Forum Discussion

Explorer

Apr 18, 2014

5th Wheel interest

Hello, I could use a little advice. I've pulled travel trailers and utility trailers for some time, and now I have an interest in stepping up to a 5th wheel. So I've done some research and asking around, and I'd like to hear from a few of you. I have a Dodge 2500. It an the 07, quad cab, long bed with the cummins. Looking at the sticker on the door it says that total load should never exceed 2425 lbs. The two 5ers that I might be interested in have a hitch weight of 1800 lbs. give or take a few. So I'm thinking that with family of 5, fifth wheel hitch, camping supplies, I'm sure to easily hit my limit and then some. I'm thinking that airbags and extra springs may level a load but do not increase that limit as imposed by Dodge. If I am correct in my thinking then the trailer is too heavy. Or is it? Any additional thoughts before I trade trucks would be appreciated. Hate to get rid of a truck with only 35k on it, but I'm thinking that it may not be the truck for the job.

Thanks

14 Replies

rainwater
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
donn0128 wrote:
I assume that 1800 pounds is dry? If so don't believe it for one minute. That could blossom to close to 3000 pounds when loaded ready to go. Use 20% if the trailers gvwr to figure pin weight as a good base estimate.

Thanks. That is dry weight. Me, wife and kids, easily another 500 lbs. Hitch and hardware muse be a couple. I know how much we usually pack... just about everything. These trailers are around 11,000 so 20% is putting me at limit and that is before hops in the truck.
BB_TX
Nomad
Apr 18, 2014
If you want to keep the truck, lower your sights a little on the 5er. Check out floor plans of some of the so called "light weight" 5ers. There are some pretty long 5ers built now with weights significantly lower than standard weight 5ers.
donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2014
I assume that 1800 pounds is dry? If so don't believe it for one minute. That could blossom to close to 3000 pounds when loaded ready to go. Use 20% if the trailers gvwr to figure pin weight as a good base estimate.
dennisgt60
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
Welcome to the forum!

We ordered a new fifth wheel recently rated at 10K GVW. That's as heavy as I'm comfortable with based upon the truck in my sig.

Hope this helps.