Old-Biscuit wrote:
Forget web sites.
Look at the data plate on door/pillar
Trucks GVWR, axle ratings etc.
Then go get your truck weighed with you, all passengers and any stuff in truck....add 250# to your trucks actual weight for hitch.
How much do you have left before exceeding trucks GVWR?
How much before exceeding rear axle rating?
How much before exceeding rear tire MAX LOAD Ratings?
Do you have enough for pin weight of 5th wheel (roughly 20% of trailers GVWR)?
Although 150/1500 trucks have come a long way they are still lacking in actual payload to handle majority of 5th wheels. Would need to find a 'Lite' model.
Air bags just pump sagging overloaded rear up......don't had weight capacity.
A lot more travel trailer can be had and towed better.....which makes for better camping experiences vs I HATE to tow this %^$&#
Pretty much sums it up...Some might be able to give you a "down and dirty" answer if you post the GVW of the 5er....you may not load to that, but it would help to determine what kind of towing experience you might have. I towed a 5er with a 2000 Chevy 1/2 ton set up for towing and I "lived and learn", and it was a 27'5er....but trucks have come a long way since then....As stated, a 1/2 ton tends to not have as much "payload"....IF you know the 5er's GVW, you could take 20% of that to "ballpark" what your pin weight may be close to....Also add 200# for a 5er hitch.
When I towed mine, all tanks were empty, even the hotwater heater to make it as light as possible..but all my towing was in the mountains. My experience wasn't a good one, but that's been 14 yrs ago and a lot of things have changed...I could be wrong, but I get the impression that the 1/2 ton Rams don't offer a lot of payload...that being said, I'm not 100% sure of that statement.
Do the math and use some common sense before you "make the move".
Again, if you could post the 5er's GVW, a lot in here know the specs of your truck and may be able to give you a more consise answer.
