Thinking About This 5th Wheel

We towed quite a bit over with our 2001.5 RAM 2500 for a lot of years, however in those years the camper option provided the 1-T suspension. No bandaids were required.

In 2014 RAM decide to separate the 2500's from the 3500's with rear coils and a option for rear air that is not the same as the as the 3500 rear air option. All this for ride quality. Chushy ride and load carrying capability are at opposite ends.

For a truck in warranty, and warranty is very important on these new trucks(all brands) airbags or other suspension bandaids are a griant red flag in RAM's face.

Chris

mtofell1 wrote:
Hasn't it been well established that the only difference between a 2500 and 3500 is the rear suspension? In the case of the Ram in question the coils are a limiting factor but with a set of airbags isn't the truck the exact same machine as a 3500? Same brakes, frame, engine, gears, etc, etc.

As an aside, that looks like a quality 5th wheel. I'm running a 36' Keystone Hideout with a dry weight of 9040#. Almost laughable.... I'm wondering what they left out of mine :) Being a working guy with small kids I really only get out a couple dozen nights a year at best so the cheap build is okay for the most part. I look forward to getting into a quality unit someday when I have more time to travel.

Coils vs leafs and RAWR. Yes that's the only difference between the two. Unless you wish to ignore the payload numbers. As I stated before, it's up to the individual as to whether or not your ok with ignoring that. Some will agree and others will disagree. I can tell you this. If I had a 2015 model year truck, I'd look at a smaller RV to fit my rig, or if the DW was insistent on the rig stated, I'd do what was necessary to make it work before taking a large hit on trading up.

mtofell1 wrote:
Hasn't it been well established that the only difference between a 2500 and 3500 is the rear suspension? In the case of the Ram in question the coils are a limiting factor but with a set of airbags isn't the truck the exact same machine as a 3500? Same brakes, frame, engine, gears, etc, etc.

As an aside, that looks like a quality 5th wheel. I'm running a 36' Keystone Hideout with a dry weight of 9040#. Almost laughable.... I'm wondering what they left out of mine :) Being a working guy with small kids I really only get out a couple dozen nights a year at best so the cheap build is okay for the most part. I look forward to getting into a quality unit someday when I have more time to travel.

Lets not get carried away here and throw commons sense into a discussion. It's much better to go extreme and tell the OP he needs a DRW or even MDT for that 5th wheel. :B

Hasn't it been well established that the only difference between a 2500 and 3500 is the rear suspension? In the case of the Ram in question the coils are a limiting factor but with a set of airbags isn't the truck the exact same machine as a 3500? Same brakes, frame, engine, gears, etc, etc.

As an aside, that looks like a quality 5th wheel. I'm running a 36' Keystone Hideout with a dry weight of 9040#. Almost laughable.... I'm wondering what they left out of mine :) Being a working guy with small kids I really only get out a couple dozen nights a year at best so the cheap build is okay for the most part. I look forward to getting into a quality unit someday when I have more time to travel.

By the number's your going to be well over your payload ratings once the truck and camper are loaded and ready to go. I'm not one to say it can't be done, because the truck can probably pull it yes. But, it's definitely in one ton territory for sure.
But, there's some on here who will come along soon most likely and tell you that you can just add some mods to the truck such as air bags, timbrens, whatever, and make your truck a one ton anyway. I believe in selecting the right tool for the job myself, and matching it up to a rig that falls within the specs. And unfortunately this just doesn't do that. Yes, adding some mods may help the truck not squat so much and carry the weight of the rig your considering. But they do not negate the number's set forth by the manufacturer. Again, I'm not saying it can't be done this way. It's simply up to you and you alone whether or not your comfortable taking the chance.
Grand Design however is a great choice in my book and is definitely on our short list when we hopefully upgrade in a year or two.
Good luck with your decision!

Craig, thats a dry hitch weight, and will be closer to 3k with the 5er loaded. Grand Design is a good choice, but I think being maxed out on weight would not be comfortable, or safe towing.

You are out of the box with 200 pounds more of pin weight and have 500 pounds less rear axle capacity, and I am watching my weights. My trailer does have 1k more GVWR.

Cat Scale will be your friend. RAM has separated the 2500 from the 3500 with a completely different rear suspension.

FWIW my 3500 SRW weights 8750 ready to tow with two sets of golf clubs in V-Box, Honda eu1000i, 6 gals of diesel and tools in the front box. Hitch is B&W RVK3270 on a Demco picture frame(270 lbs). Chris

Even with the 2015 model. I don't think that is enough truck. You are going to run out of payload before you run out of pull.

Look at the payload on the door post and you will fined you have too much trailer for that truck.