Choosing A Truck For Our 5th Wheel and Modifications!

Choosing a truck to tow a 5th wheel or a travel trailer RV can be fun, and exciting but can also be confusing. This is how we decided to buy the truck we did to tow our 5th wheel and the things we considered when looking. We also did just a few modifications to the truck but not too many. The main thing to consider when buying a truck to pull your RV is the weight ratings you need to be aware of and to not exceed them. You also want a vehicle that is powerful enough to pull it and do the job as well as be able to stop safely. The one modification we did to the truck besides installing the Timbren suspension upgrade and the B&W Companion hitch was to put in a bed liner in the back. We need a bit of time to see how it holds up before I can say whether I like it or not. Here are the links to the suspension upgrades and the 5th wheel hitch we choose.

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[jcf]

The other big thing that a lot of people miss in loading their truck is that they only look at their GVWR as you mentioned, but they don't look at their individual axle ratings, more specifically their rear axle rating and they end up overloading it, taking only their "empty" tongue or fifth wheel rating on their trailer and not adding for all the weight added by passengers, cargo, water and fuel.

[ShawnPatterson]

That is a vey nice truck. I enjoy your take on things, very logical, sensible and analytical all wrapped together. As far as determining if your truck can handle the load you have, I suggest heading to a CAT scale. I loaded up my truck and trailer as it is when we travel, and headed to the scale. I then measured the weight of truck and trailer fully set up, and then unhooked and measured the truck alone (I even convinced my wife to come along, so that my load was complete). This allowed me to know exactly how much weight is on each axle to ensure that I was not exceeding GVWR of either truck or trailer or combined. Also confirmed that I was not over payload on my truck and confirmed that I was not over loading either axle beyond its individual rating, nor was I overloading my hitch. In my case with a trailer instead of a fifth wheel, it also helped me confirm that my weight distribution hitch was properly set and transferring the right amount of weight to the front of the truck. I also like your choice of Timbrens. I added those to my tow vehicle and absolutely love them. As with yours they basically do not come into play when not loaded, and when loaded they really smooth things out nicely. Super easy to install and basically need never be looked at again...Simplicity at its best. As always, safe

[bobmccaslin]

We loved our Ram truck! These are well-priced, and Dodge really listens to customer’s input overall- when we sold ours (a 2012), we actually made money on it ($2000!). Still praying for you and yours.
Blessings, Bob

[JD-zwry]

After driving a Ram with my work, I went out and bought a new Tradesman for myself. Ram is the most comfortable for me ergonomically, and I’ve never been stuck or had a breakdown.

[wonderwherewander]

I have the 2018 RAM 3500 with the Cummins and the 8’ bed LOVE MY TRUCK. Drove all the way to Homer AK and then to Maine. No problems. Super comfortable. Engine breaks are the best.

[malimish]

B&W is a great company. We spent a lot of time traveling with Josh and Jessa Works back in the early Airstream days all over the US. B&W is Josh's father's business. The W in the name stands for this last name, Works. They really take good care of their community as well in rural Kansas. Glad you are happy with their product.

[ibMooseu]

I put the Air Lift on my 2001 Dodge diesel with the remote. I pull a 34’ Outdoors RV and carry a 750 Brute Force atv on my DiamondBack bed cover. You’re definitely right about always having to adjust the air but adding the remote system and compressor was easy and fairly inexpensive. I can see what the pressure is on the fly and adjust it to suit whatever weights I have going on so it’s always spot on!

Wow, I’m surprised Dave Smith wasn’t easily the cheapest... I had my Dodge built for me at the factory with every upgrade offered at the time. Their price was was anywhere from $11k-16k cheaper than any of the big names back then! My buddy just retired to Prescott Valley! We’re LEOs in N. CA and he wanted me to move there too. Beautiful area but not enough trees for me. He lost everything in the Camp Fire so I think he liked not having as many trees lol. Montana pulled my soul there!

