Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2013 Ram 2500 Big Horn Long Bed for Safe Towing

Question:

2013 Ram, 2500, 4x2, Big horn, crew cab, long bed My truck already has the rails in the bed of the truck and Im just wondering if a fifth wheel has a dry weight of say 11000 pounds and then they say another 2,000 pounds for the pin weight what does that exactly mean. I have a gross combined weight of 25000 lb and I dont want to exceed it I want to be safe

asked by: Lacoy A

Expert Reply:

The pin weight of your trailer is included in the GVWR of your trailer. If your trailer is 11,000 lbs with 2,000 lb pin weight dry, it will increase slightly as you load your trailer but will not surpass safe limits. Your vehicle curb weight is right around 7,056 lbs based on my research so your fully loaded trailer will not have any issues with safety limits based on your Combined Weight Rating.

Since you already have the rails, the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs # RP30928 will work very well with your long bed Ram and will give you a safe capacity buffer for your trailer. You may want to consider adding a wiring harness like # 41157 for easy accessibility.

If you want to make sure you are still towing level when you have the trailer connected I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle # F2299 which are a custom fit for your truck and will work with the bed rails you have. You may also want to consider the Firestone Air Command I - Analog Gauge w/ Standard-Duty Compressor # F2158 to give you the adjustability at any time.

expert reply by: Jason S