to the specifications below for many of the popular tow vehicles currently being used in Australia today, you can make up your own mind on whether the RAM is or is not a good tow vehicle.
(Please do your own research for the specifications of each vehicle as I may have made a mistake on either their individual spec and / or the resultant calculations)
I have listed the:-
GCM (Gross Combined Weight) total weight of tow vehicle and caravan
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) total weight of the tow vehicle
Kurb (weight of the tow vehicle from factory without accessories inc tow bar, bull bar, roof racks, canopy, fuel (normally only 10 litres in weight)
Resultant GVM (the resultant gross vehicle mass weight allowed after the 3.5 ton van weight is subtracted from the GCM)
Resultant Payload (the resultant weight allow to carry after subtracting the 3.5 ton caravan weight from the GCM and subtracting the Kurb weight)
All my calculations are based on towing a 3.5 ton van.
Now of cause not everyone tows an off-road van / off-road family van with it fully stocked with water, food, clothes, chairs, tables, generator, etc….
However if one does, then it becomes very scary knowing the resultant Payload. Off cause you need to add the 10% tow ball weight to your Payload calculations. ~ 350kg for a 3.5 ton van.
Something to also keep in mind is the comfort level of the tow vehicle especially when you are driving distances each day. (Have a rest every 2 hours)
Also the size of the tow vehicle when compared with the caravan. You don’t want the tail wagging the dog especially in poor weather conditions. Eg down a hill in the wet.
Please be very aware and remember that when the vehicle manufacturer specifies that the vehicle has 3.5 ton towing, they are referring to the breaking capacity of the vehicle, not the towing capacity.
The maximum towing capacity is the GCM less he GVM. A totally different weight.
To be fair for all the current tow vehicles on the market, I have calculated the maximum Caravan weight when you have the maximum vehicle weight
(again please do your own calculations before making your own decisions as I may have made a mistake)
So the maximum Caravan weight allowed for each vehicle is calculated below each vehicles specs.
So at the end of the day, yes the RAM does have a low Payload, however when taking the blinkers off (generally speaking) it can be seen that it can tow a 3.5 ton van…..legally and safely.
I haven’t even touched of the engine specs, power, and fuel efficiency.
At the end of the day, people need to make up their own minds when compromising on the safety of their family
Thank you for listening
RAM 1500
GCM = 7237
GVM = 3450
Kurb = 2620
Payload = 830
Resultant GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 3737
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 830
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 3787
Navara NP300 2023
GCM = 5910
GVM = 2910
Kurb = 1804
Payload = 1106
Resultant GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2410
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 606
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 3000
Ranger 2020 XLT 3.2
GCM = 6000
GVM = 3200
Kurb = 2212
Payload = 988
Resultant GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2500
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 288
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 2800
Ranger 2023 XLT 3.0l V6
GCM = 6400
GVM = 3280
Kurb = 2129
Payload = 1151
Resultant GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2900
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 771
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 3120
Toyota Hilux 2023 SR5
GCM = 5850
GVM = 3050
Kurb = 2110
Payload = 940
Resultant GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2350
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 240
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 2800
Isuzu DMax 2023
GCM = 6000
GVM = 3100
Kurb = 2115
Payload = 985
Resultant GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2500
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 385
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 2900
Isuzu MU-X 2023
GCM = 5900
GVM = 2800
Kurb = 2200
Payload = 600
Resultant = GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2400
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 200
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 3100
Mazda BT50 2020
GCM = 6000
GVM = 3100
Kurb = 2105
Payload = 995
Resultant = GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2500
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 395
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 2900
Mazda BT50 2023
GCM = 5950
GVM = 3100
Kurb = 2020
Payload = 1080
Resultant = GVM (GCM - 3.5t AT) = 2450
Resultant Payload (Resultant GVM - Kurb) = 430
Maximum Caravan without affecting the Payload (GCM - GVM) = 2850
How can you make a video saying that a ram can tow 4.5 tonne it’s an absolute load of bullshit . 4.5 tonne would give a ball weight of anywhere from 450 to 500 kg . That leaves 300 kg of payload … put a drive in you have 200 , fuel you have 100 left . Put your bull bar on you are maxed . Put another passenger , all of your water you spoke off , tools , gear , food , drinks , what ever else you carry and that puts you about 300kgs over gvm . 4.5 tonne is pure bullshit . This misinformation is how people go and make dangerous decisions when buying a caravan and vehicle
Hi P.O.D first of all thank you for watching my video and you constructive feedback.
