I have an excellent condition 2011 SRW 3500 megacab looking to tow 15.5--16.5K 5th wheel toy hauler (2300-2700lb pin).
I will be using the toy hauler 4-6 times a year 200-1000 mile trips. The truck is used for many other things so DRW isn't practical especially as I live in crowded city.
I was originally thinking I needed to upgrade to 2013 + Ram 2500/3500 SRW to get the right load rating.
In speaking with Ram, they recommend 2014 Ram 2500 or 3500 SRW for the type of trailer I'm trying to tow. Trying to stick to SRW and it is apparently well within it's rated rating.
Capacity rating is as follows...
2013 2500 Mega 3.42 is rated
GVWR 10,000
Payload 2,250
GCWR 25,000
Max Tow 17,080
My current 2011 3500 Mega SRW 3.73 is rated
GVWR 10,100
Payload 2,590
GCWR 21,000
Max Tow 13,350
In studying the difference, the 2013 Ram 2500 has the same frame, 68RFE transmission, and same rear axle (yes, I understand the upgraded frame, etc on 2013 3500 but I'm speaking about the 2013 Ram 2500 which has the same frame).
They have essentially the same braking system and engine power. Only significant difference I found is the tire load rating.
My 2011 17" tires are rated at 3195lb each, the 2013 18" tires are rated at 3640lb each.
Besides the tires, it doesn't make sense that a 2013 Ram 3/4 ton would be rated higher in it's tow rating compared to my 2011 Ram 1 ton.
I prefer to stay with SRW for many reasons and I love my current mint low mileage 2011 3500 megacab SRW, has exhaust brakes which work awesome. I am willing to upgrade the tires, cooling/bags, etc if needed as it is no big deal. I rather go that route than go to 2013+ Ram just to get a silly sticker on the door. I am thinking that with mild upgrades, I should have at least similar or more capable 1 ton tow vehicle than a 2013 Ram 2500.
The huge jump in tow rating form 2013 Ram seems more like marketing trick more than anything.
Perhaps I'm missing something, any thoughts from people with real world experience with SRW 5th wheel towing would be appreciated.
