2015 Ram 2500 or 3500 6,7L, SB, GAWR question

[jsrore]

Hi All,

i realize this question has been asked MANY times, but i still need to ask as there is ALOT of good information that comes from everyone on this site.
will going from a class A MH to a 5 this year
we have narrowed down our choice of the 5 to about 4 rigs all similar length and GVWR 13000 to 14500
if i understand correctly my pin weight on the above weight would be from 2600 to 2900..13000 x .20 = 2600 i understand that is DRY weight.. maybe add another 1K for loaded so anywhere from 3600 to 3900 for pin weight
in the next week i will be buying a 2015 ram 2500 or 3500
looking at the Ram spec sheet for the 2500 the GAWR for the rear axle is 6200
if i understand all of this correctly i would still be fine with a 2500???
Dodge is having some really good rebates this month so buying now for me is a good idea....if i could find a 3500 how i want it i would buy there are many 2500 that i like
i have read hours and hours of post about LB vs SB, dually vs single ETC.
dually at this time is not for me.
so i guess bottom line will a 2500 Cummings SLT automatic work for me.

appreciate all the great info i read on this site it has been very helpful

Jeff

[NC_Hauler]

jsrore wrote:
NC Hauler

you are correct that is what i was thinking...

thanks for explaining GVW/GVRW

No problem, so you'll have a 5er that will have a GVW of 13,000# to 14,500#, and we've "ball parked " a pin weight of 2600# to 2900#, (possibly higher, but again that's with unit fully loaded to it's GVW)....I'd still recommend, as others did, that you go with a 3500 SRW, though, I believe a 2500 could handle the weights you're looking at. The 3500 will have a higher RAWR of 7500# if not mistaken as well as a higher GVWR...For no more that the 3500 SRW cost over the 2500, I'd look and see what you could get one for...

[jsrore]

NC Hauler

you are correct that is what i was thinking...

thanks for explaining GVW/GVRW

[NC_Hauler]

JIMNLIN wrote:

jsrore wrote:
wanted to thank everyone for there opinions and GREAT info.

Being new to the 5th wheel area just want to make sure i TRULY understand pin weights, GAWR, GVW, etc, etc, etc

look forward to trading in the MH later this year and getting a new 5th wheel.



Thanks

Jeff

Good luck on your search.
In your OP you say your pin weight may be in the 3600-3900 lb range.
Doing some math shows the 2500 Ram has a 6200 RAWR. These trucks rear axles can be around a 3000 lb which leaves the 2500 truck with a 3200 lb payload.
The 3500 SRW would be a better choice for a 3600-3900 lb pin weight if the right package is chosen.
Look through the Rams Body Builders Guide spec sheets for the SRW ram that can handle that much load.

I addressed this earlier and was confused with numbers he gave....Couldn't figure out where he came up with 3600-3900 pin weight....here's part of his statement.

"we have narrowed down our choice of the 5 to about 4 rigs all similar length and GVWR 13000 to 14500".

..So I can't quite figure out where he came up with 3600 to 3900# pin weight. IF GVW of the 5er's are actually as he stated above, pin weight calculates more like 2600 to 2900# or a little more...believe he was thinking if it came to him at 13,000 to 14,500#, he'd add approx. 1,000# of "load", thus the way he came up with his number. I ask about it and was explaining "IF" the 5er's have a GVW of 13,000 to 14,500#...that is ALL they should weigh, fully loaded.....(ie, "dry weight would be less than GVW).

IF he's correct about the GVW of the 5er's, he could probably get by with the 2500 and be ok, but I'd go with recommendations to get a 3500 SRW for no more extra that it would cost the OP.

[Cummins12V98]

Don't be like so many 2500/250's with their butts dragging the ground and headlights pointing to the sky and saying it's within it's tow ratings! Get a 3500 and be done with it.

Saw so much of that the other day sitting watching rigs drive by at Quartzite, AZ.

[Racine96]

OP, all the 2500 2014 Rams Diesels on the sheet below do not have enough payload for the 5th you want to buy.

http://www.ramtrucks.com/assets/towing_guide/pdf/2014_RAM.2500.Towing.Specs.pdf

[larry_barnhart]

It was not a 3500 and the air leaked out as I remember but it rode ok and he has a ton of money so no reason for waiting for repairs. Lucky couple for sure.

chevman

[JIMNLIN]

jsrore wrote:
wanted to thank everyone for there opinions and GREAT info.

Being new to the 5th wheel area just want to make sure i TRULY understand pin weights, GAWR, GVW, etc, etc, etc

look forward to trading in the MH later this year and getting a new 5th wheel.



