drewallen42

I've been searching this site for the last few days and decided to join and ask a few questions.

I am the proud owner of a 03 Ram 1500 Quad Cab with the Hemi. My wife and I went on 3 trips to the Dunes over the last 3 months with friends and had a blast. They all have toy haulers with Chevy's or Fords.

We are now in the market for a new truck (and toy hauler) as I'm just not comfortable pulling a toy hauler with my 1500. Even if all of these companies say it's ok.

The Hemi is paid off with only 46K miles so I'm Ok with buying a new truck. I love my dodge and would really like to stay with it. I've been looking at the 06/07 5.9 2500 4X4 Mega Cab. Dodge says the GVRW is 12,500 lbs and my questions follow.

Is a 5th wheel GVRW any different than a tongue pull? There are several toy haulers I'm looking at that weigh more than that. The Dealer for the trailer says the 2500 can pull a 14K 5th wheel no problem. I don't doubt it, but is it safe?

I know the 3500 is 900lbs more for towing but I'm not sure I want a 3500.

I would like to ask (and I know this is a Dodge group so I apologize in advance) What other 3/4 ton trucks are out there that have a better towing GVRW than the Dodge and are good all around trucks?

Is the 4 speed auto a good tranny for something that big? I know the 6.7 is out now and I spoke with a local dealer but I'm not a big fan of buying something the first year. Worried about things going wrong.

And lastly I have to say this site is fantastic for info regarding Dodge. I've never owned a diesel before and have great confidence after reading this site.

Thanks.

Strea

I have an 06 3500 (see signature) megacab and my GVWR is 9900. (not a dually which has a higher GVWR)

I don't believe Dodge make a 3500 with a GVWR of 12,500 as you state above. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

I would always buy a 3500 over a 2500 for the extra 900lbs GVWR. Especially for a toy hauler since they all tend to be front heavy, etc. Just my opinion.


Anyway most trucks can pull more weight in a 5th wheel than a trailer. Here is some good info on towing specs of all the trucks - http://www.trailerlife.com/towratings/07towratings.pdf

Strea

drewallen42

I went on Dodge's website and it stated that the Mega Cab 2500 can tow 12400lbs. Am confusing GVRW and actual tow weight? Thanks for the info. I'm new to all this.

BgBlkTrk

The GVWR on my 04.5 is 12,500, but it is a dually with the 4.10 axle ratio, I believe the non-dually 3500 is less, before 07 it was something like 9900, 10500 on the '07 (anyone correct me if I'm too far off.) If you are going to tow a heavy 5er, then definitely don't count out the duallys-after towing with one I don't think I could ever go back. The 4 speed tranny (48RE) is good, but the 6.7 now comes with a 6-speed auto. The best way to find out what the GCWR and GVWR of any truck you are looking at is to look at the sticker inside the driver's door-a lot of variables are going to affect this #-such as 3/4 or 1 ton, axle ratio, 4x2 or 4x4, etc. And as far as other 3/4 ton trucks out there, I would definitely put Dodge 1st, Chevy 2nd and Ford a distant 3rd-due to lots of problems with their 6.0 PSD and issues this past month with their diesel maker Navistar. Lots of info available on the web on this, too. Have fun shopping!

carharttfarmer

the weight varys with the type of hitch regular then wieght distributing then alot more with the goose neck /5thwheel

BgBlkTrk

Just saw your reply-GCWR is gross combined weight rating, or the total weight limit of the truck and trailer, GVWR is gross vehicle weight rating, or the total weight limit of the truck and any payload, including fuel, passengers, cargo, tongue weight from a trailer.

jkitterman

The tow weight is the GCWR (Gross combined weight rating) - True weight of truck (loaded with fuel, passengers, etc). For a 5th wheel, you are going to have payload problems with your 2500 choice. Easiest way to figure out how much payload your new truck will require is take the 5th wheels GVWR (10,000 lb example) and your pin weight should be in the 20-25% range (2000-2500 lbs) You would require this much of your trucks GVWR to be left over after subtracting out your actual truck weight loaded with fuel, passengers, 5th wheel hitch in bed, etc. For the bumper pull trailers, hitch weight should be in the 10-15% of the trailers actual weight and for a boat, 5-10% is normal.

drewallen42

So would the 3500 be big enough (non dually)? I think it's only 900lbs more. It sounds like 14K is too big of a 5th wheel for a non dually Dodge? At least a stock one?

Thanks for replying eveyone this is very helpful. I don't want to buy a truck that can't pull the toy hauler I want.

ptgarcia

I say a 14k 5th wheel is not too much for 1-ton SRW. I wouldn't hesitate to hook up to that.

ramhardv8

Go with the 3500. It's better to have the extra 900 #'s and not need it then to fing out your over later. I had a 04 2500 QC and now the 3500 Mega. Same trailer and the 3500 pulls it so much better. Look at my pic's. My vote is for the 3500 SRW with a manual trans. The auto is find but no comparison in towing a rig.

drewallen42

Now that brings up the next question. Auto trans or 6 speed. I really don't want a manual transmission but am hesitant about the new 6.7 and it's 6 speed.

Are there any 2500/3500 4X4 CTD 4 speed auto owners out there and what is your experience like with the 4 speed.

Thanks.

ptgarcia

Nope, no 2500/3500 4x4 CTD 4 speed owners out here....

Just kidding, of course, as I am one of them. So far I have had great luck towing with the 4-speed auto (48RE). My trailer is over 9000lbs loaded and I usually have motorcycles and a generator or a golf cart in the bed and I can pull 5% grades with ease. And that's with 3.73s and 35" tires. I'm happy with my auto.

drewallen42

Why did you go with the 3.73? What is the biggest difference between that and the 4:10?

ptgarcia

Well, mainly because it was the only black 3500 Megacab 4x4 within 3 states of me. If I had a choice I would have gone with 4.10s.

The 4.10s will help get a large load moving, and help keep that load moving up long, steep grades. Cruising around unloaded or with a light load there won't be much difference.

SRTchris

mine a auto with 3:73 and with trailer and gear i bet i'm pullin 13k and happy with it too