QuestionI have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Conversion Van with a V6 3.9L magnum engine (sounds like I know what I'm talking about doesn't it? Well, I don't!)
I have been told I can tow 4100 pounds.
So here's where the confusion comes in. 4100 lbs of what? GVWR, UVW, GCVW.......sigh, all I want is a camper I can take the kids camping in.
I found a 1998 19' Hi-Lo Towlite camper (telescoping camper, kinda like a Trailmanor without draining your bank account). The GVWR on the camper is 3700Lbs. My dad insists this is too much for my van because it is too close to the max tow weight.
But everything I've read says the GVWR is for THAT vehicle (meaning the camper) how much IT can hold and includes passengers) Obviously, no passengers can be in the camper while it's being towed #1 it's not safe and #2 it's collapsed when you're towing it.
How do I know if I can pull this camper or not? Where can I find the last word of yes or no?
What a nightmare this has turned into :o(
AnswerWell trailer towing issues are not my area of expertise.
But I do see references to towing capacity of about 3500 to 5000 pounds...
Now my "PERSONAL THOUGHTS" are that the 1/2 ton van might be just a bit to light to do that job... I would hate to say it could be done and something to happen and cause an accident... But the numbers do say it can be done. That is what the engineers at Chrysler designed the unit to do..
And yes it is confusing with all the numbers and terms.
The trailer weight is also usually figured with out the assorted gear, food, water and gas to use it. That does add up also..
But again as I said, this is not my area of expertise...
If there is a Camping World in the area they have some great books and references for determining what the vehicle can do....
