2014 Ram 2500 6.7l Megacab Towing Capabilities

[Uncle Cheecho]

Hello,

I have a towing question about my 2014 Ram 2500 6.7l Megacab with the factory automatic leveling rear air suspension. I am debating on getting a fifth wheel camper and have read that this truck has no problem towing more than what the door sticker states. I am curious if anyone else has towed more than what the manual says it will do. The one we are thinking of getting has a hitch weight of about 2,360lbs, and an overall weight of about 12,500lbs. Is this a bad idea to get a trailer of this size or will I be okay? Does anyone have experience with fifth wheel towing with the factory air suspension. I have read in forums that the payload can go up to about 3,000lbs before not leveling itself out. I know I would be close to the threshold of its capabilities. I also have the ramboxes on the bed and any info on which hitches is best to use with this truck would greatly be appreciated. Thank you

 

[rzr6-4]

have read that this truck has no problem towing more than what the door sticker states.

......if you know what you're doing......

The payload police will lose it here any moment but I would be willing to tow that load with that set up, but I've been pulling sketchy loads for my entire life and understand the extra caution that you have to have. That's also usually with the scenario of "you already have this truck, this load needs moved, make it work" so I don't usually have a choice. If you are new to heavy towing you may want to look for a smaller trailer as you are getting to where you can move it but taking it across country may be a bit more stressful than it's worth. But if needed, your truck *should* be fine.

The lower payload of the cummins is because of the heavy motor up front but in reality that has little to no effect on how it handles weight in the rear. As far as power goes, 12.5k dry, more like 14k loaded is getting there for the hemi but the cummins will have a plenty of power.

 

[Uncle Cheecho]

I already know people are going to complain and berate me for my question. I plan on upgrading to a 3500 eventually. I am just curious about real world experiences and results of how far people have actually pushed these trucks. I only ask because I have family members towing fifth wheels with 3/4 ton trucks from 2006 with similar pin weights that I may get.

 

[2003F350]

Yeah...

I personally wouldn't advise it. As mentioned, is your truck gonna blow up? No. Will the Cummins do it? Absolutely. Should you do it long-term? Absolutely not.

I, too, have done some very sketchy things throughout the years that I probably should have stopped and gotten a different truck, but luck was on my side...so far.

Even though it's only 8 years difference, somewhere between 2006 and 2014 is when 3/4 ton trucks started losing payload capacity. Safety regulations and advances in computer controls started adding more weight to the trucks, and OEMs figured out that people were buying 3/4 ton trucks and using them like 1-ton trucks because they could. To push those people into the higher weight class trucks, they started softening the springs up on 3/4 ton trucks considerably (exceptions exist, obviously).

So those 2006 trucks may be able to handle considerably more payload than your truck can, by the sticker. Heck my '22 crew cab with the CTD had a payload of 2300 lbs. Did I pull more with it? Yes. For about 200 miles. I never felt uncomfortable, but the truck definitely knew there was something behind it.

I guess where I'm going with this is, if you're staying relatively local and not hitting any major hills/curves that could present issues, you'll likely be fine, but take it easy and don't rush things. If you're planning on hitching up and going on 1k-mile road trips...I'd advise against this combination. Grab a lighter trailer, or grab a bigger truck.

 

[Gr8bawana]

OMG!!! It can't be done.

 

[Uncle Cheecho]

If you don't mind me asking, what is the hitch weight of your fifth wheel and the payload of your truck?