You guys have been such a big help in the past when my truck was having major issues the dealer couldn't figure out, I was hoping you could help me again...I need to know the maxium tow capacity of my truck with a 5th wheel hitch and all these numbers are confusing me (ok, yes, I am a bit blond, but really trying to understand it all). Here are the ratings I found for my truck: http://dodgeram.info/2003/load-tow/2500.html

I have a 2003, 5.7 L Hemi, 4x4 long bed, quad cab, auto, not sure about axles...will have to check.

However, I am curious as to what I can pull with a 5th wheel hitch...oh, keep in mind it is moving cargo...horses. Right now I am looking at a trailer with 2-4800lb axles and a LTGVW of 5400lbs. Some are telling me this will be too heavy, but others say it will be fine. Most of the hauling I do will only be with 1 horse, but don't want to short myself if i have 2, so potentially will be carrying 4K lbs. I don't want to buy a $20K trailer and find out I need a new truck too!!!

Thanks!!

 

What might the LT in LTGVW stand for?

the table you provided shows 8650 pounds for a 5.7 auto with 3.73's on a 2500 long bed 4x4. depending on how your truck is equipped, it would only go up from there.

tongue weight on a pull-type can be between 10% - 15% of your total trailer weight, but normal pin weight for a 5th is 25% of total weight because it:

• loads the frame/chassis more evenly
• with correct hitch placement, some of the weight will actually be transferred to the front axle.

 

The trailer place said the LTGVW was 'light' weight or the weight of the trailer empty. So the 8650 lbs is really the total load of the trailer regardless of pull type? That is where I was getting confused.

Thanks!

 

I stated automatic, above, but I meant std.

if your truck is a 4x4 (2wd can pull more) and is a standard (autos can pull more), and has 3.73 gearing (4.10's can pull more) then the max weight of your trailer shouldn't exceed 8650 pounds. the other thing to consider is what we call your GCVWR or Gross Combined Vehicle Weight rating, They call it the GCW and it shouldn't exceed 15 000
pounds (note, this is the "scaled weight, or all your gas, people, cargo, etc.

Again, these numbers are for a 4x4 HEMI QCLB with a standard transmission, and 3.73 gears. (in other words, the lighgtest duty 3/4 ton you can spec).

 

You really need to find out what gear ratio you have in the axles. There is quite a bit of difference in towing capacity depending on whether you have 3.73 or 4.10 gear ratio.

With 3.73 your MAXIMUM tow capacity is 9000 lbs. assuming all heavy duty tow capacity is met (weight distribution, tranny cooler, etc.)

With 4.10 gearing your maximum tow capacity jumps to 11,000 lbs., again, assuming you have/obtain everything else you need.

Regardless of the capacity, your gas mileage will suck big time with a gas engine...

 

Actually my truck is an Auto, but yes, the gas mileage does already SUCK! I get maybe 10 mpg pulling my old 2-horse bumper pull trailer with a max of maybe 5000 lbs. I will check the gear ratio tonight. Thanks for all the help! It all makes sense!

Just wouldn't have thought I would be maxing out my truck when I bought it in 03'!
Oh Well.
Thanks!

 

if you going to be towing that a lot i would look in to getting a diesel (better mpg with a load) or invest in some 4.56 gears if you only have 3.73 ,the hemi can handle it but the mpg will suck

i would also invest in some airbags for the rear if your saging

 

BTW - awesome colours, they look familiar.

 

Most horse trailers are either gooseneck or bumper pull. If you have the 4.1 ratio axle then with a gooseneck, the pin weight would be the biggest concern. A gooseneck horse trailer can be quite heavy on the pin when loaded with horses.

 

I just found my axle ratio, 3.73. Typically I will only be hauling 1 horse with equiptment, but I don't want to rule out being able to haul 2. I am over-estimating I will have a 2500 lb load in addition to the trailer weight. Right now I am looking at lighter trailers (all aluminium are around 4000 lbs) with a GVW of 7000 lbs. After the discussion I realize the 10K GVW trailers are out of the question.

Thank you!