I have looked all over the internet and cant make sense of this stuff. I am wanting to buy a 5th wheel tomorrow but dunno if i can pull it(safely) I have a 08 2500 with a 5.7 hemi, also have dick cepek 20" with mickey thompson atzs. The 5er has a dry weight of8,862 and a GVW of 12700. Really like this 5er and can buy upgrades to pull it if needed. Thanks!

 

if you have 3.73's you would be at your make max wieght before you added anything to the rig. 4.10's net you about 2k lbs of capacity. This is the most comprehensive info you will find on your '08. if the link doesn't work, google dodge body builder guide.
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/200...r/mlup2500.pdf

 

Lot of weight for a gasser! Best things you can do is to re-gear to at least 4.10s or preferably 4.56s, lose the 20" wheels (20" to 17" wheels increases towing by about 1000# in a 1500, not sure of a 2500).

I'd imagine you'd get single digit fuel economy pulling it, but it'll do it...

 

Too much weight even with 4:10's. 2wd specs say 9.250lbs with 3:73's and 11,250 for 4:10s and that's IF you have 2wd. 4wd numbers are 450lbs less.

 

what i fi put them air bags in the back? Plan on doing a few upgrades to before i leave this job, working in New Jersey till Feb. and hotels are expensive!

 

Airbags help with squat. That's not the problem here. Towing heavier weights than reccomended has to do with the proper brake set-up, transmission strength, rear-end,...etc.

What gears do is they make your drivetrain work a lot less and increase your towing abilities, but you need supporting mods to go with.
Here's the only way you could tow that weight safely and without issue's other than getting nabbed by law enforcement for being overweight.

Upgrade trans cooling, upgrade engine cooling(efan), new gears, upgrade brakes(either drilled/slotted or larger brakes in general), rear diff cover(finned alum)...etc.
Your just ringing the truck out as it sits stock. It is a shame the 2500 doesn't pull more, but it's a heavy truck to begin with. Your best bet is to stick the largest set of gears in there you can. That will ease up stress on the motor and will allow you to pull more weight much easier, but it still doesn't excuse the overweight issue...

 

Seen more than one guy forced by THE MAN to unhook his trailer on the side of the road and make arrangements for the proper vehicle to come get it. Oh and there was a slight matter of a fine involved also.

 

Yup. tow service aint cheap for a heavy trailer like that either. That's wrecking service expensive! Fine is usually a minimum of $1,000 as well for most states Plus court fees..etc.
Your best bet to avoid it is to get your truck registered fo a higher GVWR and changed your door badges to 3500 or 5500...lol j/k.
Getting into an accident is too risky and you WILL be sued even if the crash isn't your fault! if you own a home I wouldn't even think about it.

 

those weights are really needing a diesel. remember with a 5th wheel the air resistance adds weight to a degree.

 

Well pulled the 5er home. Installed air bags and had to drive through Pennsylvania mountians and she pulled fine. Only got 4.5 MPG though! Will be looking into a diesel after my credit score improves. She was screaming up them hills with them flowmasters! Camper weight was 13,890# loaded.