How to Find Safe Pin Weight Rating for Towing 5th Wheel with 2018 Ram 2500

Updated 07/29/2022 | Published 07/28/2022

Question:

I have a ram 2500 diesel with factory fifth wheel prep. My trailer is about 14000 lbs loaded. Do I need to go by payload or axle gawr to know if my truck can handle the weight safely? Thanks

asked by: Zeke

Expert Reply:

You need to go by the Ram towing guide for your 2018 Ram 2500 to see what pin weight it can safety handle. Reason being the payload and axle GAWR are for different things. The payload is what the bed of the truck can handle while the GAWR is what the axle can handle (but it doesn't take into account the weight of your truck bed).

Since the pin weight of your 5th wheel will be placed directly on the hitch, like the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ram Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3670, and the hitch is connected to the frame of the truck (instead of the bed) the pin weight tends to be more than the payload of the truck.

For a 14,000 lb 5th wheel you'll be shooting for a pin weight of 20% which is 2,800 lbs. As long as the Ram towing guide has your pin weight rating at or (preferably) higher than that you'll be good to go!

expert reply by: Jon G