Can a Ram 1500 pull a 32 foot camper?
Yes, in many cases a Ram 1500 can tow a 32-foot camper, but it depends on the truck’s configuration and the trailer’s actual weight. Some 32-foot trailers are well within the Ram 1500’s towing range; others may push or exceed what a light-duty pickup should safely handle. Always verify the exact specs for your truck and the trailer you’re considering.
Understanding the Ram 1500’s towing capability
To understand whether a Ram 1500 can handle a 32-foot camper, it helps to know how towing capacity is determined. The truck’s maximum tow rating varies with engine choice, axle ratio, cab/bed configuration, four-wheel drive, and whether you have the available Tow package. Here are the general ranges you’ll encounter across common Ram 1500 configurations.
- Top-end configurations (e.g., 5.7L Hemi with eTorque and a strong rear axle, often with 4x4) can approach roughly 12,750 pounds of towing capacity.
- Mid-range setups with the Hemi or EcoDiesel options typically fall in the 9,000–12,000 pound band, depending on options and drivetrain.
- Base or less robust configurations (such as lighter axle ratios or less aggressive gearing) can tow around 7,000–9,500 pounds.
These figures illustrate that a Ram 1500 can handle many 32-foot campers, but the exact ability depends on your specific truck build and the trailer’s weight. Always match the trailer’s weight to the exact tow rating of your truck and consider payload, hitch weight, and tongue load in your assessment.
Weight dynamics of a typical 32-foot camper
32-foot travel trailers cover a wide weight range based on brand, layout, and features. Here are typical weight characteristics you’ll encounter when shopping for such a trailer:
- GVWR (maximum rated trailer weight) commonly falls between about 8,000 and 12,000 pounds, with many models in the 9,000–11,000-pound range.
- Dry weight (unloaded) often sits around 6,500–9,000 pounds, with fluids, cargo, and options pushing it higher.
- Tongue weight typically runs around 700–1,300 pounds, representing roughly 9–15% of GVWR.
Concluding note: Because trailer weight includes tongue weight and GVWR, and because the Ram 1500’s payload and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) come into play, you must ensure the truck’s capacities align with the trailer’s specifications plus your cargo and passengers.
How to verify if your Ram 1500 can tow a 32-foot camper
Before diving into the verification steps, keep in mind that numbers vary by model year and equipment. Use these steps as a practical checklist to confirm tow readiness.
- Check the trailer’s GVWR and tongue weight (TW) as listed by the manufacturer.
- Check the Ram 1500’s GCWR and payload capacity for your exact configuration (these appear on the window sticker and the manufacturer’s specs).
- Calculate the combined weight: trailer GVWR + vehicle payload (including occupants and cargo) must be under GCWR.
- Ensure the tongue weight plus your cargo stays within the truck’s payload capacity; consider a weight-distributing hitch if TW is high.
- Ensure trailer brakes and a compatible brake controller are installed and functional for safe stopping power.
Concluding paragraph: If the trailer’s GVWR is within the Ram 1500’s tow rating and the tongue weight and payload are within limits, towing a 32-foot camper is feasible with the right configuration and equipment. If not, you’ll want a heavier-duty pickup or a lighter trailer.
Practical considerations for towing safely and efficiently
Beyond raw numbers, practical factors influence towing comfort, stability, and safety. A 32-foot camper adds significant length, width, and wind area, which affects handling, braking, and fuel economy. Plan for proper equipment and drive-time realities.
Tips to consider include using a weight-distributing hitch, ensuring proper mirrors and braking systems, performing a weight check with a portable scale or at a service station, and keeping a safe following distance in varying terrain and weather conditions.
Summary
In short, a Ram 1500 can tow many 32-foot campers, but the fit depends on the exact truck configuration and the trailer’s weight. Check the GVWR and TW of the trailer, compare them to the Ram 1500’s GCWR and payload for your build, and use proper towing equipment. For peace of mind, consult Ram’s current specifications for your truck and consider a test tow or professional guidance before embarking on a long trip with a 32-foot trailer.
How big of a camper can a 1500 pull?
The 2025 Ram 1500 towing capacity can be as high as 11,550 pounds,1 which is typically enough to accommodate an SUV towed on either a dolly or an average flatbed trailer. The 3.0-liter Hurricane engine lets the 2025 Ram 1500 tow up to 9,920 pounds,1 which is often sufficient for a crossover SUV on a trailer.
What size camper can a 5.7 Hemi pull?
5.7L HEMI® V8: Maximum towing capacity - 9,310-10,760 lbs. Can haul a medium size 20 to 26 foot trailer.
Can a Ram 1500 tow a 32 foot trailer?
Here's a quick selection of Ram 1500 towing possibilities: 32-foot camper: Average weight of 8,000 pounds. 30-foot sailboat on a boat trailer: Average weight of 11,000 pounds. Loaded 12-foot utility trailer: Average weight of 6,500 pounds.
How much does a 32 foot camper weight?
A 32-foot camper typically weighs between 7,200 and 10,960 pounds, depending on whether it's a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. A 32-foot travel trailer often weighs in the 7,200 to 8,500 pound range, while a similarly sized fifth wheel can be closer to the higher end of this spectrum. This weight is the dry or unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), so the total loaded weight will be higher once supplies, water, and propane are added.
You can watch this video to learn how to determine the weight of your camper when it is fully loaded: 59sThe Savvy CampersYouTube · Feb 26, 2019
Weight by type
- Travel Trailer: A 32-foot travel trailer generally weighs between 7,200 and 8,500 pounds.
- For example, a 2025 Jay Feather 32RL has a dry weight of 7,580 lbs and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,000 lbs.
- A 32-foot Vibe by Forest River has a dry weight of 6,353 lbs.
- Fifth Wheel: A 32-foot fifth wheel is a larger and heavier type of camper, often starting around 10,000 pounds.
- The 2025 Avenue 32RLS is a fifth wheel with a dry weight of 10,960 lbs and a hitch weight of 2,000 lbs.
Important weight considerations
- Dry weight (UVW): This is the weight of the camper as it comes from the factory, with no cargo, fluids, or propane.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum operating weight of the camper, including its dry weight, cargo, and fluids.
- Hitch weight: The portion of the total weight that presses down on the trailer hitch. You must factor this into your tow vehicle's payload capacity.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): The maximum amount of weight you can add to the camper, which includes personal items, water, and propane.
