Community Forums

Vetl82 · 06-23-2013, 07:19 PM

We have bought a 2012 Ram 4x4 Diesel , I will be retiring soon and we have our home for sale, when home sells we intend to go full timing in a 5th wheel , I need to know what weight our truck can handle and since we are living in it full time what 5th wheel camper is the best and what length do you recommend ?

**NLOVNIT** · 06-23-2013, 07:47 PM

I'm moving your post to the Tow Vehicles Forum for assistance & will re-title it from your user name to Ram 4x4 Diesel Towing Capabilities? so our members will know you're needing assistance.

Lori-

450Donn · 06-23-2013, 08:02 PM

What Ram? 2500 or 3500? SRW or dually???
It makes a big difference.
With a 2500 I never advise towing fifth wheel above 10,000 GVWR
for a 3500 SRW keep your fivers GVWR under 13,000
And for a dually, well, keep it under 16000 GVWR
Most of the reasons for that is pin weight. A 2500 series truck from anybody simply does not have enough real world capacity to handle pin weights of large heavy fivers.
I guess you need to figure out what fiver you want and then try and match the truck to pull that fiver easily. As a full timer you will towing a fiver right up against it's GVWR. IF your going to stick with a 2500 series truck you will greatly disappointed if you go over around 32-33 feet in length for full timing.

jesilvas · 06-23-2013, 08:03 PM

Also need to know if this is a 2500/3500/4500/5500/etc, DRW or SRW, long or short bed, auto and manual trans. All that matters.

chief02 · 06-23-2013, 08:15 PM

I have a dodge cummins TD 3500 my owners manual has all the information about towing capacities. Also there is a Dodge on line towing guide you can google.

Vetl82 · 06-23-2013, 08:28 PM

The Ram is a 2500, automatic, thanks for all the information, some of the rv sales guys will tell u anything to sell the rig.

Vetl82 · 06-23-2013, 08:30 PM

the ram is a short bed , what brand would you recommend that would be a well built 5th wheel camper to purchase and what to look for in these 5th wheels?

chief02 · 06-23-2013, 08:33 PM

Also beware, a Four Season 5er IS NOT the same as a Full Time 5er. Ask before you buy if the warrenty coveres "full timing" and even then verify. Good Luck

jesilvas · 06-23-2013, 08:33 PM

Excel, New Horizon, Redwood, and DRV all are perfect full time units, but as stated, you're gonna be in a decently cramped trailer for full time living with only a little 2500 short bed.

450Donn · 06-23-2013, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vetl82

the ram is a short bed , what brand would you recommend that would be a well built 5th wheel camper to purchase and what to look for in these 5th wheels?

Like I said earlier, under 10,000 GVWR and under 30 feet is going to be very limiting for full timing.
Pick a fiver you love and them go shopping for a truck fully capable of handling the trailers GVWW. Otherwise you will hate yourself and your companion in a very short time.

Vetl82 · 06-23-2013, 08:55 PM

well my neighbor dad and mother has been visiting and he's been full timer for 25 years and he's pulling a Sandpiper that's 34 ft and he has a 2500 ram 2 wheel drive diesel, auto, short bed and he told me he hasn't had any problem with pulling his rig. He has recommend full timing as great way to live and see some of the USA , and that's what the wife and I want to do, I guess I should have bought a Peterbilt .

wingnut60 · 06-23-2013, 09:49 PM

Perhaps you should find another 34' Sandpiper and go for it.

What can be towed and what should be towed can be a world of difference.

Joe

jesilvas · 06-23-2013, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vetl82

well my neighbor dad and mother has been visiting and he's been full timer for 25 years and he's pulling a Sandpiper that's 34 ft and he has a 2500 ram 2 wheel drive diesel, auto, short bed and he told me he hasn't had any problem with pulling his rig. He has recommend full timing as great way to live and see some of the USA , and that's what the wife and I want to do, I guess I should have bought a Peterbilt .

Just cause he hasn't had any problems and because "everyone else does it" doesn't mean a thing.
A Peterbilt is unnecessary, but would be nice

Minimum 3500 dually long bed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Perhaps you should find another 34' Sandpiper and go for it.

What can be towed and what should be towed can be a world of difference.

Joe

Beautiful words.

Vetl82 · 06-24-2013, 06:55 AM

Since we bought this 2500 Ram and can't afford to get a ram 3500 , would it be better if we purchase a bumper pull? Thanks to everyone for your suggestions , God Bless.