Towing a 25' RV Travel Trailer with a 2017 Ram 1500 Half Ton Truck - Gas, Mileage, and Overview

In this vid I hitch up my 25' Flagstaff Micro-lite Travel Trailer to my 2017 Ram 1500 and take it on a 2400 mile round trip from Dallas, Texas to Orlando Florida. I talk about how well this half-ton truck handles the job while also keeping track of all the fuel costs. Then we wrap it all up with a summary of all the gas costs and calculate actual mileage. I even manage to hit up a CAT scale to see the total weight.
Tow Vehicle - 2017 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Lonestar 2wd with a 5.7 Hemi and 8 Speed Automatic
RV - 2021 Flagstaff by Forest River Micro-lite 25BRDS
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:27 The Rig
1:18 Hitching Up
2:40 On the Road
4:08 Roadside Pit-Stop
5:44 Day 1 Summary
7:49 Arrival at Destination and Summary
9:00 Return Trip Day 1 Start
9:49 Return Trip Day 1 Summary
10:58 CAT Scale Weigh-in
12:08 Final Stats
14:19 Wrap-Up
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[@robwilliams5193]

Just came across the video. Really good info. I just downsized from a ram 2500 diesel to a 2018 Ram 1500. I pull a smaller Cherokee 19rr toy hauler. This past summer we did a Ft wilderness run from Memphis in the 2500 and averages 13.4 mph. Your video gives me a baseline on what to expect real world. Safe travels!

[@J_415_]

Great Video. I picked up a Big-Horn 1500 this year and I’m loving it. Also in the market for a Travel Trailer in the future. Keep the Videos Coming👌🏽

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! This is my first travel trailer and its honestly one of the best purchases I ever made. Honestly if I could go full-time RV I would, but I'd need one of those bigger ones with a garage in the back for my car lol

[@Wakkopath]

Super helpful. I have the same truck (2017 ram 1500 lonestar 5.7 hemi) and I have a travel trailer on order. This helped me verify more real world numbers.

[@Scavenger1320]

Nice! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@gavinbitz2563]

Finally someone that does actual mileage and doesn't just use the display for mileage. Here is the truth finally on mileage. Thank you for that. I certainly don't drive as fast as you pulling my rv with my hemi, usually keep it around the 65-68 mph. I've gotten as good as 10mpg pulling with perfect conditions. And thats true calculation. Thanks for the video.

[@Scavenger1320]

Yeah, the display is good to get a general idea but I like getting real numbers. I like to keep it around the same speed as you, I just didn't have as much travel time for this trip as I'd like and had to squeeze as much distance as possible in the long travel days. Thanks for watching!

[@williamstratton6497]

Just something to keep in mind, not all gas stations calibrate their pumps accurately. Some advertise less expensive gas per gallon, but your truck ends up taking 2-3 gallons more than your trucks fuel capacity. Where do the extra 3 gallons go? I would actually trust the guage more than I would the gas stations pump calibration. I too have the 2017 Lone Star 4x4 (3.55 gears), and am curious how it tows. Thank you for the insightful trip. I'm glad yall made it safely.

[@stevereid9913]

Wow, the acceleration is great!

[@glennpurcell5206]

Perfect video for us !! buying a 2017 RAM,Quad cab/5.7 Hemi to tow a 24ft. travel trailer to YUMA from VANCOUVER ISLAND....your excellent video answered questions I needed answering.....Thank you, GLENN & JACKIE.

[@Scavenger1320]

Now that's a trip I would love to do and one day will. I'm glad I could help and hope you have a great trip up there!

[@stevenbrown5210]

Did you take out a loan to cover "Putin's gas price increase"?

[@brian7353]

Very helpful for a first time camper couple.

[@Scavenger1320]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@russwhitehead711]

Awesome Video!!!

[@hecmichel1576]

Thank you for the information on this detailed video your video has given me confidence on towing with my 2012 ram 1500

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for watching!

[@miryanareina7644]

Great video!

[@briannc9313]

Great job on this! I'll be pulling something very similar with my 2020 5.7.

[@Scavenger1320]

thanks! these 5.7 rams are definitely capable

[@blackwill9881]

Very good video. You explain the process very good

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@roadcorreo9017]

Great vid3o. Thanks for the info. Super instructive.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate that!

[@revgordon91]

Learned a lot!

[@helmutstepp2994]

My wife and I just bought the same truck you have and we also want to get a camper so this is good info for us. Please put up more!

[@Scavenger1320]

Nice, I think you'll like the Ram, it's been a workhorse for me. I'll definitely do more rv videos with it, may be a while though. I don't have any trips coming soon and had to cancel my November Utah trip. For the next month I'll be mostly towing my car to races with it. Thanks for watching!

[@palco22]

Question. When you say 'camper' are you referring to an in box camper or do you mean travel trailer ? A half ton isn't recommended for any but the very smallest campers (under 1,200 lbs) and often with the added expense of bolstering the truck's suspension.

[@edkruzel]

Hello from Coppell, DFW area. I have a 2020 Rebel, and we're looking at purchasing our first rv. This video definitely helped.

[@Scavenger1320]

Good to hear from someone local. I'm out that way all the time. My work office is just on the north side of the airport. Good luck with your first RV! Getting ours opened up an entirely new world and we love it!

[@selfcarefordudes]

Great video. Love our Rams. Best trucks out there 🙌

[@Scavenger1320]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@pack899]

This was a awesome video.... tha KS for sharing.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for watching!

[@milesbuck50]

Nice, informative video.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks!

[@stankrieger3598]

I am running a 2500 ram long horn 5.7 pulling a 1965 airstream first trip in a few weeks. Thank you for you great info so now i have a rough idea of my adventure to come.

[@Scavenger1320]

That's an awesome combo and I love those older airstreams. Enjoy your trip! I'm out on one myself right now in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffmarcum47]

Just found this video and it's exactly what I've been looking for. I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 4WD with the tow package. I've installed a brake controller. It's rated to tow up 9,400 pounds with a CGVWR of 15,000. My wife has MS and we have ordered a 24' Harbor View travel trailer because they're designed for people in a wheelchair and include a full wheelchair lift. After so many videos that talk down the idea of towing any travel trailer with a half-ton, I've been concerned that my truck would have to be replaced. I plan to install the same weight distribution hitch you use and we're anxious to hit the road. This video gives me confidence that we should be fine with the truck we have and that the weight distributing hitch and sway bar should work well. I'll subscribe to your channel and look forward to more videos of you towing with your half-ton until you upgrade. Thanks for sharing.

[@Scavenger1320]

You should definitely be fine with that setup, especially with a brake controller that I wish I had plus my truck is only rated for 8700 pounds. The equalizer hitch makes the biggest difference though. I appreciate the sub and will be trying to do more RV stuff on it. I'm actually taking it out next week to the canyons in the Texas panhandle.

