SonnieP wrote:
Not that it matters for a 5th wheel, but I transposed the numbers on the payload. The sticker on the door well is 1612lbs... NOT 1162.
We started out looking at travel trailers and let my friend convince me to go the fifth wheel route. If we decided to go with a TT, what should I look for to safely tow? Tongue weight and overall weight?
Regards,
Sonnie
Your 1500 Ram can tow a 5th wheel trailer but it would be a small one. Those that say a 1/2 ton truck can't/shouldn't tow a 5th wheel trailer. They are not all the same size. GVWR can go up to 8600 gvwr but more importantly RAWR up to 6000 lbs depending on truck brands/year models.
You have the truck so like all truckers you need front and rear axle weights, after loading hitch/folks/junk, to know how much capacity you have to work with which I would bet is going to be close to that 1612 lb payload numbers.
I would stay under 8000 lbs max "gross" TT weight for a more relaxing operation on long day trips. The 5.7 Hemi at 395 hp/410 torque coupled with the 3.90 rear axle ratio sure won't have any issues pulling a 8k trailer.
You mention a 5.8 etorque engine. Is that a typo ??