Will 5th Wheel or Bumper Pull Trailer Be Better for 2012 Dodge Ram 1500
Updated 01/21/2020 | Published 01/19/2020
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Question:
I have a 2012 Ram 1500 w/5.7 hemi, 4x4 quad cab. I am interested in buying a camper and wanted to know if it would be better to get a bumper trailer or a 5th wheel trailer. Which is easier to pull? Can I pull a bigger camper using one type over the other? Dose one type put less wear and tear on the truck than the other?
asked by: Henry
Expert Reply:
With your 2012 Ram 1500 I would definitely steer towards a standard bumper pull trailer. Generally speaking, 1/2 ton trucks just aren't really built to pull a 5th wheel trailer, as they are typically heavier and will put more stress on the rear axle due to their pin weights. The standard towing capacity for your 1500 would require you to limit your choices to only the smallest 5th wheel trailers, while your options would be much more plentiful with standard bumper pull campers.
For the specific towing capacities on your truck I highly recommend looking through your owner's manual or by contacting a local Ram dealer with your VIN. With this information they would be able to see exactly what the truck came equipped with from the factory to determine its true towing limits.
If you don't yet have a trailer hitch installed on your Ram I highly recommend the Curt Class V # C15572 that offers the highest towing capacity available at 15,000 pounds and will be a simple bolt-on installation with its custom brackets. Just keep in mind that you will still need to adhere to the truck's factory towing capacity if it is lower.
I believe most of the 1500s came equipped with a trailer wiring connector, but just in case you also need this I recommend the Tekonsha Upgraded Circuit Protected Hardwire Kit # 119178KIT, which will provide you with a 4-Way connector for powering a trailer's basic signal lights. If you need to upgrade it to a 7-Way you can use the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7L and for an easy-to-use brake controller (if the trailer you end up purchasing has electric brakes) I really like the Curt Echo # C51180.
I have attached a few video demonstrations on these products below that you can also check out.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class V
- 1500 lbs TW
- 15000 lbs GTW
- 16000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1600 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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