[@180RK]

Same thoughts on the video Jeff! Many seem to try and say 1/2 ton should only tow like 19’ or less. …that seems far below what I got my truck for with the tow package, etc.! Not trying to go big, but bigger than a 17-19’ rig 😳. Video was super helpful in that. Best of luck in your travels - I think that’s awesome and a great setup for your family :)

[@jeffmarcum47]

@@180RK Thanks. After I posted my original comment, the price went up on the new trailer I ordered. I cancelled the order and bought an identical one from a dealer. It's a 2021 rather than a 2022. We're picking it up on Tuesday and it's a 3-hour trip to tow it home so I should get a feel for how it's going to work. The dealer is installing an Equal-i-zer® weight distribution and sway control hitch for me when I pick up the trailer and I feel comfortable that it's going to be fine. I was really appreciative of this video because it helped affirm my thinking when I went to get into this.

[@mickeyreid9672]

@@180RK 0

[@michaelbeatty130]

⁠@@Scavenger1320 This is an old comment but most states require a brake controller when towing over 3000 lbs (depends on state) We have a 1500 5.7 towing a 26’ trailer, about a thousand pounds heavier. We get about the same mpg at higher speeds, see 10-11 at 65 mph

[@297modz]

Great info! Like the Hemi sound as it was pulling in beginning of the video! And yes please record the trip to Utah and record some sightseeing while you ara close to the mountains.

[@Scavenger1320]

Even stock these hemis do sound good. I'll do some filming for my Utah trip... gotta think of some cool things to try and do

[@297modz]

@@Scavenger1320 Yes sir! It's all about angles for nice footage!

[@rudyperezjr4815]

Great info video.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for watching!

[@jrlym]

Love how you say ZiON. we've got this truck in Utah and just picked up a similar sized trailer. Great info

[@Scavenger1320]

Probably some of my old midwest accent coming through lol. Unfortunately I had to cancel the Zion trip so that's still on my list of go-to places. This summer's trip is going to be South Dakota so I'll be doing a video like this again for that one. Thanks for watching!

[@jrlym]

@@Scavenger1320 since watching I got an andersen hitch and air lift bags and my 1500 is doing great with our 24'. going to have to upgrade though because the 5.5' bed won't haul two dirt bikes

[@Scavenger1320]

@@jrlym I know what you mean about the really short bed. That's one thing I'm not a fan of with this crew cab. And I think I finally get your comment about how I say Zion lol. I was just watching a hulu show that's supposed to be based in Utah and was listening to how they say it and heard it said more like Zi-in instead of Zi-on.

[@harveyhenry3598]

I’m towing the same weight of trailer: an Imagine 22MLE and getting an average of 11.5 mpg on flat ground; haven’t pulled through the Cascades yet….your video really has me loving my Ford.

[@Scavenger1320]

Well, there's a LOT more to it that just the weight of the trailer. Shape of the trailer, aerodynamics, engine, transmission, gearing, speeds, weather, winds, etc. I've had trips where I've averaged as high as 12 mpg before, others as low as 6. When I tow my car to races it's also a similar weight to my rv trailer yet I've averaged almost 15 mpg with that setup. Too many variables to be able to make a true comparison, especially just on trailer weight alone.

[@ss__larryls3]

Good Info!! Thanks

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for watching!

[@Destroyer1320]

We go all the time this is great info! We are looking at a 2500 Cummings Diesel so it would be a great comparison. Dad of the year!!!!

[@Scavenger1320]

I might move up to a 2500 next year, haven't decided yet. Right now I don't need anything more than a 1500, but I'm trying to mix drag racing and rv-ing together. So I might be looking at trailers with a garage in the back, which means 5th wheel. And thanks! I try! Lol

[@lawrenceellison2972]

Thanks for the info. I have a 2010 crew cab 1500 5.7 Hemi (3.92 axle). My wife wanted to pull a rented 23ft 6,500 lb travel trailer. I was afraid my truck could not do it. Your video gave me confidence. Thanks, easy pezzy.

[@Scavenger1320]

The Hemi can definitely handle it. The half ton suspension has its limits but a 23ft is well within them. I'm actually on another trip now with my RV, same truck still and everything and the only issue is the gas cost lol. Thanks for watching!

[@LockieMckay]

Hi which gas do you use for towing

[@Luv2camp316]

This is almost exactly my set up. Pulling no problem but I REALLY recommend a weight distribution hitch. The coil springs on the ram really get tested under this load.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Great video! Exactly the sort of thing I've been looking for, but which seems rare on the 'net; a real RV owner and the experience of towing and living with a travel trailer, including costs. I have never owned an RV and most likely never will, but I like learning. Thanks!

[@Scavenger1320]

I appreciate that and thanks for watching!

[@iwannachopbladeslawncare]

My absolute first dodge ram in my life. As a former mechanic working on other people's NEGLECTED problems, I was skeptical but driving it today, i was amazed actually. These trucks are very very temperamental, miss an oil change, you risk leaking and blowing ish up. Otherwise, seems to be like any other truck I've owned. I love it. 14' Ram Laramie(but without the bags and ram boxes)

[@Scavenger1320]

Yeah, my Ram has been great. I'm up to 111K on it now too and that's with a lot of towing. Had an oil analysis done too and came back really good

[@iwannachopbladeslawncare]

@@Scavenger1320 By the way, hello from East Fort Worth, Texas! Lets meet up one day man!

[@robo2901]

They are totally off with the recommended oil. Use a higher weight and problems disappear. Better yet upgrade the oil pump with one from a Hellcat, videos online. About 20 psi more and 10 degress less on engine temps.

[@DiablitoSpeedz]

Man that’s cool ! I need to get a trailer

[@Scavenger1320]

One of my best purchases! Thanks!

[@blueduster74]

Hoping you did the Moab video, towing my Ramcharger there with my 2020 Warlock w/3.21 gears. Guess I’ll go cruise your other videos now. 😂 We are buying a Forrest River 1650 so our mpg should be a little better. Great video!

[@Scavenger1320]

Unfortunately that second Moab trip got cancelled, although I did go back again this year, just not with my RV. I did however go on an RV trip last summer up to South Dakota into both the Badlands and the Black Hills. There were plenty of mountainous roads on that one and my truck got a bit of a workout but it still handled it no problem, including the all the steep grades I went over. I actually took a bunch of footage on that trip but I've been so far behind on my vids I haven't even put them out yet. Only one released, sort of, is my vid on the powerstop brakes that I installed right before that trip. I have another coming out in the next week or so on the Equalizer Hitch I have with most of the footage from South Dakota and then a few others on my Ram and Towing in the next several weeks. Thanks for watching and good luck with your new RV purchase!

[@bobmartens1089]

I have a 2014 f150 5.0 3.55 gears. 6 speed. Tow 24 Foot TT 4400lbs empty. Tow in 5th gear gets about 12 mpg. At 60mph. That's the sweet spot for my setup

[@UvidCo]

A great review on towing. Not sure if it was mentioned but if you guys have the coil over springs I'd recommend getting the aftermarket springs, they make a big difference to payload. They are cheap and very easy to install. A jack, stands, a couple winches and sockets and your good to go.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! I've had a couple recommendations on helper springs but I'm probably going to be upgrading the truck this winter so I'm holding off on doing any kind of mods on it.

[@jamesbass9797]

@@Scavenger1320 -- A Dodge 2500 w/a 6.7 Cummins in it and you'll hardly ever know that trailer is behind you.

