New guy buying his first toyhauler - have concerns

[Nlambert182]

First off, I have browsed the forums for a while now while my wife and I searched for our first toy hauler. We are not new to campers, but we are new to campers this large. We have potentially made a deal on a 2008 Coachmen Adrenaline 400DS from a dealer in Kentucky, but I am getting some cold feet on it mainly due to the size of the trailer versus my truck. I am looking for some advice on whether or not my truck can tow this trailer.

Truck: 2012 Ram crew cab 2500 4wd - 6.7 Cummins (full deletes)

Camper: 2008 Coachmen Adrenaline 400DS
Dry Weight: 12,,552 lbs
GVWR: 18,000 lbs

Our dilemma is that we have a 2016 RZR XP 1000 4 seater (1,700 lbs) that requires at least 12' of garage space to fit. My wife wants a separate living space so that when we aren't towing the RZR along we can still use it as a typical camper with the garage as a bedroom for the kids instead of having the fold out couches and seats. Around my area, the only thing that fits our budget and needs is a 5th wheel hauler.

I could really use some discussion before we make the 3 hr drive to KY to buy this thing to make sure we know what we are getting into in advance. Is this camper too much for the truck?

[2001400ex]

I just bought a 32 foot fifth wheel, about the smallest they make and have a 3/4 ton. Granted mine is a generation behind with 9,200 GVW whole yours is probably 9,900. Either way, my 9,800 dry, 14k GVW fifth wheel with pin weight of 2,200 pounds is really pushing it for this pickup. It actually tows very well and it's more stable then I expected, and the engine/tranny are surprisingly better then I expected. However, a 1 ton would have much more capacity than I have now, as I'm right at my limits. (And now to prepare the wifey for that expense)

That being said, my buddy pulls his 14k dry 18k GVW with a 2013 F350 SRW and he says it does great. I've seen it hooked up and I've convoyed with him in another vehicle following him and his barely squats and pulls it pretty well. You could do a newer generation SRW but I'd never hook a 3/4 up to that trailer.

[Lwiddis]

Hopefully, Don, with the chart provided by Y-Guy and reviewing the sticker on his truck's door OP Nlam has made his own determination that his truck isn't even close to what he needs for that TH.

[nayther]

18,000 lbs is a BIG trailer and should not be towed with a single wheel truck IMHO. What is the pin weight of that trailer fully loaded? or at least with what you plan on hauling? Then add in people, dogs and anything else you'll have in the back of your truck and see what you've got. Might ask the dealer to weigh the trailer, sticker weights are extremely inaccurate.

[azdryheat]

I'll be blunt, you don't have enough truck. My 41' Voltage puts 3500 pounds on the hitch. There isn't a 2500 made that can carry that much weight in the bed.

[donn0128]

Good Lord. Your buying a 40 foot trailer that could potientially weigh as much as 18K pounds! You should have concerns. There are only a couple of trucks currently on the market capable of handling that much load. One is the newer Ram duallies with the 30K towing capacity setup. But for that much toy hauler you might be better off buying a MDT.

[Y-Guy]

This will help but as mentioned you need to verify with your actual truck. 2012 RAM 2500 Pickup Towing Chart

With a 41' trailer I have serious doubts your truck is a good idea for that trailer.

[Lwiddis]

What does Chrysler say about your truck's abilities? See sticker on door.