Trying to figure out if my truck 5er combo will work

[Zimma13]

I've been snooping around the forums for a while. Just finally signed up.

After camping pre-kids, and renting some RV's with kids, we're getting ready to pull the trigger and buy. I've done my research, but I'm still new to a lot of this and want to make sure I don't screw it up.

We want to get a Heritage Glen 369BL Fifth Wheel. Amazingly enough, I've determined by business "needs a new truck" now too (which might just be available for me to pull a camper with sometimes)

the 369BL specs:
UVW 11,669 + max cargo 2,481 = 14,150
hitch 2,150

Considering a 2020 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew Cab Diesel short bed w/ auto air suspension.

IF I'm looking at the specs correctly here, (I'm looking at page 7 4x4 Crew Cab Tradesman 6'4" box. I won't get a Tradesman, but they don't show the other trims.)

GVWR: 10,000
Payload 2,490
GCWR 27,000
Max Trailering 19,020

If I understand this all correctly, payload is my limiting factor. This means, me, my wife, 2 kids and what we have in the truck can't be more than 340lbs. We're not big people, but we're more than that by 50lbs plus the weight of ipads, snacks and water bottles.

Alternatively, it looks like if I were to go with the gas engine, the payload increases to 3,350, trailering comes down to 16,880 and in theory I'd be within spec....but I wanted the diesel....

Am I understanding this all correctly?

[bikendan]

Good for you, in learning what's needed.
3/4 ton diesels often have lower payloads than the gas version because of the heavier engine.
Many suggest that a 1 ton isn't much more than a comparable 3/4 ton version and you get more payload.

[RRSCOTT]

You would be pushing the limits on the 3/4 ton. I say go with the 1 ton. And with that being a short bed, get a Sidewinder pin box or something like on the 5th wheeler.

[cc102bob]

You did notice that the numbers listed for the payload were for a Tradesman model - Good eye! Now what you need to know is that every feature added to that truck by the higher trim levels may reduce that payload number. Add a sunroof? Subtract 15lbs. etc. It's almost impossible to tell just how the payload would be affected by all those options, so you might want to go to some dealers and look at the actual stickers on various trucks on their lot to get a feel for what the "real" payload number will be for a truck you like.

I'm with the others that recommend considering a 1 ton. The cost difference won't be much and the ride quality may not be much different either. The only way to know for sure is to test drive some trucks to find out.

[REL]

Is that the published pin weight? Your "real world" pin weight loaded to camp will be closer to 2500.

The payload on the truck will be different ( probably lower) based in how it is optioned. Each vehicle is unique.
Diesel engines drop payload alot due to their weight.

Check the payload sticker on trucks before buying.

[007matman]

Go with the 1-ton. If the ride is too harsh there are a number of things you can do to improve that without sacrificing tow capacity.

Insurance is cheaper on my 1-ton dually than a comparable 3/4 ton.. let that weigh into things as well.. call your agent and see. I was really surprised.

[Bama Rambler]

When I go to the RAM site and look at the towing capacity of the 4x4 2500's with the 6.7 I get payload capacities from 1870 lbs for the limited to 2260 lbs for the Tradesman with the Big Horn and Lone Star editions coming in at 2180 and the Laramie at 2070.

So I'm definitely thinking 3500 for you.
When I look at the 3500 in your configuration, they all have right at 4000 lbs payload.

[NMWildcat]

If you already had a 3/4 ton, and are under every weight capacity but payload, I wouldn't worry about it. But if you are selecting a truck, just go with 1 ton.
And if you can chose either diesel or gas for a truck used to pull over 10k... Diesel of course!

[Zimma13]

Originally Posted by 007matman

Go with the 1-ton. If the ride is too harsh there are a number of things you can do to improve that without sacrificing tow capacity.

Insurance is cheaper on my 1-ton dually than a comparable 3/4 ton.. let that weigh into things as well.. call your agent and see. I was really surprised.

Interesting on the insurance! I would have thought differently. I'll be fine with the ride on a 1 ton, it might be my wife who complains, but I'll cross that bridge only if she brings it up.

Thanks for all the replies from everyone else. I also realized I put a link to the Ram 1500 towing chart in my first post. The 2500/2500 is here, but like others recommended, I'll look at the actual stickers on the trucks and trailer since they will be slightly different than whats published.

Either way, it sounds like the safer choice needs to be a 3500 series truck. Would get a short bed still, so I know I should probably be looking for a slider hitch.