[@Scavenger1320]

@@jamesbass9797 and you'll hardly ever know you have a bank account since it'll be empty! lol. I'd love to get a 3/4 ton diesel Ram, but that's going to be on hold for a while. Hopefully sales start tanking and these insane prices at the dealerships start coming down a little bit.

[@jamesbass9797]

@@Scavenger1320 -- I agree completely. I give $49k for my 3500 SRW truck. Today they are asking damn near $90k for the same truck. INSANE!

[@alfreddominguez2750]

I agree, they are a lot less work to install than airbags and in my case might not void the warranty if they go unnoticed.

[@franklyntaveras6863]

I’m new to the channel , great stuff they way you breaking things up is awesome, question what’s the weights distribution you used , I have a ram as well and just got a new trailer similar to yours , dealer is asking for me to have one , to many options to chose, thx for your time and info

[@Scavenger1320]

I use the Equalizer hitch and absolutely love it. I made a vid on that too if you want to check it out here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHKvkJV7n7J_ms0si=zejyh6cPrcxgt-RI. Thanks for finding my channel and watching!

[@Farmalleric]

great video we are looking into getting a ram very soon and a camper so we can travel more

[@Scavenger1320]

You should love it. This was our first RV and we wish we could take it out more but that's not always possible with an 8 year old who needs to go to school. We said though when we're retired and my daughters grown up and left the house we'll probably just hit the road in it. Thanks for watching!

[@Li-ms7yv]

Speed is a big big factor. I used to drive above 70, sometimes 75 and get similar numbers like you do, under 8 miles per gallon. Now I drive between 60 and 65, I get above 9 or 9.5 miles per gallon.

[@Scavenger1320]

I tried this same trip going only 60. I think my numbers came out similarly, but the added time wore me down and ended up not saving me any more money. I put out another vid showing that experiment here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpnZe2WIrtx5ps0si=aAfmLTAEGOYDKPC7 No way I can do a trip going that slow again though lol

[@Tool0GT92]

I am towing my 27' toy hauler with my 2014 Ram 1500. I'm pretty much maxed out for my payload and towing capacity. I haven't done a long trip yet, but I took it for a short ride and it did pretty good.

[@pauls90]

Great video. I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Hemi 4 X 4 and a 7'x16' cargo trailer and I'm planning on moving and towing around 1500 lbs in the trailer. I'm curious to see how my mileage is as I have the 3.92 gears. Lots of get up and go and I have an anti-sway hitch on the cargo trailer. Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it and it helped me understand what to expect.

[@Scavenger1320]

I'd be interested in the difference with the gearing too and where it puts the rpms at certain speeds too. I know with the 3.21s there are times where the speed I want to mantain ends up keeping the rpms higher than I like for just cruising, so then that forces me to either drive slower or faster than I want to be. There's a guy named B Mason here on KZbin and I know he's done some 3.21 vs 3.92 comparisons with his Ram. Here's one of the vids he did on the topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHvRoH2ZirFpaas Thanks for watching my vid!

[@thebanjoman1963]

I just completed in July 2022 a 6200 Mile round trip in my 2016 RAM 1500 ( also with 3.21 gear ratio 4x4) from Virginia to Lake Tahoe CA and back towing my 16ft Car trailer hauling my highly modified 1992 Suzuki Samurai to the Rubicon Trail. I was pulling about 5500lbs total weight (2100 lbs trailer 3400lbs truck) Overall the truck towed the load fine, except for braking. Trailer has dual 3500 axles, (both sets of axles had electric brakes) I still felt the trailer 'pushing the truck' . I was also not using a weight distribution hitch and felt a lot of crosswinds and swaying of the trailer in the plains. Maybe it was the hitch, maybe the trailer brake adjustment but I need to find the 'sweet spot' if there is one for my next adventure. I was SCARED coming out of the parking lot at Mt Rushmore when I was on the brakes and the trailer kept pushing. Did you ever get into any 'panic braking' with the load you were carrying?

[@Scavenger1320]

My guess is its more of a weight distribution issue. I have the Equalizer hitch and absolutely love it and it makes the truck and trailer feel more like they're working together instead of fighting each other. What you described kind of feels like what it was like when I first got my trailer before I got the hitch, at least with the crosswinds. An easy 4.5 hour trip turned into a 6.5 hour white-knuckled trip. Got my hitch immediately after that. I've never had any scary moments with braking though and I don't have trailer brakes. I was actually just in Mt. Rushmore the other week myself. Towed my RV up to the Badlands, then from there went to the Hill City/Rushmore area, and then finally up to Deadwood. There was one long 7 percent downhill grade where towards the end my brakes started feeling a little soft, but nothing too bad. I did just replace my front rotors and pads before the trip though too, and I'm sure the hitch helps with that too.

[@sum2automation]

I'll keep my Tundra until 260k then go truck shopping. We have lots of mountains in the northwest, maybe that's why everyone buys Tundra 1/2 ton towing... Useing 1/2 Ton trucks for towing RV over 24FT is kinda stupid and dangerous to the family. Seen to many travelers RV scattered all over the roadway to recommend any 1/2 ton truck. RV Sale men should be ashamed. Thanks for sharing, very nice truck truly awesome! Be well stay safe Thanks again!

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for watching. I can't speak to larger trailers but I do feel the size I have is perfect for my truck. I probably wouldn't want to go bigger though, but luckily we love this trailer and don't want anything bigger. I'm not a Toyota person but this Ram hasn't had any issues with steep inclines and mountainous terrains. As for those RV salesmen, I agree they're pretty bad when it comes to making sure customers have the proper setup. Not even once did the salesman I bought this trailer from ask me what I was towing with. He would have sold me their largest 5th wheel and wouldn't have cared what I had. Then they didn't even make sure I had the right hitch or even tell me what size hitch ball. When I first got it, I showed up to pick up the trailer with a 2" ball which is what I've always used with the trailers I tow my car with. I was literally backed up and about to get hitched up when they finally noticed I didn't have the right size ball. I had to make a last minute run to an O'reillys to pick one up.

[@anthony-barber]

I have a 2017 Ram 4x4 crew cab with 3:92 gears and tow a 17 ft TT , we are just getting into RVing. And we are getting between 12 to 14 mpg with a roughly 4000 to 4200 lb loaded. And am really happy for that. The truck works great. We may upgrade to a 20ft trailer with a 5000 lb weight. Later next year.

[@Scavenger1320]

That's some great mileage! I wish I had those gears in mine, but I'll be upgrading soon. We've been RVing now for about a year and a half and love it. We'd go full-time if we could

[@anthony-barber]

That is at 55 to 60 mph , for that kind of mpg. LoL

[@palco22]

I just read your comment and I just commented that my 2021 Ram 4x4 Crew Cab 5.7 L pulling my 20 foot twin axle travel trailer (4,500 lbs loaded) and an "average" speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and I get an "average" 19.4L/100 km (12.1 US mpg) so your numbers are pretty much the same.

[@UvidCo]

@@palco22 what part of Canada are you hauling in?

[@palco22]

@@UvidCo Most of Ontario, Québec and to the east coast.

