Towing Capacity

[Jill]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and new to owning a diesel. I'm told the Cummings engine is the best. I bought a used 2500 super duty, quad cab, 8 foot bed.I'm told first year for the 6.7 L engine.
I am looking to purchase a fifth wheel and you can call me naive but I can't figure out what is the most weight I can towe with my baby. It seems calling dodge dealership, RV dealers, web research I just can't come up w the same Answer. Can someone please help me here!?

 

[RVTRKN]

Many different ratings over the years. Can you give more info on the vehicle?

 

[Lynx0849]

Look at the B pillar on your drivers side. The yellow (or yellow/white) sticker has the specs for YOUR truck. Take a pic and post it here.

 

[CRodi]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm surprised, no body brought it up yet, but please drop the "g" when spelling "Cummins". It's just some friendly ribbing that's been around since day one.

Also when you get a chance, fill out your truck information in your signature, including year, model and any modifications. That way other members will know what they're dealing with, and can give you more accurate and quicker information.

I hardly tow, so I can't really help you out. How ever I'm sure the more knowledgeable members will chime in shortly.

Just keep posting and some one will eventually answer your questions.

 

[Jill]

Thanks! Yes I know how to spell Cummins don't know why I threw the g in there, lol! I see it everyday on the side of my truck, duh me. Thanks again!

 

[Jill]

Thanks, but, is what they put on there truly what I can towe for sure?

 

[Jill]

It's a 2007. I think it's the work truck. We haven't made any changes to it yet.
6.7 L , we have a lot of trouble w ck engine light coming on and it seems it always involves emissions.

 

[NIsaacs]

Tow ratings are not set in stone. The recommendations can vary, based on truck specs/mods, trailer style and driver experience. To get a base line, use the Ram towing guide for your year, model and spec truck.

Nick

 

[bigceltic]

https://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-2007.pdf

 

[Jim W]

Hi welcome to the forum!

First off do you have the 6-spd auto or the manual transmission? What differential is in the truck also? What state do you live in ? IF Kalifornia you maybe out of luck in fixing the emission issue! Answering these question will help us answering your questions on your 2007.5 Heavy Duty Dodge pick-up truck.

 

[NIsaacs]

Here is a link to the 2007 Ram Base Weights/GCW/Payload charts, I think 27 pages I know they can be confusing with all the models and configurations.

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0SO8w_DbXZZ05cAbgFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyY2NmN3VlBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMzBHZ0aWQDQjM5MTlfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1500962372/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.rambodybuilder.com%2f2007%2fdocs%2fdr%2fmlup.pdf/RK=1/RS=IVJ.MGf2TelzXoJThgV5tQauHss-

I just used an '07 2500, 6.7, 4 door 4x4, long bed. GVW is 9,000, gross trailer weight is 12,700 auto, any ratio (3.73 or 4.10) or 12,600 manual transmission (3.73 ratio) Total gross combination is 20,000.

I can't remember for sure but I think the 07, 6.7 had an exhaust brake standard?

Nick

 

[Jill]

thank you!

 

[Jill]

Thanks! It's an automatic and I'm in PA.

 

[Jill]

It does have a Jake break. I will take a pic of sticker and post it.

 

[SnoKing]

That year trucks 5th wheel towing ability will be limited by the 17" tires and rear springs. I do not know if PA licenses tonnage or not. There seems to be some really goofy vehicle license stuff for pickups and 5th wheels in PA, hopefully someone here can address that for you. My old 2500 with 8800 GVWR was licensed at 12K by Washington State and had tires rated to 3415 lbs each.

You need to know the weight of the rear axle ready to tow and subtract that from 6000 lbs which I believe is the rear axle GAWR(which is based of the tires. The axle it's self is quite HD). That difference is how much pin weight a chosen 5th wheel can put on the truck, as almost all will be on the rear axle.

When looking at 5th wheels they only list dry weights, GAWR, and GVWR. So to estimate the loaded pin weight, take the GVWR and multiply by 20-22 percent. That is a 14K GVWR 5th wheel will have around 2800 lbs + or - of pin weight. Which will most likely overload the trucks rear axle depending of hitch selected and other things in the bed.

After working through that if the rear is sagging then it is air bag time.

It is very important to NOT exceed the rear tire ratings. I would also note the 17" tires have become the unwanted step child of the tire industry, with little options for higher rated ones. Newer trucks all have 18" or 20" tires to fix this issue.

BTW "super duty" is a Ford term. RAMs are "heavy duty".

SnoKing

 

[Jill]

Great info, thanks!

 

[Jim W]

Hi,
I was camping last week with my granddaughter,so I just have had some time today to open up the TDR site.
Tires and rims are the weak point on the 3rd gen trucks. My 08 has the same 17" tires and wheels as your truck has. I upgraded to Nitto Dura Grapplers tires and Mickey Thompson Rims for towing my 5er. The tires are LT285/70R17, 126R, these are rated to carry 3650 LBS each @80 PSI. I run the rear tires on my truck at 70 PSI which supports a load of 3415 LBS each. The front are aired to 55PSI which supports a load of 2890 LBS each. I do use air bags on my truck to keep the rear level with the front and to improve the ride of the truck.
Hope this helps/