opinions (i know this is dangerous :))
We are looking to upgrade to a fifth wheel. We currently have a hybrid travel trailer and have been camping for better then a decade. Last year we bought a Ram 2500 with the 6.7 Cummins diesel. It sho...
Forum Discussion
Hi, I am sure you will love the upgrade to a 5th wheel. Towing, Weights, and all the alphabet soup of ratings, can get very confusing! You wanted opinions? Here is mine, first about 20% of the weight of your 5th wheel will be in the bed of your truck, add to that the 200 or so lbs. For your hitch, then add for you and your passengers, and anything else you put in your truck. Add that up and check to see how that stacks up against your payload capacity. Oh, and did I add that the advertised weight of the 5th wheel does not include the propane, food, clothes, and other things you may want to take along with you? You could add air bags, or helper springs, but that does not fix, axle, wheel, or brake issues.
Now, that I stated all that, I have a 2500, added a helper spring and changed tire and wheels, and I pull a 35' fifth wheel. Is my TV at capacity, yes it is, I will change to a 3500 dually at some point. I beleive you also own a Ram? Dodge boys do not have the money other makers have, so the engine, tranny, and frame are the same on the 2500 and 3500 models. If you have the 11.5" rear end, then tires and wheels will be your area of concern. Also I think you should be looking at some lighter 5th wheels to get you into the ballpark. BTW, my GD Solitude weighed in at 11,300 lbs according to the sticker, so your rig should weigh around the same. Good luck!
Now, that I stated all that, I have a 2500, added a helper spring and changed tire and wheels, and I pull a 35' fifth wheel. Is my TV at capacity, yes it is, I will change to a 3500 dually at some point. I beleive you also own a Ram? Dodge boys do not have the money other makers have, so the engine, tranny, and frame are the same on the 2500 and 3500 models. If you have the 11.5" rear end, then tires and wheels will be your area of concern. Also I think you should be looking at some lighter 5th wheels to get you into the ballpark. BTW, my GD Solitude weighed in at 11,300 lbs according to the sticker, so your rig should weigh around the same. Good luck!
