Fifth Wheel towing Capacity -2006 Dodge Truck

[Slapshot1]

I am at the end of my rope trying to find out how much weight I can pull regarding a fifth wheel camping trailer. I tried calling the corporation along with asking my dealer and still cannot get an answer. This is unbelievable!!! My question is how much weight can I pull regarding a fifth wheel compared to a conventional trailer. My 2006 Dodge truck (2500 SLT HD)has a 5.9 cummins diesel engine, 4wd, 4 speed automatic transmission, short bed, 4.10 gear ratio. The book states I can pull up to 13,100 lbs. I currently pull a 9700 lb. trailer like it is nothing. However, Dodge for some stupid reason, does not give a rating for fifth wheels, and if they do, it is not easily found. Both Ford and Chevy give two different ratings, both for conventional towing as well as fifth wheel towing. It is a known fact that you can usually pull more weight with the fifth wheel compared to the conventional trailer, but just how much more is the question. I am looking to get a fifth wheel camping trailer weighing 14,500 pounds (Gross vehicle weight) but don't want to purchase it if this thing can't pull it. Any help out there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[mrjohnwayne]

14,500 you can pull no problem. It's not so much that you can pull more becuase of the fifth wheel but you can use more tongue weight because it is centered over the axel...

most trucks say 2500 +/- pin weight for gooseneck/5th wheel. Don't know if that will help cause it is really not what you asked but in the end you truck can pull that trailer!

[Slapshot1]

JOhn,

thanks for the response. This will help. What is amazing is that Dodge could not tell me this information??? Although I love my DOdge truck I think the next one will be a Ford. At least they can tell me the specifics!!!!

Thanks again,

Skip Bedics

[leolkfrm]

If you look at the tralering specs at the dealer they will show you your gvwr thats truck and trailer. read the fine print for the requirements, rear axle, hitch type, coolers or special trailer pkgs. 14,500 for a 3/4 is a lot, so I would want to see it in spec ratings before doing it! A GOOD cmping dealer should also have the books to look up your truck, but again read the fine print

[codys]

youll be fine...i know guys on another site that regularly pull 5th wheel toy haulers weighin much more than that....just dont overload your rear axle

[jdfenske]

Originally Posted by codys

youll be fine...i know guys on another site that regularly pull 5th wheel toy haulers weighin much more than that....just dont overload your rear axle

speaking of rear axles,

both on dodge and ford 1/2 ton trucks, i've double up leaf springs to the point 6000# in the bed will only make the springs go down 1/2 way. i would of put in more, but the tires were looking kinda scary. i think i had c's or d's on at the time. stopping is the worry, but i don't drive retarded and tailgate like most people do. give yourself a mile to slowdown, hehe.

you'll be surprised how much a 1/2 ton bearing will carry. i've carried a 4000# load from new york to Wisconsin, and many more times after that, still running on same bearings.

but it is sad they got rid of the double taper bearings, now the axle rides on it, so instead of replacing a bearing, you gotta replace an axle as well. as things get newer, they get 'better'.

i remember doubling up some 1ton springs on a 73 f250 diesel and i pulled into a weigh station and the guy just looked at me with wide eyes when the digits printed out 18,300#