Fifth Wheel Towing with 2018 Ram 2500 Crew Cab with 1,820 lb Hitch Weight

Published 02/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3014)

$437.52

Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Remote - Bluetooth - Single Path

(591)

$411.31

Question:

My wife and I are looking at a Grand Design Reflection 31mb 5th wheel. The hitch weight on the trailer is listed at 1,820 lbs. The max payload of the truck is 2,380 lbs 560 lb difference. That does not leave a lot of room for passengers and cargo. In your opinion is this too close to the max payload rating. I will be adding airbags no matter which way I go to level the ride. Truck is 2018 Ram 2500 Crew Cab, 4x4, 6.7 cummins, G56 manual transmission. 3.42 gears. Max tow rating is 16,210 lbs, trailer GVWR is 10,995 lbs. Tow capacity is not the issue, just payload. Appreciate your time.

asked by: Jason

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 2,380 payload on your 2018 Ram 2500 does include the passengers, so you will need to take that into consideration. The manufacturer does set the max capacity so they are not liable if you overload your truck, so you will need to determine what you are comfortable with. 5th Wheel Pin weight is not the same as payload because the payload is spread out over the entire truck bed where the 5th wheel hitch rail system is mounted directly to the frame and specifically over the rear axle.

Adding air bags will level the ride, but will not increase your capacity as the manufacturer sets that number based on their testing which doesn't include 5th wheel towing. You will also want to consider if the hitch weight dry is 1,820, or if that is the maximum hitch weight when loaded to GVWR capacity.

For your 2018 Ram 2500, I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle # F2598 which is compatible with an in-bed hitch and is rated to help support up to 5,000 lbs for load leveling. You may also want to consider a compressor for adjustability as needed, so I recommend the Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Hand-Held Remote - Single Path # AL25980 which will work well for your application and will not require running air lines into your cab to monitor and adjust pressure. I've attached videos to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S