Ram 2500 - which towing features are best/good/unnecessary?

Hi again,

As stated on another thread, we're looking to upgrade out Expedition EL to a Ram 2500 (or 3500), years 2014 or newer.. We're looking at getting a fifth wheel (9-12k gvwr). We plan to start small (north alabama destinations) but hope to work our way up to cross-country trips over the coming 18 months.

Which of these features are "must have's" or "nice to have's" so that we can more easily search through available vehicles (and prices!) to find the right one? Also, are there any that I missed that we should be aware of / considering?

* 5th wheel prep package
As I understand it, this is the 5-point "puck" style holes in the bed. While trucks have been outfitted for FW's aftermarket-style for generations, I understand the factory prep package makes it really easy to install/remove a FW hitch in under an hour, where aftermarket systems may take multiple hours to install/remove just the hitch. (FWIW, this will be a daily driver car with approx one camper trip per month. Faster install/remove times are of course desirable.)

* cargo bed camera
We're looking at a crew-cab, so I'm not sure how easily I'll be able to see "all the things" through the rear window when hooking up the camper. I'm sure there are aftermarket options available here, but also unsure if it's even necessary?

* auto-level air suspension
I forget exactly what Ram calls it, but apparently after the camper is attached, the truck magically levels itself by inflating the air bags to the right amount. I again imagine this is available after-market, but I'm not sure which is better, easier, etc? Or if it's really needed at all?

* exhaust brake
This wikipedia article says that it helps slow the truck+camper when on a long downhill inclines so that you don't have to ride the brake pedal as much. Is this a "must have?" Is this a factory only option? We will be looking at cross-country journeys in the coming 18 months..

* bed length
Just a placeholder so it doesn't get asked -- we're prepared to get an auto-slider hitch if we get a short bed. I don't think we need to limit ourselves to a long-bed (most crew cabs out there are short bed).

* any others?
Are there any other features (factory or aftermarket) that we should be looking at?

* where to buy?
Not a feature per-se, but ... where are the best places to look for a used tow vehicle, other than the typical autotrader / cargurus / etc websites? Is there a "secret hangout" where folks moving up or down in camper rigs sell their vehicles? I imagine that happens fairly often as needs/wants change over time!

thanks in advance!
..dane

Tow Vehicles

IdaD
Explorer
May 10, 2019
- Fifth wheel prep is nice because you have a clean bed when you remove your hitch but you can always install the old style rails too. I put in a set up custom rails from etrailer myself and they only cost $150 or so?? It wasn't a hard job.

- I can see my hitch from the driver's seat fine.

- I don't like air suspensions so I would stick with the coil (2500) or leaf (3500) setup.

- The exhaust brake is awesome and comes standard with the Cummins.

- I prefer a short bed because my truck is a daily driver and part time family vehicle, and I've never had any issues with my fifth wheel. I don't even use a slider hitch although my rail mount Andersen is flipped rearward for some additional clearance.

- Where to buy depends on your local area. Where I live, Craigslist is king for used vehicle listings but that's not the case everywhere.
romore
Explorer II
May 10, 2019
My truck has the rails, the hitch comes out easily enough when I need to move a sofa. My hitch is a manual slider which fortunately I do not need to use if I am careful as the pins are impossible to reach when hooked up (I had an ahem 'mishap' so am REAL careful now). Look for a newer trailer with cutaway corners if your tv has the standard 6 1/2 ft box.
My older Cummins does not have the jake, it would be nice in certain situations but haven't really felt the need for it. The newer diesels have it fitted at the factory but aftermarket is also available. My truck also doesn't have cruise control which would be really nice on the interstates, I also wouldn't have to worry about getting careless and attracting unwanted attention.
dccamper
Explorer
May 10, 2019
Just my opinion from a 3/4 ton owner with a similar setup, buy a 1 ton vehicle for the increased payload. If you are using a standard type FW hitch, you don't need a camera. If using an Andersen, would be nice.
twodownzero
Explorer
May 10, 2019
dccamper wrote:
Just my opinion from a 3/4 ton owner with a similar setup, buy a 1 ton vehicle for the increased payload.

This. Do not consider a 3/4 ton truck for 5er trailering.

