How much can I tow.

[MOConnor]

I have a 03 HO auto long bed 4x4. My Question is how much weight can this truck tow using a 5th wheel set up. My book say that I can tow 12. 900 lbs but I think that is from the hitch under the rear bumper. There is nothing in there about a 5th-wheel. I tow a 5th-wheel now that is about 9. 000 lbs,but am looking to get a bigger one . Thanks mike

 

[DFrank]

You may get bettter response on the towing forum, but her's my take: You have two things to look out for GCVW (combined total of truck trailer and contents) and total truck wieght.

being 5th wheel allows more tounge weight than a receiver hitch, but I think many peopl are loading there 5th wheels to beyond rated load for the truck even if they are not exceeding Gross combined weight.



Sorry i don't have #s in front of me. I read an extensive thread on this in the towing or RV section.

 

[klenger]

Do you have a 2500 or 3500, SRW or DRW?



Here is a link to the 04 towing guide. It should get you in the ball park.



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/3rd-gen-reference/2004-ram-towing.pdf



This may help also.



http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/weight/index.html

 

[XJSuperman]

12,900 is what your truck will 'legally' tow whether it's a 5th wheel or from the hitch under the truck.



Figure your truck weighs about 6600 lbs (give or take) add yourself, passengers, other gear, etc and you're pushing 7000+ easy. Subtract the truck's weight from the GCWR for the truck which should be about 20,000 lbs. So say 13,000 lbs MAX for trailer weight... this 13,000 has to also include the 'tongue' weight on the truck for the factory hitch and 'pin' weight for the 5th wheel.

Someone else can probably make much more sense of it but this is basically it.

Towing a 5th wheel doesn;t 'legally' allow you to tow more than what the truck is rated for its GCWR. BUT MANY folks do it anyway.

 

[rbattelle]

03 trucks have a 23000 GCWR (maximum allowed for non-CDL trucks).

 

[RMcCulloch]

Originally posted by rbattelle

03 trucks have a 23000 GCWR (maximum allowed for non-CDL trucks).

That's for the DRW 3500s with 4. 10 gears.



He hasn't said which model or which gears.



If he's running a 2500 with 3. 73s, it's less and his GVWR is noticeably lower.



If he's quoting 12,900 I suspect that's what he's got.

 

[DHayden]

OK here's my 3 cents. The legal weight for needing a CDL is 26,000lbs. The D. O. T. doesnt care if you are over gross on your truck unless you are over your axle or tire ratings. They don't even look at your GCVW, if you arent over on your axle ratings, tire ratings and 26,000lbs your good to go. Do a search on weight ratings there is plenty of discussion on this topic.

 

[MOConnor]

I have a 2500 sw 3. 73 4x4

 

[MOConnor]

Ok guy thanks I just put this post in the tow section. thanks mike

 

[jimnance]

Originally posted by DHayden

OK here's my 3 cents. The legal weight for needing a CDL is 26,000lbs. The D. O. T. doesnt care if you are over gross on your truck unless you are over your axle or tire ratings. They don't even look at your GCVW, if you arent over on your axle ratings, tire ratings and 26,000lbs your good to go. Do a search on weight ratings there is plenty of discussion on this topic.

The DOT does not regulate non-commercial vehicle operation. The states each have there own written, and in some cases unwritten laws pertaining to recreational vehicles.



First, there are many Class A motorhomes which exceed 26,000 lbs by a considerable margin. Although many states have laws requiring some version of upgraded license it often is not a CDL since by defination a CDL is required only for commercial trucking. However, most states which have these laws have chosen not enforce these laws for recreational vehicles. These reason is two fold. First, there has not been a significant safety issue with RV'ers, and secondly, they have no desire to chase away tourism.



As far as towing is concerned there are a great many HD 3/4 ton trucks out there pulling very large fifth wheels. In fact, for a time it was quite popular to use Dodge CTD's as hot shot commercial truckers hauling VERY large loads. Ultimately, the government cracked down on these grossly overweight trucks, but it was proven that the Dodge CTD can handle a very large load. Before I knew better, I hauled an 11. 5' Lance camper, water, three kids, mama, and our St. Bernard camping. Often, I would have my 22' boat in tow. Looking back, I was probably way over my GVWR, GAWR, and tire rating. Luckily, I never had a problem.



The Dodge can and will handle a load far greater than it's rating. However, you have to consider the fact that you are overweight and drive accordingly.



In my opinion, take the Gross Axle Ratings and Tire Ratings pretty much as gospel. Exceeding those can lead to some very bad things. I've spent many miles over my GVWR and GCVWR and not felt uncomfortable. However, I do drive cautiously.



Just my $. 02

 

[XJSuperman]

I guess it depends on where you're at... but I agree the DOT (or who ever) does not look at you twice while traveling up and down the roads... IF you are driving safe AND don;t have an accident.



BUT if you are overloaded... and have an accident... whether it;s your fault or not... there's a MUCH better chance of them nailing you. Not to say they will... but the chance is greater.