I can't decide between getting a Dodge 3500 with single or dual rear wheels, or if a 2500 SRW would be just fine. I plan on getting a 5th Wheel Toy Hauler, about 13000 pounds trailer weight and about 3000 pounds hitch weight. I know the 3500 DRW can handle it but can the 2500 SRW or 3500 DRW handle the trailer legally? Also, I won't be using the trailer often, just for the occasional cross country trip. I don't go mudding or anything either, but I need a truck that can drive up mountain trails for camping. No matter what truck I get I will make sure it comes with a cummins. Any thoughts though on the 5.9 vs the new 6.7?

Any help would be great.

 

Get the dually since you are buying a truck anyways.

 

Dual wheels = more $$ for maintenance and more drag for mpg loss.
Single wheel 2500 is pushing it due to the differential capacities
Single wheel 3500 is suitable for what you would be doing. I found this article on a quick search.

Dodge Ram 3500 series pickups feature reduced spring rates for unloaded and lightly loaded conditions to improve ride quality. To support the heavier payloads and towing demands of a 3500, an auxiliary leaf spring setup was created. The auxiliary springs are only employed when the truck is heavily laden, providing improved unladen ride comfort.
All-new rear axles (10.5 inch ring gears on 2500 models and 11.5 inch ring gears on 3500 and 2500 diesel/manual models) contribute to increased gross vehicle weight ratings, with a best-in-class rating of 12,000 pounds on the 3500 Diesel/4x4. The standard rear axle ratio is a 3.73 with a 4.10 ratio available as an option and provides an additional 2,000 pounds of towing capability. Dodge Ram 3500 rear axles have a GAWR of 9,350 pounds.
A new limited slip differential is available on Ram Heavy Duty. The helical gear design provides torque biasing and eliminates the "chatter" found in friction plate designs. The system requires no lubricating additives.

 

If your goin to be hauling a trailer of that weight cross country i would definatly go with the DRW. It will give you alittle bit better weight spread on that axle and plus it will be less likely the DOT will give your problems... In my opinion the DRW would be worth it.

 

So I went to a Dodge dealership today after reading the responses to the questions I asked earlier. I test drove the 2009 Big Horn Edition Dodge 3500 SRW 6.7L Cummins and I loved it. I was told that it will haul the trailer I am interested in just fine and I'm happy because I didn't really want a dually. The advantage of the dually would have been to help prevent trailer sway if there was a side wind. I won't be towing a whole lot though so I think the 3500 SRW will work for me just fine. Thanks for the responses everyone.

Oh yeah, my numbers for the trailer were wrong too but here's the info:

It is a Keystone Raptor 3612 DS, 11615 pounds shipping weight, 4885 carrying capacity, 2870 hitch, 37'7" long, 102" width, 13'2" height, holds 110 gal fresh water, 39 gal waste water, 69 gal gray water, and LPG Capacity is 60.

 

Sounds like nice equip. combo you'll have there. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun!

 

nice, and good luck with the truck you end up buying

 

If you can stomach and afford the maintenance on the DRW 3500, do it. I think the DRW mega cabs are sick. Absolutely gorgeous. thats just me though.

 

An additional advantage to DRW is stability/safety in case of tire failure. Especially with 13,000lbs behind you, that might be worth some peace of mind.

 

DRW all the way.......man its also looks sick!