Hi
I am new here! We are in the process of looking for a Dodge Ram 4x4 3500 to pull our 33 foot 5th wheel GVWR 4692 kg. I have a few questions, can we pull that weight and do we need a duallie or not? I have heard you get a better pull from an automatic, is this true?? We are also wanting to get a custom 3rd row of seats installed (seen these as sleepers made to seats) or install a 4th seat belt across the back seat for the few weeks a year when we have a 7th person. Also can you get an option to turn the air bags of in the front so a car seat can be put in the middle? Any advice?? our local Dodge dealer was NO HELP!! Thanks!

 

First of all.......Welcome to the Forum!
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Let's see....4692 x 2.2= 10322 lbs

You'd be fine with a 2500 SRW with 3.73's for the trailer weight. That's good for 13500 lbs,BUT.....

You need to look at the pin weight + cargo in the truck to make sure that you aren't exceeding the GVWR.

Anytime your go with a 5th wheel, it's a good idea to go with at least a 3500 SRW. The ONLY difference in a 3500 SRW, compared to a 2500 SRW is the addition of the overload springs in the rear, giving you more payload.

Being that you are looking at a 3rd row conversion, that is gonna take away some of your cargo capacity + bed space (i.e. get a long bed).

Depending on how much ACTUAL tow time this truck will see, should be the big factor between a 3500 SRW or DRW. It's it's gonna be a dailt driver, I would say go with the SRW simply for the easy of daily use (i.e. parking spots, drive though's, ATM's, etc.). If it's gonna be mainly a tow-pig-a-mus-max-imus, then I'd say go with the DRW.

The main advantage the DRW will give you is load capacity, not necessarilly towing capacity. It also helps reduce tire wear and tire heat because of the load being more spread out. The DRW is also less affected by cross winds, especially with a tall trailer.

And yes, because of shock loading, going with an automatic is gonna be a bit more comfortable. You can always get an air pin for that 5th too to take some more of the shock out of it.

Also, some places require you to register the truck based on the weight that you'll carry. This can also be a factor when it comes time for insurance. Some insurance companies bump the rates up on 3500's compared to 2500's.

Confused yet?

 

I tow around 14k on a regular basis with my 2500 and there is plenty room for more. The dual wheels are going to be a pain if you ever drive it with out a trailer. Just ask some of the guys around here about parking and drive thrus with a dual wheel truck.

 

I remember seeing somewhere where a guy took a SRW 3500 QCSB and stretched to add in a 3rd row of seats. it looked pretty slick

also if your planning on towing a 5vr having a long bed makes all the difference when turning

 

I was at some of those crossroads almost 2 years ago. I didn't have a 5'ver yet, but knew that it would come after the decision on the truck. I considered the SRW against the DRW for some time, thinking about the pro's and con's.
The bottom line for me was, do I sacrifice the stability and possible safety of my family for the convienence of easier parking and drive thru's?

When I weighed that for awhile, well, as a a trade, I'm a boat jockey that gets drilled with safety issues and "what if's", all the time.

The decision came easy.

 

I have to agree with the fact that the pin weight and the weight of mods. will determine weather you need a dually or not. Is the math right? 10,000lbs on a 33' trailer seems a little light, but if its right than a single wheel would likely work fine. I use a dually as my pin weight is 3000lbs empty which is closing in on the max rating for a single wheel truck. Plus the extra tires help the stability out quite a bit. Its a nice feeling knowing the trailer goes where the truck goes and not the other way around. I was never fond of short beds for fivers, but to each there own. Just keep an eye on the corner when turning sharp or you'll lay that back window on the back seat. Put a mor/ryde pin on it and you'll be happy. This is my first stick after many autos, and for me it works many times better than an auto. Stick shifts forever! I love my dually, its my daily driver (when I got gas money!) and will probably always have one as long as I'm pulling the fivers that I have.

 

I went with a 3500 4x4 mega cab with 4.10s and SRW with 6 speed auto. The only advantage to DRWs in my opinion is if you have a blowout on the rear.

I tow a 34 foot 5er and it is a deam to tow. The built in exhaust brake is really great.

Truck and trailer weigh right at 18,500# loaded. Fuel economy so far is 9.5 to 11 depending on head winds and up or down mountains.

I usually leave the cruise control set at 1700 rpm which is about 62 mph.

Had Transfer Flow of Chico swap out the stock fuel tank for a 56 gallon tank, gives me a 500 mile range when towing.

Being a short bed I use a Super Glide 18K hitch. There is dealer in Salt Lake City that will replace the short bed with a long bed. Not sure what the cost is but the stock truck is hard enouth to manuver around town.

I have installed an AFE cold air intake system * can't see that it changed anything, but it sounds neater.