I currently tow a 5,000 lb trailer with my 1500 hemi... looking at a 5th wheel that is 6,000 dry weight... I'm confused about my towing capacity and whether there is a difference towing a trailer vs 5th wheel (short bed issues?, more load capability similar to using a load distributing hitch?) Thanks!

 

1500 Hemi's no matter what the salesman might tell you, should not pull a 5th wheel.
Even the light weight 5th wheel trailors and a no go so don't let anyone convince you other.
Gotta' be a 2500 or 3500 to pull a 5th wheel safely.

Al.

 

5th wheel is not entirely meant for a 1500 due to weight restrictions so you have to be careful what you hook up to.. the 1500's max towing cap is dependant upon your tire size and differential gear ratio and whether your 4wd or not. No matter what, your max towing weight isn't gonna be more than 9k. The biggest concern of yours is what the hitch pin weight is because the Rams have a super low payload compared to some other trucks, so if the hithc pin weight is over 1300#'s it's gonna be a no-go. Also, shortbed on a 5th wheel is a tuffy too.
I think a few simple searches are in order for you to answer all of your questions.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=5th...utf-8&fr=b2ie7
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=dod...utf-8&fr=b2ie7