tow advice

[drtumolo]

I currently have a 2020 Ram 2500 CC 4x4 with the 6.4 Hemi. I am looking to upgrade camper that we use to travel weekends up and down the east coast to BMX races. We dry camp 90% of the time so tank capacity is very important. My wife and I both would like a larger camper then we currently have (Flagstaff 25FKS). I am thinking of possibly a 5th wheel since I have been told how much better they tow but have no experience with 5th wheels. If you tow a camper with a similar truck let me know what your towing and the truck handles the load. Thanks

 

[tron67j]

I towed a 5th with my last 2500, haven't yet with new 2500. Night and day over TT, easier to park, turn, and just more useful with the space under the bedroom. First thing is to get your exact payload from the numbers in your door jamb or enter your VIN in the online tool. A 2500 Power Wagon has a drastically lower payload capacity than a stock Tradesman 2500, for example.

Do you have long bed? If not, I highly recommend a slider hitch due to the uneven and tight turns I have seen people attempt while dry camping in the boondocks. On pavement a non-slider could be okay but with your use, why chance it.

Also, consider your wet weight when calculating your maximum trailer. You might be adding power cells, solar panels, of course fluids and the like to ensure you have the necessities for dry camping. A very fluid average of a 5th wheel weight transfer to the truck is about 15% of the trailer weight. But the more you put in front storage and in front of axles converts to more on truck. Don't try to overbalance with putting most weight behind trailer axle as you could have your rig wagging down the road or sag the rear end of the trailer so bad you drag it all over.

I recommend you get your 5th wheel hitch installed, load truck up with gear, people, fuel, etc. and get your front and rear axles weighed. This will help you know exactly how much payload you have left for the trailer and will be invaluable as you search. Good luck.

 

[drtumolo]

Thanks for the advice. My 2500 is a Bighorn short bed.

 

[dhay13]

A ballpark payload for your truck should be 2900-3200lbs, depending on 4x4, long bed vs short bed, etc. Probably gonna want you pin weight down around 2000-2500lbs or so to leave extra room for passengers, hitch, anything in the bed, etc. I have no experience towing a 5th wheel but am pretty well versed in payload

 

[Travelin Ram]

Excellent advice from @tron67j . Nothing to add except there are manual as well as automatic sliders. Do yourself a favor and get an auto slider such as a Pullrite Superglide.

A- you’ll never break a window because you forgot the manual slide operation. B- when you inevitably get caught in a dead end tight spot like a gas station parking lot with idiots blocking you or a dead end road you’re able to do a full 90 degree jackknife turn and extricate yourself with no hassle and no stopping and getting out to manually slide.

 

[Farmer Fran]

Do you use your bed? Looking at your current trailer, I personally would just go something in the 28 or 30' range and keep the bed free for gear.

But I (WE) need a lot more info, are you BMX racing? your kids? animals? load-out?

 

[mtofell]

Yeah, 5th wheel v. travel trailer debate is a tough one. Main points in favor of the 5th are floor plan and towing experience. Downside (and it's a BIG one) is losing your bed. Also, lots of 5th wheels don't have much in the way of storage compartments. Especially for things like bikes.

Weight-wise it all adds up quick. My Hemi 6.4 has a 3000# payload and I'm right at (or a couple pieces of firewood over) my 10,000# GVWR with a 9,000# dry 5th wheel. A good slider hitch alone weighs a couple hundred pounds. Loaded pin is around 2100#. So, that leaves 700# for people/things in the truck and whatever you can fit in the bed around the hitch.

The good news for you is you have the 8spd tranny which will be night and day better than my 6spd so towing right up near the upper limits of the truck is much more manageable.

 

[drtumolo]

Here is a little more info. I am the one doing the racing (2 bikes) with my wife accompanying me to the race weekends. On a rare occasion my (adult) daughter will attend with us for the weekend. No pets. The only reason I am considering a 5th wheel is that everyone has told me how much better they tow. Since we are always traveling the east coast I thought it might be more relaxing of a tow experience. To be honest I am concerned about losing the bed of the truck but have been looking at 5th wheels with a small bunk room to use as a storage room for the bikes.

 

[dhay13]

I used to do BMX back in the 80's. Raced a few races and did well but was more freestyle. Had a friend that was a factory rider for SE Racing. I had a Mongoose then switched to Red Line. Had ACS Z-Rims, Haro bars, Tuf Nek gooseneck, and thats about all I can remember...lol

 

[mtofell]

Here is a little more info. I am the one doing the racing (2 bikes) with my wife accompanying me to the race weekends. On a rare occasion my (adult) daughter will attend with us for the weekend. No pets. The only reason I am considering a 5th wheel is that everyone has told me how much better they tow. Since we are always traveling the east coast I thought it might be more relaxing of a tow experience. To be honest I am concerned about losing the bed of the truck but have been looking at 5th wheels with a small bunk room to use as a storage room for the bikes.

Yeah, it's definitely better but a well setup TT can be a fine experience as well. I suppose a lot comes down to just how many miles you're covering. If you're out on the road a lot it can be a worthwhile transition for sure. And the bunk rooms with the flip-up beds to allow for bike storage are super nice. I had one on a TT and used it for my kids' bikes for years.

I used to do BMX back in the 80's. Raced a few races and did well but was more freestyle. Had a friend that was a factory rider for SE Racing. I had a Mongoose then switched to Red Line. Had ACS Z-Rims, Haro bars, Tuf Nek gooseneck, and thats about all I can remember...lol

Mongoose and Redline.... oh man, you're bringing me back. I was born in 72 so grew up in the 80s as well. Did a bit of BMX racing but never got very far. Mainly, I just spent every daylight hour rolling around on my bike. That's right youngsters... no internet or smart phones.