[@raymondmartens7803]

Very much liked the video and yes show the trip to Zion please also whats your fuel tank size?

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! Unfortunately the Zion trip had to be cancelled, but I'll definitely be doing other trips this year and will be making more videos of them. My truck has a 32 gallon tank.

[@wildhog3217]

Good video and nice setup for 1/2 ton pickup. I pull a 2016 Rockwood 2304DS ( empty weight 5200 lbs) with my 2012 GMC 1500 SLE. I approximate trailer weighs near 6200 pounds with cargo and it pretty much maxes or nearly IMO the payload. My longest trip with incline is going to Arkansas Lake Degray State Park. I’m from Fort Worth. I also use the Equilizer hitch same as you.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! My first real RV trip with this setup was not far from there. I went to Hot Springs and it was last minute before I got my Equalizer hitch. Before that I just did some weekend trial runs at Lake Ray Roberts up by Sanger. Figured I should be fine but then I got hit with 20mph crosswinds going up 30 and that's the first time I experienced sway. Very first thing I did after getting back from that trip was ordering the Equalizer hitch lol.

[@wildhog3217]

@@Scavenger1320 yeah me too. I go to Lake Ray Roberts a lot of time because it’s close to where I live. Not more than an hour and a half drive and you did well getting that equalizer hitch that should work for you.

[@jamestopeka2236]

Check out Timbren bump stops to replace your factory bump stops they are easy to install and are a big help on squat .

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for the tip! I haven't heard of those before and just checked them out and I think I might just get a set. With this RV I have the weight distribution hitch that gets rid of most of the squat, but I need to re-adjust it. I'm always towing my car to races though and don't have the weight distribution hitch for those trailers (I rent them), so I could definitely use them for that too.

[@raycalandra1887]

I tow a similar Micro Lite with my Ram 1500. Took it to the Cat Scales with our normal load. It came in at 6300lbs. The problem I found was that with our normal camping load, the tongue weight on these 25 series Micro Lite/ Mini Lite campers was approaching 1000lbs. A lot of 1/2 ton trucks only have a payload capacity of around 1300lbs. That doesn't leave much capacity for passengers and gear.

[@Scavenger1320]

These microlites definitely are on the high end of the weight range you want the tongue weight to be. I know the payload on my truck is 1680 lbs and I usually try not to fill up the bed and keep most of my gear inside the RV instead. Passengers are just me, the wife and kid so we stay within limits.

[@jamestopeka2236]

I love my 2020 hydro blue Ram 1500 4x4 off road package with the 3.21 axles and 5.7 motor , I get 21.9 empty and about 12 mpg pulling my camper . I live full time in my 25 foot travel trailer .

[@Scavenger1320]

I love the hydro blue color! 12 mpg is amazing pulling a 25 footer. Does your 5.7 have the e-torque on it? The only time I ever see 12 is if I have a strong 20+ mph tailwind. I actually drove back from a trip yesterday and with a 10mph tailwind was getting 10.0 mpg. Then as I got into Oklahoma that wind changed into a 10 mph headwind and my mileage dropped straight down to 8.0. Mines only a 2wd though too. Empty though I'm right around that 21-22 mark on the freeway.

[@jamestopeka2236]

@@Scavenger1320 I don't have the e-torque ..I travel alone with all my tanks empty tho and my camper is 4,195 Dry weight . Plus I'm 61 years old and don't pull over 65 MPH .lol I got this Ram new in March 2020 ...I think the difference is your pulling more weight than me .I'm just over 200 pounds and that's probably about the same in cargo because I don't have a lot of stuff to take .. I'm really conservative and don't collect things , just my clothes , food , a few pan's and one tool box .I'm saving money to order a new escape 5.0 fiberglass fifth wheel next year .

[@Scavenger1320]

@@jamestopeka2236 Weight definitely explains some of it. My trailer is 5300 dry, and then add in the wife and kid and all their stuff. I do usually have my tanks empty when I tow though too. Only time I didn't was when the last day of a trip at a state park it got well below freezing and when I went to dump it froze and nothing came out. I have tank heaters too so I'm guessing it must have froze behind the valve. Speed for sure too, this last trip I brought up I was sticking more around 65 so I'm sure that's a big reason why I was seeing better mileage than on the Orlando trip in this vid. Thanks for the info!

[@jamestopeka2236]

@@Scavenger1320 You're welcome and thank you for the info videos ...I only tow from west Virginia to Florida , yes I'm a snowbird lol .. My camper is 25 feet from bumper to front hitch .. it's older than yours and I'm getting ready to upgrade soon .

[@OffbeatMotors]

I’ve been looking at travel trailers to tow with my Gladiator and the Micro Lites are on my short list.

[@Scavenger1320]

We love ours. We looked at a bunch and this one beat the others out easily between the layout and all the features, plus it has a murphy bed so functionally it's like a trailer that's 5 foot longer. Build quality (as far as RVs go) is pretty good too compared to others. We're coming up to a year with it now and biggest issue was a piece of the side skirt that the wind got a hold of and broke. This was my first travel trailer and one of the best purchases I ever made.

[@jesserevilla992]

Appreciate the overview; Ouch MPG's in comparison to Avg Speed is awful. I travel far from Miami, Fla up to Tenn & North Carolina. I wanted a larger trailer yet knew fuel would hurt. Financially we're OK yet don't like paying for gas lol. Our dry weight is 3800 lbs total trailer & payload 4625 or slightly less? 65-68 MPH gives me 10.8-11.2 MPG's. Just did a round trip 1,902 miles fuel cost $498.57 GMC Elevation Crew Cab (2) wheel drive 2.7 4cycl "2020" Advise anywhere you can save weight do it. Example I travel with one LP Tank & One battery I have no need for two tanks nor two batteries. That right there is 80lbs. We don't tug along allot of water. Of course this is only when we're stopping at full hookup sites and just like you when stopping just for the night I don't disengage WDH hitch. Nice review, you have a really nice TT and Truck.... THANK YOU!

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! I definitely took out a lot of stuff I normally would have had for this trip. Mileage was definitely one of the lowest I've achieved, but also had I stayed a steady 65 I know it would have been a lot better. My truck at that speed would have still been in the same gear, just a lower rpm. It's crazy too how much aerodynamics play into it. I just towed my Challenger on a 1500 mile round trip to a race in Kentucky this weekend. My car and trailer combined weighs pretty close to what my TT weighs, but I averaged 14 mpg! I appreciate the insight and thanks for watching!

[@jesserevilla992]

@@Scavenger1320 Agree with you on Aerodynamics. When buying a TT; I wanted to avoid all Flat front TT's; I have taken this trip 3 times this year and this trip was $75 more in fuel cost and $125 more in fuel cost from my first trip back in early Feb 2021. Sadly these fuel prices should not be at these levels, but that's a different subject.

[@daviddierks4271]

This is the same truck I have, 2017 Ram with 3.21 gears. You have helped me greatly as we are hunting for an RV and I wanted to know real life experience from someone who actually can tell me how the truck pulls and handles. We are looking at about the same size and weight RV that you have. Thank you for this video! Do you like the equalizer WDH? I know I will need one and there are many on the market.

