5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed
Question:
We have a 2004 Dodge quad cab 2500 Cummings diesel 4wd shortbed. we are looking at a new toy hauler 5th wheel. My question is this, the trailer we are looking at weights 13,500lbs. I looked up the towing capacity for my truck which says 9,000lbs...?? I have a hard time believing this is true? How can there be such a difference in the 4wd tow rating vs. standard truck tow capacity? please help? Thanks!
asked by: Glenn
Helpful Expert Reply:
To determine the maximum trailer weight you can tow with your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 you will need to find both the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR). The GCWR and GVWR figures can be found on the information tag located inside the drivers door jamb. If you subtract the GVWR from the GCWR, that will give you the maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) you can safely tow. This is the only true way to determine the towing capacity of your vehicle as online figures are not alway accurate and do not take into consideration different packages and options.
If you do not already have a 5th wheel hitch, I recommend using the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16521 with the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram part # C16420-204. The Curt A16 hitch has a two jaw interlocking connection which provides a 360 degree jaw to kingpin contact point. It also has a three point color coded indicator system which will tell you if your hitch is ready to uncouple, couple, or tow.
I have attached a review and installation video of this hitch for you as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram - Carbide Finish
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion Slider Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion Flatbed Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Q&A: Mounting Location for the Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck 7-Pin In Bed Wiring Harness
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Search Results: gooseneck and fifth wheel adapters
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Comparing Rota-Flex and Gen-Y 5th Wheel Pin Boxes
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Q&A: Which Gen-Y Gooseneck Adapter Fits 2020 Keystone Raptor 424
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider Installation - 2022 GMC Sierra 2500
- Search Results: b&w
on Fifth Wheel Hitch
