2500 and 5er pin weight

[H3LZSN1P3R]

So of all the reading I have done, SHOULD IT MATTER, is the question?? If I stay within the axle and tire capacities and add air bags, could I reasonably carry a 5er with a 2500lb pin weight and do it safely?

Try it without the airbags i have yet to need bags i have had over 3k in the bed of the truck without squatting it

 

[CBK2801]

I researched before buying our 3500 DRW -none air suspension. Couldn't get past the load capacity between 3500 - SRW & DRW. Depending on the hitch (Ours weighs approximately 250#), Tonneau cover (80#) and gear loaded in the bed plus the 3500# pin weight made our decision.

 

[Paulel]

New to the forum. A bunch of information here that has been very helpful. But I'm curious!! Owners of 2500's and 5th wheels, what is your pin weight? I bought my '19 CC CTD to tow our 34' TT. But we are contemplating moving up to a 5er. I don't want to get into the whole discussion of payload capacity on sticker vs axle ratings ,blah, blah, blah. There are 1000's of those posts everywhere!! Just want to know what real world pin weights are on the 5er you are towing with your 2500. Thanks in advance!!!

Mine is a GD Reflection 150 series 260rd. Pin is 1400 something. My 2020 CC CTD 2500 does well with it. But (real world) I wouldn't want to pull something heavier. Dont listen to the salesman

 

[stinson87]

I researched before buying our 3500 DRW -none air suspension. Couldn't get past the load capacity between 3500 - SRW & DRW. Depending on the hitch (Ours weighs approximately 250#), Tonneau cover (80#) and gear loaded in the bed plus the 3500# pin weight made our decision.

I agree, I went from a 1500 bighorn, to my current 3500 DRW HO, primarily because the cummins in the 2500 gave me basically the same payload as my 1500.

pin weight is easy math:
Payload rating minus passengers, cargo, and accessories on truck = remaining payload.
Max Trailer weight = remaining payload x 4

you cannot use pin weight sticker unless you pull your trailer empty...
some fifthwheels are biased at only 16% Pin weight, mostly "150 series" or half-ton towables.

Quick examples of why I got my DRW.

previous truck:
2020 1500: Payload 1768, passengers: 560lbs for my family of 5, dog 70lbs, extra equipment and cargo 150lbs.
remaining: 988 lbs
Planned on Reese goose box to reduce hitch weight, but that leaves me with a 3900lb (6175 @ 16%) fifthwheel capability

2500 we liked:
2020 bighorn cummins: payload 1910,
passengers: 560lbs for my family of 5, dog 70lbs, extra equipment and cargo 150lbs.
remaining: 1130 lbs
Planned on Reese goose box still to reduce hitch weight, but that leaves me with a 4520lb (7062 @ 16%) fifthwheel capability

3500 DRW we have now
2019 tradesman cummins HO: payload 5822,
passengers: 560lbs for my family of 5, dog 70lbs, extra equipment and cargo 150lbs, aux tank + toolbox 1100lbs, 250lb hitch
remaining: 3692lbs
Planned on Reese goose box still to reduce hitch weight, but that leaves me with a 14768lb (23075 @ 16%) fifthwheel capability

our RV

KZ Durango Half-Ton D286BHD​

Max pin weight:2625lbs
Max pin bias: 25%
GVWR: 10500lbs
dry weight: 8540
dry pin weight: 1570
dry pin bias: 18%

now, all of that said, if you have a 6.4 HEMI you have much more payload and can have more pin weight, or if you have less people and stuff in the truck.
I personally was fine with a bit over payload since i calculated the rear axle weights, but that was for around town and short rv trips, I would not want to tow cross country over weight on anything.

 

[Band1t]

I agree, I went from a 1500 bighorn, to my current 3500 DRW HO, primarily because the cummins in the 2500 gave me basically the same payload as my 1500.

pin weight is easy math:
Payload rating minus passengers, cargo, and accessories on truck = remaining payload.
Max Trailer weight = remaining payload x 4

you cannot use pin weight sticker unless you pull your trailer empty...
some fifthwheels are biased at only 16% Pin weight, mostly "150 series" or half-ton towables.

