Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit for 2016 Ram 1500

Question:

We want to purchase a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L hemi 4x4 to pull a jay of eagle super lite 5th wheel 28.5 RLS. Will this truck pull it. We want to travel many places with it. Truck does not have a hitch in it yet. Would have to purchase. This was my original question. Thanks very much for your answer. Still have some questions. Not sure at this time of the axle ratio. Spoke with local RV dealer and he recommended air bags? to level truck. Could you explain air bags and if you would recommend this. I would just like to buy a truck that will pull a trailer 5th wheel without extras. Confusing. Will this dodge truck pull a 28.5 ft 5th wheel. Thanks

asked by: Bryan

Expert Reply:

The Jayco Eagle Superlight is rated at GVWR of 10,200 lbs. There are only certain combinations of a 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 with 5.7L Hemi that will pull that much weight. Here are the 4x4 combinations that work:

Quad cab 6ft 4 inch box with 3.92 axle ratio
Standard Cab 8 foot box with 3.92 axle ratio
If you are 10 lbs light of complete capacity fully loaded, you can also use the Crew Cab 5 ft 7 inch box with 3.92 axle ratio.

For a 5th wheel rail kit and hitch, I recommend the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit # C16444-204 and Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16120 for 8 foot bed. For a short bed, use the same rail kit but use # C16521 which is the A16 Slider for turning clearance. For the 5 ft 7 inch bed, you will need the fixed hitch and a Sidewinder pin box for turning clearance due to the extremely short bed to move the rotation location back 22 inches to avoid camper contact with the truck cab.

expert reply by: Jason S

Joanne

5/3/2018

Jason S.

5/3/2018

Since you are not sure of your axle ratio, and about 70% of the 2016 Ram 1500 4x4's are not able to pull that weight, I would recommend looking at a bigger truck. For the trailer you are looking at, the 2500 would be a much better option and normally 2WD will have more towing ability than the 4WD trucks. Air bags are a great option to level the load on your truck and they are adjustable for each individual load for the best fit. The issue in this case is they don't add any more towing ability. The 1500 would absolutely sit more level but if the truck is able to tow that trailer (based on its axle ratio) then it will still be at the top of its towing ability, so even though the back of the truck wouldn't sag, the engine and transmission will be working at its capacity. If you are okay with that, I recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL57365. This will give you adjustability between 5 and 100 psi. The kit comes with manual inflation valves or you can add a compressor system like # AL25592. I've attached videos to assist. Since you want to go many places with it, I recommend getting a larger truck like a 2500 so you won't have issues on hills and put air bag suspension enhancement on that vehicle. Your other option is to get a lighter trailer, but that trailer even though it is long is a fairly light 5th wheel comparatively.