Ram 1500 fifth wheel?

[4happyfeet]

Can I safely put a fifth wheel hitch in a 2021 Ram 1500 with 5.7L Hemi? Trailer weighs 8k.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[sourdo]

8000 lbs dry or wet? For my 5th wheel, that is almost 5,000 lbs different from dry to max weight. What brand? Those fiberglass units from Canada, I think they are called Carefree, are even lighter than 8000 lbs.

I've seen it done, with 5th wheels made for half tons. The axles are much farther apart than normal, over a foot. Mine are like two inches. This is like that lighten up the pin weight, where you're going to need to watch the weight there. I saw one and it looked scary.

I knew I was going to go to a 5th wheel, I stepped up to a '21 Ram 2500 6.7 L Cummins diesel added some air bags to the truck (something else for you to consider adding), and hit the road. You'll need the bags for sure.

And watch your engine oil temperatures in the hotter sun areas.

Also don't forget the weight of the 5th wheel hitch receiver and hardware under the bed.

Good luck and be safe.

 

[PCBLimey]

Wouldn't advise it. Looking up tow/weight capacities (in general) for your truck, the carrying capacity is about 1900 lbs. That is the number you need to watch. Even if the 8k is the Gross weight of your 5er that would give a pin weight of approx. 1600lbs. Your hitch, passengers, fuel and miscellaneous items are going to be over 300 lbs (1900-1600), which will put you over capacity for your truck.

Now, if 8k is the empty weight of your trailer (as is mine), when loaded to go camping it will be significantly higher, pushing you even further over the weight capacity of your truck. My 5er is advertsed at a "Half Ton" series. It is 8k empty and 10500 gross. I am not far off the weight capacity of my truck (Ram 2500 6.4 hemi) with this trailer and I have a 3050 carrying capacity.

IMHO you will really need a bigger truck if indeed the 8k is the empty weight of your trailer.

Can you do it - yes. Should you? That's your decision, but it would make for some uncomfortable driving and possible damage to your truck.