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Major_Dad's avatar
Major_Dad
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014

What do I need to tow 5th wheel with RAM 2500 Megacab?

I am entertaining the possibility (not a probability yet) of moving to a 5th wheel with my 2010 Ram 2500 CTD Megacab. I am not sure I am ready to go without using my truck bed; I am just entertaining the possibility at this point. My payload is 2,140 (max trailer weight 12,400), so I know to keep the pin weight way below that. I am thinking about something like THIS. I know nothing about 5th wheel hitches except that with my 6'4" box I probably need a sliding hitch, though I've never seen one in action. That is the extent of my knowledge. I've been towing travel trailers for years so I am not new to towing, but am totally uninformed about where to start as far as hitches go. I have read some of the threads but they tend to get more technical than I am ready for at this point. Any suggestions for my first baby steps in this direction?
  • avvidclif1's avatar
    avvidclif1
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2014
    Major Dad wrote:
    Allworth wrote:
    A Mega-Cab that I looked at in 2010 (before I selected my long-bed Chevy) had a SHORTER than short-bed box on it. Something like 5'-8".

    That would make any fiver slightly problematic.

    Mine is definitely 6'4". I am 6', and every time I need to get something out of the bed seems to be all the way against the cab; I have to climb in and get filthy. My feet are well inside the box when this happens.


    Measure it, don't guess. My Ford has a 6.5' box and I have a slider that I never use. Mostly because of the extended pin box on the trailer and the sculpted front end. I looked at the Open Range website and all they showed had the extended pin box and sculpted front end.

    My "guess" is you would be fine. If you go without a slider get in a parking lot and just see how much you angle you can back at w/o hitting the cab. Or better yet when you pick it up (if you haven't bought a hitch) get the dealer to let you try a regular hitch in the dealers lot and if you decide you need a slider you can buy at the time. You may pay more at the dealer but you will be getting what you need and not what you think you need.

    PS. I looked at the one you are thinking about and it's sculpted to the max. I doubt you would need a slider.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2014
    That 1265 dry pin weight will be more on a loaded trailer. Payload may be a real concern
  • Major_Dad's avatar
    Major_Dad
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2014
    Allworth wrote:
    A Mega-Cab that I looked at in 2010 (before I selected my long-bed Chevy) had a SHORTER than short-bed box on it. Something like 5'-8".

    That would make any fiver slightly problematic.

    Mine is definitely 6'4". I am 6', and every time I need to get something out of the bed seems to be all the way against the cab; I have to climb in and get filthy. My feet are well inside the box when this happens.
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Apr 24, 2014
    A Mega-Cab that I looked at in 2010 (before I selected my long-bed Chevy) had a SHORTER than short-bed box on it. Something like 5'-8".

    That would make any fiver slightly problematic.
  • Major_Dad's avatar
    Major_Dad
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2014
    Me Again wrote:
    Megacabs have very limited payload. Figure 200-250 lbs for a slider hitch and you are down in the 1800-1900 range for pin weight. Take the GVWR of trailers that you are looking at and figure 20% will be pin. You will find that you are limited to smaller entry level 5th wheel trailers.

    So stay with a bumper pull!

    Chris

    The pin weight for the Open Range Light I am looking at is 1265 lbs (see link in original post). The gross weight is 9520 lbs. As far as size, we don't want a huge trailer, just something not too far north of 30'...just big enough for a couple empty nesters with a couple dogs. I have looked at Open Range products, and they don't seem entry level to me. I do not have my heart set on a 5th wheel at all, but I do like some of the features in this trailer. I really like the OR Roamer travel trailers as well. I am just examining options at this point.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Apr 24, 2014
    Megacabs have very limited payload. Figure 200-250 lbs for a slider hitch and you are down in the 1800-1900 range for pin weight. Take the GVWR of trailers that you are looking at and figure 20% will be pin. You will find that you are limited to smaller entry level 5th wheel trailers.

    So stay with a bumper pull!

    Chris

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