 

[drtumolo]

Raced Gt's back in the 80's but now racing Chase bikes. I am also concidering putting a cap on the Ram to store the bikes and stick with a TT. Decisions - Decisions.

 

[tron67j]

A 5th wheel toy hauler for your usage might be a good option. Can use for living space and bring in gear in rain or when you go to dinner. Some really cool ones out there, some make you feel like your outdoors while inside, then close back up and just like regular trailer.

 

[Randy Grant]

Here is a little more info. I am the one doing the racing (2 bikes) with my wife accompanying me to the race weekends. On a rare occasion my (adult) daughter will attend with us for the weekend. No pets. The only reason I am considering a 5th wheel is that everyone has told me how much better they tow. Since we are always traveling the east coast I thought it might be more relaxing of a tow experience. To be honest I am concerned about losing the bed of the truck but have been looking at 5th wheels with a small bunk room to use as a storage room for the bikes.

Towed a fiver for years with a 2500 CC Duramax, and still do, just smaller, with my 1500. Towed for many years before that different bumper pulls. There is a huge world of difference between the two. Especially in cross winds, heavy traffic, and passing and being passed by semis. The Duramax had a slider, but most newer trailers have tapered fronts, so a slider might be just added expense. I don't use a slider with mi 1500 CC, and everything clears just fine. I can't quite turn a 90 now, but really don't need to. Besides, it's too hard on tires and axles. But, just like a tow behind, setup is crucial. Proper front rear balance on the truck, and trailer. And, one rule I follow religiously is speed. Keep it reasonable (I keep it at 55/65 and mostly 60), and think well ahead. But it tows great, and is far more relaxing than a bumper pull. After pulling a fiver, I don't even like pulling my boat if there is ANY wind.

2023 XLR Boost 32XLRXF16​

New Forest River Toy Hauler (Fifth Wheel)​

Just be safe and enjoy.

 

[dhay13]

Mongoose and Redline.... oh man, you're bringing me back. I was born in 72 so grew up in the 80s as well. Did a bit of BMX racing but never got very far. Mainly, I just spent every daylight hour rolling around on my bike. That's right youngsters... no internet or smart phones.

Yep. I was born in '69 so early 80's I was ripping around on my bikes. Rode everywhere and did some crazy stuff. Rode over see-saws, under semi trailers, off of picnic tables and loading docks, etc.
My 2 cousins both got into it too. One had a Diamond Back and the other had a Kuwahara.

 

[Ramtop]

Thanks for the advice. My 2500 is a Bighorn short bed.

We bought a used 2019 2500 Bighorn crew cab shortbed last spring. A month afterwards found a mint 2014 Keystone fifth wheel 32’ long. We sold our 29’ bumper pull camper. It had a B&W turn over ball gooseneck hitch already installed, so I was able to find a gently used B&W Companion slider fifth wheel that fit in the turnover ball slot. The truck handles it fine and it tows like a champ.

 

[KoboldTaco]

Not having towed a 5th, I’m anxious to try one soon so I can understand the vast difference. I currently rent trailers when I want to camp so I’ve got the option to easily try (to me) new gear.

I normally rent a 27 - 32 bumper tow. For some reason, I prefer them for the use of my bed, and my 6.7 in my 2500 seriously nerfs my payload Anyhow so 5th wheel options are limited to smaller/lighter rigs.

Normally the trailer owner will have a weight distribution hitch and require we use it. I’ve never felt unstable, ugly sway when semi rigs pass at 85 in AZ, or ever felt uncomfortable in nasty cross-wind.

I understand all the maneuverable benefits because of the nature of the hitch, but outside of that…I still think I will prefer bumper tow so I keep my bed.

 

[jblack1965]

I have 2021, same set up. We have a 34' 5th wheel, dry weight 10800lbs. Tows well and I get about 1 mpg better with this 5th wheel than I did with out 8300lb tag along. Strange...but it does.

 

[Always Late]

Just my 2 cents, I've towed 5th wheels and TT for a long time. I make no claim to be an expert. We purchased a new 5th wheel in July 2021. I was already tired of the 5th wheel hitch in bed of truck for many years. I installed a Gen Y gooseneck box on new 5th wheel. It pulls like nothing I've ever towed in the past!! People ask if the Gen Y hitch was worth it, YES!!! No more 5th wheel hitch in bed of truck!!! I have a B&W gooseneck ball in our Ram CTD, 2500 CC, short bed. I don't work or get anything from Gen Y!!

Until next time.

Hope to be late to my funeral!!

 

[Bricknhank]

I would add one thing. You said that you travel in the East. There are some low bridge height restrictions in some areas of the East that could have more effect on a fifth wheel that a bumper pull.

 

[Riccochet]

Just my 2 cents, I've towed 5th wheels and TT for a long time. I make no claim to be an expert. We purchased a new 5th wheel in July 2021. I was already tired of the 5th wheel hitch in bed of truck for many years. I installed a Gen Y gooseneck box on new 5th wheel. It pulls like nothing I've ever towed in the past!! People ask if the Gen Y hitch was worth it, YES!!! No more 5th wheel hitch in bed of truck!!! I have a B&W gooseneck ball in our Ram CTD, 2500 CC, short bed. I don't work or get anything from Gen Y!!

Until next time.

Hope to be late to my funeral!!

The Gen-Y gooseneck is a nice piece of kit. Just know that Lippert does not approve the use of one. The only gooseneck conversion that Lippert approves is the Reese Goosebox. So if you damage the frame on your 5th wheel it'll be on you.

Otherwise, yeah, a gooseneck conversion is a worthy upgrade. No need for a 200+ lb hitch in the bed. I would recommend the B&W gooseball kit though.