I just went on dodge.com/towing and for my new (sweet) ride, and with my configurations, they say I can tow 13,000 lbs. Is this for both a ball-type trailer AND a fifth wheel type? Usually the fiftth wheel ratings are much higher?

Thanks!

 

I agree that the fifth wheel ratings are usually higher. That's the case with Chevy and Ford.
I went round and round with a friend of mine who happens to be a fleet sales manager for Dodge. After some time had passed, he got back to me to say the actual weight number was 15,500 lbs. for a 3500 Ram 2WD.
I have a 4x4, so he recommended 200 lbs. less. I've been towing a heavy *** fifth wheel toping out close to 17,000 lbs. No problems yet, though I've been staying out of the mountains. She does squat some when I hitch up. I'm strongly considering upgrading the transmission, installing a jake brake, and a mild power program.
I tend to think that Dodge has published a conservitively low number as to protect themselves with the commercial guys toting heavy weights day in and day out.

 

I pulled a 16,300 lb. travel trailer, standard hitch with my 01' 2500 from Tucson, AZ to Kirbyville, TX with no problems at all...

 

Bigriver: ill agree with the idea that dodge puts out low numbers.

"The Two Kinds of Math"
Ford Math: Stretched beyond all reason for advertisement purposes.
Dodge Math: Underestimated for warranty purposes.

 

I pulleda 16K 5th wheel, 32ft lowboy 6 times back and forth to florida withmy brother in laws'05 3500 DRW diesel. 6 speed in his also, did itno problem. We also made the same trip several times pulling a 24ft. enclosed loaded to 14K. These trucks are heavy haulers!!

 

the problem is not getting the load to move, or stay moveing with these trucks. . .it is stopping that load. Auto Manufacturers set the load rateing of the vehicles, not NTSA. The only organization that may have heart burn is your insurance company, they may or may not ask what the tow vehicle is. if they do and see the load rateing is not enough they might not insure you.