I've been searching this site for the last few days and decided to join and ask a few questions.

I am the proud owner of a 03 Ram 1500 Quad Cab with the Hemi. My wife and I went on 3 trips to the Dunes over the last 3 months with friends and had a blast. They all have toy haulers with Chevy's or Fords.

We are now in the market for a new truck (and toy hauler) as I'm just not comfortable pulling a toy hauler with my 1500. Even if all of these companies say it's ok.

The Hemi is paid off with only 46K miles so I'm Ok with buying a new truck. I love my dodge and would really like to stay with it. I've been looking at the 06/07 5.9 2500 4X4 Mega Cab. Dodge says the GVRW is 12,500 lbs and my questions follow.

Is a 5th wheel GVRW any different than a tongue pull? There are several toy haulers I'm looking at that weigh more than that. The Dealer for the trailer says the 2500 can pull a 14K 5th wheel no problem. I don't doubt it, but is it safe?

I know the 3500 is 900lbs more for towing but I'm not sure I want a 3500.

I would like to ask (and I know this is a Dodge group so I apologize in advance) What other 3/4 ton trucks are out there that have a better towing GVRW than the Dodge and are good all around trucks?

Is the 4 speed auto a good tranny for something that big? I know the 6.7 is out now and I spoke with a local dealer but I'm not a big fan of buying something the first year. Worried about things going wrong.

And lastly I have to say this site is fantastic for info regarding Dodge. I've never owned a diesel before and have great confidence after reading this site.

Thanks.

 

Some of your numbers are being mis-used.

First off the 12,500 GVW I am unclear of. A 2500 has a GVW of 9,000 and the 3500 is 9,900.

Either of the trucks will handle 14k towing fine, but you really need the 3500 for the pin weight on a 14k Fifth wheel.

The tranny will be fine so long as you don't add much on the power.

The better towing that you are looking for is equal across the board. The big three tend to max out at 23,000 GCW. If you need more than that, you need to move to the 4500 models.

 

Thanks for responding. I'm new to all this so I appreciate the info.

According to Dodge's website it can tow 12,400 lbs:

2006 dodge ram pickup 2500 2500 SLT MEGA CAB, MEGA CAB, 4WD, 6.25 FT Bed, 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, 5.9-Liter HO Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine:

With 3.73 Axle Ratio Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 12400 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 9000 lbs
Payload [i] = 1557 lbs
Curb Weight [i] = 7443 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4570 lbs/4570 lbs
GAWR Front/Rear [i] = 5200 lbs/6010 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 20000 lbs

With 4.10 Axle Ratio Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 12400 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 9000 lbs
Payload [i] = 1557 lbs
Curb Weight [i] = 7443 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4570 lbs/4570 lbs
GAWR Front/Rear [i] = 5200 lbs/6010 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 20000 lbs

Is towing capacity and GVWR different?

Thanks.

 

Towing "capacity" is a recommendation from your manufacturer.

RATING is what the truck is rated for on the door decal.

I have found that a "bumper pull" transfer about 10% (as a general rule) to the truck receiver. Depending upon where the axles are on a goose or 5th whl, and of course, the weight, they will transfer 25% or more to the "pin" or connection point.

Important to know, in addition to your RATING is
curb weight of your tow vehicle, full fuel, all occupants & gear
same on trailer

5th wheels can weigh a fair amount

I have the 3500, and feel more "secure" towing larger profile and heavier weight trailers.

 

I see. So you are towing something that weighs 20K GVW with a 3500? So is that technically over the suggested weight?

I've looked at a tongue pull toy hauler that has a GVWR of 12Klbs, and a 5th wheel that's 14Klbs. I don't want to purchase a truck that can't pull what I want to buy.

Can anyone offer suggestions (I don't hold anyone responsible for their suggestions, I'm just curious) for the above toy haulers?

Thanks.


Bonshawman I am also in the market for an 03 P-71. Noticed you have a 99.

 

With the weights of the trailers that you are considering, I would go with the 3500. Every little bit helps. I would not be afraid of the new six speed autos.

 

Why don't you want a 3500?

I wouldn't waste my time with a 2500 when a 3500 can be had for the same price and haul 900lb more and pull 2900lbs more (by the numbers). Other than tow ratings there really isn't much difference between the two trucks.

Also, in the real world 12,400lb is a light load for the Cummins. Get the exhaust brake when you buy your truck and you'll be good to go.

 

You ask about towing capacity and GVWR . GVWR is the recommended weight with a load in the bed . 9,000 GVWR means if the truck weighs 7,000 lbs . you can load 2,000 lbs. on it . GCWR is gross combined weight rating which means you can add 13,000 to your 7,000 lb. truck if your weighs 7,000 lbs . This weight will include passengers , luggage , fuel , anything that adds weight to the truck . Now the R stands for rating . Trucks are capable of more but use your head . Go here for all the towing info you need http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/index.cfm but please humor the Powerchoke guys . They get upset VERY easily .

 

I've asked myself that same question about the 3500, why don't I want one? I guess I've always thought of it as a rougher ride, worse gas mileage and more $$$. From reading here it sounds like my feelings are off base.

So with a non dually 3500 Mega Cab 4X4 5.9, a 14K 5th wheel should have no problem?

 

is this a fully loaded weight at 14K?? i haul one of these with a 3500 srw with out any quams what so everand it's big but its dry weight is 10k and change.http://www.jayco.com/php/products/fl...126&mod_id=595

and another fellow here pulls the exactly same unit with a 2500.

 

The only problem with the Megacab is it's only available with a short bed . That calls for a sliding hitch .

 

It is fully loaded # 14K. At least that's what the dealer says. RickG brings up a good point. Are there good sliding hitches, as if so what's a good one and $$$.

If you have a sliding hitch is it similar to pulling with a long bed?

 

PM JuzPlaneKrazy, he just bought a monster of a toyhauler. He has a weigh ticket somewhere on this site showing GCVWR. He'll tell you straight up what he thinks.

 

Hope this helps http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/index.cfm/fuseaction/search/parms/sw{Megacab}|km{exact}|kl{m}|fm{24}|pd{365}|ma{}/sr/1.cfm

 

Thanks RickG that is helpful. One last question regarding Dif and RE, what do I want?