Thanks

Jeff

Good luck on your search.
In your OP you say your pin weight may be in the 3600-3900 lb range.
Doing some math shows the 2500 Ram has a 6200 RAWR. These trucks rear axles can be around a 3000 lb which leaves the 2500 truck with a 3200 lb payload.
The 3500 SRW would be a better choice for a 3600-3900 lb pin weight if the right package is chosen.
Look through the Rams Body Builders Guide spec sheets for the SRW ram that can handle that much load.

[rsbabson]

Go for the 3500! I will be trading in my F250 this year for an F350 DRW. Currently pulling a 2015 Mountaineer 356tbf.

[sdetweil]

I agree with everything said so far, 3500 would be the better choice for the heavier pin weight..

but the 2500 will probably work, altho you will be near the top end of its capabilities..

one other thing to think about, just more data.

the 2500 series (like the ford 250 and chevy 2500) are a specifically marketed model to meet state licensing requirements.
some states indicate that a vehicle over 10,000 lb gross weight is ALWAYS a commercial vehicle. and that causes lots of problems for buyers..

So, all the manufacturers make a vehicle that is NOT OVER 10,000 lbs..
voila the 2500 or 250 series.

has NOTHING to do with its technical capabilities.. its a paperwork thing. check with your state regs to see if >10,000 lbs makes a difference.. (some states also assume duallys are commercial, and restrict where u can drive them too. ) This also technically limits your carrying capacity.. If the truck weighs 8300 lbs, and can max out at 10,000, the math doesn't leave room for 3000lbs of pin and passengers and gear and fuel)

I don't KNOW if the 2500 will be enough for your situation.. they are great vehicles for sure.
I traded my 250 for a 350 DRW to be more comfortable personally with the weight I wanted to carry

[jsrore]

wanted to thank everyone for there opinions and GREAT info.

Being new to the 5th wheel area just want to make sure i TRULY understand pin weights, GAWR, GVW, etc, etc, etc

look forward to trading in the MH later this year and getting a new 5th wheel.



Thanks

Jeff

[Coach-man]

The 2500 should handle your needs, however it will be at the top end of what it can handle, so down the road you may haveb to make some decisions on what you can take, what accessories you may want to add etc! Try and find a 3500, SRW that fits your needs, dealers can search internet and locate a vehicle at any dealer in the US, may take a week to transport, and add a couple hundred dollars to the deal, but that may be worth it, at least check it out! Most FW owners go for the 350/3500 models perhaps that is why so many 2500 on the lot!

Agree, new Dodge RAMS higher tow rating with auto tranny, disregard losing 10,000 lbs statement very old info!

[cbconway]

Me Again wrote:
...With 5th wheels and SRW trucks the issue is ALWAYS pin weight and not the tow rating!...

x2 This quote alone deserves a sticky. Reading it would save a lot of folks a lot of typing. But then we wouldn't have the fun of sharing this info all over again!
:B

[shadows4]

jsrore wrote:
Hi All,

i realize this question has been asked MANY times, but i still need to ask as there is ALOT of good information that comes from everyone on this site.
will going from a class A MH to a 5 this year
we have narrowed down our choice of the 5 to about 4 rigs all similar length and GVWR 13000 to 14500
if i understand correctly my pin weight on the above weight would be from 2600 to 2900..13000 x .20 = 2600 i understand that is DRY weight.. maybe add another 1K for loaded so anywhere from 3600 to 3900 for pin weight
in the next week i will be buying a 2015 ram 2500 or 3500
looking at the Ram spec sheet for the 2500 the GAWR for the rear axle is 6200
if i understand all of this correctly i would still be fine with a 2500???
Dodge is having some really good rebates this month so buying now for me is a good idea....if i could find a 3500 how i want it i would buy there are many 2500 that i like
i have read hours and hours of post about LB vs SB, dually vs single ETC.
dually at this time is not for me.
so i guess bottom line will a 2500 Cummings SLT automatic work for me.

appreciate all the great info i read on this site it has been very helpful

Jeff

Bottom line, after reading all these post is the 2500 would probably work but the 3500 is really the proper tool for the job. Remember the internet is a tool. Surely you could find one by either you or your dealer doing a nationwide search. What fun to fly in and drive a new truck home! If you want to consider a Ford I would be happy to get an X-plan pin for ya. Good luck with your search, John

[jmtandem]

Ummmm.....that's what I've been saying. Are you sure you're quoting the right individual?

Wonderful! We agree!

[RustyJC]

jmtandem wrote:
The G56 manual is rated for 660 foot pounds torque; the Aisan rated for at least 865 foot pounds. It is the manual that has the lower tow rating.

Ummmm.....that's what I've been saying. Are you sure you're quoting the right individual?

Rusty