RAM options for towing 5th wheel - advice requested

[DesertRiders]

We are thinking about getting a 2019 RAM Limited 3500 Turbo Diesel, SRW, Crew cab or Mega cab, 6'4" bed to serve both as our daily driver (which would be the vast majority of the time) and also to tow a Vanleigh 320 Vilano 5th wheel, on occasion.

The 5th wheel specs are this:

Dry weight: 12,400 lbs.
GVWR: 16,000 lbs.
Hitch weight: 2,600 lbs.
Length: 35'

I am estimating the truck payload capacity will need to be 3,800 to 4,000 lbs. for weight of passengers, hitch weight of 5th wheel, etc.

Some of RAM's 3500 Limited SRW pickups do have at least 4,000 lb. of payload capacity, so that need is somewhat reasonably met.

I'm wondering about which of these options we should get:

-air leveling suspension?
-which rear-end gear ratio?
-1000 lb. torque engine w/Aisin?
-factory 5th wheel/gooseneck set-up or aftermarket?
-RAM box not recommended?
-anything else?

We realize that a duelly would certainly be a more capable option (with greater stability) for towing the 5th wheel, but given that this truck is mostly going to be our daily driver, we just don't want to go with DRW.

Your guidance and recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[AH64ID]

-air leveling suspension? Yes
-which rear-end gear ratio? Only 1 option for SRW, 3.73
-1000 lb. torque engine w/Aisin? Yes
-factory 5th wheel/gooseneck set-up or aftermarket? Yes, factory prep then use a B&W Companion hitch.
-RAM box not recommended? Not sure it’s optionable with the 5er prep.
-anything else?

See my opinions in red. I have the ‘18 versions of all those “yes” answers on my 18 and would want them for what you’re planning.

RAWR will come into play quicker than anything else on a trailer with a dry hitch weight of 2600, but should still be doable if the hitch weight isn’t too far under estimated. Make sure you have a hitch that puts the pin weight centered over or foreword of the rear axle or you will additional weight to the rear axle.

Ram brochure weights are all based on lower models with not options. My actual empty weight is over 300lbs heavier than brochure empty weight and payload is that much lower on the door sticker, but as I mentioned RAWR comes into play first on heavy trailers.

 

[Learjet]

cargo camera...for hitching

 

[Cummins12V98]

cargo camera...for hitching

I have it and IMHO it's useless! I simply removed my center rear headrest.

Get the rear air ride!!! It's AWESOME!!!

Get the factory pucks.

Do your self a favor and get the long bed, better ride and no compromise with the hitch.

 

[AH64ID]

I have it and IMHO it's useless! I simply removed my center rear headrest.

Depends on what's in the bed in front of the hitch. Can't always see the hitch, and hard to see a GN.

I like the cargo camera for hitching, as I can't see the hitch if my canopy is folded forward, and also for checking on cargo while driving.

I wouldn't not buy a truck if it didn't have the cargo camera, but it is useful.

Besides, I think it's pretty rare to find a truck without it anymore...especially in the Limited trim.

Do your self a favor and get the long bed, better ride and no compromise with the hitch.

Absolutely.. Wouldn't ever consider a short bed HD truck. IMO short beds are for 1/2 tons.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Well as I said it's useless IMHO as it focuses onthe tool box and everything behind is not so easy to see. So the kingpin you are trying to align is even smaller.

 

[Ozymandias]

Get Adaptive Cruise Control with the Emergency Brake Assist.
Get LED Headlights.
Get surround Camera.

 

[DesertRiders]

Lots of good info. Thank you. Been trying to avoid the long bed due to parking issues, but I do understand that it's better with a 5th wheel.

Long bed might come with an increase in payload capacity?

 

[DesertRiders]

See my opinions in red. I have the ‘18 versions of all those “yes” answers on my 18 and would want them for what you’re planning.

RAWR will come into play quicker than anything else on a trailer with a dry hitch weight of 2600, but should still be doable if the hitch weight isn’t too far under estimated. Make sure you have a hitch that puts the pin weight centered over or foreword of the rear axle or you will additional weight to the rear axle.

Ram brochure weights are all based on lower models with not options. My actual empty weight is over 300lbs heavier than brochure empty weight and payload is that much lower on the door sticker, but as I mentioned RAWR comes into play first on heavy trailers.

Would the B&H Companion Hitch work ok with the 6'4" bed?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Would the B&H Companion Hitch work ok with the 6'4" bed?

They make a puck slider and fixed hitch. Believe me a LongBed is not a big deal at all!!! Benefits way outweigh negatives for a tow vehicle.

 

[Learjet]

I have it and IMHO it's useless! I simply removed my center rear headrest.

Get the rear air ride!!! It's AWESOME!!!

Get the factory pucks.

Do your self a favor and get the long bed, better ride and no compromise with the hitch.

Not useless to me because I can't see the hitch with my tri-fold cover folded up

 

[DesertRiders]

Truck has to fit in my garage or it's a no go.

Is the 6'4" bed really out of the question for a 5th wheel?

 

[DesertRiders]

duplicate post

 

[Cummins12V98]

Truck has to fit in my garage or it's a no go.

Is the 6'4" bed really out of the question for a 5th wheel?

Puck with B&W slider

 

[Tmartin000]

Truck has to fit in my garage or it's a no go.

Is the 6'4" bed really out of the question for a 5th wheel?

Many have given you the info you wanted...Looks like you've made up your mind. So, good luck with your truck!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Not useless to me because I can't see the hitch with my tri-fold cover folded up

look at the pic. It focuses really well on the tool box. The lense used could be much better.

 

[DesertRiders]

Many have given you the info you wanted...Looks like you've made up your mind. So, good luck with your truck!

But, Tmartin... you haven't chimed in?

Topics are done now; you're ready to close the thread?

 

[DesertRiders]

Puck with B&W slider

Thank you, Cummins, for your comments.

What's a puck? And, would this be a reasonable solution to my specifics?

(Sorry, Tmartin, I guess we haven't quite exhausted the thread topics. )

 

[Ozymandias]

There are many short beds pulling Fifthwheel today, even without Slider like @mwilson with his Megacab and 32' Cougar.
No problem at all.

 

[SnoKing]

Truck has to fit in my garage or it's a no go.

Is the 6'4" bed really out of the question for a 5th wheel?

NO! SnoKing AKA Me Again on RV.net I made to round trips from NW Washington ton East Valley of Phoenix, including Utah, Colorado, NM for the balloon fiesta. Rear axle weight is the issue that you have to pay close attention to. As I stated on the other forum I have a B&W manual slider.