Tow Vehicle for 14,300 lbs GVWR toy hauler fifth wheel

My budget limit for my tow vehicle is $23K. That puts me in the Dodge Ram 5.9L 2003-2007. I was only considering the 6.7L 2008-2010 because of the diesel exhaust brake. But those trucks are around $30K, which really exceeds my budget. But if an exhaust brake is a "must have" then I'll have to figure out how to afford it.

So here's what I've found for max trailer weights for the Dodge Ram 3500 QC 4WD LB ST DRW:

2004 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,450 lbs
2004 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,450 lbs

2005 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,500 lbs
2005 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,500 lbs

2006 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,500 lbs
2006 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,500 lbs

2007 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,500 lbs
2007 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,500 lbs

2008 6.7L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,450 lbs
2008 6.7L 4.10 axle ratio = 16,450 lbs

Dry weight of the trailer is 10,700 lbs. GVWR of the trailer is 14,200 lbs.

Here's the math I figure:

13,500 lbs max trailer weight of tow vehicle with 3.73
-10,700 lbs trailer dry weight
-600 lbs water and propane
-400 lbs motorcycle
-----
= 1,800 lbs cargo

I don't think I'll have even 1,000 lbs of cargo. It's just for me, my dog and cat. I think that if the Exhaust Brake is not a "must have", then I'd rather save $$$ and buy a 2004-2007 5.9L and maybe not be concerned so much if it's a 3.73 axle ratio.

If it were me and I was going to be pulling that weight and living full time, I would pick up a lightly used 2008+, 6.7, drw Ram. Having owned a 2006 5.9 that was a great truck, the 6 speed transmission and exhaust brake that come with the newer trucks are great. The 2007.5-2012 6.7 is a fine engine, but it doesn't have DEF which can create emissions related issues if the truck isn't worked. At 14k lbs you're going to be working the engine so I wouldn't be too concerned. If your budget will allow, take a look at the 2013 Rams, they have the newer ace technology and achieve better fuel mileage because of that.

I'll try to help some. You are looking at 2003 to 2010 models. For the record, there has been a lot of improvement in tow vehicles from these models to the 2017s.

1) A new 3500 SRW could probably handle the 14K toy hauler fine. The older the vehicle the less likely the SRW will be to handle it safely. The payload and tow specs have all improved markedly since 2003. In the age range you specify, I would stay with the DRW, unless you know you can stay within specs on one of the newer ones.

2) I would not be as concerned about this. You say you will move very week or so. If you move 100 miles or so weekly then it's no big issue. If you are moving 20K a year or more then get the axle ratio rated to handle the job well. If you plan on towing in mountains a lot, get the properly rated axle ratio. Almost all towing not in mountains it's less of a big issue. Can't help much more than that since I don't know your detail plans.

3) Where do I start. For the record I had a 2008 Ram with 6.7 and a 2015 Ram with 6.7 CTD. The exhaust brake is really nice towing in the mountains of Colorado. The 2015 had as much towing power with 3.42 rear end as the 2008 with 3.73. Power really increased between these years. The 2008 to 2010 years are before Cummins started using the DEF. The engines are prone to more emission issues than the new generation with DEF. The 2003 thru early 2007 5.9 models are prior to emission controls. That's a good thing. The bad things are that they are older and have less power. I suggest you research the changes in the Cummins from 2003 thru now so you can make an informed decision on this. Lots of pros and cons that you should consider.

Hope this helps some. Good luck.

Our fifth wheel's GVWR is 13,990 and our pin weight hovers around 3,000 - 3,100 lbs. We moved up to a DRW to avoid being at, or just above, the rear axle weight rating on the truck. It's nice not to have to worry about what we put in the basement or front closet.

Our 2012 F350 6.7 doesn't have a true exhaust brake, but with the truck in tow/haul mode, the diesel does a good job of controlling downhill speeds. I rarely have to touch the brakes - and that only when the grade is above 6%.

Our current truck has a 3.73 limited-slip rear end. The previous truck was geared taller. With diesels, both were/are great tow vehicles.

Rob