Can a Ram 2500 Pull a Fifth Wheel?

The all-new Ram 2500 is turning heads not only because it’s a beast at towing but also because of the sleek design. You’ll be the envy of the campground when you cruise into your site towing your camper. But can the Ram 2500 pull a fifth wheel? Let’s see!

Can a Ram 2500 Pull a Fifth Wheel?

The Ram 2500’s 6.7 Cummins engine can tow 19,680 pounds (diesel) and 17,540 (gas) when it’s properly equipped. Dry weights for many fifth wheels are around 7,000 – 12,000 pounds. If you’re looking for a toy hauler, though, the weight might become an issue. 

Many fifth-wheel toy haulers easily approach a dry weight of 14,000 pounds, but the largest units can even reach 20,000+ pounds. Additional weight from camping gear, full tanks, and off-road vehicles could easily exceed the 17,540-pound towing limit.

If you’re looking at a fifth-wheel you’d like to tow with a Ram 2500, look for lighter units that are not toy haulers. Knowing and staying with your towing capacity and payload is essential!

Ram 2500 Towing Capacity and Payload Capacity

Two significant numbers to consider when towing are towing and payload capacity. Towing capacity is how much weight the truck and its components can pull. 

Payload capacity is the amount of weight the truck can carry. Payload capacity includes the weight added from the fifth wheel, passengers, and anything else resting on the truck frame.

The Ram 2500 has a towing capacity of 17,540 pounds. Rams are well-known for their ability to tow and can easily handle most small to medium-sized fifth wheels. Keeping in mind added cargo and water weight is key to keeping this number in check.

Choosing the Hemi V8 engine provides a payload capacity of 4,010 pounds. This is where the Ram shines! You’ll have plenty of payload capacity for not only your passengers but also your trailer and camping gear. Driving across a CAT scale with a full tank and all passengers is the best way to know how much capacity you have left for towing.

Pro Tip: Looking to tow heavy things? Check out the towing capacity of the Ram 3500 High Output Turbo Diesel.

Additional Specs and Options of the Dodge Ram 2500

While the Ram 2500 is a towing machine, it’s loaded with features inside and out to enhance the user experience. Whether you’re towing your RV or riding around town, you’ll enjoy the comfort and quality craftsmanship of the Ram 2500.

The cabin has state-of-the-art features that provide a first-class driving experience. The digital rearview mirror features an LCD screen that utilizes rearview cameras to give the clearest picture possible. You’ll feel like you’re piloting a luxury jet when you sit in the driver’s seat and have easy access to a host of apps and resources on the 12-inch display. The 100% leather seats and authentic wood accents extend the luxury feel of the Ram 2500.

The Rambox Cargo Management System optimizes storage space and provides two lockable compartments with LED lighting and a 115-volt power outlet. Stepping in and out of the bed will no longer be a struggle when you release the kick-out bed step that glides out from under the rear bumper. 

The Ram 2500 exterior stands out from all other trucks. The attention to exterior details is evident whether you choose the Tradesman or the beefy Power Wagon. We love the Ram 2500 Power Wagon’s sleek muscle-flexing look and smooth design!

Is the Dodge Ram 2500 a Good Towing Vehicle? 

In short, yes! The Dodge Ram 2500 provides an incredible towing experience for both drivers and passengers. The Ram 2500 can handle almost anything you throw at it for towing and still make an economical everyday driving vehicle for families and individuals. Whether choosing the gas or diesel engines, it’s a towing machine.

How Much Tongue Weight Can a Ram 2500 Handle? 

The tongue weight refers to the amount of weight force the hitch and ball will hold while towing. It can differ based on the trailer’s weight, how it’s loaded, and the tow vehicle.  

If set up appropriately, a travel trailer should not exceed 10% of its weight onto the tow vehicle, and a fifth wheel or gooseneck should not exceed 15%. The payload capacity determines the Ram 2500’s max tongue weight.

The 4010 pounds of payload capacity the Ram 2500 offers includes the 10-15% from the trailer plus passenger and cargo weight. The more weight you add to your truck before hitching, the less payload capacity you have for towing. The max tongue weight number will change as often as you remove passengers, cargo, and supplies from your truck.

What Happens If You Exceed Towing Capacity? 

The towing capacity (and the other numbers factored into towing) are not suggestions. The numbers are put in place to ensure the safest and most favorable conditions for hauling loads. 

Exceeding towing capacity overextends the suspension system, drivetrain, and engine. If you plan to exceed your towing capacity regularly, make friends with your mechanic because you’ll be seeing him often! 

Even more importantly, towing over capacity can be extremely dangerous! You don’t want to face the impending legal issues of causing an accident or your conscience if someone were to get hurt. 

How Much Does a Fifth Wheel Weigh?

Fifth wheels come in all shapes, sizes, and intended purposes. While fifth wheel shopping, you’ll find everything from the 19’ Scamp Fifth Wheel to the 57’ Spacecraft Custom Fifth Wheel and a whole bunch in between. The weight of fifth wheels will vary from model to model and often unit to unit, depending on upgrades and materials used.

Standard-sized fifth wheels will weigh 7,000-12,000 pounds unloaded. The axel rating, which is often 7 or 8,000 pounds per axel, determines the fifth wheel’s max weight. The more axels a fifth wheel has, the more it will weigh. This number also influences how much weight it can store. 

It’s not uncommon to see double or triple axels, especially when looking at toy haulers. The biggest toy haulers on the market can weigh 20,000+ pounds before cargo.

What Kind of Campers Can Be Towed by a Ram 2500?

The Ram 2500 is more than a good-looking truck but is perfect for towing a camper on a weekend getaway or full-time road adventure. Whether you’re looking to pull a travel trailer or standard-size fifth wheel, the Ram 2500 can handle it. The generous towing specifications can easily cause you to forget you’re even towing your camper! 

With various trim options in the Dodge 2500 line, you’ll find the look or value you want in a truck. Dodge has done an incredible job optimizing the towing experience in a fantastic, everyday truck.