towing a heavy camper

You can gross 26,000 lb, loaded right. My brother has a Dually, delivers 5ers and says they pull like a sled on a hot day.

bmet2000 wrote:
I just looked up my 2012 Ram. I have the dually and it's payload is almost 2k more than the SRW, however, it tows less than the SRW. ???

Depending on the model year, 03-12 except 11.5-12 max tow, Dodge gave the SRW and DRW with same engine/trans/gears the same GCWR. A DRW is heavier, thus a lower tow rating. Tow rating is GCWR minus base weight and 150lbs for a driver.

Go to the 13+ trucks and DRW's are rated more.

bmet2000 wrote:
I just looked up my 2012 Ram. I have the dually and it's payload is almost 2k more than the SRW, however, it tows less than the SRW. ???

DRW trucks are generally same series SRW trucks ( i.e. "3500" or "350") with added on rear wheels, fenders, and hub extenders to allow use of the deep offset wheels in all positions aren't they? So they weigh a bit more than the SRW and have larger frontal area so use more power and cooling capacity to push themselves through the air = less trailer weight capacity.

I just looked up my 2012 Ram. I have the dually and it's payload is almost 2k more than the SRW, however, it tows less than the SRW. ???

I have basically the same truck but with 3:42 gears. I have a combined weight of 28K. The truck handles the load very well. I AVERAGE hand calc 9.5 towing.

The RV you are talking would be handled easily with your truck.

lawrosa wrote:
Lets ask what you actually have? Someone mentioned a dually, but is it??? This is the most important question, as I did not read that you had a dually in your original post.

ST, SLT, Larimie, longhorn? (There are some small differences as options change max weight somewhat. no big deal..)

It dont matter you have air bags or not. It dont change anything regarding what you can tow......

Whats the actual make and model of 5th wheel, just for our reference???

Once you give us this info owe can help... Or look here and figure it out...

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2011/docs/ram/rammlup3500.pdf

And if it is a dually, and you get the gear change dont forget the biggest A55 trans cooler you can fit...

All else you should be fine except for some white knuckles and an empty wallet on fuel economy...:)....

It's in his signature... :D

rockyford708 wrote:
I have a 2011 ram 3500 4x4, 6.7 diesel at with 3:73 gears.crew cab,we want this 40 ft fifthwheel its almost 15000 lbs empty, im told by a friend my truck can not handle it. its not a ho my truck. I do have airbags on my truck.

2011 Ram trucks towing charts

4x4 diesel 3500's are pages 10 - 12.

SRW's have higher trailer weight capacity than DRW. Oh dear...

Cheese and crackers, Ben, it's not rocket surgery to get a close guesstimate of his truck's actual weight. Being a Dodge diesel crew cab 4x4 it's going to be just a hair over 8000lbs. A couple hundred pounds either way isn't going to make a whole lot of difference in the end result.

That's a lot of trailer for that truck, and will definitely be over the GCVWR, but it should easily be within axle and tire ratings.

Unless he's running a POORLY maintained truck safety won't be a concern. Even with stock brakes.

Missing is your TV's actual weight

All of the ratings are based or derived from a 'curb' TV. Unless your TV is the
stripper model, it will weigh more than the listed 'curb' and that subtracts pound
for pound from the MTWR

Thanks. I'm in Dallas working , but as soon as I get home I will start getting serious about the fifth wheel. But the wife changes mind every time I turn around. First it the front living RM few. Then its a toy hauler . We will have to live in it sometimes, with m work an some times I work in north Dakota. Burr. So I have to find one that can handle the cold n the heat. Lol thanks