Ram 2500 Diesel
I have a 2018 Ram 2500, diesel, short bed, "standard" rear end. I am considering a 42 ft 5th wheel trailer with an empty weight of 12K. Will my truck handle it on cross country trips with hills and ...
Forum Discussion
stapler101 wrote:
thanks for all the replies.
I was looking for "real world" experience. I know that the factory numbers will be overshot if I buy the camper I mentioned but is going over the numbers a reciepe for disaster? I don't want to risk life or limb and I don't want to tear something up. Do most people stay under the factory numbers?
Most RV folks stay under FAWR/GAWR unless they mod the trucks tires/wheels/rear suspension.
A few rv folks seem to use the trucks GVWR minus unladin weight to determine a payload or some like to use the trucks payload sticker numbers.
However GVWR isn't used to determine a legal load limit. GAWRs and tire load limits are.
The older 2500 Dodge/Rams with leaf spring rear suspension could be modded with 19.5" tires and wheels along with air bags or other after market suspension help to safely carry more weight. I'm sure there are aftermarket products for helping the rear coils to safely carry more weight.
A 40' trailer can weigh 15k plus lbs and is a bit much for a 2500 Ram truck and OEM rear suspension.
