Tow Rig question SRW or DRW for 5th RAM

[RokNDmax]

I'm sure this has been debated millions of times, but here is a new spin.

At what weight would you consider a DRW to be mandatory whilst towing a fifth wheel ?

10k
11k
12k
13k
14k
15k
16k
17k
18k
19k
20k


or other.

For background, looking at new Ram 3500's, the SRW payload is @ 4400, and the DRW is 5600. Lots has changed in the last few years, but I realize a # is only a # and a DRW may feel more safe and secure even though the SRW isn't technically overloaded. Will be buying both a new truck and fiver in the next few months, so everything is still wide open.

PS - Could not find a good thread discussing by weight, if you know of one, feel free to post.
PSS - Sorry this has been done, feel free to ignore if you don't wish to discuss again...

Thanks !

[justme]

GVW above 16500 is a need for a dually. My trailer is rated at 16500 and I have a 2012 F350 diesel SRW. I never pull with full water, grey and black tanks. I have over 30K miles and have never felt unsafe or the truck was over loaded. The CAT scales are in well within Ford's spec except for the combine weight which is 200 lbs over. My trailer suspension more of a worry for me because the trailer mfg's cut a lot of corners while the truck suspension is stock and Ford made it more trustworthy.

[RustyJC]

The SRW versus DRW decision ultimately comes down to pin weight. The problem is that the manufacturer's trailer tow rating ignores pin weight. It's not just how much the truck can PULL, it's also how much pin weight it can CARRY.

The higher GVWR and RAWR are the primary advantages of a DRW truck.

Rusty

[Cummins12V98]

Me Again wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"BTW the RAM 3500 SRW trucks are rated to tow 17K+ 5th wheels. "

Chris

With your rear axle weight ready to tow at 3,760# would you have the rear tire capacity to handle the 17K RV with a 4,250# pin bringing your rear axle weight to 7,800# allowing for 210# transferring to your front axle?

Well the 3760 rear axle was loaded to the gills. We choose a trailer that has a dry pin weight of 2435 as a starting point. Some others in that length have 29xx as a starting point. I have 270 lbs of hitch and could get an Andersen hitch and save 100-150 lbs.

Your 4250 pin weight is 25 percent of the 17K!!! My beginning pin weight dry is 18.8 percent.

We know we will have to watch our loading, just like the lady that loads rocks in here trailer. Chris

I have always assumed the "TOWING" numbers posted are more for a gooseneck with their lower pin weights. Reality is what ones rear axle weighs fully loaded.

I would run 150# over before going to an Andersen. 😉

My above quoted comment was a question. The problem I have is the "Rock Lady" does NOT listen!!!

[rhagfo]

Me Again wrote:

rhagfo wrote:


Chris, We have found below 20 percent pin weight leads to chucking. 😞

We run a full FW tank all the time to increase our pin weight.

I sure hope you don't regret not getting a DRW when you bought your RAM.

While we are well over the listed GVWR for our 2500, we are still well within axle ratings and way within our tire ratings.

We put one truck load of stuff in it at Junction City and towed to Grayland SP on the Washington coast and then on home the next day. It towed just fine at around 14K(full water, propane and our stuff). We will most likely be at around 15K ready to camp. Carrying Capacity is 3050 pounds. Chris

Well you should be OK, if you keep your tool boxes lightly loaded.

[Me_Again]

rhagfo wrote:


Chris, We have found below 20 percent pin weight leads to chucking. 😞

We run a full FW tank all the time to increase our pin weight.

I sure hope you don't regret not getting a DRW when you bought your RAM.

While we are well over the listed GVWR for our 2500, we are still well within axle ratings and way within our tire ratings.

We put one truck load of stuff in it at Junction City and towed to Grayland SP on the Washington coast and then on home the next day. It towed just fine at around 14K(full water, propane and our stuff). We will most likely be at around 15K ready to camp. Carrying Capacity is 3050 pounds. Chris

[rhagfo]

Me Again wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"BTW the RAM 3500 SRW trucks are rated to tow 17K+ 5th wheels. "

Chris

With your rear axle weight ready to tow at 3,760# would you have the rear tire capacity to handle the 17K RV with a 4,250# pin bringing your rear axle weight to 7,800# allowing for 210# transferring to your front axle?

