3500 payload question

[Yukon Ron B]

Help please experts. My experience is limited so I hope to ask you guys to tell me if I missed something. I have a 2012 Ram 3500 Laramie 6.7 diesel 4x4 crew cab long box 3.73 axle. I would like to haul a fifth wheel but I don't think I can handle any real hitch weight. The scale yesterday told me that the truck weighs 7782 pounds and with a GVRW of 10100, looks like I have a max payload of only 2318. With 5th wheel hitch weights up around 2500 to 3000 pounds I am thinking I had better stick to travel trailers with their much lower ball hitch weights. This truck can pull but it just can't carry! Am I correct in my figuring or have I missed something? Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Post a pic of your payload sticker?

something seems off, as my 2500 has a lot more payload than that

 

[Jsrunnlus]

2,860# for SRW and 4690# for DRW according to the 2012 RAM trailer Tow & Payload Selector Sheet. Subtract for upper equipment levels with more options. I believe they allowed 150# for driver's weight in those days. You should have a sticker in the driver's door jamb showing the actual rated payload.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Lol I overlooked the 2012. wrong subforum buddy

 

[Jsrunnlus]

Maybe Brutal_HO will change it...

 

[Yukon Ron B]

The sticker from the door seems to give only the gawr and the gvwr. I don't see any payload.

 

[Yukon Ron B]

here is the other half of the sticker....

 

[DevilDodge]

Prime example of how the coils do not limit the truck. 2012 3500 SRW 10100 GVWR

2013 was the change over year where 2500 trucks went to 10000 GVWR. 100 lbs less than the previous years 3500.

You are correct OP. The truck can tow a large trailer. But is payload limited on how heavy the hitch weight can be. A bumper pull would have 10 to 13 % where as a 5th wheel is 18 to 25 %.

So, yes you are limited in hitch weight. A few hundred pounds over no big deal...but you are a few hundred pounds over with just the hitch weight. You still need a hitch and a driver. And probably passengers and gear

 

[Yukon Ron B]

Thanks much for taking the time on this. Much appreciated! As much as my wife wants a fifth wheel I think we'll stick with the TT
Thanks all!
Ron