Forum Discussion

Nabs17's avatar
Nabs17
Explorer
Dec 02, 2016

Is This Enough Truck for 5th Wheel??

Hey guys,

Newbie here and would like any advice from all the vet's out there.

The wife and I just (impulsively) purchased a 5th wheel a week ago and to let you know how impulsive it was...I don't own a truck nor do I have place to store it yet. :)

So I'm tracking down both activities but for this question I need to know if the truck I'm considering is enough.

First, background on the 5th wheel. It's a Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8281WS. It's roughly 8600lb's empty. It has 3 water tanks which total (roughly) 2100lbs.

You can see it here on this youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP0X_tgnFmE

Now the truck. What I've been reading is I (believe) I want a diesel engine and 4x4. Now the truck I'm considering has that but (and this is where I need your input) it has:

Cylinder configuration: I-6

Torque: 660 lb.-ft. @ 1,500RPM

So I'm not sure if a 6 cylinder engine is enough to pull the 5th wheel we purchased.

So let me know what you all think or if you have any additional questions of me.

Thanks in advance for your time and input.

Namon
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    Durb wrote:
    07 was the first year they put a DPF on the Cummins and they had some issues. You might suffer poor fuel economy and some emission codes. Many 07 owners do a delete (remove the smog stuff) and the engine comes alive and fuel usage greatly improves. The 4WD models had front end problems that were the subject of a recall. Make sure the truck isn't lifted as it probably won't fit your 5er and lowering it might cost a bunch. Welcome to the forum.


    That 2017 uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) which virtually eliminated the poor fuel economy and emissions related issues. It also has a redesigned frame and front end which eliminated the issues in the recall you have referred to.

    I agree with the others to upgrade to the 3500 Ram for the extra payload. Our fiver weighs 16k lbs loaded and our truck handles it extremely well so you will be plenty pleased how the I6 Cummins handles your new trailer!
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    07 was the first year they put a DPF on the Cummins and they had some issues. You might suffer poor fuel economy and some emission codes. Many 07 owners do a delete (remove the smog stuff) and the engine comes alive and fuel usage greatly improves. The 4WD models had front end problems that were the subject of a recall. Make sure the truck isn't lifted as it probably won't fit your 5er and lowering it might cost a bunch. Welcome to the forum.
  • lc0338's avatar
    lc0338
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    If this is your first RV then you might want to consider it your starter and after you have it a couple years you might want an upgrade. Best is to get a bigger truck then needed now for future growth. I would choose a 3500 (1 ton) over a 2500 (3/4 ton) personally when pulling a 5er, but that may just be me. I actually went from a 3500 RAM to 5500 RAM when I upgraded. Trucks are a lot of money so don't get stuck with a truck that can't handle the load :)
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 02, 2016
    2017 RAM 2500 CTD and a 10K GVWR trailer........

    as the ole saying goes "Don't even know it is back there"

    :B

    Or that trailer you do NOT need a 3500
    You can get one but not needed. Course if 3500 is not much more price wise YES get a 3500
    But NOT needed for that weight of trailer or one up to 14K for a 2017 250/2500
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    No problem at all. That truck has the 68RFE so it actually has 370 HP and 800 lb-ft of torque. I would never buy a truck without 4wd, especially a diesel one. With all that weight up front they can get stuck surprisingly easily. Plus I drive offroad and in winter conditions a lot.
  • Greene728's avatar
    Greene728
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    Nabs....wow you are new! Lol

    The I-6 Diesel your referring to is a Cummins and it's an inline 6 (hence the I-6) and is a very capable Diesel engine. It will pull your new camper like it's not even there. Same engine is in the 1 ton trucks pulling upwards of 20,000 pounds. Doesn't matter if the truck your looking at is a 2500 or 3500 as either will work with the camper you bought. And you shouldn't count all 3 tanks weight as you shouldn't be towing with tanks full with the exception of the fresh water tank on occasion. Dump your grey and black tanks upon leaving the campground. If dry camping I suppose it's possible, but you would dump them asap. I don't dry camp often so maybe others will chime in there.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    Welcome to the Forum...
    Well, you sure did jump in - in a big way. Congrats on the new trailer.

    That unit has 3 slides and is right at 10K GVWR....so, my advice is to be safe. Get the same truck but make it a 3500 instead of the 2500. Safer margin on the payload to carry the pin weight of your new trailer.

    Good luck with it.
  • austingta's avatar
    austingta
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    That Cummins will tow that weight
    easily. It may only have 6 cylinders, but they're big cylinders!
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Dec 02, 2016
    That Ram truck will be easily pull that 5er. As would an equivalent GM or Ford 2500/250 diesel.

    4x4 is an option. I have 4x4 but in 9 yrs have never used 4x4 while towing the 5er.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    Welcome to the forum. :)

    I don't tow so I can't answer your question. Someone will be along with an answer.

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