Installing In-Bed 7-Way on a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 and Max Weight Rating for Towing 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 05/21/2020 | Published 05/19/2020

Question:

Looking for some info. I have a 2005 3/4 ton Dodge 2500 with the Cummins. I have an existing bumper pull 7-pin trailer connection as well as a 4-pin. I am needing to add a 7-pin in the bed for a 5th wheel. I think I like the Bargman units but need a part number for the “add a connection”. It plugs into the existing wiring connection of my existing 7-pin and just wires in an additional correct? Also I wanted to get an educated opinion on how my truck will handle the 5th wheel over the travel trailer. My existing trailer is a 2016 Heartland lynx 31lx. Dry weight like 9000 but roughly 12 loaded. Truck has ALOT of performance parts and is built to the brim so I have literal passing power for days...the new 5th wheel is a 2013 Heartland Cyclone 3110. Its dry weight is 12,700...loaded probably 14+ loaded. The truck has SuperSprings add a leaf in the rear. How will it handle the 5th vs the travel trailer?

asked by: Clay S

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Plug # HM42137is an excellent option for your 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 and it installs by teeing into your factory wiring and then the wiring harness will be routed up to the side of your bed and you'll drill a hole to mount the 7-Way plug. Attached is an installation video on a 2005 Dodge Ram that you can check out.

As far as weight capacity goes it looks like the max towing weight a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 with the Cummins can handle is 13,600 lbs and that's if you have a regular cab with an A4 trans an an axle ratio of 3.73 or 4.10. If you have something else then it will only be lower than that.

So your truck has enough power for the 12K trailer but I don't advise using it to tow your 5th wheel trailer if it will be 14K + when loaded. While your truck might have enough power to get it moving, you'll be exceeding weight limits which is never good and there is a whole lot more than goes into the weight rating than simply if your truck can actually get the trailer to budge or not. You also have to consider the continuous strain on your truck frame as well as stopping power (among many other things).

You'll need to first verify what the OEM weight rating is for your pickup and then decide what to do based off of that. If you want to stick with the Heartland Cyclone then you'll either need to tow it with minimal cargo inside so you don't exceed the weight rating of your truck, or you'll need to get a different truck with a higher weight rating.

expert reply by: Jon G