I just purchased a 2012 3500 long bed Dually, 6.7 Cummins. I plan on towing a fifth wheel camper. Gross weight on the 5ver is 15950. The only addition to the truck will be the Reese 20K hitch and nerf bars. I've read all the weights, combined weight, gross weight, combined gross weight articles and formulas. Frankly, it's all a little confusing to me....I was never good at math. I want a good, clean, simple answer to my question, if such a thing exists. Will my truck pull this camper? Thanks in advance.
Towing Capacity question
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Joined
·
33 Posts
Two things to consider => 1) is the fully loaded (GVWR) of the trailer equal to or lower than your towing capacity? If so you're pretty much good to go.
2) is the GVWR of the trailer plus the GVWR of the truck equal to or less than the GVCR of the truck (gross combined vehicle rating).
So, (loaded truck + loaded trailer) needs to be less than the trucks GVCR (combined weight rating). I would be shocked if your 3500 with a deisel in it is rated for less than this fifth wheel unit. Keep in mind, the only way to truly know if you're compliant is to load the truck and trailer up and head to your local weighscale. They will compare your real weights to the weight rating on the truck and tell you if you're legal.
Cheers!
2) is the GVWR of the trailer plus the GVWR of the truck equal to or less than the GVCR of the truck (gross combined vehicle rating).
So, (loaded truck + loaded trailer) needs to be less than the trucks GVCR (combined weight rating). I would be shocked if your 3500 with a deisel in it is rated for less than this fifth wheel unit. Keep in mind, the only way to truly know if you're compliant is to load the truck and trailer up and head to your local weighscale. They will compare your real weights to the weight rating on the truck and tell you if you're legal.
Cheers!
Joined
·
2,115 Posts
I can look up the number and give you a straight answer but I need to know cab style, 4x4 or 4x2?, high out put cummins? And what transmission?
Joined
·
32,816 Posts
I use a sight that was made in 2009
so the site is off by a 1,000 pounds, on the light side
the calculating method that they now, raised the weights
http://www.dodge.com/towing/D/weight_to_vehicle.jsp
slide the weight scale over to UNCLASSIFIED & pick your trailer weight
then pick the number of people that will be in the Ram
then click results
it will show the vehicles that can pull that weight
so the site is off by a 1,000 pounds, on the light side
the calculating method that they now, raised the weights
http://www.dodge.com/towing/D/weight_to_vehicle.jsp
slide the weight scale over to UNCLASSIFIED & pick your trailer weight
then pick the number of people that will be in the Ram
then click results
it will show the vehicles that can pull that weight
Thanks for answers. Using Gordsram's info, I shoud be good....the towing capacity is rated at 22000, and the GCVW is 30000.
@ Stangshcky12, its a crew cab, 4x2, with the high output engine and the 4:10 transmission.
@ GTyankee, using that site, I should be ok. I'm pretty sure it will tow it....I would just like for some math head to give me a clear decent answer....yes, no or maybe...
@ Stangshcky12, its a crew cab, 4x2, with the high output engine and the 4:10 transmission.
@ GTyankee, using that site, I should be ok. I'm pretty sure it will tow it....I would just like for some math head to give me a clear decent answer....yes, no or maybe...
Joined
·
260 Posts
GT,
I agree the weights are on the light side. My 2010 is rated at 10,050 but the site states the 09 is only at 8,550lbs. I wonder what the difference was in the way they calculated this between the years. Maybe it was just more time working with the new rear suspension?
I agree the weights are on the light side. My 2010 is rated at 10,050 but the site states the 09 is only at 8,550lbs. I wonder what the difference was in the way they calculated this between the years. Maybe it was just more time working with the new rear suspension?
Joined
·
2,115 Posts
Here Is the current chart http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/pdf/RAM.2500.3500.Towing.Specs.pdf
Your truck , 6.7 with 68rfe, 4.10 DRW has a GCWR of 25,900lbs GVWR of 11,500 lbs and a max tow of 17,950lbs
Your well within your properly equipped numbers. Just make sure your carefully with your tongue weight/payload
Tongue weight should be 10-17% of the trailer weight
Your payload is all of the extra weight in your truck so your fuel, passengers anything else in the can. Payload plus curb weight equals your GVWR
Your truck will have no problems towing more, this is just what keeps you legal
Your truck , 6.7 with 68rfe, 4.10 DRW has a GCWR of 25,900lbs GVWR of 11,500 lbs and a max tow of 17,950lbs
Your well within your properly equipped numbers. Just make sure your carefully with your tongue weight/payload
Tongue weight should be 10-17% of the trailer weight
Your payload is all of the extra weight in your truck so your fuel, passengers anything else in the can. Payload plus curb weight equals your GVWR
Your truck will have no problems towing more, this is just what keeps you legal
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
