How Heavy of a 5th Wheel Trailer Can a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Tow

Question:

2002 ram 1500 with 6 foot box and customer wants us to install a 5th wheel hitch so he can to a camper trailer. there is no door jamb sticker but dealer gave me this info from VIN tow capacity 12,000 lbs and tongue weight 1200 lbs. Are you able to calculate what size/ weight trailer he could safely tow? and what would air bags increase that to?

asked by: Tim R

Expert Reply:

The 5th wheel towing capacity will be the same as the bumper pull towing capacity for a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. It was not until the last 5 years or so that they gave them a different towing capacity for 5th wheel trailers. Therefore, if the dealer told you that your towing capacity is 12,000 lbs then that will be the heaviest 5th wheel trailer you can tow. However, I would be skeptical that the truck has a 12,000 lb towing capacity as the most well equipped 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 I was able to find had a towing capacity of 8,650 lbs. Therefore, I recommend you call the dealer back to reconfirm the towing capacity. I would also ask for the rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR) as that will be your limit for pin weight which is the same as tongue weight but specific to 5th wheel trailers.

In regards to airbags, they will improve the towing performance of your vehicle yes and I do recommend them but they will not increase weight capacity under any circumstance. The towing/weight capacity of your Dodge Ram 1500 will remain unchanged through the life of the vehicle in the eyes of the manufacturer. Please note that not all airbags and 5th wheel brackets are compatible so you will need to be careful of this when selecting the two.

For a set of compatible airbags and 5th wheel brackets, I recommend using the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part # AL57230 for 4WD or part # AL57257 for 2WD with the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit part # RP50040-58. Then for a 5th wheel hitch I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000lbs # RP30075. These are both great entry level, economy options. I have attached review videos for you as well if you want to learn more about them.

expert reply by: Conner L