Quick examples of why I got my DRW.

previous truck:
2020 1500: Payload 1768, passengers: 560lbs for my family of 5, dog 70lbs, extra equipment and cargo 150lbs.
remaining: 988 lbs
Planned on Reese goose box to reduce hitch weight, but that leaves me with a 3900lb (6175 @ 16%) fifthwheel capability

2500 we liked:
2020 bighorn cummins: payload 1910,
passengers: 560lbs for my family of 5, dog 70lbs, extra equipment and cargo 150lbs.
remaining: 1130 lbs
Planned on Reese goose box still to reduce hitch weight, but that leaves me with a 4520lb (7062 @ 16%) fifthwheel capability

3500 DRW we have now
2019 tradesman cummins HO: payload 5822,
passengers: 560lbs for my family of 5, dog 70lbs, extra equipment and cargo 150lbs, aux tank + toolbox 1100lbs, 250lb hitch
remaining: 3692lbs
Planned on Reese goose box still to reduce hitch weight, but that leaves me with a 14768lb (23075 @ 16%) fifthwheel capability

our RV

KZ Durango Half-Ton D286BHD​

Max pin weight:2625lbs
Max pin bias: 25%
GVWR: 10500lbs
dry weight: 8540
dry pin weight: 1570
dry pin bias: 18%

now, all of that said, if you have a 6.4 HEMI you have much more payload and can have more pin weight, or if you have less people and stuff in the truck.
I personally was fine with a bit over payload since i calculated the rear axle weights, but that was for around town and short rv trips, I would not want to tow cross country over weight on anything.

That is the truck for MAX towing, good job. I just took delivery of my 2021 3500 Longhorn. I added too many options, as my payload came in at 5,009. I too will go the goose box route to save weight. replacing my 2004 2500 diesel. Great for bumper pull, but 2500's are not good for 5th wheels, no payload. Too many people do not understand that payload is the key. All the new trucks will tow the weight.

 

[foneguy]

My hitch is 200 lbs, i have a tradesman 2500 CC LB CTD my fiver is 40' and only 12Klbs with pin weight of 100-1200 lbs
im never at gross of the rv how do i know? i never carry a full black tank 80 gal, nor grey tank 40 gal i may take 40 fresh water on the next trip for showers
if we stop at a rest area for the night.
anyway the truck handles this rig GREAT! I do how ever plan on a shorter fiver 36 ft in a few years makes easier for state parks.

but for towing the fifth wheel is sooooo much better easier and no sway! love this over our bumper pulls

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

My hitch is 200 lbs, i have a tradesman 2500 CC LB CTD my fiver is 40' and only 12Klbs with pin weight of 100-1200 lbs
im never at gross of the rv how do i know? i never carry a full black tank 80 gal, nor grey tank 40 gal i may take 40 fresh water on the next trip for showers
if we stop at a rest area for the night.
anyway the truck handles this rig GREAT! I do how ever plan on a shorter fiver 36 ft in a few years makes easier for state parks.

but for towing the fifth wheel is sooooo much better easier and no sway! love this over our bumper pulls

1000-1200 seems low my 9k 36’ is 1600lbs dry with the trailer at max it can be up to 2k

 

[MEGA HO]

1000-1200 seems low my 9k 36’ is 1600lbs dry with the trailer at max it can be up to 2k

Some newer 5ers do claim exceptionally low pin weight, might be the way they distribute weight...
Whether their claims are true or not, one can only confirm after weighing it hooked up to a truck.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Some newer 5ers do claim exceptionally low pin weight, might be the way they distribute weight...
Whether their claims are true or not, one can only confirm after weighing it hooked up to a truck.

Still seems very low the lack of weight must make the chucking worse id imagine too

 

[RAMNC76]

I guess what I was hoping to accomplish with this thread, was to see if the 3/4 guys on here are towing 5th wheels with pin weights between 2500-3000lbs and how they do. I don't want to get into the whole discussion about payload sticker vs axle/tire ratings and such.

 

[UglyViking]

I'd also be interested in that.

 

[Lary0071]

Listen guys, I just talked to Q-tip (white haired old dude) who was telling me that he has been pulling 34' fivers for 40 years using half ton trucks. There is no need for a 2500/3500 if pulling a fiver... all you need is air bags and a half ton and your all set. He's crossed the country multiple times a year like this and swears that he is the towing master of the universe. I actually tried to argue against his absurdity... but we both were getting emotional so I walked away.

