Daily Towing 5000lb Enclosed Cargo Trailer?

[Jerome10]

I've towed (many many miles) w/ a ram hemi and my JT. For a 5k trailer, a fullsize truck is going to be a much better experience overall especially as a daily driver. I've towed 30' toyhaulers, 22' boats, 16' enclosed trailers, 6x14' utility trailers, and more.

Some considerations when towing (as others have already mentioned).

Payload: 5k trailer = at least 500lbs of tongue weight + you + anything you have in your truck. Should be fine, but still. Ram is going to have a similar problem depending on model so watch out for that.

Mirrors: JT does not come with towing mirrors, and it's already ~5" skinnier than a ram. For a utility/open trailer it's not an issue, but with a cargo trailer it will be a difference.

Trailer brake controller: JT does not come with an OEM brake controller. You can buy these aftermarket (loads of options) but just more $$ to consider and aesthetically less desirable.

WD bars: come in many formats. Some are a pain and can be annoying if you have to do it daily. 5k trailer on a ram likely wouldn't *need* WD bars as much as the JT would.

GCWR: Also a consideration. JT's '23 ratings are below. Towing is not going to be your problem, you'll hit your payload or GCWR before that. You should be fine w/ your application based on what you've shared but if you've loaded your jeep down w/ bumpers, lights, winches, jacks, etc...you could be in trouble. You don't want an insurance problem if it came to it.

Thanks for all the info and especially your towing experiences.

Been keeping close eye on all payloads and GCWRs. One advantage of the F150 actually. Payload is noticeably better than RAM. But you give up the RAM ride to get it.

And nearest I can tell, with a full-size and my trailer dimensions I can avoid needing towing mirrors. 6' wide trailer (8' at the fender/wheels). I believe the RAM and F150 are about 8' tip-to-tip on the standard mirrors.

Will also add that I think the towing package options available on the full-sizers are also a good selling point if towing regularly. Not just integrated trailer brake controllers, but I'm doing more research and the towing packages seem to have some real plusses. The blind-spot systems will work when towing trailers. The camera systems can assist with hooking up the trailer, it appears you can actually get a trailer camera attachment that integrates with the UConnect display on the RAM (haven't checked F150) allowing you to see 100% behind the trailer when reversing. I don't know how useful those little back-up dials are, but, regardless, they're something not available at all on midsizers. F150 gives you some upgraded cooling fans, a thicker front stabilizer bar (need to check RAM) as well.

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[Jerome10]

When using the truck for personal travel without the trailer, they can be quickly/easily retracted so he isn't driving around town with mirrors sticking out like "Dumbo's ears" everywhere he goes.

I think I saw somewhere that this is "moose mode"

 

[popsnbeer]

Thanks for all the info and especially your towing experiences.

Been keeping close eye on all payloads and GCWRs. One advantage of the F150 actually. Payload is noticeably better than RAM. But you give up the RAM ride to get it.

And nearest I can tell, with a full-size and my trailer dimensions I can avoid needing towing mirrors. 6' wide trailer (8' at the fender/wheels). I believe the RAM and F150 are about 8' tip-to-tip on the standard mirrors.

Will also add that I think the towing package options available on the full-sizers are also a good selling point if towing regularly. Not just integrated trailer brake controllers, but I'm doing more research and the towing packages seem to have some real plusses. The blind-spot systems will work when towing trailers. The camera systems can assist with hooking up the trailer, it appears you can actually get a trailer camera attachment that integrates with the UConnect display on the RAM (haven't checked F150) allowing you to see 100% behind the trailer when reversing. I don't know how useful those little back-up dials are, but, regardless, they're something not available at all on midsizers. F150 gives you some upgraded cooling fans, a thicker front stabilizer bar (need to check RAM) as well.

yep. Lots to consider. Fwiw my wife’s 2020 expedition max with max tow (3.73 gears, etc) and the trailer back up dial…that dial is more pain than it’s worth if you actually know how to back up a trailer. I did it once just so I could and never again lol!

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