Wow, as much traveling as you guys do, I’m stunned you didn’t have an exhaust brake added to your last truck!!! I had a Banks brake system put in a year ago and I LOVE IT. It’s freaking amazing! That powerful braking downhill as needed is the second best feeling in the world lol. Being new to them, check conditions when it’s best (if not dangerous) not to use the exhaust brake!! I use mine around town just to save on brakes lol.

As always, loved the video! You have an awesome way of simplifying things!


P.S. As you well know, you can google every truck up and down the dial and find negatives. All the Dodge naysayers here... Your Dodge will serve you well!!

[ramman]

We have the 2500. We last weighed in at 22404. Just under our max load of 23083. Same engine and trans as yours. She pulled us up to Holbrook from Goodyear like a dream. Even got stuck behind Big Rigs in the Black Canyon. Had no problem accelerating right around them. But we are pushing the weight limit so we're upgrading to a 3500.

[benabel]

that bump stop replacement is ingenious! I can imagine tho a big bump when your not loaded could be rough ridin'

[kimberlysmith]

Reiterating the Tip for Ram Trucks (since I have one) - you are better off putting the EXACT VIN# of your truck into the Ram website to find its specific specs. My Ram is at the low end of the spectrum and lower than the generalized tables that Ram puts out. You can never go wrong with using your specific VIN! Thanks for the awesome video as always Jared!

[krtex]

I bought the same truck H.O Aisin trans 2019. I wanted a bit of overkill 10, 000 lb. fifth wheel. Very happy with it. Killer on the hills.

[williamfry]

I also added the Timbren rear shocks to my 2500 Ram (2012). Very happy with the results and smoother ride.

[Tryke_Ryder]

Excellent choice of truck. I am not brand loyal, but my 3500 RAM (DRW) hauls my 16, 000 pound 5th wheel without issue. I do occasionally exceed the CGVWR with full water, fuel and the toy garage loaded, but the truck takes it without issue.

[bradlee]

Welcome to the Ram Fam! I am basically on my third Dodge truck in 15 years. Had a Dakota for about 10, traded up to a 1500 in 2014, and then traded up to a 2500 diesel in 2018. We have the same bed setup that you do, but do not have a fifth wheel yet. Need to save up a bit more, and do some improvements in our yard first. I also like the B&W hitch that you have. That is what we will get when we get our trailer.
Our 2500 is a Big Horn, so a small step up from yours, and it has the center front seat. What is really nice is all the cup holders these trucks have these days! Do not have to look too far for one.
Enjoy both of your channels, and hope to see you in the great Pacific Northwest at some point.
✌️🤟🤘 and Merry Christmas! 🎄

[ronoboogie]

Nice truck, I've enjoyed my 2018 3500 Cummings Laramie crew cab. It's been very reliable, comfortable and pulls our 36ft Grand Design Reflection like a dream. I like the bells and whistles but that's just how I roll. Lol 😎

[renitahartfiel]

Got our short box Tradesman last year. Been pulling a 32 ft. Arctic Wolf 285 DRL, and our boat in the summer. Can't exceed 70 ft here in MN. Diesel fuel getting 14 miles to the gallon towing. Without towing 22, Pretty Amazing. Stay safe and thanks for all the Great videos. Have learned a lot.

[inmyimage]

The next time we test drive a truck we are going to take it to a CAT scale and get the unloaded rear axle load so we know exactly how much we can load on it. The Ram is a nice truck but we are pretty much settled on a GMC 3500 Denali SRW

We will use the Anderson hitch though. Since I'm disabled we have to make sure my wife can remove it if necessary.

[JTSOUTDOORLIFE]

Beautiful truck! Sounds like you guys went with the truck that best fits your needs. Thanks for sharing!!

[chrisludwig]

The Rams do tow the best. I'm had all 3 Chevy Ford ram. Good move on the tradesmen 6th seat

[hardtruth]

We love our 2018 Ram 2500 tradesman crewcab cummins. I recently had it deleted and gained power and fuel milage as well as 450 lbs of cargo capacity. Plus I got rid of all of the emissions junk that kills these diesel motors.