For a 34' fiver just grab up a random 150/1500, get air bags so it isn't bottomed out and go on with your plans. This is the advice of a 40 year experience half ton 5th wheel master. It has to be true. There are pro grade idiots out there.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Listen guys, I just talked to Q-tip (white haired old dude) who was telling me that he has been pulling 34' fivers for 40 years using half ton trucks. There is no need for a 2500/3500 if pulling a fiver... all you need is air bags and a half ton and your all set. He's crossed the country multiple times a year like this and swears that he is the towing master of the universe. I actually tried to argue against his absurdity... but we both were getting emotional so I walked away.

For a 34' fiver just grab up a random 150/1500, get air bags so it isn't bottomed out and go on with your plans. This is the advice of a 40 year experience half ton 5th wheel master. It has to be true. There are pro grade idiots out there.

Anyone who claims to be a pro at towing heavy but has a 1/2 ton is full of it

 

[Brutal_HO]

We need a sarcasm emoji.

 

[RichM752]

Listen guys, I just talked to Q-tip (white haired old dude) who was telling me that he has been pulling 34' fivers for 40 years using half ton trucks. There is no need for a 2500/3500 if pulling a fiver... all you need is air bags and a half ton and your all set. He's crossed the country multiple times a year like this and swears that he is the towing master of the universe. I actually tried to argue against his absurdity... but we both were getting emotional so I walked away.

For a 34' fiver just grab up a random 150/1500, get air bags so it isn't bottomed out and go on with your plans. This is the advice of a 40 year experience half ton 5th wheel master. It has to be true. There are pro grade idiots out there.

 

[RAMNC76]

Listen guys, I just talked to Q-tip (white haired old dude) who was telling me that he has been pulling 34' fivers for 40 years using half ton trucks. There is no need for a 2500/3500 if pulling a fiver... all you need is air bags and a half ton and your all set. He's crossed the country multiple times a year like this and swears that he is the towing master of the universe. I actually tried to argue against his absurdity... but we both were getting emotional so I walked away.

For a 34' fiver just grab up a random 150/1500, get air bags so it isn't bottomed out and go on with your plans. This is the advice of a 40 year experience half ton 5th wheel master. It has to be true. There are pro grade idiots out there.

I appreciate the reply and notice the sarcasm in your post. But your signature is exactly what I am talking about!!

2019 Bright White Ram 2500 Bighorn CC/6' 4" 6.4L 8-speed 2,904 payload and 14,404 towing.

Mine is a 2019 RAM 2500 Bighorn CC/6'4" , 2280 payload and 19280 towing. Optioned pretty close to yours, Lary0071, I'm sure we are both 10k GVWR. But if you look at OEM parts for both trucks, gas and diesel, they both use the same coil springs and such. So why can I tow almost 2.5 tons more but carry 500 lbs less on same suspension?? Makes no sense to me other than that 10k GVWR and the extra weight of the Cummins. Take the sticker off the door pillar. Am I going to have trouble "carrying" the 2904 lbs that your truck is capable of?? I'm of the thinking of absolutely not. Just trying to find real world pin weights of the guys pulling with 3/4 ton trucks. Dry pin weight of the 5er we are looking at is 2560 lbs. We aren't the type that throws everything into the camper when we go on vacation. We pack only necessities and really only use it for maybe a few 4 day weekends a year and maybe a full week vacation once a year. We aren't cross country travelers. The 5er we want also has the rear pull out cargo tray. SO we could offset some pin weight by putting things in the rear.

 

[Lary0071]

The payload rating has nothing to do with our trucks mechanical limits, that's a paper limit because of the 10K gvw and nothing more.

The axle limits are the real limits based on mechanicals.

I look at payload as a general recommendation.... heck, no one towing dump trailers or renting excavators knows exactly what they have back there. Load it until you see the tires bulging some. Then go ahead and add a few more buckets for good measure.

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[McHenry2500]

I look at payload as a general recommendation.... heck, no one towing dump trailers or renting excavators knows exactly what they have back there. Load it until you see the tires bulging some. Then go ahead and add a few more buckets for good measure.

As someone who primarily uses my truck to tow farm equipment, cattle trailers, or my off-road toys this is how I view the whole "payload vs. towing" debate. Just hook it up and go!

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

As someone who primarily uses my truck to tow farm equipment, cattle trailers, or my off-road toys this is how I view the whole "payload vs. towing" debate. Just hook it up and go!

Im the same if she is not squatting it can take a few more lbs

 

[Lary0071]

Im the same if she is not squatting it can take a few more lbs

Yep. I don't carry portables with me, and I couldn't care enough to use them if I had them. Hook it and pull, that's what trucks have been doing for about 100 years.

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