5th Wheel Towing with 2013 Ram 1500 5.7lt Hemi

[ppgear]

I have a 2013 Ram 1500 w/ 5.7 lt hemi with the new 8 sp transmission, 3.21 gears and crew cab with the 5.7' box. I wanted to install a 5th wheel hitch to pull a 27' Prowler Regal, can I do that and what recommendations do you have for me ? This is my first 5th wheel and any suggestions will help. I know I will have to put air bags on my truck and I need a sliding hitch. Any models recommended ? Thanks for the help.

[ChooChooMan74]

The 3.21 gears will be a major setback. Also, the rams lower payload than the other half ton trucks who want to be 3/4 tons.

[NC_Hauler]

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.

[Old-Biscuit]

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 %^$&#

[ppgear]

Great thanks, with all these "weights" that I can gather from various web sites, what weights do I refer to ie: GVWR or GAWR ? What would an approx number for the pin weight limit be for the 1500 ? Any recommendations on the type/brand name of air bags and slider ? I wont be using it all that much, this will be an introduction into the camper world for us and if we like it I will get a bigger truck and camper. thanks for the help.

[sh4717]

Need to check your weights of the camper fully loaded and ensure the truck can handle the pin weight. Air bags and a slider (or similar to my Andersen) are a must. I pulled a fifth wheel for years with a half ton and although the truck could handle it, I never really felt comfortable. If you're just going out a few times per year probably not a big deal.