[@Scavenger1320]

I absolutely love the Equalizer hitch and am constantly recommending it to people. I was going to do a separate video on it soon too. It made a huge and very noticeable difference. Before I got it I did a 4 hour trip that took me over 6 hours because of a 20 mph wind making it a white-knuckled drive. I bought the Equalizer as soon as I got back from that and the first time I used it winds were gusting up to 40 and I drove through it no problem.

[@daviddierks4271]

@@Scavenger1320 Thanks for the feedback!! Much appreciated. I will be looking into the Equalizer.

[@turbojoe2]

Dude your fuel mileage of 9.2MPG is exactly what I get with my 2013 in Alberta Canada (25l/100km). Usually no more than 2.5hr trips. Makes me feel good that my noisy clacky 2013 HEMI still does what a newer one does. Usually sits around 11MPG with no trailer. Funny thing is that my ol 02 Dakota 5.9l had the same fuel usage as the 13'. But it was a smaller truck with a bigger engine and let me tell you.....

[@Scavenger1320]

The 9.2 is just what the truck gauge reported, the actual mpg I was able to calculate was only 7.5. This same truck without a trailer though makes this same trip at over 20 mpg. Pulling a 25' Wind Sail at 70 mph is a mileage killer lol. I actually had the big brother to your old Dakota. I had a an 02 Ram with the 5.9. I absolutely loved that truck, but it's mileage was no where near what my 17 is getting, but that old 02 wasn't completely stock either. My very first video that I ever uploaded to KZbin is a short clip of my old 02 Ram on a dyno that's still up on my channel.

[@ronbear46]

Cool

[@SETRAY21]

The solemnly reason why I had to upgraded from 1/2 ton truck to a larger truck it was because of the low payload capacity. By the time you add hitch weight with stabilizers bars, trailer hitch weight, propane tanks, batteries, 5-6 people on bard, camping gear, etc. I ended up with over 1800Lbs. Make no mistake, a HEMI 5.7Lt. will pull a 32' trailer easily.

[@Scavenger1320]

Yeah, I'm not quite to capacity on payload, but I don't have much room to spare either. Luckily I only ever have 3 people on board, and 1 of them is a 7 year old so not much added weight there. I do want to upgrade to a 3/4 ton but mainly because I want to get a larger travel trailer that can also haul my car to races.

[@gardnetbush9768]

You are right thats why I did the. Same fir the payload

[@stevenbrown5210]

I also have a Challenger and a Ram 1500 😎

[@Scavenger1320]

Great combo to have!

[@chriskeller2131]

great vid. I have a 2018 Silverado 4 door and I pull a 27 foot trailer runner. Did you do a vcideo on your next trip to Utah yet?

[@Scavenger1320]

My second trip to Utah ended up not happening. I did make a trip up to Badlands and the Black Hills of South Dakota though. I took a bunch of footage from it but I've been waaay behind on editing videos, plus drag racing and my Challenger took priority status on my channel so my Ram and RV stuff got pushed to the side. I'm hoping to get some of those vids out in the next month or so though.

[@chriskeller2131]

@@Scavenger1320 👍

[@palco22]

Very interesting video. I own a 2021 Ram Crew Cab 4x4 5.7L and haul a much smaller 20 foot twin axle Travel Trailer (4,500 lbs loaded) and I average a slower "average" speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) mostly on two lane highways (I avoid open multi-lane freeways. Less stress, much better scenery, no rush) I average 19.4L/100 km (12.1 US mpg). I would love to haul that exact trailer (25' Flagstaff Micro-lite Travel Trailer) with the extra ±1,500 lbs. over my present trailer. There are small trailers and there are small trailers and mind is a touch too small. It's a great trailer but too small. So next year I hope to see a 25 footer in my mirrors. I'm curious to see my millage with a larger trailer. Thanks for an interesting video.

[@Scavenger1320]

This 25' is the perfect size for me. I'd love to take it a bit slower and not be in a rush as much, but I'm always fighting against time. Maybe one day when we're retired and can take longer trips I'll be able to relax a bit more between destinations, I do try to take different routes whenever I can though too. Hope you get that 25 footer soon and thanks for watching!

[@stevenbrown5210]

I have the 5.7 also in my 2012 with a six speed instead of 8 and I get 8mgp towing my travel trailer. Which with today's prices in CA, a camping trip costs about $16,482 in gas....

[@justinchurch2366]

I fken lol’d at this.

[@johnf.6942]

I have the same truck, I pull a 23 foot forest river x lite camper, same hitch and sway bar set up. The truck is great, no issues. My concern is that I should drop the transmission pan and fluid, I don’t buy the lifetime fluid nonsense..

[@Scavenger1320]

Make sure to read up on the procedure if you haven't. There's some good info in some of the Ram forums. I haven't done it on these newer ZF transmissions but from what I know they're not as straightforward as your typical transmission. Plus you have to buy an entire pan because they made the filter and pan one unit. I know there's aftermarket companies that make more traditional metal pans you can reuse too.

[@liamjoseph3853]

My ‘12 Ram 1500 Laramie gets on average 7.5-7.75 mpg loaded with a hybrid trailer that weighs 5500 pounds. My truck only has the 6 speed transmission so I don’t feel so bad now, thanks

[@adame924]

Thanks for the video, we have another trip planned to Fort Wilderness in April. What speed do you normally go on the highway? Update: Guess I should have waited to the end of the video to see that you mentioned you run 70-75 on the highway. :) I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Hemi Sport 4x4 with a MOPAR 4in lift on 35s and a 25 ft TT about 6000lb loaded. I keep it around 60 mph on the highway/turnpike and every trip we average just over or under 10 mpg. I do always run 93 octane while towing not sure if that make a difference.

[@Scavenger1320]

Yeah, it seems I mostly hover around 70mph. I'd like to keep it down more around 60-65 but with limited time-off we're always rushing to get to our destination quicker with longer driving days and then leave at the last minute making it just as bad on the way back. I dream of the day I can take my time and break up a trip like this into shorter driving days. It's not fun always setting up towards the end of the day lol.

[@adame924]

@@Scavenger1320 I agree setting up towards the end of the day isn't ideal though on the plus side when you set up in the dark you have less people watching. :)

[@scottdubya7027]

Does your truck have auto-leveling shocks, or airbags of any kind, or what type of suspension is installed. thanks - really good video.

[@Scavenger1320]

No auto leveling or airbags of any kind. It’s just the original stock factory suspension that comes standard on Ram 1500s. I do use the Equalizer weight distribution hitch though.

[@180RK]

Great video, thank you - it was very helpful! I’m taking a 23’ tt on a road trip in a few months with my 2019 Ram 1500 w/tow package. After so many naysayers on 1/2 ton towing…just about anything 😒, this was helpful for confidence. Also helpful on what to estimate on fuel 😳 Tow package but still smaller tank = about 180 mile range with that mpg. We’ll be towing thru some mountains …how’d you do on the Moab trip with total mpg?

