Most information suggest maximum towing capacity is 5,100 pounds. Yet on RAM site they make reference to ProMaster towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds on one ad and up to 7,900 pounds in another reference. Does anyone have information regarding where these higher numbers are coming from, and under which conditions and models they apply?
What is maximum ProMaster tow rating?
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The 5,100 pound "max" tow rating is the most common I see almost everywhere. It's the number that comes up in RAM towing guide for 1500, 2500, and 3500 cargo PMs. So what's left, cutaway and cab chassis? Hard to imagine that's it considering they share drivetrain and suspension?
By the way, these are the two references to higher tow ratings I mentioned above.
If you hunt around the Ram website, you'll find the "Ram trucks towing guide"
Then select the PM. There you'll see the "open towing and payload calculator"
The highest example I found is the 2500 Diesel. What they did is take the curb weight of 4950 lb + 150 lb driver and subtract that from the 12500 lb GCVW and came up with a towing rating of 7450 lbs.
Apparently they assume 0 lbs. payload, no fuel in the tank, and the driver being butt naked.
Looks like pure marketing gibberish to me.
By the way, the only receiver hitch I've found is made by CURT Hitches and the spec for the 3500. No spec for the 2500 or 1500
Then select the PM. There you'll see the "open towing and payload calculator"
The highest example I found is the 2500 Diesel. What they did is take the curb weight of 4950 lb + 150 lb driver and subtract that from the 12500 lb GCVW and came up with a towing rating of 7450 lbs.
Apparently they assume 0 lbs. payload, no fuel in the tank, and the driver being butt naked.
Looks like pure marketing gibberish to me.
By the way, the only receiver hitch I've found is made by CURT Hitches and the spec for the 3500. No spec for the 2500 or 1500
Dennis, I found two new references to higher tow capacity; 7,100 pounds for V6 and 7,900 pounds for diesel.
As you suggest, they seem to be based on GCWR of each minus lightest van minus driver. I assume the 800 pound difference is due to diesel having 1,000 pound higher GCWR but adjusted for diesel van being 200 pounds heavier.
My concern is about how they would attach a Class IV receiver to a lightweight unitized van body. Are the frame rails that strong? Mercedes Sprinter has tow rating up to 7,500 pounds on some models, so structurally it's possible. I just don't want to depend on inconsistent data when most states max towing is 5,100 pounds. RAM needs to clear this up.
As you suggest, they seem to be based on GCWR of each minus lightest van minus driver. I assume the 800 pound difference is due to diesel having 1,000 pound higher GCWR but adjusted for diesel van being 200 pounds heavier.
My concern is about how they would attach a Class IV receiver to a lightweight unitized van body. Are the frame rails that strong? Mercedes Sprinter has tow rating up to 7,500 pounds on some models, so structurally it's possible. I just don't want to depend on inconsistent data when most states max towing is 5,100 pounds. RAM needs to clear this up.
Essentially, yes. But why do you ask? Can't max towing be limited by factors other than engine power? Not sure what you are getting to.
Obviously in the case of the ProMaster the V6 drivetrain is a limiting factor otherwise max GCWR wouldn't be lower than that of same van with diesel.
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118 Posts
I know that I read somewhere on this forum (maybe it was Chance or carryon who mentioned it) that finding trailer hitch receivers was not coming up with any searches or very limited. I contacted my local dealer and he said Mopar has nothing listed for the PM...or at least my 1500. Has anybody found anything as of yet? etrailer.com has a class III for the 3500. This is not a good sign for me...i need a receiver to go on as soon as I receive my PM along with my roof rack!
Any help will be appreciated!
Any help will be appreciated!
Will the 3500 hitch not fit on the 1500? I realize it's over rated for the 1500 capabilities, but you won't be doing the overload thing...
Much of the tow rating details for the PM are lacking in my opinion, but one thing that seems consistent is that all gasoline PMs get a GCWR of 11,500 pounds and diesels 12,500 pounds. RAM does not seem to differentiate between the 1500, 2500, and 3500 van models when rating their tow capacity.
And the data suggesting they all have a maximum tow capacity of 5,100 pounds suggests they all need at least a Class III receiver, which if I recall correctly is rated for trailers up to 5,000 pounds.
I'd ask a dealer because a receiver is something they should be able to install. On the other hand cost is probably much higher if dealer installed versus aftermarket.
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36 Posts
If you order the "trailer tow package" with the van it comes with the hitch, and its pre wired for 4 and 7 pin connectors just like the Rams do.
IMO it's a no brainer.
IMO it's a no brainer.
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118 Posts
I don't recall seeing that at all when I ordered. I just went through the RAM build online and don't see it currently, although that doesn't mean that it wasn't there when I ordered...perhaps I overlooked that.
I'm going to contact a different local dealer today and see what they have to say.
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118 Posts
My trailer is only 6x12 with a short v nose. I have no intention of overloading the vans hauling ability. I would assume that the same hitch would fit on the 1500, 2500 & 3500 but my searches have only yielded results for the 3500. I'll keep searching!
Great to know. Where do you find information on the "tow package"?
RAM doesn't seem to make it easy to find. I don't see it under "packages" in build and price or in the PDF brochure. If information is there it doesn't stand out very well. Even a Google search hasn't helped me much.
If you want to take the time and look, go to this link and scroll through the pictures of the Travato. The hitch pics are toward the end of the slide show.
Looks to me like it's an aftermarket hitch Winnebago is using......CURT
http://www.colonialwinnebago.com/Travato_winnebago_for_sale/9967/index.php
Looks to me like it's an aftermarket hitch Winnebago is using......CURT
http://www.colonialwinnebago.com/Travato_winnebago_for_sale/9967/index.php
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