Well the 3760 rear axle was loaded to the gills. We choose a trailer that has a dry pin weight of 2435 as a starting point. Some others in that length have 29xx as a starting point. I have 270 lbs of hitch and could get an Andersen hitch and save 100-150 lbs.

Your 4250 pin weight is 25 percent of the 17K!!! My beginning pin weight dry is 18.8 percent.

We know we will have to watch our loading, just like the lady that loads rocks in here trailer. Chris

Chris, We have found below 20 percent pin weight leads to chucking. 😞

We run a full FW tank all the time to increase our pin weight.

I sure hope you don't regret not getting a DRW when you bought your RAM.

While we are well over the listed GVWR for our 2500, we are still well within axle ratings and way within our tire ratings.

[Me_Again]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"BTW the RAM 3500 SRW trucks are rated to tow 17K+ 5th wheels. "

Chris

With your rear axle weight ready to tow at 3,760# would you have the rear tire capacity to handle the 17K RV with a 4,250# pin bringing your rear axle weight to 7,800# allowing for 210# transferring to your front axle?

Well the 3760 rear axle was loaded to the gills. We choose a trailer that has a dry pin weight of 2435 as a starting point. Some others in that length have 29xx as a starting point. I have 270 lbs of hitch and could get an Andersen hitch and save 100-150 lbs.

Your 4250 pin weight is 25 percent of the 17K!!! My beginning pin weight dry is 18.8 percent.

We know we will have to watch our loading, just like the lady that loads rocks in here trailer. Chris

[The_Mad_Norsky]

There is an easy way to determine if SRW or dually is needed.

But one surely MUST know the maximum pin weight that fully loaded fifth wheel is going to generate first thing.

Once that is known, try using the one tire only method. In other words, assume that the pickup itself is using up all the capacity of one rear tire on a SRW just to carry itself. And mind you, this is really not that far a stretch of the imagination. These new crew cab models, with diesel engines, can weigh in excess of 8,000 pounds. Doing a 60/40 split on weight means there is already 3,200 pounds on the rear axle. (8,000 x .40).

So now you have the one tire left. Plug in that max pin weight of the fifth wheel and see if the one tire has enough capacity to carry that weight.

You also may want to add say 250 pounds for a hitch and since most crew cab configurations have five passenger seating, 150 X 5 = 750 pounds for passengers.

Once you've gotten to this point, you'll immediately know if the SRW can handle the fiver, or if you actually do need to go with a dually.

It's simple, and it works.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

RokNDmax wrote:
Thanks.

Mandatory for this discussion = safety and comfort level.


🙂

Maybe I missed the 5th wheel you plan to purchase.....

for me 12K 5er is towed since 2005 with SRW 1T RAM CTD.

No regrets, no problems.

However when/if I ever want to tow something (lots) heavier, for the ultimate in "Safety and Comfort"..... the "dually" will be a singled HDT (registered as a Motor Home) - nice used one can be had for less than the cost of a new RAM - with LOTS more whistles and bells, and will tow *anything* you will ever own!..:W

SKPs HDT Forum

Good luck with your options.

~

[rvexodus]

What about a 6'4 box dually .... Flame away 🙂

[Michelle_S]

Our only vehicle is our Dually so it takes us every where.

[Cummins12V98]

I look for end of rows and pull my outer tire up on the curb so someone does not door ding me. Driving a Dually may not be as convenient at times as a SRW but if playing in the Big's ya need Big Hips!

[mtofell1]

Lantley wrote:

If a SRW will fit in a spot 90% of the time a dually will also fit.
The only real no fly zone for duallies are drive throughs windows and possibly a home garage. My dually will make it through 70% of the drive through I encounter.

90% and 70% have their place on tests but SUCK when you are trying to park or drive somewhere. When stuck in a bank parking lot it's of little help that the last 9 guys were able to make it.

I get it that DRW trucks tow MUCH better and are more stable but to to try to sell them as no more hassle than a SRW truck is total BS.

If they were just as easy we'd all be driving them, right? Everyone has decisions and trade-offs.

The SRW/DRW debate is a classic. Those driving SRW trucks claiming they are as stable as a DRW truck are lost. DRW truck drivers claiming they can park their trucks like a you park a Prius are lost. Folks, do your research and make the decision that is best for you.

[Cummins12V98]

I like big hips!!!