5th Wheel towing with the 2014 Ram 2500 6.7

[timesquare]

My 2010 3500 SRW just got totaled. I wanted to hear from any members who tow with the 2014 and how your experiences have been with the rear suspension. And what size/weight your pulling.

I have a 32ft bunkhouse 2 slides around 12,000 lbs. Since its so new all I have been reading is either Rams press release or people casting doubt on this platform. Took a test drive was impressed with the system it is very robust. i just placed an order and want to be sure I made the right move. The 3500 SRW Aisin seem to be on restriction forever.

[timesquare]

After researching more, it looks like the Ram 2500 would tow my 5th wheel fine. Where I am running into trouble with the numbers is the payload. Add the hitch weight and the toolbox/tank combo and family of 4, and I am over. It seems like a lot of people must be over the vehicles payload numbers yet still be fine with the tow weight. Looks like I need to reevaluate. Sure wish the 3500 SRW Aisin were not on restriction.

[John_Bridge]

I went from 3/4 ton to one-ton. I would never go backwards. 🙂

[bironacad]

oweninthekeys wrote:
Timesquare- I tow a 2014 Winnebago Lite Five 30FWRES with my 2014 Ram 2500 6.4L Hemi and I love it. I haven't weighed it out yet being fully loaded but I max out the RV at a little over 12K.

The one issue you have to take into consideration is the 5th wheel rail adapters. Presently (as of last month) no maker has an adapter for the new rails in the 2014 as they changed everything with the new suspension. Initially I was concerned until we researched the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel adapter. This piece of equipment is a dream. Very easy to remove from the bed of the truck when not in towing configuration, no plate popping noise you get in a typical fifth wheel either.

Good luck in your decision and hopefully this will help your process.

My understanding is that if you get the Ram Fifth wheel prep package with the adapter frame most hitches will fit the adapter just as if you have bed rails this means you would not have to buy a new hitch.

The new hitch for my Ford was $1300 dealer cost? so the $400 dollar frame could save you some $.

[bironacad]

timesquare wrote:
My 2010 3500 SRW just got totaled. I wanted to hear from any members who tow with the 2014 and how your experiences have been with the rear suspension. And what size/weight your pulling.

I have a 32ft bunkhouse 2 slides around 12,000 lbs. Since its so new all I have been reading is either Rams press release or people casting doubt on this platform. Took a test drive was impressed with the system it is very robust. i just placed an order and want to be sure I made the right move. The 3500 SRW Aisin seem to be on restriction forever.

I would have bought the Ram in an instant if it was not for the smaller tank size and the frame required for the fifth wheel prep. When I drove the Ford off the lot on Monday if sure was different. Had an 03 2500 CTD Laramie since new this is my first Ford. I will let you know in ten years if it lives up to the Ram, lol. one plus for the Ford is it was put together in the US not Mexico.

[oweninthekeys]

Timesquare- I have about a 2 inch drop, very minimal for sure. With the Andersen Hitch it sets the pinbox back about 6 inches further which gives me plenty of clearance in the corners.

I will wait and see how my first long trip to the Keys works out later this year to decide on the air bags or not when I would have a full load on it, presently I don't see the need.

On a side note the Hemi gave me 10 mpg in its first pull which reassured my decision to go with gas vs diesel. Could not justify the additional 6K+ in sticker price and $.60 in fuel price for virtually the same capabilities.

[timesquare]

oweninthekeys- Thanks for the info, Pullrite has an adapter out also. How bad does the bed drop (sag) when your hitched up? Notice any difference in the corners? (which seems to be the concern) As with any early adapter of new systems there is a lot of anxiety about whether it will work as advertised. I tow occasionally so the promise of a better unloaded ride sounds pretty nice, but not at the expense of towing ability. Any plans of installing aftermarket airbags when they become available.

[oweninthekeys]

Timesquare- I tow a 2014 Winnebago Lite Five 30FWRES with my 2014 Ram 2500 6.4L Hemi and I love it. I haven't weighed it out yet being fully loaded but I max out the RV at a little over 12K.

The one issue you have to take into consideration is the 5th wheel rail adapters. Presently (as of last month) no maker has an adapter for the new rails in the 2014 as they changed everything with the new suspension. Initially I was concerned until we researched the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel adapter. This piece of equipment is a dream. Very easy to remove from the bed of the truck when not in towing configuration, no plate popping noise you get in a typical fifth wheel either.

Good luck in your decision and hopefully this will help your process.

[rick_flor]

the 3500 Ram extended cab 8 foot bed dully is rated for 22,000 pounds with the Aisin you are looking at an extra 20% so look close to the fine print, if you tow more then recommended you could have problems with service repairs laterHORSEPOWER
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ENGINE TORQUE
850
LB-FT
MAX TOWING+
30,000
LBS
MAX PAYLOAD+
6,570
LBS
2014 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Capability 68 RFE Six Speed Automat
68RFE SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC
The available 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission is a sophisticated, multirange, electronically controlled transmission that combines optimized gear ratios for responsive performance and state-of-the-art efficiency.
2014 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Capability G56 Six Speed Manual Tra
STANDARD
G56 SIX-SPEED MANUAL
Modified for increased torque load of the base-output diesel engine, the G56 six-speed manual transmission also carries a wear-compensating clutch for like-new clutch pedal performance throughout the life of the drivetrain.
2014 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Capability Aisin AS69RC Six Speed
AISIN AS69RC SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The available AISIN AS69RC six-speed automatic transmission is an electronically controlled automatic rear-wheel-drive transmission designed to handle higher engine output and increase vehicle weight ratings. With wide overall gear ratios for enhanced drivability and shaft-driven Power Take Off, this innovative transmission will quickly put your work into high gear.
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[sh4717]

I tow a 35' cougar with my 2013 3500 ccsb diesel. Coming from an F250 it is night and day difference. The Ram has very little squat and is as smooth and strong as any truck I've ever had. I will not be adding airbags or any other mods to the rear. Tows my 5th wheel just fine.

Scott

[ScottG]

I would not go backwards to a 2500 - you will run out of payload fast. Even with my little trailer I have gotten to within 900 lbs of my payload, which means I would have maxed out a 2500.