I am thinking about using my truck to haul livestock. This would be something I would do on the side to make a few extra dollars. My girlfriend is big into horses so my truck would be hauling her horses around too. I know my truck would handle a trail that hitches to the back. However I am not sure if it can handle a fifth wheel. I have 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4X4 5.9L 6.5 Bed length. Would this truck be suitable to use with a fifth wheel?

ThanksRay

 

It all depends how heavy the loads are but generally 1/2 tons are not recommended for 5th wheels.

 

I regularly pull a 7800 lb fifth wheel with my 01 4X4 extended cab shortbed. However, I have a performance engine, towing torque converter, performance tranny, and Hellwig LP-35 helper springs. I realize that I am at the maximum amount for my truck and do have occurrences with high wind where I can feel a lack of power.
In your case, if you are going to pull about 5500 lbs or less, the fifth wheel would work fine and you would have a much better ride than using the back hitch.Just don't overload yourself.

 

My uncle had a 2001 Ford f150 with that horrible 4.6 litre motor and he hauled a 5th wheel travel trailer that weight in around 4500 and he pulled it no problem, my point is that if that truck could pull it then yers shouldnt have an issue with the 5500 range in mind

 

Thanks for allyour help

Ray

 

Livestock trailers are a lot heavier than campers. If you are going to be pulling livestock, you will be pushing the limits of your truck. Espescially if you have an older all steel trailer. I have a 96 1500 and a Sundowner 2 horse all aluminum trailer. The trailer weighs about 1900 pounds and with 2 horses in the back, it is all the truck can do to go 65-70 on the highway. I also have to take it out of over drive or it will shift too much. The truck worked OK at best when towing 2 horses on short trips. If you are going to haul livestock a lot, a 2500 with a diesel is going to be your best bet. I have not hooked a trailer up to the 1500 since I got my 2500 diesel6 years ago.

 

I wouldn't do it personally. First off, personally I hate using 6.5' beds for 5th wheel trailers. It limits your ability to get the trailer swung around in a tight area. Also, most AG trailers are steel. You really should have a 3/4 ton truck to be pulling something like that around. It isn't power that you lack, but the stability and added stopping power of a larger truck. I've pulled a number of trailers with my 1500, but like CowboyBob said I wouldn't put anything larger than a two horse bumper pull on my truck. Pulling critters and pulling campers is a different deal. Critters shift around and kick making the trailer bounce. Campers everything is tied down and the center of gravity is lower.

 

It would do it fine, but not as a common use, they just dont have the frame and suspension strength to do that much hauling. If you are needing to do alot of this type of thing, Look into a cummins. You will be much happier in the end.