I am confused. My 2008 1500 Mega Cab short box, sits on a 2500 frame and even has what appears to have and extra leaf spring compared to the 1500 Quad's and Crew Cabs, but cannot pull a 5th wheel - which I think I understand why based on my research and forum comments + the vehicle specs and accept it. BUT this weekend camping, I saw 2 things that shocked me.

1- 2008 1500 SXT Quad Cab, 18 inch wheels and a short box with no modifications but "a chip ?" he added for the engine, pulling an 8400 lbs 5th wheel.
2- 2007 1500 SXT Quad Cab, 20 inch wheels and and a short box with the addition of air bags pulling a 10,200 5th wheel.

Both owners are under the same belief that with a 5th wheel you take 2000 lbs off the weight since its a 5th wheel and not being "towed" the same so the 8400 guy said he is only pullg 6400 and the 10,200 thinks only 8200 for towing weight ??

Mike
Ottawa

 

What you are suppose to do and what people actually do are 2 different things. I personally wouldn't ever pull a 5th wheel with a short box regardless of 1500/2500, but that's just me.

 

what do you mean cannot pull?? Like physically cant, or is there some rule that short box's arent supposed to pull?? Because both my dad and i both have short box trucks and i have a 5th wheel i pull and dad pulls a gooseneck flat deck.... not srue why u mean

 

I meant not pull because of the weight restrictions. From what i have read, for a short box you just need a "slider?" (new to trucks and towing). But limitation is due to towing capacity of 7450 and a GCWR of 14,000. If I was able to get a lightweight 5th wheel my wife would be excited but most people are telling me I cannot so thats why I used the word cannot. Hopefully people like you can help shed some light on my possibilities of getting a 5th wheel or just waiting a few years and get a new truck first.

Thanks and all comments are appreciated for a newbie

 

I'm sure you could pull your 5th wheel, but it's against manufacturers reccomendations. I installed 5k# airbags. If you did the same, you would have no worries as long as everything is suited up properly. You have the same brakes and drivetrain as 2500's do, so i don't see the big deal. I just see a problem on tight turn with a short box is all. That's what I was referring to and also, you can't tow a 5th wheel with a short box reg cab because the wheel base generally.

here's specs for an '06 mega cab i found
Max. Payload: 2,970 pounds
Max. Towing Capacity: 15,900 pounds