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! I think overall the Moab trip was just a little bit better in mileage if I remember correctly. It was more mountainous but then you had all the declines making up for the inclines. Worst part of that trip was going west between Dallas and Amarillo. I don't know what it is about that stretch but I've taken it more than once and each time I barely average over 6 on it. Seems like it's a very gradual incline and there's always a strong headwind. Coming back heading east on that stretch though I was getting between 10-11 so that was nice. I was just in Palo Duro Canyon state park here in Texas and getting into the park is a 10% steep switchback and my truck pulled the RV up that with barely breaking a sweat, but of course you're going a LOT slower on that part too.

[@thsarethbreaks]

Don't be scare of the 1/2 tons they will tow a 23' trailer easily. My dad towed his 26' with a 2013 Chevy Silverado with the max towing from Georgia to California easily. The only concerns he had on that trip were cross winds in stormy weather going across the desert. When he would run into that he would pull over into a rest area. It handled the hot 109* temps through the mountains using the tow/haul mode where the trans would keep u at steady speed by gearing down going down hill. You would hardly ever need to touch your brakes. Just let it coast.

[@180RK]

@@thsarethbreaks ended up renting for a short weekend with a 23’ (28’total) travel trailer and truck did well. It was about 6000 as towed. If the WD hitch was set up right I’m sure it would’ve been great (but some bobbing back there without it). Ended up 10mpg on the 160mi trip. Thanks for the help & encouragement! May be getting one of our own soon!

[@thsarethbreaks]

@@180RK You’re right about the hitch and a good trailer brake fine tuning is key to having a great tow.

[@mrtighe6604]

Just towed a 2022 25' apex nano 1400 miles from Forest Ontario to Cape Breton Nova Scotia with my 2013 Ram sport got 9.4 mpg lots of hills to climb in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia so I was fairly happy but it was definitely a little hard on the truck since it's a half ton, my trailer is 4200 pounds empty and had a couple hundred pounds of gear in my truck bed.

[@palco22]

Hi, just wondering what kind of half ton exactly were you hauling with. I know New Brunswick and Nova Scotia very well and the Apex Nano 208BHS (UVW 4,250 lbs) and the Apex Nano 213RDS (UVW 3,850) are just sweet to pull with the proper half ton. That's the type of travel trailer I'm really interested in. I presently haul a small (4,500 lbs loaded) with a 2021 Ram 5.7 L 4x4 Crew Cab with the full trailer package and New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are a breeze to travel.

[@mrtighe6604]

@@palco22 2013 ram 1500 sport, Quad cab , with tow package and a Blue ox weight distribution hitch. My truck has a six speed transmission yours would have the 8 speed, you should get better mpg, average speed for me was probably 100 to 110 km an hour.

[@palco22]

@@mrtighe6604 I looked up the 2013 Ram 1500 Quad Sport and it's well in the trailer GVW (6,800 to 10,000 lbs.) depending on diff. ratios but overall, should not be that much different with a six speed trans. That being said (I'm no expert) a friend hauled a 5,700 lbs travel trailer with a Ford F-150 V-6 turbo and hated it. Said it had trouble maintaining speed and drank gas like there was no tomorrow but it was great for shopping ! When I looked to up grade the Ram seemed to be the better choice but equipped non the less for the job of hauling a reasonable travel trailer such as the one you have and I would like. Apparently it is true that half ton trucks are not all born the same. Thanks for the reply.

[@ricky5807]

I just bought a 2022 ram Bighorn 1500 today and bought a Rockwoodminilite 2506s this week. . Your video was perfect. Just what I was looking for on youtube. You answered all my questions. Thank you! One more question. How much did Disney charge a nite? 😎👍

[@Scavenger1320]

Nice, I looked up that model since I know Flagstaff and Rockwood are basically the same and other than the interior layout being way different the exterior shape and overall dimensions are the same as my 25brds. My wife handled all the Disney reservations and I know she did some kind of package deal through Disney but I believe the site alone at Ft. Wilderness was right around 150 a night. That was July of last year though too.

[@ricky5807]

@@Scavenger1320 do you know what your trailer brake setting was set on?

[@Scavenger1320]

@@ricky5807 unfortunately my truck doesn't have trailer brakes. I thought about adding the controller myself but I'm probably going to be upgrading in the next 6 months or so.

[@donrawson4459]

I am looking at 2017 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x2...did your truck have a factory brake controller? The one I am looking at does not. I have a Curt Bluetooth controller but was curious about your truck. Great Video.

[@Scavenger1320]

Mine did not have the factory brake controller. But you can buy the OEM parts to add it in and it's not too expensive. Although you do have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed in. I was thinking about adding it to mine but I'm planning on upgrading my truck by the end of the year.

[@coolaaronn17]

Great video, one note though you're not supposed to grease where the weight bars ride on the trailer brackets that takes out the sway control factor of this hitch.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks for bringing that up, I never really looked at what equalizer recommends. I just default to lubing up any spot where parts move against each other by habit. The hitch has always performed amazingly for me as far as sway control so I didn't look deeper into it. But you're right, I just checked the equalizer site and they do say to Not put any on the L-brackets.

[@W8JESRadio]

Yea... I had to go back and watch the video over and over.... And said NO grease goes there...

[@Lunaticinaz28]

How do you like towing with the factory mirrors? I'm about to purchase a 26ft camper and was considering getting tow mirrors for my 17 Ram.

[@Scavenger1320]

I thought about finding a set of factory tow mirrors from a salvage yard, but I think I'd have to sacrifice the power folding feature and I use that all the time. But honestly I don't have any issues towing without them. Yeah, it'd be nice to see a bit more of the side of the trailer, but I never have an issue merging or changing lanes. Part of that is how I'm always watching who's in what lane and constantly planning ahead so I know where everyone is in relation to me. Only time I have an issue is when I'm not paying attention and have to change lanes quick, like to make an exit, and I don't fully know who or what's around me.

[@raymondjoseph7177]

Thanks for the video i was concerned with towing with my 1500. Funny note 1st rv was a 25ft class A. Our very first trip a few hours in my wife says "kids need to go to the bathroom. Find a rest stop." I start looking at road signs, gps etc. Then the lightbulb goes off and i tell her "hey we have a bathroom right here." Her lightbulb goes of and we both laughed.

[@Scavenger1320]

The 1500 is definitely capable. Mine is still going strong more than 2 years later after this vid was filmed with a lot more towing miles. I still take road trips without the rv too and always miss it when my kid needs to go to the bathroom lol

[@bobabooie6389]

Exactly, I say I tow my toilet

[@SliderFury1]

Seems like the stock (non-tow) mirrors still give you solid visibility.

[@Scavenger1320]

They definitely do. It would still be nice to have actual tow mirrors obviously, but these are good enough that I don't feel the need to upgrade and can wait until I get a new Ram. Just have to know how to use what you got. I can see the trailer tires too which is nice and feel comfortable on the roads, merging over, changing lanes, etc.

