2019 1500 5.7/eTorque w/3.92

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Mark Porter

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Burlington, VT
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2019
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Hemi 5.7
My payload is listed at 1830 lbs. and my towing ability at 11,230lbs. I'm looking at <10K lbs 5th wheels but would like to get the biggest I can safely tow.

I know not to exceed the tow weight. Will aftermarket airbags (Timber, Airlift, etc.) make a big difference in the ride and safety? We bought the RAM 1500 because of its great ride, am I going to lose all that by going to the airbags?

Any other aftermarket features that would enhance the towing ability and safety?

Thanks for all the help -
 

pacofortacos

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Wow your payload is almost 1000# higher than my 2016 1500, that's pretty impressive if that is the number on the door sticker.
 

Elkman

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I would see if there are aftermarket rear coil springs to increase the payload for the truck. Axle and wheel bearings should be rated for 7,000 lbs and subract 2500 truck weight at the drive axle and this provides the potential payload. Limiting factor on most truck is the wheels and tires.

My truck came from the factory with tires rated at 3195 lbs and I replaced them with ones rated at 3750 lbs for a gain of 1100 lbs of payload capacity. It has leaf springs so I was able to add 1400 lbs of leaf capacity with SuperSprings and I would look for something similar for coil springs.

Be aware though that most "fixes" simply cause the truck axle to hit a stop sooner on the frame and do not provide a safe way to improve load capacity. Air bags are a middle ground as they do fail and when one of them does fail there will be half as much load support for the trailer.

For a 5th wheel I would be looking at new or used 2500 class trucks which will have not only more payload and towing capacity but also a stronger frame and better braking.
 

13ram1500crew

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Risky pulling a 5th wheel behind a half ton, the 5th wheel hitch weights are usually more than the truck can handle. The trucks payload needs to include the people in the car and any other cargo inside as well as the 5th wheel hitch which are upwards of 100-120lbs, this doesnt leave much for the 5th itself. I would also do as Elkman suggested, find a used 2500 so you can safety tow and enjoy a 5th wheel. I was in your shoes when i was trailer shopping and ended up with a tow behind. It just wasnt safe getting a 5th wheel. My truck is a 5.7 with 3.92's.
 

KBoltz

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You want a 5th wheel? Get at least a 2500.

You tow a tag along? The 1500 Ram is just fine.

Any trailer salesman who tells you that it is perfectly safe? Is an idiot of the highest order.
 

runamuck

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I dont know how you can have 1830#..my ram only has 1324# per the doorjamb sticker..I looked long and hard for a decent 5th wheel with the lightest pin wt. and the lightest were 1000-1100# or more..so I would be over wt. with just me in the truck (224#) and nothing else.
 

Perick

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That 1830# is what is listed as the maximum payload from the brochure, odds are not the actual payload of that truck from the door jamb sticker.
 

Chad777

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I was hoping you would have received better information here. Looks like terrible advice so far. There are certainly half ton towable 5th wheels. I have Airlift HD airbags in my ‘17. They’re great for towing and when you let the air out you don’t even know they’re there.
 

olyelr

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I was hoping you would have received better information here. Looks like terrible advice so far. There are certainly half ton towable 5th wheels. I have Airlift HD airbags in my ‘17. They’re great for towing and when you let the air out you don’t even know they’re there.


I agree to an extent. There are 5th wheels suitable for half tons...but is he getting one of those?

To the OP, your payload more than likely isnt what you think...look at the sticker on the door jam, it will open up your eyes.

Air bags are a great addition. Work very well, and like chad777 stated, you really dont even know they are there when unloaded. But, they will not raise your payload or tow ratings persay.
 

olyelr

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That 1830# is what is listed as the maximum payload from the brochure, odds are not the actual payload of that truck from the door jamb sticker.
Yep, probably for a 2wd low model that is as light as possible and has the low gearing.
 

Jerrybob

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Check out Sumo Springs.....they don't engage when not towing so smooth ride.....no air to mess with....easy to install. With that said.....you are towing a lot of trailer for that truck.....too much in my opinion....but that's me. Be safe.
 

Groo

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OEM air would be perfect for this application. Is that trailer 10k empty? Or 10k rated? You are going to add plenty of weight with your stuff, a generator, water, food,etc.
 

runamuck

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I was hoping you would have received better information here. Looks like terrible advice so far. There are certainly half ton towable 5th wheels. I have Airlift HD airbags in my ‘17. They’re great for towing and when you let the air out you don’t even know they’re there.

I have looked at a lot of "half ton towables" hoping to make the switch and seems like the lowest pin wts. were still over 1000#...most in the 1100#+ range so none would work for me with 1324# cargo capacity of my '19. after hitch and fuel and just me and the wife we would be over wt. Camper Report's own list of half ton towables starts at 1100# pin wt. and goes to 1430# so I am keeping an eye out for a good deal on a 2500.
 
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