As you know from the official advertising of the RAM 1500, they say it has 4.5 Ton towing.
This is similar to all the 3.5 Ton Utes being advertised as having a 3.5 Ton towing capability.
As you have mentioned, even though a vehicle is marketed as having a 4.5 towing capability or a 3.5 towing capability, there are certainly limits that need to be taken into account.
The following is my reply to an earlier posts.......as you will read, I do go into the specifications that need to be taken into account when sizing up the RAM 1500. In my example below, I talk about a tow load of 3.5 Ton.
Glenn and Nat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information below is based on my understanding of how to calculate your maximum weights allowed along with the specifications that I have found relating to a RAM 1500 Crew Cab Express.
I suppose the first place to start is with the Definitions
GCM - Gross Combined Mass - Max Combined Weight of the Tow Vehicle and Trailer
GVM - Gross Vehicle Mass - Max Weight of the Tow Vehicle including all Accessories (inc Bul Bar, Tow Bar, Roof Racks, upgraded Tyres, ungraded Suspension, etc) plus the Payload (inc Passengers, Fuel, Gear, etc) and the Trailer Tow Ball Weight. (10% of the Trailer ATM)
ATM - Max Trailer Weight including Trailer Pay Load
KW - Kerb Weight is the weight of the Tow Vehicle without any aftermarket accessories fitted or Payload (The RAM KW does include a full tank of fuel - Some manufactures KW value is based on only 10 litres of fuel load)
RAM 1500 Crew Cab Express Specs
GCM = 7237
GVM = 3450
KW = 2650
ATM - In this example the Caravan is 3500
Therefore…..
The first calculation is the maximum resultant GVM of the Tow Vehicle
GCM - ATM = GVM
7237 - 3500 = 3737
Now this is probably one of the most important results one needs to look at
Due to the RAM having a high GCM value, when you subtract the ATM amount for a 3500 Trailer, you end up with a theoretical GVM amount higher than the maximum GVM amount of the vehicle.
That is the resultant theoretical GVM value = 3737. The maximum specified = 3450
What this means is you could increase your Caravan up to at least 3787 before you start eating into you Tow Vehicle Pay Load calculations
It also means that when you tow a 3500 caravan, you have the Tow vehicle’s max GVM to work with. When you do the same calculation for many other Tow Vehicle out there, the resultant max GVM is reduced below the specified GVM, therefore your resultant payload has been reduced.
There are some, if not most 3.5 Ton tow vehicles out there on the market, that when your ATM is up at 3500, the resultant GVM has been reduced so much that you can not fill the tank or have passengers in the vehicle, let alone any accessories including a Tow Bar.
Therefore the next important calculation is the GVM.
As I mentioned earlier the resultant GVM is equal to GCM minus the ATM
For the RAM 1500 the resultant GVM = 3737
The Maximum GVM = 3450
Therefore to calculate you maximum payload
Payload = GVM - KW
3450 - 2605
Max Payload = 845
Therefore, using the following values
Caravan = 3500 therefore the Tow Ball Weight = 350
Passengers = 150
I would suggest that the max remaining payload to work with after adding your Passengers and Tow Ball Weight
845 less 150 less 350 = 345
Therefore you have 345 to play with. Add a Bull Bar and Winch, upgraded suspension, roof racks and gear, you are starting to hit the max payload.
Even though the RAM 1500 has been designed for a Tow vehicle, it too has limitations.
The scary thought is most other Tow Vehicles out there don’t have the high GCM as the RAM, and you see them with all the accessories and towing a 3500 caravan.
At the end of the day, the RAM 1500 is a magnificent Tow Vehicle, but it too does have limitations.
I hope this information assist you
Glenn and Nat
Excellent summary of the towing calculation rules 👍 thanks for this. What a minefield to navigate. I get it now. The reality is - if you want to tow 3.5t - the ram1500 will do it and any of the common utes won’t. If you want to tow 4.5t the ram1500 won’t do it. You need a ram2500.
@@markgreer3526 Yes, it is a bloody minefield. To add some nuance - the RAM will tow 3.5T, but only as long as you don't put anything else in the back. Its rear axle is weaker than that of many Aussie double cab utes.