[@neworleansLa504]

loved the video i just got a 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie my question is what type of hitch is that i want to get one

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! It's the Equal-i-zer with 10,000 pound rating. It made a HUGE difference and I absolutely swear by it. It's not the most expensive but it's not the cheapest either. Hands down best purchase I made for my RV. Here's my affiliate link to the exact one I got off amazon amzn.to/33JwTMx

[@collazoh1]

Hello my friend. I have a 1500 Ram, 5.7 Hemi. I have a 25' RV Alta just purchased. My Ford F150 did ok but I struggled going up and the truck speedometer went down to 45mpg. Now I have A Ram 1500 Hemi, 5.7 and like to go from Orlando to Corpus Christi Texas. My truck is 2018, 1500, Ram, with 30k miles. I was going to cancel but I saw your video, I think I can do this

[@Scavenger1320]

Oh yeah, it should definitely be able to handle it. The trip in this vid was 2 years ago and since then I've gone on a bunch more RV trips including one up to the hills and mountains of South Dakota last summer. I actually just came back from another Orlando RV trip yesterday and my 2017 Ram is still doing great and just crossed 125K miles on the odometer.

[@tylerverdin3646]

Question: when you set it all up looks like you lubricated several points on the hitch. my question is it ok to lubricate the sway portion of thew dh. if so what type of Lub. do you use

[@Scavenger1320]

Yes, I always lube up the hitch before every trip including all the sway parts. Pretty much any spot that has parts moving against each other. Equalizer, same company that makes the hitch, sells their own lube and that's what I use. I got a tube of it when I got the hitch and I still have plenty left. I'm actually on an RV trip now and filmed my whole process getting the hitch hooked up including lubing it up. I wanted to make a vid just on the Equalizer hitch, but it'll be a while before I get that vid out.

[@daytona5.722]

I have an Equalizer hitch and I installed one on my in laws F150, they are great hitches. I would like to stay at Fort Wilderness some day. Your Ram did well, I usually average between 9 and 10 MPG with my Durango and travel trailer, last trip I did was windy and I averaged about 8.5. We have a Blackstone and love it, they are awesome for camping. Are you still planning to go to Moparty?

[@Scavenger1320]

Yes! I'll be at MoParty. I just officially registered this morning. I got a place to stay for the weekend and have a trailer secured to tow my 1320 so everything's in place. All I have left is a couple oil changes and finish getting my car ready for it.

[@daytona5.722]

@@Scavenger1320 awesome! Hope to run into you there!

[@uben89]

Does your truck have airbags to help with squat? If not, how did your truck handle without the airbags? I have a Ram 1500 considering getting a Winnebago 2100bh.

[@Scavenger1320]

No airbags, it's a completely stock suspension still. When I first got my RV I didn't have any type of special hitch and it had quite a bit of squat, but handled it just fine, until it got windy. Then I got an equalizer hitch and it made a world of difference. Some helper springs/airbags would probably still help some, but the hitch does a good enough job they're not necessary.

[@paoloandres4975]

nice video! I have 5.7L hemi dodge 2019 classic ram hauling 28footer 5300lbs travel trailer.

[@Scavenger1320]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmorrissey765]

I have that same Equalizer system. What was that lubricant you put in the pivot area and ball?

[@Scavenger1320]

I use the Equalizer branded lube. Here's my link to it : amzn.to/2YzeFdy

[@Christine-hs3qm]

Did you engage your tow button feature for this entire trip? Do you have and if you do, how did you use tour Electronic Range Selection feature?

[@Scavenger1320]

Yes, I pretty much always put my truck into tow/haul mode anytime I'm towing and my truck doesn't have ERS.

[@299lee]

Ayeee Mobile, AL bank head tunnel my neck of the woods

[@reysebarger146]

This may have been answered earlier but there are a LOT of comments. New to RVing and just wondering what class hitch is on your 2017? I would guess a class 4?

[@Scavenger1320]

There definitely is a lot of comments, but I don't think anyone's asked that yet, but yes, my truck came from the factory with a Class IV hitch.

[@MultiPartizan1]

Great video appreciate all effort i like TPMS monitor location and holder for it can you tell me where did you get it.

[@Scavenger1320]

Thanks! It's a TST tpms kit that came with the trailer. The holder came in the kit along with another suction cup mount option.

[@MultiPartizan1]

@@Scavenger1320 TY

[@evanse33]

Great video! Did you upgrade the rear suspension at all prior to towing the RV?

[@Scavenger1320]

Nope, I haven't done anything to it. The suspension and entire drivetrain, and basically the entire truck, is still factory stock.

[@evanse33]

@Scavenger 1320 good deal. Thx! I just got a 4000 lb 26' travel trailer that I'll be pulling with my 2011 Ram 1500 5.7 hemi, so I was just curious. I may upgrade to heavy duty variable rear coil springs if it ends up being a little too soft in the back. We shall see!

[@Scavenger1320]

@Scarred Protector I should also mention I use an Equalizer Hitch. I towed my RV without one when I first got it and it handled it fine. It obviously sagged down more in the back but it wasn't horrible. The sway got pretty bad though when it got windy and that's when I bought the Equalizer.

[@Rockinrobbyboy]

Great video dude. What do you think the fuel difference would be if you stayed under 60 mph?

[@Scavenger1320]

I'm honestly not really sure. Driving slower like that is against my nature lol. Going off those times I was forced to drive a bit slower though I would guess it's got to be worth at least 1 more mpg if not more. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to try it out. Thanks for watching!

[@Scavenger1320]

Quick update, your comment must have stuck in the back of my head because I had a chance to make the same trip earlier this summer and decided to do that exact test and kept it at 60. I just put that vid out with the full comparison. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpnZe2WIrtx5ps0 I wasn't too far off with my previous reply either.

[@jamespeters066]

Nice video. I'd be curious to know if your mpg would be better or worse with the 3.92 axle.

[@Scavenger1320]

I wish I could find out. On this trip I'm not sure. But on others I think it might have been better with a 3.92 When I went to Moab last year I was fighting a lot more wind and uphill inclines. With the gearing I have I spent a lot of time in the 3K+ rpm range when just cruising and at the time felt that having 3.92 gears might have helped with that. Only reason I haven't done the swap is because I plan on upgrading my truck anyway in the next year.

[@gardnetbush9768]

Its better with the 3.92 I use to tow a 24 foot with my 2017 3.92 GVWR was 8700 dry was 4500

[@FiliSuperDuty]

A few of these comments here are inaccurate -- the lower the gear ratio (the higher the number is), the worse gas mileage it will at highway speeds. That is the entire point. If you have a 3.92 rear gear ratio, that rear axle spins 3.92 times per 1 spin of the drive shaft. This gives you max torque upon takeoff, but you will lose MPG the higher the speeds you go. The 8+ speed transmissions in the newer vehicles help to mitigate this, but that is the tradeoff for the power upon takeoff. Ideally, the bigger the trailer = the lower of a gear ration that you want. However, the 2016 F150 that my wife has is equipped with a 3.31 rear end. Despite people telling me that it was a "baby" for having such a high gear ration, it pulls a 5k pound TT without a problem. I'm sure the deeper rear end would be helpful on takeoff, but whatever...

