RAM 2500 to pull Rockwood 8280WS?

[frank4711]

So you spend the $ on what some would say bigger is better 3/4 vs 1/2 ton and you can pull it but your to heavy ... WOW ... wait what say that again pull it no problem but you are to heavy .... that 3/4 ton Diesel truck cannot handle a Ultra Lite 5th wheel ... WOW bigger is better??

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by T_Dougherty

I was surprised to find that my GVWR is only 1772 pounds. The fifth wheel I was looking at has a pin weight of about 1336 pounds, I would still be under, and I know folks have told these things with the same truck all over the place, but was just looking for some feedback.

I have upgraded the tires 235/12.5/20’s, they are Toyo Open Country Xtreme’s.

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Man, that’s some lousy planning by Dodge. Why would they design it this way? It just makes no sense to me.

Bruce

[itat]

Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82

For what it's worth. My neighbor has a 2007 40' Montana...14,500 (scaled) Towed with a 2005 Chevy 2500HD Duramax. Has his Cat sheet from a couple years ago and he's around 22,000lbs and has been towing that since 2008. Now if that RAM can't handle that trailer then only Kenworth's or Peterbuilts should be allowed to tow anything.

Did you see the scale sheet and figure out how much the truck weighed with that 14K# 5er attached? I’d be surprised if he isn’t more than 1K# over his 9900# GVWR. A 14K# 5er will have a pin weight over 3K#.

[pclevel1]

Originally Posted by frank4711

So you spend the $ on what some would say bigger is better 3/4 vs 1/2 ton and you can pull it but your to heavy ... WOW ... wait what say that again pull it no problem but you are to heavy .... that 3/4 ton Diesel truck cannot handle a Ultra Lite 5th wheel ... WOW bigger is better??

If you're referring to me, I would say I made my decision on my own research. My Diesel handles it just fine. In fact I traded my Big Horn 1500 5.7 in for it. I also had to consider where I live due to weather. Hence the 4x4. Personally, I'd be more concerned with travelers that have trailer tire blow-outs and blame it on China made tires, rather than over stacking their trailers, and exceeding the speed ratings. Certainly not saying China made tires are the best though. Most likely there are many posts about the issues with trucks exceeding the payload, I just haven't really seen too many.

[frank4711]

Originally Posted by pclevel1

If you're referring to me, I would say I made my decision on my own research. My Diesel handles it just fine. In fact I traded my Big Horn 1500 5.7 in for it. I also had to consider where I live due to weather. Hence the 4x4. Personally, I'd be more concerned with travelers that have trailer tire blow-outs and blame it on China made tires, rather than over stacking their trailers, and exceeding the speed ratings. Certainly not saying China made tires are the best though. Most likely there are many posts about the issues with trucks exceeding the payload, I just haven't really seen too many.

Not referring to you I am sure that truck does great
With that 5th wheel... that's my point these numbers ???

[pclevel1]

Originally Posted by frank4711

Not referring to you I am sure that truck does great
With that 5th wheel... that's my point these numbers ???

Diesel has it advantages, although payload is not one of them. 3500 is great, but I also want to live within my own means. 1500 payload is higher, but the towing capacity is limited, the Ultralights have made this much easier in recent years. I guess it all depends on ones personal interest.

[inspectorgf]

Ok I know i going to get scolded for saying this but here goes. I am assuming you bought a fully loaded mega cab which is why your payload is so low. Those trucks are heavy. The reason it is so low is because of the 10k GVWR they put on the truck to keep it in the class 2B (3/4 ton) truck category. So by the numbers you would be over. Will it be safe Yes. The main 2 things you don't want to exceed are your axle weight ratings and your tire ratings. They're are plenty of guys with 3/4 tons delivering RVs for a living much bigger than the 1 your talking about and they have to stop at scales and none are getting fined or pulled of the road. The reason they use the 3/4 tons instead of 1 tons is there is less regulations making it cheaper to operate. My trailer had to make a trip back to the factory and was picked up by a ram 2500 and my trailer is 15k pounds loaded. There is also a guy on cummins forum with a 2500 mega that delivers RVs and he delivers big 5th wheels. The choice is yours but If you decide to do it you will love towing with that truck the power and especially the exhaust break make towing effortless.

[badger5301]

T. Dougherty, enjoy your new truck and fifth wheel. Have the 8289WS and we love it. Just got back from a 4000 mile round trip with ours behind our 2009 F350 diesel. Still amazes me how these rigs can be sold as half ton towable. No idea on our actual weights but I can say that our truck knows the trailer is back there. Then again when the wife packs for a trip you would think we were moving into the thing fulltime. Enjoy your investment and travels.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by itat

Did you see the scale sheet and figure out how much the truck weighed with that 14K# 5er attached? I’d be surprised if he isn’t more than 1K# over his 9900# GVWR. A 14K# 5er will have a pin weight over 3K#.

I believe his overall wt. was right around 22,000 hooked up. I'll ask him tonight when I see him. He keeps the sheet in his glove box.

[pclevel1]

Originally Posted by inspectorgf

Ok I know i going to get scolded for saying this but here goes. I am assuming you bought a fully loaded mega cab which is why your payload is so low. Those trucks are heavy. The reason it is so low is because of the 10k GVWR they put on the truck to keep it in the class 2B (3/4 ton) truck category. So by the numbers you would be over. Will it be safe Yes. The main 2 things you don't want to exceed are your axle weight ratings and your tire ratings. They're are plenty of guys with 3/4 tons delivering RVs for a living much bigger than the 1 your talking about and they have to stop at scales and none are getting fined or pulled of the road. The reason they use the 3/4 tons instead of 1 tons is there is less regulations making it cheaper to operate. My trailer had to make a trip back to the factory and was picked up by a ram 2500 and my trailer is 15k pounds loaded. There is also a guy on cummins forum with a 2500 mega that delivers RVs and he delivers big 5th wheels. The choice is yours but If you decide to do it you will love towing with that truck the power and especially the exhaust break make towing effortless.