The newer puck systems are cool.

Short or long bed is fine, just get the right hitch. I like short, but my next truck will be long because I want a dually.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
May 10, 2019
Don't let the absence of a 5th wheel prep package deter you from buying a particular vehicle. You can have it installed. I had it installed on the last two trucks by a custom weld/hitch shop. You buy it from the dealer. Besides the ones you mentioned, look at Car Fax car sales and cars.com. No secret place that I know of to buy used tow vehicles.
romore
Explorer II
May 10, 2019
My 2500 works just fine for towing a 25' fiver that grosses 5600# and meets my needs. If I want a trailer that requires a 1 ton dually I need to upgrade my license, ain't gonna happen.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
May 10, 2019
OP wrote:
We're looking at getting a fifth wheel (9-12k gvwr).

The 2500 will work fine for a 5th wheel trailer that size. Any heavier and IMO the 3500 srw with the leaf spring suspension will have less issues with carrying 3500-3800 lb loads in the bed.

5th wheel prep or cargo bed camera or auto level system....nice but not a deal killer for my use. Your choice.

All the new diesels in 3/4 and one ton trucks exhaust brake through the turbo which has more braking than the old style actual exhaust brake. They all can exhaust brake.

Bed length ??.....your choice there. Most new gen trailers have the rounded/notched corners for short bed trucks.

2014 and newer trucks ?.....I tend to stick with the brand dealers on buying a used vehicle. Main reason is most will give a 30 day warranty unlike a private sale where its yours once you sign the dotted line and drive it towards home. I also do my homework on what a particular configured truck/brand in my area runs price wise...then make your offer to them. Prices can vary from region to region even within a state.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
May 10, 2019
JIMNLIN wrote:
OP wrote:
We're looking at getting a fifth wheel (9-12k gvwr).

The 2500 will work fine for a 5th wheel trailer that size. Any heavier and IMO the 3500 srw with the leaf spring suspension will have less issues with carrying 3500-3800 lb loads in the bed.

5th wheel prep or cargo bed camera or auto level system....nice but not a deal killer for my use. Your choice.

All the new diesels in 3/4 and one ton trucks exhaust brake through the turbo which has more braking than the old style actual exhaust brake. They all can exhaust brake.

Bed length ??.....your choice there. Most new gen trailers have the rounded/notched corners for short bed trucks.

2014 and newer trucks ?.....I tend to stick with the brand dealers on buying a used vehicle. Main reason is most will give a 30 day warranty unlike a private sale where its yours once you sign the dotted line and drive it towards home. I also do my homework on what a particular configured truck/brand in my area runs price wise...then make your offer to them. Prices can vary from region to region even within a state.

X2 THIS^^^^^
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 10, 2019
YES 5er prep, 8' bed, air ride and turbo is included!

I have the bed camera, wast of $$$ IMHO.
rhagfo
Explorer III
May 11, 2019
Audiodane, first of all be looking at 3500's for extra payload. While a 2500 and a 3500 SRW have minimal differences on the outside, most of the time more towing features are available on a 3500.
To that point until 2019 the only gear ratio available on a ram 2500 was 3.42 and only 68RFE trans.

* 5th wheel prep package
This is worth looking for in a used truck, you can purchase the kit and install but well worth having there in the first place. LOVE not having rails for the 5er hitch!

* cargo bed camera
I don't see a need, there are other ways to line up with the pin.

* auto-level air suspension
This is the one option I wish the truck we bought had, the factory system is very nice. Best on the 3500.

* exhaust brake
This is standard equipment on Ram 2500 and 3500 since 2007.
I had to add one to my 2001 Ram, both work very well.

* bed length
I prefer long beds, many prefer short beds, just less worry about 5er to cab contact with a long bed.

* any others?
Spray in bed liner.
Running boards, preferably full length wheel to wheel.
Towing mirrors, preferably power and heated
Park Sense, warns when getting close to other cars, includes backup camera. I still don't use the camera much, but love the sensors.

* where to buy?
I used all them for the search, and bought from a dealer.

If looking at Rams use THIS VIN equipment listing by VIN, this will list the installed equipment and list the GVWR, Trans, and gear ratio.