[@elmismo371]

I have 4.10 gear ratio on my GMC Sierra, so with the same set up will I get better or worse Mpg? Roughly? Thanks

[@knnytitus]

I have a 2004 4x4 slt with towing package but it’s a 4.7 liter motor what do you think

[@lisapwhinnery8488]

Great video. I have the same truck in the 2019 model and also pull a 22 foot Microliter. Going on 3rd Year and have traveled from our home in Middleton, WI (near Madison) to Maine, North Carolina, and South Dakota. Same Gas mileage as you and plan on Santa Fe and Glacier National Park in Montana this Summer. BTW, this is my 5th Ram!!🎉

[@Scavenger1320]

Love hearing that, and that we're both on our 5th Rams! Glacier National Park is still in our bucket list. Have passed through Santa Fe a couple times but never stayed there long, which is something we're hoping to do soon. We did however take a couple hours out to visit an Alpaca Farm. If you're out there for a while and looking for different things to do an Alpaca farm tour is fun, and great if you have any kids. The one we did was free, but had a store with some unique items made from alpaca fur. I guess the climate in Santa Fe is very similar to their natural habitat so there's a bunch of them out there. Have fun on your trips and thanks for watching!

[@ryanschram7266]

Do you have airbags for your springs in the rear? It would help you tow.

[@Scavenger1320]

No airbags. It's a completely stock suspension. Honestly I don't really feel the need for them with the hitch I have and how it handles. That said, I do want to get rear bags but I plan on upgrading the Ram next year so there's no point in putting money into it now unnecessarily.

[@kevinmartinez4296]

Hi I have the same truck and I’m planning to do the same thing for Cris Park and I’m sorry it’s going to be my first time holding a trailer for Compton how do you sit on the spot for the trailer now to makeA reservation appointment for the spot glass of wine you on water when you plug everything in that spot I don’t know how that works

[@chad375]

Did you do any upgrades to the truck? IE: air bags?

[@Scavenger1320]

Truck is 100% stock the way it came from the factory except for the soft tonneau cover and tinted windows.

[@frankjones8952]

I have the same truck but 4x4 and a 2016. Do you have the trailer brake? We`re looking at travel trailers. My truck doesn`t have the trailer brake. Wondering if I need to add one. Thanks

[@Scavenger1320]

I do not have the trailer brake. I wouldn't mind having one but it hasn't been necessary for me. I've driven through mountains on the way to Moab and have gone down a 10% grade into a canyon with my trailer and no issues at all. I also have an Equalizer hitch though that makes a huge difference with weight distribution and sway. Before I got that hitch there was one windy day that I wish I had a trailer brake. I know you can buy the OEM trailer brake and install it yourself, you would just need to then go to a dealer to flash the pcm for it. I thought about getting it for mine but I'm planning on upgrading within the next year so I'm just going to leave my truck as-is for now.

[@frankjones8952]

@@Scavenger1320 Thanks..I guess all travel trailers have brakes if you have the controller. Awesome video BTW!

[@grizmanmyers1944]

I tow with the same truck and a 23 foot hybrid. Trailer weight is around 7k fully loaded. I get as little as 8 mpg at 70 and just got over 12 at 55. Driving at speeds over 60 only adds a ton of extra stress on the drivetrain and whats the point. I use alcohol free fuel as much as possible which does yield between.5 and 1 mpg extra on average. Its not the weight that kills the fuel mileage but the enormous wind drag of RVs. I generally get 19 to 22 mpg on long trips at 70.

[@Scavenger1320]

Yeah, that wind drag is definitely a huge factor. I have 2 more 'tow mileage' vids coming in the next month where I tow my car in an enclosed trailer pretty much on the same route to Orlando. The enclosed trailer isn't as tall and shorter with most of the weight sitting much lower so it gets a little bit better mileage than the rv. 2nd vid I have coming is towing my car on an open trailer the same distance and the difference in mileage is huge when you're not dragging a big box behind you.

[@grizmanmyers1944]

@@Scavenger1320 thank you for the reply. With gas at nearly 5 bucks a gallon the fuel savings is far more important to me than the time saving. Besides its far safer slowing down and enjoying the trip. Good luck and enjoy your trips.

[@brantfordbandit]

Have you tried not using tow haul mode

[@danielthomson2131]

I noticed that you did not have an anti sway bar. I have the same truck and similar camper. Did you notice any sway?

[@Scavenger1320]

I did actually. I have the Equalizer hitch. I towed without one to some closer to me trips when I first got this rv and had no issues with sway…until I took a 4 hour trip that ended up being 6 hours because of a steady 20 mph crosswind that caused a lot of very definite sway. I bought the Equalizer hitch as soon as I got back from that trip lol

[@benspoliticsandnewsbencook9151]

I have a 27 ft and mine also square too.

[@benspoliticsandnewsbencook9151]

Squats as well. Not Square..

[@alexcameron3725]

Man I was hoping for at least 10 mpg I got the same truck also are you running 87 octane or 89 I feel like mine gets 2 or 3 more average mpgs on 89 I’m also planning on going to utah specifically Draper and there and back is 2418 miles

[@Scavenger1320]

10 would have been nice, but I only get that when I'm cruising a little slower on relatively flat land and no wind. I did manage a trip once from Austin to Dallas averaging 12 mpg, but I had a strong tailwind the entire way. I've always run 89 in my truck, plus that's what's recommended anyway by Ram. Hope you have a great trip to Utah, I know some people up in the Draper area. I had to cancel my Zion trip but I'll definitely get back to Utah one day. The Moab trip I did is still my favorite trip.

[@hc3550]

Don't run 87.

[@wes326]

My experience is you can expect about half your highway mpg pulling a travel trailer at about 60 mph.

[@Scavenger1320]

Never heard that but it makes sense. I think I'd be pretty close to that if I could stay at that speed.

[@kenb.9976]

It all depends on wind, terrain and speed.

[@NMAGGIES]

did you do the second video to Utah?

[@Scavenger1320]

Unfortunately no, that trip got cancelled. I did end up going up into the Black Hills of South Dakota though, amongst other RV trips. I did make a separate vid on the Equalizer hitch I use that I did during that South Dakota trip. I also did another follow-up vid to this one where I did the exact same trip to Orlando except I kept my speeds limited to 60 mph to test the difference.

[@jamesdeornellis5727]

What kind of hitch and sway bar did you use?

[@Scavenger1320]

I have the Equal-i-zer hitch

[@aldomendoza9046]

What kind or type of tires did you have on the truck

[@Scavenger1320]

The truck came with Goodyear Wrangler RSAs which were ok but wore down really fast. Then I decided to switch to Michelin Defender LTX and they feel so much better and they're not wearing nearly as fast. I only got the rears first since only 2 of my tires needed replacing. My fronts are just about ready to be replaced now so I'll have the Michelins on all 4 corners soon.

[@romanosingh5213]

How hot do your Tran fluids, oil, and coolant get?

[@Scavenger1320]

I can't recite the exact numbers off the top of my head but I know they all stay normal and nothing too far off everyday driving temps. I actually keep my center digital cluster set to display all the temps/pressures and am always keeping an eye on them and I've never seen anything abnormal except for one time where the coolant temp was staying a little higher than I'd like, around the mid to high 220s, and wasn't fluctuating down like it normally does. But that one time was my own dumb fault for not having checked my coolant levels in a looong time and not realizing it was low, so that was an easy fix.