Truck towing capabilities

[DonEK]

I have a 2004 Dodge RAM 2500, 4x4, truck powered by a 5.9L diesel engine. The truck weighs 7,000lb and I am told that its absolute maximum 5th wheel towing capacity is 13,000lb. We are considering the purchase of a 32' Alpenlite unit that has a base weight of 11,000 lb and a GVR of 14,600lb. I am told that my truck can handle that trailer easily and not to worry about pulling or stopping. Anyone have any thoughts about this? Thanks, DonEK

[DonEK]

I have a 2004 Dodge RAM 2500, 4x4, truck powered by a 5.9L diesel engine. The truck weighs 7,000lb and I am told that its absolute maximum 5th wheel towing capacity is 13,000lb. We are considering the purchase of a 32' Alpenlite unit that has a base weight of 11,000 lb and a GVR of 14,600lb. I am told that my truck can handle that trailer easily and not to worry about pulling or stopping. Anyone have any thoughts about this? Thanks, DonEK

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

Your maximum gross combined weight will be different depending on what axle ratio you have. They used to list that information on a sticker in the glove box.

Also, hitch weight will likely be about 20% of the weight of the 5th wheel. That, plus the weight of people, the hitch, and whatever else is in the pickup will likely put you over the pickup's weight rating, and possibly put you over the rear axle weight rating.

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure lots of people who know more than I do will chime in with more detail.

[TXiceman]

Don EK, glad you found us at IRV2.

You need to read the foot notes on the 13,00# towing capacity. It cautions you not to exceed rear axle GAWR or GVWR for the vehicle. The problem with toeing with a 3/4 ton truck is the limited GVWR as compared to a 1 ton or a 1 ton dually.

For a estimate of the real trailer pinweight once loaded, use 20% of the trailer GVWR or in this case, 2920#. For get the base weight published in the brochure.

Now get the GVWR from the trucks door jamb. GVWR - loaded truck = Max pinweight of loaded trailer.

You loaded truck needs to include full fuel, passengers, normal cargo and add 150# for the hitch.

Your truck needs to have a GVWR in excess of 9920# to be rated to pull this trailer if it included passengers and all in the weight.

Number one rule in truck and RV shopping is to never believe the RV/truck sales person. Most are not RVers and do not have a clue about towing.

Ken

[Ray,IN]

The towing capacity for your truck will be in a chart in your owners manual. Ken offered sound advice.
I used to tow a 10,000# 5er with a 1996 Dodge CTD 2500. This combination was well matched. When we bought our new 5er(see sig), with a GVW of 15,500# my beloved CTD was now overloaded. I towed this way for about 300 miles, every one of them I was tense and edgy. The truck would be pushed around by the 5er when cornering and in windy weather. I bought this current truck(see sig) and towing once again is relaxed, comfortable, and the truck feels in complete control of the 5er again. My point is, camping, RVing, or whatever one wishes to call it should be fun and relaxing while feeling safe. That's my story, FWIW.

[george henry]

Ask your truck dealer service advisor about the weight.