Towing

[dlzander]

We just bought a 5th wheel camper and were assured our 2004 Cummins 4x4 could tow it. We found out later the camper weighs 15,500 pounds, about 2500 pounds over the listed tow capacity. The truck seems to handle it but what problems could result? Is there anything we can do to beef up the tow capacity?

 

[Jerrybob]

Problems that could result......you can't stop....you injure yourself or others......you end up in court and loose everything. I would not do it.......either sell the truck or the trailer.....you are way too overlimit.

 

[06 Dodge]

We just bought a 5th wheel camper and were assured our 2004 Cummins 4x4 could tow it. We found out later the camper weighs 15,500 pounds, about 2500 pounds over the listed tow capacity. The truck seems to handle it but what problems could result? Is there anything we can do to beef up the tow capacity?

Who assured you the truck could handle that weight the sales person, did he look up your vin to see what's its rated for? Sales people lie all the time just to make the sale... If your over the MGVWR then you need either a different truck or trailer...

 

[Zoe Saldana]

We just bought a 5th wheel camper and were assured our 2004 Cummins 4x4 could tow it. We found out later the camper weighs 15,500 pounds, about 2500 pounds over the listed tow capacity. The truck seems to handle it but what problems could result? Is there anything we can do to beef up the tow capacity?

No!

This question has been asked many times in many different way and the answer is always:

NO!

Also, you probably have a problem with the PAYLOAD capacity!

What is the pin weight of your 5th?

I would guess it is around 2,900 lbs?

What is the payload of your PU?

I would guess it is 2,300 lbs

5th Wheel Weight Calculator

Fifth Wheel Weight Calculator. Check if your truck is overweight.

www.fifthwheelmagazine.com

 

[dhay13]

Way overweight. Even a newer 2500 Cummins would at least be pushing the limits, if not over. Take the truck and trailer to a CAT scale and get weights of the truck without the trailer then with the truck and trailer. That will give you your front and rear axle weights and trailer weight. Not sure what the GCWR is on a 2004 but you might be over that as well.
Never listen to a salesman tell you it'll be fine. First they likely have no idea what they are talking about, second, they just want to make the sale.
A quick search shows max tow capacity for a 2004 2500 Cummins is about 8600-9400 so you are about 75% overweight already. GCWR says 23,000 so you are probably very close to that, depending on truck configuration and options.

Let us know how your weights are if you get it weighed.

 

[crash68]

A quick search shows max tow capacity for a 2004 2500 Cummins is about 8600-9400 so you are about 75% overweight already. GCWR says 23,000 so you are probably very close to that,

So by your math, the OPs truck weighs in the neighborhood of 14,000 lbs? I don't think so as even a 5500 doesn't tip that kind of weight.
The GCVWR is probably about on par but the max tow capacity makes no sense.

 

[Travelin Ram]

You can replace the truck with a bigger one. That’s it.

Happens all the time on the RV forums, you’re not alone.

Option 2 take legal action against the dealer. I hardly ever believe this is a realistic option, but maybe if a few got sued they would think twice before selling inappropriate rigs.

 

[dhay13]

So by your math, the OPs truck weighs in the neighborhood of 14,000 lbs? I don't think so as even a 5500 doesn't tip that kind of weight.
The GCVWR is probably about on par but the max tow capacity makes no sense.

This is the 2nd page I found that is in the 9000lb range. This is a 2004, unless I read it wrong. Without all of the information I can only guess as to regular cab/quad cab, or 4wd or 2wd, etc.
Confused as to your math that says the truck weighs 14,000? I stated that he was about 75% over tow capacity. If tow capacity is 9000 and his 5er is 15,500 then he is about 70% over (15,500lbs vs 9000lb max tow)
So if the truck weighs even 7000lbs plus the 15,500 he says the 5er weighs then he is at 22,500, only about 500lbs under GCWR. If it is an extended cab 4x4 then it's probably at least 7000lbs curb weight

2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Towing Capacity

2004 Dodge Ram 2500

towingcap.com

 

[Hemi395]

2004 Dodge Ram HD 2500 Quad Cab 4WD Short Towing Capacity & Tow Rating

See the tow ratings and capacity for the 2004 Dodge Ram HD 2500 Quad Cab 4WD Short.

towratings.net

I wouldn't tow that trailer with your current truck....

 

[18CrewDually]

Hey, maybe I missed it but the OP never said it was a 2500. Maybe they have a 3500 DRW? OR a SRW?