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Old 04-13-2016, 09:02 PM   #1
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2306 mini-lite

We are considering the 2306 with murphy bed option to tow with our 2012 ram 1500 reg cab 4.7 engine. My concern the ram has a low payload capacity of 1,230 low for a midsize truck. Using a equalizer WDH would it distribute enough weight to the trailer axles. The 2306 loaded I am guessing the hitch weight could be over 800 lbs. My wife and I together our weight is about 320 lbs. Then there is the weight of the WDH and I have added step bars to the truck. Does someone know if our truck would be OK for towing the 2306. Thank you
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Old 04-13-2016, 09:14 PM   #2
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I pulled the 2306 with a trailblazer for about 2 years no problem.. It was a 4.2 v6. Was not the quickest but it worked. I would not do it now with what I now know. But it did the job!

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Old 04-13-2016, 09:41 PM   #3
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So you must have the short bed with the rambox?
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Old 04-14-2016, 04:03 AM   #4
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Yes I have the short bed with the rambox with 120" wheel base.
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Old 04-14-2016, 04:10 AM   #5
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I would think you'd be ok.
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Old 04-14-2016, 06:11 AM   #6
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I have a 3.6L V6 2016 Chevy Colorado and pulls it just fine. The problem with the 2306 is the aerodynamics; just take it easy.
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Old 04-14-2016, 03:28 PM   #7
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I spoke with the equalizer company and did further research and it would not be recommended to tow the mini-lite 2306 because I would most likely exceed our ram 1500 payload capacity.
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Old 04-14-2016, 03:43 PM   #8
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I can't believe that truck would not safely tow that trailer.
I have almost the identical setup, accept my RAM is a SLT 2-door 2wd w/8' bed.
Towing a ML23FB, pretty much the same weight as the trailer you are looking at.
The 4.7 is not the strongest of motors but in the tow/haul mode I still have plenty of power available.
The Micro Lite series trailers were designed to be towed by mid size SUV's.
I even have a double wall utility cap on my truck that probably brings my 1700lb payload capacity down to what your truck is rated at.


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Old 04-14-2016, 04:13 PM   #9
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Pull the owners manual and see what is the Tongue and Towing weights. You are not going to carry that TT on the bed.

The TT is 3,600 ish dry and about 510 ish tongue weight. The WD hitch only gives a % of that tongue weight.

My car can tow that trailer and is rated to 4620 Lbs, tongue of 460 Lbs. With the distrubution hitch is no a problem. My truck is V6 with 7000 lbs towing.

If cargo weight might be an issue, consider placing the cargo in the trailer, tow vehicle empty.

Like I said. Get the Owners Manual out :-)
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Old 04-14-2016, 04:15 PM   #10
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guessing 800lb hitch weight

#RB201617330 - 2016 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2306 for sale in Bridgeview IL - House of Camping

this shows a hitch weight of 320lbs and gross of 4930.
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Old 04-14-2016, 04:20 PM   #11
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I think the weights are wrong. I got mine from Forrest River website.

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Old 04-14-2016, 05:20 PM   #12
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If the 2306 has the murphy bed the tongue weight is higher and that is the dry weight. If you add the battery 60 lbs of propane plus the weight of my wife and myself total about 320 lbs. and WDH weight. Then there is our tonnneau fibermax cover and step bars and anything we place in the truck all totaled up is at or above the payload capacity. Then if we add our cargo to the trailer it will make the hitch weight heavier and we will definitely be over. By what I was explained from the manufactures of the equalizer hitch the WDH is for safe proper handling and should not be considered in reducing your payload capacity. And by my research on the internet that information is what I found to be true. The 2012 Ram was designed for a comfortable ride and not heavy payloads. It has the power to tow 7,700 lbs. but if you need to consider payload our loaded trailer hitch weight needs to be safely I would say not over 600 lbs. You can go over but the engineers who designed the truck would tell you you it's not recommended.
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Old 04-14-2016, 09:01 PM   #13
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WDH does not eliminate the weight, helps to distribute the weight
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Old 04-15-2016, 01:00 PM   #14
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The 2306 shows a UVW of 3890lb's, it has a CCC (cargo carrying capacity) of 1426lb's.
So even if you maxed out the weight the 2306 can hold you have a combined weight of 5316lb's
Your truck has a max tow capacity of 7700lb's, you are no where near it.
That truck will tow that trailer safely all day long.
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Old 04-16-2016, 12:47 PM   #15
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It's not the towing capacity it's the payload capacity I am at near or above its limit. Payload capacity 1,231 Lbs. including weight of occupants. Dry hitch weight of the 2306 is 515 lbs.
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Old 04-20-2016, 11:04 AM   #16
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I do not know the exact math but the WDH helps to take the tongue weight and distribute evenly so the full tongue weight does not rest on the rear bumper. Granted, is not a magical device. What people need to understand is that Pounds (Lbs) is not a measurement of weight, is force. Kilograms is a meaurement of mass. The WDH distribute the force between the TV and the TT. The full force is not 100% applied on the TV, part of that force in lame terms, is pushed back to the travel trailer. Some like... tongue weight 500 lbs, with WDH, 300 Lbs (150 lbs per axle) on TV and 200 lbs on TT. Again, not sure of the whole math calculation but I can say for sure, the entire tongue force is not applied to the TV.
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Old 04-27-2016, 11:35 AM   #17
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We just picked up a 2017, 2306 (without murphy bed) and went camping this past weekend. Anyway, we towed it with a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder which has a maximum towing capacity of 6000 lbs. and max tongue weight of 600 lbs.

We used a EAZ-Lift WD hitch and Sway bar and I also installed air bags in the Pathfinder because it has a really soft rear suspension. Anyway, it towed fantastic...I can't image a 1/2 ton truck not being able to tow this camper.

I had planned to tow it with my FJ Cruiser, but it has a max tongue weight of 500lbs and the factory spec for the camper is 516 lbs...quite a bit more than other campers in this size class. My RV tech guy thought with the WD hitch, the FJ would handle it fine...haven't tried it yet, though...
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Old 04-27-2016, 12:20 PM   #18
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Here is an awesome explanation and is on this forum...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...rks-21385.html

And here...

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/14265335.cfm

The OP explains it with math, enjoy the reading.
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Old 04-27-2016, 01:11 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower View Post
I spoke with the equalizer company and did further research and it would not be recommended to tow the mini-lite 2306 because I would most likely exceed our ram 1500 payload capacity.
Do what feels right, but the tongue weight is going to be in the upper 400 - lower 500 lbs range depending on your config and how you load. Nowhere near 800#.
I would think you might get close to payload if you are really packing a ton of stuff in your bed, but otherwise if it's just you and your wife, some bicycles, miscellaneous stuff, it seems like you should be fine
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Old 04-27-2016, 01:19 PM   #20
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I say... why stressing the TV with carring weight when you can take that weight and tow it on the TT.
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