Pin Weight Concerns on 2021 Ram 2500 HD with Cummins Diesel Towing 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have just acquired separately a 2500 Ram HD with Cummins diesel and a Fuel 335 Toy Hauler. Dry weight of travel trailer is 13,195lbs while GVWR is 17,000lbs. RAM confirms that works in both cases. Truck payload is 2,103lbs. I noticed that you specify that payload and pin weight are not the same. Please explain the difference between the two. The travel trailers stated pin weight is 3,420lbs. I plan to put my fifth wheel hitch slightly ahead of the rear axle. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that puts more equal weight on both axles. I also plan to haul a 700lb golf cart in the toy hauler which should mitigate some of the forward weight. Will this be a safe combination, and if not is there anything further I can do to mitigate this concern?

asked by: Chris R

Expert Reply:

You won't have any issues with this setup. The payload capacity of the truck refers to the capacity of the aluminum truck bed where the pin-weight capacity refers to the amount of additional weight the axles and frame can support. With the hitch positioned slightly in front of the rear axle, it will ensure that the weight is properly distributed across the axles on the truck and trailer. There isn't a way to increase the capacities of your vehicle or trailer, but your Ram 2500 is equipped to handle this trailer.

If you don't already have a 5th wheel hitch for your Ram and have the OEM pucks, then I recommend using the B&W Companion Hitch # BWRVK3600, which is known for it's durability and reliability over time. The Companion is made in the USA and a 25,000-lbs capacity, so it's well equipped for any 5th wheel trailer your truck can handle.

I've linked a review video of this hitch for you to check out; if you have a short bed and need a sliding hitch, or don't have the puck package then you'd need a different hitch. Just let me know if you've got a truck with a different setup and I'm happy to help you locate a hitch that will work for you.

expert reply by: Erik B