olivergi wrote:
Thank you all for your input. It has been very helpful. Based on your input and other research we've done we're going to stick with the Ram 2500 4x4 and go with the 5th wheel trailer. That should shorten the overall length and provide us with more stability.
If you go with a 5th wheel you're going to have to watch your pin weight. You'll also have to decide whether you're going to use your Ram 2500's payload rating or RAWR to determine your maximum pin weight.
Our TV is a '16 Ram 3500 SRW diesel. The same truck as yours with the exception of the rear suspension (7,000 lb. RAWR vs. 2500's 6,500 RAWR w/18-20" wheels). We just moved from a 12,000 lb. 33ft 5th wheel to a 9,500 lb. 36 ft. (overall length) travel trailer. Best move we ever made. Opened up the entire bed for storage. Much less hassle hitching and unhitching. The TT is also 2 ft. lower, so reduced height concerns. No stability, sag, or ride issues with the stock suspension. The only negative is a single push and pull when semi's pass too close. As for the extra length, we have zero sway or stability issues with 15% tongue weight.
YMMV.
