Can a RAM 2500 Pull a Fifth Wheel?
Having the right vehicle to pull your fifth wheel is paramount. Everything you need to know about the RAM 2500 and its pulling capacity is here. Compare each RAM 2500 model and discover which one is right for you.
Contents
How Big of a Fifth Wheel Can a RAM 2500 Pull?
Depending on the size and type, a fifth wheel can weigh from 2,400 lbs to 20,000 lbs and are available in various sizes, from as small as 22 ft to as large as 40 ft. Offered in lightweight, mid-size, and full-size/luxury units, the type you need comes primarily down to what your towing vehicle can handle.
There’s also the toy hauler if you don’t require a fifth wheel for camping and need something to haul around your favorite outdoor recreational vehicles and gear. When used to tow your favorite ATVs or motorbikes, the aptly named toy hauler might not be the best idea for a RAM 2500 because of the excessive weight of such toys.
- Lightweight Units: Typically weigh between 2,400 to 9,000 lbs and are available in lengths up to 30 ft.
- Mid-Size Units: Typically weigh between 9,000 to 14,000 lbs and range in sizes from 30 to 40 ft.
- Full-Size/Luxury Units: Typically weigh between 11,000 to 20,000 lbs and are available in lengths up to 45 ft.
Newer models of the RAM 2500 can safely tow lightweight to mid-size campers. But remember, the fifth wheel your RAM 2500 can pull depends on your specific model’s towing and payload capacity.
RAM 2500 models from 2019-2022 have the highest towing and payload capabilities so far for this model. For your convenience, below is a list of three lightweight units that a 2019-2022 RAM 2500 can safely pull.
Keystone RV Company Lightweight Fifth Wheels
Keystone RV Company offers various lightweight fifth wheel options. Even their most compact, lightweight fifth wheels still offer generous interior sizing. Their newer models even come equipped with one of four state-of-the-art SolarFlex solar energy systems. Their most compact choice, the 23MLS, is 26 ft and 10 in length with a UVW of 7,189 lbs and a CCC of 2,811 lbs.
Arctic Wolf Lightweight Fifth Wheels
Arctic Wolf offers various lightweight fifth wheel options. These lightweight fifth wheels are surprisingly spacious and offer top-notch interiors. Their smallest choice, the 261RK, is 30 ft and 7 in length with a UVW of 7,773 lbs and a CCC of 3,752 lbs.
Jayco Eagle HT Lightweight Fifth Wheels
Jayco Eagle HT offers various lightweight fifth wheel options. These lightweight fifth wheels are incredibly roomy. And if bought directly from Jayco Eagle HT, you can customize your fifth wheel interior. Their most compact choice, the 24RE, is 29 ft and 2 in length with a UVW of 7,880 lbs and a CCC of 2,115 lbs.
The Dodge RAM 2500
Introduced in 2002, the RAM 2500 is part of Dodge’s heavy-duty line of pickup trucks. Over the years, with technological improvements, the RAM 2500 gradually improved its towing and payload capabilities.
As a result, the RAM 2500 is one of the most practical pickup trucks you can own. Its powerful engine, available in diesel and gas versions, and its sturdy design make it ideal for hauling and towing daily.
RAM 2500 Towing and Payload Capacity
Over the years, the RAM 2500s towing and payload capacities have gradually increased, with models from 2019-2022 possessing the highest capabilities. A RAM 2500’s, towing and payload capacity differs based on whether it is a gas engine or a diesel engine.
Because of the diesel engine’s increased torque, it offers higher towing and payload capacities than the gas engine. So if you need to pull and carry on the higher-end of the RAM 2500s capabilities, you’ll need to get the diesel engine version.
Towing Capacity
Your vehicle’s towing capacity is the maximum weight it can pull safely.
Payload Capacity
Your vehicle’s payload capacity is the maximum weight it can safely carry.
