Forum Discussion

rctoyguy's avatar
rctoyguy
Explorer
Mar 31, 2017

Will it handle it? Ram 2500 CTD w/ 13k pound fiver

Looking to trade my TT for a 5th wheel, but I'm afraid all the campers we're finding that we really like might be too heavy. Here are the specs:
Camper is a Montana High Country 370BR - dry weight 11,800, so guessing never over 13,000 loaded. Pin weight 2300-2600?
Truck
GVWR - 10000 (yeah, right)
Payload - 2460 (...)
GAWR front 5500
GAWR rear 6200
GCWR 25000
Max trailer weight 17290

OF COURSE the salesman says no problem - he says he tows a 14,000 lb fiver all over the place with his Ram 2500, but my brother pulls a 9500 pound (dry) fiver with basically the same truck and he says even though he's never had an issue, he wouldn't want much more than that.

I don't want to be on an edge at all - I really want a comfortable pull. Guessing I need to dial about 2k out of the trailer weight?
Tow Vehicles
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    Mar 31, 2017
    Ford and GM 2500HD series are identical to the 3500 SRW series other than the overload spring on the rear of the 3500. I would add air bags to your 2500 and feel confident pulling a 14000 lb fiver.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 31, 2017
    As Forest Gump says, stupid is as stupid does. Honestly, that fiver could easily top out at far closer to 14K. Meaning a real life pin weight over 3000 pounds is a real possability. Did the same thing your asking about. My fiver scales at 13,500 pretty religiously. Pin weight is close to 3500 pounds. Started with a 2500 and hated every second pulling it. Got a dually and never looked back.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 31, 2017
    Your 2013 2500 has basically the same 'ratings' as my 2007 3500 SRW

    YES it can handle that 13K 5th wheel.

    YES it will be loaded but within Axle Ratings, Rear Tire Load Ratings, GCVWR and may be right at or slightly over on trucks GVWR

    I tow 14K 5vr (13,873# scaled)........3000# pin wet/just on upper overloads
    Never a 'white knuckle ride'
    Never a 'OMG' moment----except that time semi truck pulled right into lane and had to slam on brakes.....but truck/trailer tracked straight line
    Never a 'Dang sure which I had a Dually' moment

    Point is.....
    Weight wise truck will be at ratings but will handle it.

    Will squat a little bit due to lack of upper overloads so air bag or Timbrens to level up
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2017
    Weigh the trucks rear axle. Subtract that weight form the RAWR. Thats what you have for pin weight. As far as towing 13,000+, that shouldn't be a problem. I tow 9000 lbs with my 12 2500 CTD and I have plenty of truck. Not sure why your brother thinks he's maxed out at 9500lbs.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Mar 31, 2017
    You will be exceeding your ratings. It will come down to which ratings you decide to adhere to vs. which ones you choose to ignore
  • trailerbikecamp's avatar
    trailerbikecamp
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2017
    Just for reference I am doing something similar. I currently have a Ram 2500 that tows a Carriage 30ft fiver. The fifth wheel has a dry weight of close to 11,400lbs and tops out just over 14,000 loaded. I don't have the exact numbers, but have never had an issue.

    My truck is a little older, it is an '03 Cummins with the 5.9 not the 6.7. I also live in Newfoundland, so I have numerous hills when I tow. I have so far, only found one hill to really slow me down, on the west coast of the island. I don't have any mountains like Colorado has but haven't had an issue in about five years of towing.
  • tinner12002's avatar
    tinner12002
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2017
    The dry shipping weight plus carrying capacity are over 15K on that model according to Keystone. You would be surprised at how fast personal contents add to the weight of your RV. Pin weight you listed is what Keystone calls for but not sure if that's a fully loaded pin or a dry shipping weight pin.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Mar 31, 2017
    goducks10 wrote:
    Diesel or gas?


    CTD in the title.

    OP, that 11,800 dry will weigh every bit of 13,500lbs loaded for a trip! its a large fifth wheel with a lot of storage. 25% of that will be 3300lbs. I don't own a fifth wheel and my only knowledge is what I read on here. however if I were going to tow that heavy a 5`er I would do a lot of research. usually the only difference between a 2500 and 3500 are the springs, aibags would help with that. you can take it from there!

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