HELP, Towing 40'5th wheel with Ram 2500 4 x 4

[thatsmystyle]

Lordy is all I have to say...LOL...I am learning a wealth of info on this forum thing that I wish I knew BEFORE I started doing all this purchasing...yikes...I have a 2004 Ram 2500 4 x 4 diesel with a cummings engine...In Aug I purchased a 2006 Grand Junction that is almost 40' long...my GVWR says 15500 MINUS UVW 12621 MINUS fresh water 916 and MINUS propane 59 CCC for this trailer 1904...(you can call me to trusting and blonde :bleh: ) this 5th wheel was plumbed for a stackable washer and dryer and I have added those to my 5th after purchase...its in the bedroom, which is over the hitch....I live in it full-time so all my belongings are in here complete with my 90 pound dog...LOL...okay, so all my personal belongings will have to go, but the DOG does NOT go...LOL...anyway, I hooked up yesterday to move this 5th wheel to a new RV park which was only 15 miles away...my truck didn't seem like it was a happy camper pulling it...I didn't travel over 55 miles an hour either...once loaded I noticed that my tires on my truck looked low...scared me, so I drove to gas station and guy there said my tires were with what they should have...I'm guessing thats a sign that everything in my 5th wheel has to go including the dog, or I will have to purchase a dually...*sigh*...is that going to make a difference?...or do I need a freakin mac truck... :angry: ...where were all you informative folks when I was buying :bleh: anyone with any help or comments will be greatly appreciated...OH, and take note...I always empty all the tanks before traveling...and lastly, that lil button that you push in for towing, is that supposed to be used ALL of the time the trailer is on the truck, or just when you are going up/down a mountain...DUH...go ahead, call me blonde, I can take it...

Thanks again!!!!
Style

 

[hertig]

Re: HELP, Towing 40'5th wheel with Ram 2500 4 x 4

Don't know about Dodge, but in my GMC, the 'Tow/Haul' button reprograms the transmission and should always be used whenever towing or hauling more than some percentage of the allowable weight. Used to know what the percentage was, but haven't towed/hauled anything recently so I have forgotten.

You need to subtract the weight of the washer/dryer from your CCC, so I guess you are now under 1800 pounds for your stuff. A trip to a scale will tell you exactly how you are doing. It will also tell you where you stand via your truck. I'm thinking you might be a bit over its limit. You might want to consider a 3500, or possibly a heavy duty 2500. Check the weight limits of your truck, and these other options.

The weight limits of the truck and the trailer are of most concern when you are moving. If you carry the dog in the truck (and you should), then his weight will only apply to the weight limit of the truck, and not the trailer.