2022 RAM 2500 Towing and Payload Capacities
Each RAM 2500 model has different towing and payload capacities. Compare the capacity of each vehicle to find the right fit for your needs.
| 2022 RAM 2500 Tradesman | 2022 RAM 2500 Big Horn | 2022 RAM 2500 Laramie | 2022 RAM 2500 Power Wagon | 2022 RAM 2500 Limited Longhorn | 2022 RAM 2500 Limited | |
| Towing Capacity | 15,040 – 19,680 lbs | 14,970 – 19,580 lbs | 15,060 – 19,180 lbs | 10,520 lbs | 14,640 – 19,010 lbs | 14,630 – 18,900 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 4,010 – 4,480 lbs | 3,940 – 4,450 lbs | 3,530 lbs | 1,560 lbs | 3,350 lbs | 3,100 – 3,240 lbs |
Additional 2022 RAM 2500 Features
The 2022 RAM 2500 offers numerous safety features. Including 15-degree turning headlamps that can help you navigate poorly lighted roads and unexpected terrains, LaneSense, ParkSense, and adaptive cruise control with stop.
Remember, gas engines use gasoline which is a lighter liquid and delivers better performance all around. However, diesel is a thicker liquid, and because of this, it will provide more power and mileage per gallon. Furthermore, because of diesel’s improved power and mileage, a diesel engine will give better towing and payload capacities, which is the RAM 2500’s primary purpose.
What Is a RAM 2500 Fifth Wheel Prep Group?
The fifth wheel prep group is an add-on to your RAM 2500 that provides mounting holes for a fifth wheel hitch and gooseneck ball, covers for the mounting holes, and a 7-pin connector.
If you have the fifth wheel prep group add-on, you can purchase a specialized fifth wheel hitch and use the puck system to install it. The puck system utilizes the truck bed’s mounting platform to enable fifth wheel towing.
To install a fifth wheel hitch using the puck system, use a set of anchors that allow the legs of the specialized hitch to drop into the pucks. Doing this will instantly equip the truck for fifth wheel towing. When deciding whether or not to get the fifth wheel prep group, you should be aware that manual fifth wheel installation is a lengthy process.
Is the RAM 2500 a Good Towing Vehicle?
Yes, the RAM 2500 is an excellent towing vehicle. Its towing and hauling capabilities are the main reason to purchase it. Customer reviews call the RAM 2500 a perfect towing vehicle, with most reviews stating that it performs well and offers excellent reliability.
Pricing for the new RAM 2500 depends on the model version, with the Tradesman regular cab 4×2 being the cheapest option starting at $42,775, and the Limited crew cab is the most expensive, starting at $70,710.
Fifth Wheel Terminology
If you’re unfamiliar with some of the terminology, below are a few questions and accompanying answers you might have after reading this article.
What does UVW mean?
UVW means unloaded vehicle weight. It’s the manufactured weight of the unit.
What does CCC mean?
CCC means cargo carrying capacity. It’s the amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, and additional equipment.
What does GVWR mean?
GVWR means gross vehicle weight rating.
It’s the maximum weight of the unit when it is fully loaded. Keep in mind that the GVWR is the UVW and CCC combined. For safety concerns, your fifth wheel should never exceed its GVWR.
What is tongue weight?
Tongue weight is the maximum weight a vehicle can handle behind its rear axle.
What is a gooseneck?
A gooseneck can be either a type of trailer with a long, arched “neck” at the front or a specific type of hitch.
FAQs
Below are a few tidbits of information about the RAM 2500 for your convenience.
Can a RAM 2500 6.4 HEMI tow a fifth wheel?
Yes, a RAM 2500 6.4 HEMI can tow a fifth wheel. However, staying on the low end with the weight is essential. Try not to exceed 12,000 lbs fully loaded.
What happens if you exceed the truck towing capacity?
Suppose you exceed your truck’s towing capacity. In that case, you may cause irreparable or expensive damage to your vehicle’s engine and transmission and accelerate wear on your brakes or damage to your vehicle’s tires.
How much tongue weight can a RAM 2500 handle?
The 2022 RAM 2500 can handle 1800 lbs of tongue weight.
Can a ½-ton truck pull a fifth wheel?
Technically, yes, a ½-ton truck can pull a fifth wheel. However, it’s essential not to exceed a UVW of 8,000 lbs.
Can you put a gooseneck on a RAM 2500?
Yes, a gooseneck hitch can be easily installed and removed from a RAM 2500, and with the correct adapter, it can pull a fifth wheel.