Info on Tow Vehicle

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by jmcarter

Only reservation I have about 1/2 ton trucks is their payload ratings, more so than tow ratings since the motors, frame and transmission are plenty stout if you don't need to spin up major grades at 70 MPH. By the time you add hitch weight and topper so you can cram in spares and tools you can pretty easily exceed the payload ratings (as shown on driver door jam). Some manufacturers also ship with tires that may cut you close on sidewall load ratings. You can get by with a 1/2 ton if you select your options carefully, get a good weight distribution hitch (determining optimum axle(s) weight at your nearest CAT scale yields dividends in driveabiltiy ). Make sure you have a good brake controller and insure you have good trailer brakes (some severe braking tests followed by checking brake temps recommended). An aluminum trailer (i.e. ATC) pays dividends as well.

Great points Jim.
one of the first things I did to my Ram 1500 was to switch to "E" rated tires, quite costly due to the 20" factory alloy wheels, tire selection was slim when compared to 17" and 18" wheels. The truck had the towing package which included a great brake controller, class IV hitch and all the necessary hook-up plugs.