2014 Ram 2500 Tradesman 4x4 5th Wheel Towing ?

[tazmindog]

I have been searching and using calculators for hours and seem to get more confused. We are looking at the above vehicle to tow our 2006 Outback Sydney 5th wheel. Looks like the dry GVWR is 9950 with dry weight being 7820 and hitch listed as 1630 (brochure info).

Thoughts? Anyone using this vehicle to tow something similar? We RV in Florida, so pretty flat. Our other option is same year 3500, but from my research I am not finding towing capacity being much more with that one. Also a 4x4 and both have the tow package. And that leads to a question about whether a 4x4 is too high for towing a 5th wheel and, if so, how that is handled.

I have a down payment holding this 2500 and need to let dealer know ASAP. Any input is most appreciated. Thanks!

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2.

Would need a bunch more info on the truck . Gas ? Diesel ? Automatic ? Long bed ? Factory tow weight rating ?

However , I towed with a 2000, 3/4 ton Dodge 4X4, V-10 Automatic with 4:10 gearing that had a max tow rating of 14,000 lbs and towed a 10,000 GVWR fiver( 9,200 lbs loaded) for 5 years with no issues . Don't know if the newer truck would be higher.
For your 10,000lb GVWR, 5er that SHOULD be more than enough truck.
But I'd like to see the max tow weight rating, rear axle weight rating and payload numbers ,for that truck, to be absolutely sure.

[Oldelevatorman]

Wasn't impressed with any of the Dodge 3/4 ton payload numbers. I'd buy a 1-ton and then there's no worries about towing a 5th-wheel. With the Sydney at max weight you'd have a pin weight of almost 2000 lbs. so your truck would need a payload of at least 2800 lbs or you'll be going by yourself.

[Oldelevatorman]

There is no such thing as dry GVWR, that figure would be a max weight of your trailer loaded.

[tazmindog]

It is a diesel, long bed, Cummins. Axle 3:42, GVWR 10000, payload 2150, GCWR 25000 and the chart I am checking out says trailer plus equipment 16,980 (rating for 150# person).

https://www.ramtrucks.com/assets/tow...wing.Specs.pdf

Sorry about the dry GVWR - it was very late. The brochure did not state that.

Thanks again.

[rskeans]

A payload of 2150 is practically nothing. Your pin weight could exceed that number. Look at a 3500. Towing capacity should be almost identical. It is the payload that differs.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by rskeans

A payload of 2150 is practically nothing. Your pin weight could exceed that number. Look at a 3500. Towing capacity should be almost identical. It is the payload that differs.

That 2150 lb, payload number is too low , by the time you add the weight of the 5er hitch and pin weight of the trailer, you'll be over weight on the rear axle.
Don't know what changes they made to the trucks, over the years, but if memory serves that payload number is about 1,000 lbs under what my truck was. I know the diesel is a heavier engine , but I didn't think it was that much heavier., particularly compared to the V-10.

[Cumminsfan]

I tow a similar size 5th wheel with my 12 2500 ST (Tradesman) 4x4 CC LB 3.73 CTD and have zero problems. My CCC is 2176lbs. My GVWR is 9600lbs. 5th wheel loaded up is at 9000lbs. Pin weight loaded up is 1800lbs. I'm close on the trucks 9600lb GVWR and probably over by 100lbs. Big deal. I was using a B&W Patriot 5th hitch but am now using an Anderson Ultimate so I lost about 100lbs on the rear axle. I was over the GVWR by 200lbs with the Patriot so that's why I figure I'm only about 100lbs over at this point. Non issue for me.
I have zero issues with handling, power or stopping. I'm way under every other weight rating. I'm under the RAWR by 1300lbs, under the tow rating by 3400lbs and under the GCVWR by 3100lbs.
In the truck it's just my DW and I (280lbs total) plus 3- 7 gal water jugs, some fire wood, not much, a 4' ladder, a 2 gal gas can, 25' of elec cord.
JMO here and flame me if you want but I wouldn't hesitate to tow that 5er with my truck. I use my RAWR, tow rating and GCVWR to determine what I can tow. Each to his own I guess but that's the way I figure it.
I can guarantee that you won't have any issue towing that setup.

[chertz]

The 2500 will certainly be overloaded on payload. Go with the 3500

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by chertz

The 2500 will certainly be overloaded on payload. Go with the 3500

Particularly , if you even think you would, ever plan to up-grade the 5er to a larger one , get the bigger truck now.

[tazmindog]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I appreciate hearing others' stories with their own 2500.

Early this morning, I ended up calling the dealership where we purchased our RV a few years back and asked for their opinion on a towing vehicle. I was told that this truck was "more than enough" truck to handle that particular 5th wheel. My father hauls campers and had assured me the very same thing, but I am a worrier. We are also going to install the Timbren suspension helpers.

We went through with the deal today. If it doesn't work even after all assurances, we will downgrade the 5th wheel to a TT with push-outs. We are not full timers yet.

I appreciate your honest input.

[dmstepa]

Originally Posted by tazmindog

Thanks to everyone for their input. I appreciate hearing others' stories with their own 2500.

Early this morning, I ended up calling the dealership where we purchased our RV a few years back and asked for their opinion on a towing vehicle. I was told that this truck was "more than enough" truck to handle that particular 5th wheel.

Yes, the salesman is right, the truck will PULL it no problem, but as others have stated you will most likely be over on the rear GVW, which to many is a concern. I made the same mistake as you, bought a 2500 thinking it is more than enough, but for a measly $1000 more, could have had a 3500 with greater rear cargo carrying capacity.

Deal is done, so enjoy RV'ing now!

[caissiel]

been towing 14000 lb 5th wheels for 18 years with no issues with my 2 3/4 ton trucks If a deal is for a 3/4 ton go for it. 3/4 tons are lower and better suited for 5th wheels anyway, with similar equipment then the ton SRWs.

[tazmindog]

Thanks again for your valued input. You may find this interesting. I found it quite incredulous. I took the cashier's check to the dealer the other day and was told that on the way back from detailing the truck's check engine light came on. Oil was added. Not sure what all went on, but end result is it had to be towed back to dealer and they are going to pull the engine this week to see what it needs, but are thinking it likely needs a new engine. I kept my check. They will let me know if they are going to drop a new engine in it at their expense, but I don't really think this is very likely and wouldn't settle for anything less than a new engine and proof of such. In the waiting game right now and looking at other vehicles.

Unfortunately, the newer (2013) 3500 dually vehicles we have found in our price range ($35k or less) and less than 40k miles are lemon law or factory repurchased vehicles. I am beginning to think we are on an impossible quest.