Can a Dodge Ram 1500 with 16K 5th Wheel Safely Pull 9,300 lbs Trailer

Updated 09/03/2020 | Published 06/26/2014

Question:

Can I pull a 5 th wheel travel trailer that weighs 9300 GVWR I have a dodge ram 1500 5.7 hemi the 5th wheel is 1600 lbs capacity

asked by: Edward B

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of a truck can vary greatly according to how that truck is equipped. You should be able to find the tow ratings on your truck in the owner's manual or inside the driver's door jamb. Most likely the capacity of the 5th wheel hitch installed on your Ram pickup (16,000 lbs. capacity) is rated higher than the vehicle tow rating. You will need to abide by whichever rating is lower.

Provided you stay within the limits of the lowest-rated component of your system, you can safely tow the trailer.

I have linked to a helpful article about 5th wheel trailer hitches.

expert reply by: Chris O

Arturo C.

1/22/2020

Will adding 5000lb helper air springs with auto leveling to my stock coil springs and switch my gear ratio from a 3.21 to a 3.92 increase towing capacity of my 2016 ram 1500 5.7l. I would like to be able to tow a 5th wheel.

Jason S.

1/22/2020

Adding helper springs doesn't increase your towing capacity, it just makes it more comfortable and level. Changing your axle ratio will increase your towing capacity. If you have the A8 8HP70 transmission then the max tow increases to 9,160 lbs. If you have the A6 65RFE transmission then the max is 9,200 lbs. This will allow you to pull the lightweight 5th wheel trailers. If you want to pull larger 5th wheel trailers you will need to upgrade to the 2500 or 3500 model.

Pete S.

8/28/2020

@JasonS . How can you tell which transmission I have? 2011 Ram 1500 5.7 with towing package. I want to tow 2018 1/2 1/2 ton Keystone Cougar 5th wheel.

Jon G.

9/2/2020

@PeteS You should be able to find a sticker on your truck that tells you what the transmission is. Try checking on your driver's side door jamb or under your hood. I have a 2010 Chevy Equinox and I just checked and found it under my hood at the very front. Aside from that you can call in to your local dealer with your VIN and they should be able to tell you what your truck is equipped with.

See All (4) Replies to Arturo C. ∨

Arturo C.

1/22/2020

so aside from changing the gear ratio what other modification could i do to increase the towing capacity? i have already increased horsepower and torque by about 65-100 over stock.

Jacob H.

1/22/2020

There's really nothing you can do to increase towing capacity from what the manufacturer has stated that the truck can handle. The only thing I can think of if you were to take it to a dealership that can do modifications to the truck and then re-certify it for a higher weight capacity so that you are legal and safe.