Your Mostly right. I have the RAM 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab, and have also read about keeping the trucks in certain classes. Towed this from Myrtle Beach thru the mountains of WV/VA, the exhaust brake was great. Delivers it in auto or manual, my choice.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by itat

Through research I confirmed that an F-350 of the same model year has a different axle than my F-250 so its not just a simple suspension part as some would suggest.

I've not seen anyone make that claim on the newer trucks. But I can assure you that most certainly was the case on the 2015 F250/F350. I owned a 2015 F250 with the camper package that was 100% identical in every way to the F350- well, except for the fender badge and the sticker. AAMOF, the rear axle and components were actually stamped indicating they were used for the 350SRW. Can't say anything about any other years or brands because I haven't researched and confirmed- unlike many on here I don't parrot what I hear others say without conducting research myself- so you're blanket statement isn't accurate in all instances.

[67L48]

F-250 starts with a different rear axle. The heavy duty tow package for the F-250 (available only with diesel) will step it up to the same rear axle as the F-350. An F-350 diesel and an F-250 diesel with tow package are nearly identical. I believe the 350 has one more leaf in the rear springs and that's it. The price difference is about $50.

People use this to justify going over ratings on their 250s ... it's just an artificially de-rated F-350. Perhaps. I'd rather just pay the $50 difference and get a 1-ton with ratings that will accommodate my needs.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by 67L48

People use this to justify going over ratings on their 250s ... it's just an artificially de-rated F-350. Perhaps. I'd rather just pay the $50 difference and get a 1-ton with ratings that will accommodate my needs.

You're talking sticker price, not real world. I didn't overload my F250, but wanted the 350SRW simply to have that extra "sticker" capacity. Issue was I was buying at the end of the year and there were massive discounts on remaining stock. Many F250s out there- almost no SRW 350s. Would have to order a 350 to get the truck I wanted. I bought my 250 for $13,XXX off of MSRP. Ordering the new year model 350 would have cost me an additional $6K or so. Seemed pretty steep for a sticker.

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by frank4711

So you spend the $ on what some would say bigger is better 3/4 vs 1/2 ton and you can pull it but your to heavy ... WOW ... wait what say that again pull it no problem but you are to heavy .... that 3/4 ton Diesel truck cannot handle a Ultra Lite 5th wheel ... WOW bigger is better??

I know you just recently got your new 5'ver and are excited to get out with it.

I feel you may be in for a big surprise towing it with a 1/2-ton truck.

I know I wouldn't even attempt it...

But that is just me.

[itat]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

I've not seen anyone make that claim on the newer trucks. But I can assure you that most certainly was the case on the 2015 F250/F350. I owned a 2015 F250 with the camper package that was 100% identical in every way to the F350- well, except for the fender badge and the sticker. AAMOF, the rear axle and components were actually stamped indicating they were used for the 350SRW. Can't say anything about any other years or brands because I haven't researched and confirmed- unlike many on here I don't parrot what I hear others say without conducting research myself- so you're blanket statement isn't accurate in all instances.

I suspect that the 2015s and 2016s are pretty much identical in that respect. My post and statement is based on the research I've done and the documentation I've been able to read. I found a Ford document that notes the different rear axles between the F-250 and F-350 for my 2016 model year gasser which is what I was talking about in my post. No parroting from me either. I haven't seen much specifically about the upgrades that the camper package provides and what I have seen did not suggest you get the upgraded rear axle with that package.

If you've found a Ford document that states the camper package upgrades the rear axle to the same axle as they put under the F-350 SRW (in the 2015 and/or 2016 model years), I'd appreciate it if you can either post the document or provide a link. My 2016 F-250 (don't recall if it was just the gasser or both) has the camper package and the snow plow package so I'm keen to read what you've found.

[Kimber45]

I can see why he would think he has a 1/2 ton truck question, because its just another tow thread going on and on and on. I cant believe any one would even doubt towing that unit with a 3/4 ton truck, some would do it with a 1/2 ton.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

I can see why he would think he has a 1/2 ton truck question, because its just another tow thread going on and on and on. I cant believe any one would even doubt towing that unit with a 3/4 ton truck, some would do it with a 1/2 ton.

If I was just a weekend camper and only a few miles to CG's...I might do it with a 1/2 ton....beefed up. I'd wouldn't do long distance, but with the 2500 RAM and that 5ver....no hesitation at all.

[Blackrock]

Pink Mountain B.C. on the ALCAN up and back to Alaska with a 1/2 ton.

[akin2camp]

You will be fine.

[jking46]

Originally Posted by T_Dougherty

First post, and I'll create an intro thread ASAP.

Bought a 2018 RAM 2500 Cummins to pull a future trailer, just wondering if it's stout enough to pull a Rockwood 8280WS? The GVWR is 1772, and the trailer specs are as follows...

Weight Dry Weight 8,707 lbs.
Payload Capacity 1,279 lbs.
Hitch Weight 1,336 lbs.

I see folks pulling bigger trailers with a similar truck, but I want to be safe about it.

By the time you load your camper, the pin weight alone will exceed your Ram's payload capacity. Your truck will be capable of pulling the camper. However you will be overloaded by a pretty good margin.
FWIW...my 2018 Ram Laramie 6.4 hemi has a payload of 3000 lbs. That Cummins is one heavy engine.