Is this possible

For no more difference in the cost between a 2500 and a 3500 SRW, I'd opt for the 3500 SRW truck....then no worries...IF loaded to 15,000, pin weight could hit 3,000#...at 14,000, could hit 2800#...I'd rather err to the side of safety than "just enough to get by with"....

I don't see how anyone can "guess" how much someone will load to...it's amazing how much one can load their RV too and may never really notice it unless they weigh before and after, or purchase another RV and empty contents from the old one into the new one...It might surprise some....I would want a truck that WILL cover the trucks GVW and the "possible" pin weight that it could possibly end up to being, instead of just "guess-timates"..

bhannay wrote:
I am looking to purchase this truck and this 5th wheel. Is it possible to tow this 5th wheel safely with this truck?

RAM 2500
TRADESMAN
6.4-LITER V8 MID DUTY HEMI® MDS
CREW | 6'4" | AUTO | 4X2
AXLE RATIO
4.10
PAYLOAD
3,610lbs
MAX TOWING
15,950lbs


2014 Jayco Pinnacle 36KPTS Specifications
Sleeps 3
Slides 3
Length 39 ft 9 in
Ext Width 8 ft
Ext Height 13 ft 2 in
Int Height 6 ft 9 in
Interior Color Caramel
Hitch Weight 2485 lbs
Gross Weight 15950 lbs
Dry Weight 12770 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 87 gals
Grey Water Capacity 87 gals
Black Water Capacity 50 gals
Tire Size 16

First of all I consulted my Dodge specs in their Truck catalog and you have all your numbers right (one is ten lbs off) so...

I think you will be just fine. First The Gross loaded weight of your trailer will probably never be reached. I put only about 400-500 lbs of stuff in my trailer for long trips this includes dishes and everything. I weigh it all as it goes in so I am sure of the figure.

You do not need to travel with full tanks, water or propane. Keep them empty or near empty. I usually only keep one propane tank full or with any in it for the reefer while traveling.

By keeping what you put into it at a reasonable level you should have plenty of spare "headroom".

Also your truck is built with a margin, payload and towing that exceeds the stated figures. yes even the J2807.

I would take the naysayers with a grain of salt if I were you.

The best thing to do is TOW it to see.

I've never seen 3600 pound payload in a a crew cab 3/4 ton pickup. I think you're more like 3000 pounds. Even at 3600, I think you are pushing payload and rear axle.

Get the SWR 3500 gasser, or diesel dually.

I think you'll find that the tradesman has the 6000 RAWR because of the 245/75/17" tires. They only have a 3000lb rating. Move up to an SLT or higher and you'll get 6195lbs for RAWR. That's the way my 12 2500 is. Ram has changed their tow capacity site in the PDF. They no longer break down ratings buy model, just cab/bed/drive train conf.
Either way putting over 3000lbs in the bed of the Ram 2500 is asking a bunch. Even with upgraded tires. Why not just spend the extra $8-900.00 for the 3500? Costs $350-400 for bags and certainly more for upgraded tires.

I don't know of any 2500 truck that can carry 3600 lbs in the bed without exceeding RAWR. According to Ram Body builder guide the tradesman has a 6000 RAWR.

Simple math shows the truck may have a 3000 lb rear axle weight which leaves around 3000 lbs before exceeding the trucks 6000 RAWR/tire load ratings.
The 3610 lb payload is a GVWR payload so will have to be spread over the trucks front and rear axles.
If your going to use this truck for that much trailer you will need to upgrade to higher rated 18"/20" wheels and tires and some type of suspension help for the 6000 lb rear spring pack.

From what I'm seeing up here there's not much difference in price between the 2500/3500 Rams.

jrp26789 wrote:
Actually it's the first of the big three to use the SAE j2807 tow rating spec. Which is longer blah blah blah. But a specific set of guidelines to determine the tow rating. Now it may be to high for some, particularly those who expect an empty feeling when towing, but at least it's standard.

SAE J2807 has no effect on Payload or Tire ratings.
What difference does it make what Tow Rating spec is used. Anyone pulling a fiver with a SRW truck will most likely run out of truck payload capacity LONG before they reach the max tow rating regardless of the way it is calculated.
So (for fivers) it is still "blah blah blah" and is essentially a meaningless and misleading number.
Now if you are talking TTs or boat trailers, then it becomes more significant.

Look at my signature rig. Even with this light setup I am within 600# of my GVWR and that's without any firewood or other heavy items.
You eat up your weight rating much faster than you think.
Your paying a LOT of money for that truck - spend a few hundred more for a 3500 SRW (at least).

I can't ever imagine putting 3000 lbs of gear in my camper. And I have weighed everything before. Loaded for a week 1500. Family of 5. You will be close. If it was me I would tow it without a second thought. With the fiver you will not be utilizing the bed of the truck for much.

bhannay wrote:
Would anyone recommend a different truck? I was concerned because of the heavy tongue weight.

At 19.5% that is a very typical tongue weight for a fiver.
It would translate to 3100# at trailer GVWR.
Realistically you will be somewhere in between BUT stil getting real close to you limits.
A 3500 would be a better bet and give you some breathing room.