[NMWildcat]

There are much better, and lighter, options than buying a slider hitch. Research Sidewinder and Anderson.

[Zimma13]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

There are much better, and lighter, options than buying a slider hitch. Research Sidewinder and Anderson.

Thanks, I will look into those!

[Bear fans]

DW and I just stepped up to a SRW Ram diesel 3500 from a gas 2500 last fall with future plans on a 5th wheel and probably a heavy one. I’ve always been a shortbed guy but ended up with a long bed and couldn’t be happier. With all the cameras on these things it’s actually easier to drive and park than my older short bed. You gain quite a bit of payload with a long bed. It just barely squeezes into the garage, and that was the limiting factor on not getting a DRW. If at all possible look into the long bed or even the mega cabs you will get better payload over the shortbed.

2016 302FK Salem Hemisphere
2019 Ram 3500

[67L48]

Originally Posted by Zimma13

[...] the 369BL specs:
UVW 11,669 + max cargo 2,481 = 14,150
hitch 2,150 [...]

Nope. Your hitch is not 2,150 lbs, as mentioned above. It's much more than that. Fictional dry weight ratings are rarely friendly to us or our decisions.

As said by many, the pin weight of that 5er will eat all of your payload in a 3/4 ton diesel. That's before you even jump in the driver's seat or install a hitch to carry the trailer.

If you're shopping for a TV, skip the 3/4 tons and look for a 1 ton. Sure, you can debate all day whether or not the ratings are artificial, real, or ... Skip the drama and skip the debates and grab a 1 ton (unless there's a reason you can't ... and there are valid reasons why certain people in certain areas cannot).

[wayne272]

Don't forget the 150 lbs. for the hitch.

[Palinduff]

I’d look for a different truck, either a 1 ton or a gas job. My F150 has almost that much payload.

[Slow Moon]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

There are much better, and lighter, options than buying a slider hitch. Research Sidewinder and Anderson.

I love the Sidewinder. Have not used a slider, but I reason they would be far more complex, heavier and more inconvenient than the Sidewinder.

[dbledan]

Get the 3500. When I was looking at fords in 2019 it was a $40 difference between equivalent trucks. With the 350 the only difference was a leaf spring which could be added later for more than $40. I wanted the diesel as well as some bling which will decrease that payload even more.

One issue you will want to consider is if you put your logo on the truck I am not sure if that pushes you into commercial DOT territory and then you may need to weigh depending on the state. Maybe you get checked until they realize you are just recreational and let you go. No logo on the truck I think would resolve this somewhat but not sure how it would work with registration. I am not sure of any of it but something you would want to investigate before pulling the trigger on the lesser truck you think may not make the weight.

Btw you did really good homework in terms of understanding it ahead of time...wish I was that smart. Be sure to check the actual payload sticker on whatever you buy to make sure it meets your expectations.

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by 67L48

Nope. Your hitch is not 2,150 lbs, as mentioned above. It's much more than that. Fictional dry weight ratings are rarely friendly to us or our decisions.

As said by many, the pin weight of that 5er will eat all of your payload in a 3/4 ton diesel. That's before you even jump in the driver's seat or install a hitch to carry the trailer.

If you're shopping for a TV, skip the 3/4 tons and look for a 1 ton. Sure, you can debate all day whether or not the ratings are artificial, real, or ... Skip the drama and skip the debates and grab a 1 ton (unless there's a reason you can't ... and there are valid reasons why certain people in certain areas cannot).

If you want a diesel and like the GM products the 3/4 tons have payloads over 3K the result of a higher then 10K GVWR that is avaliable.

[The Flip Flop Way of Life]

I just purchased a Heritage Glenn Elite Series 5er. She comes in at 14K empty. I have a 2018 3500 dully diesel long bed. It pulls it great and the B&G hitch is the best. I would consider a long bed. It is better to have more bed and not need it than wish you had it when you need it. Just my 2 cents.

[67L48]

Originally Posted by Ejs4029

If you want a diesel and like the GM products the 3/4 tons have payloads over 3K the result of a higher then 10K GVWR that is avaliable.

Right. Ford has also followed suit.

The problem is that this 5er will be ~13,500 rolling down the road and dropping a pin weight of 2,700 lbs. Add in 100 for the hitch and you're at 2,800. Add a normal clothed couple at 350 and ... the payload is evaporating really, really quick. As mentioned above, if you already had that rig, no problem. But, if you're shopping, why go with a GVWR/payload strapped rig? Just grab the 1 ton and be done with it.