Mopar Puck System or Not?

[David Port Hope]

I am buying a 2023 Ram Laramie 2500.
It has no FW prep package.
I plan to tow a 30’ 10,000lb FW trailer.
Probably with an automatic slider Pullrite hitch.
Vehicle safety, stability and wear-tear are priorities
Should I (why?):
1) get the Mopar puck system installed and get a puck-based Pullrite system; or
2) just use a rail or other Pullrite attachment system (without puck prep package).
What other considerations?
David Thx

 

[tron67j]

Might want to reconsider the diesel in a 2500, it reduces your payload to somewhere around 2,000 pounds or maybe a bit more depending on trim and options. Even with the highest payload capacity of about 2300 pounds and then subtracting about 500 pounds for just people and hitch, and estimating about 20% of trailer weight transferring to hitch, your maximum trailer weight should be under 9500 pounds fully loaded. I type this because safety and stability were two of your concerns, might want to focus on a DRW 3500 to be sure you can tow whatever catches your eye in trailers. Good luck.

 

[David Port Hope]

Tron67j.
Thx for your response.
All the manuals and specs suggest that tow capacity for 6.7l Cummins diesel in Ram 2500 is 18,000lb. I don’t understand your numbers. Can you clarify? I do understand the basics of GVW, tongue weight, and CC weight.

 

[joesstripclub]

Tron67j.
Thx for your response.
All the manuals and specs suggest that tow capacity for 6.7l Cummins diesel in Ram 2500 is 18,000lb. I don’t understand your numbers. Can you clarify? I do understand the basics of GVW, tongue weight, and CC weight.

Towing capacities are very misleading on trucks. You should really look at payload. Assuming 25% tongue weight for that 18,000 lb capacity for a fifth wheel, you would be at 4500 lb of payload, which puts you solidly into 3500 territory, likely DRW.

If your trailer is really only 10k fully loaded I dont think that truck would have an issue pulling it, but it would be at or over on payload in all likelihood. I pull an approx 11k lb toy hauler with my truck (PW has super low payload), but I move a lot of the weight off the tongue with the SxS in the rear.

 

[stevenP]

Well I wouldnt trust any dealer who says they can install the OE puck system and have it look good. I have the same truck as you, and it is rated to handle a load of 2100 lbs (see door jam sticker). The tow numbers are some pie in the sky hocus number that is stupid crazy high. Since unlike GM, and Ford these 2500s from RAM have coil spring rear suspension. The amount of weight they are rated to carry, and safely handle is a lot less. I did not need a slider type hitch in mine. Most newer fifth wheels have the 88 degree type front caps that will allow it to clear your cab w/o a slider.

Due to the weight capability of the Ram 2500s, You would need to be looking a fifth wheel closer to 8K pounds. If its truely a 10k empty weight fiver, you will be overweight for sure.

 

[olyelr]

Tron67j.
Thx for your response.
All the manuals and specs suggest that tow capacity for 6.7l Cummins diesel in Ram 2500 is 18,000lb. I don’t understand your numbers. Can you clarify? I do understand the basics of GVW, tongue weight, and CC weight.

Hes talking payload (not towing weight), which is what the truck itself is rated to haul (with or without a trailer).

 

[wrench78]

Just my .02 worth. I would try and find one with the FW prep installed from factory. It's only like a $500 markup from the factory. If you do it afterwards, It's much more expensive. I would prefer puck over rail for the the use of the bed when not towing. With puck you have the full use of the bed.