Forum Discussion

ProbablyOverloa's avatar
ProbablyOverloa
Explorer
Mar 19, 2020

What size of fifth wheel to accomidate my 3/4 truck...

So I've been doing alot of research lately in regards to ratings of fifth wheels to accomidate my 3/4 ram. I'm pretty sure this unit would be inside the specs. I'm only going to relocate from site to site and never travel with loaded tanks or much gear. Its just me and primarily a place to stay for work.

Details:
2019 ram 2500 crew cab 4 x 4 diesel
Gvwr: 10000 lb
Gcwr: 27000 lb
Base weight: 7515 lb

Gawr front 6000 lb
Gawr rear 6040 lb

Rear axle weight is currently 3085 lb wet



The 5th wheel I'm looking at:
2019 Keystone RV Laredo 340FL
13000 lb gvwr
2220 lb pin weight



I was originally looking at larger models but with my limited payload of the diesel I had to re-evaulate, this was the smallest front living room option I found which is what I want.
  • C_Schomer's avatar
    C_Schomer
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2020
    I haven't had a 3/4t since my 97 and towing cap was only 10500. I moved 12k 5er for friends but I wouldn't have wanted to do that very often. I know the newer one are rated a lot higher. Without knowing more, I'm guessing you'll be OK. Pin weight looks good but I have no idea about your towing cap. You'll still probably be OK beings you won't be loading heavy or towing a lot. See what others say... Craig
  • bid_time's avatar
    bid_time
    Nomad II
    Mar 19, 2020
    What does the sticker on the door of your truck say. It should something to the effect of "maximum weight of cargo and passengers should not exceed _______ lbs".
    The pin weight once the trailer is fully loaded (not the weight on the dealers lot) is part of the cargo. Pretty self explanatory.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 19, 2020
    With a FW, staying within axle rating/tire rating is most important. Your truck will work with that FW. Worst case, you may need to add a little support to rear suspension, to level the truck. Don't use the 10K GVWR, and low payload door sticker, as the determining capability of your truck. Those numbers are just due to the truck being in the class 2 rating for registration.

    Jerry
  • keymastr's avatar
    keymastr
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2020
    You will be close if you load to it's gross weight but if lightly loaded should be fine. I am in a similar position in terms of weights and ratings and will be getting a new truck next year. This one will be legal but a little more cushion where I don't have to sweat how I load will be better. Good luck!
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2020
    Your owner's manual should be able to answer your question. When I had my Chevy 2500 Duramax 4x4 I towed a 14,500 pound 5th wheel just fine.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Mar 19, 2020
    RV is fine just stay under your rear tire capacity.

    If you go over buy a set of 18" take offs and add bags.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Mar 19, 2020
    You can probably get away with it lightly loaded but imho that is too much trailer for your truck. I have towed an 11,000#+ fiver with my 2500 and wouldn't feel comfortable going with much more. You are in 3500 country.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 19, 2020
    You gave us every number except truck payload.

    "2220 lb pin weight" is that dry or loaded and wet?
  • ProbablyOverloa's avatar
    ProbablyOverloa
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2020
    Oddly enough my door sticker does not indicate my max payload for the truck. And there is conflicting numbers about the "payload capacity" online and given weights from the dealer directly.

    I'm guessing the newer model trucks are quite more capable but restricted as jerry mentioned.

    But I did read somewhere that potentially gvwr is a factor in authorities deeming being overloaded. Maybe someone can comment on that.

    The truck max towing trailer weight is spec'd just above 19000 lbs.
  • bid_time's avatar
    bid_time
    Nomad II
    Mar 19, 2020
    MFL wrote:
    With a FW, staying within axle rating/tire rating is most important. Your truck will work with that FW. Worst case, you may need to add a little support to rear suspension, to level the truck. Don't use the 10K GVWR, and low payload door sticker, as the determining capability of your truck. Those numbers are just due to the truck being in the class 2 rating for registration.

    Jerry
    Are willing to pay all his ticket for him in British Columbia if he follows your advice?

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