Towing Capability - Has anyone towed anything big yet?
 

I'm looking at buying a new fifth wheel camper and I'm wondering if my new dodge has the capability to tow it. Here are the specs:

My Dodge:
2009 Ram 1500
5.7 Hemi
Laramie Crew Cab
4x4
3.55 axle ratio
20 inch wheels

Fifth Wheel camper:
K-Z Spree 305BHS
UVW Unloaded Vehicle Weight 7113
Dry Hitch Weight 1281
Dry Axle Weight 5832
GVWR 8800

Has anyone towed anything with their 09 Ram that is similar in size? Do you think I have the capability to tow this RV?

The RV dealer said we could potentially install air bags if the back end is weighted down too much. Is that a good idea or not?

I haven't towed that much, but from what I have towed I can say its going to squat like a girl with that much hitch weight. You'll either be on the bump stops the whole time, or need those air bags installed. As far as power goes, you're fine, but the weight is an issue with the rear coil springs.

MOPWR2U

Buy the 2500/3500.

Sorry Mike, but I've already got the 1500. What kind of suggestion is that? You obviously are providing no help what so ever!

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...-air-bags.html

Here is an idea.

I put my boat in the water the other day. Weight with trailer is around 3500lbs. Didnt even feel like I was pulling anything. Very happy with the towing my truck handles.

My specks are the same as Rhulm1

The hitch weight is beyond your cargo capacity, the pull weight is beyond your towing capacity, plus it would put you over gross. It's too much. Even if it was just inside your ratings, it would still not be practical. If you wanted to pull a 5th wheel camper, a 1/2 ton was not the truck to buy. The trailer guy wants to sell you a trailer, I don't think he really cares that it would likely void any warranty on your truck, would not be safe, and is not legal.

What do you mean by "Is not legal"? Please expain.

That's what all those fancy weight ratings are for. It is not legal to excede them.

I towed 8000 pds of boat and trailer last weekend and it was very unpleseant. Truck squated: about 600 pds of tongue weight. In tow haul mode the truck struggled to get everything going on the road and I was very nervous about what it was going to do on the boat ramp. It pulled it out, but I can definately tell the truck doesn't like all that. I fear the tranny would go first. Oh and I was getting 9-10 mpg. If you are in that range, this is not the truck for you. I would say 5-6000 pds and less.