I did some searching and found my truck's payload is only 1400 lbs, while a comparably equipped 2500LD would have about 2400 lbs and a 2500HD would be around 3100lb (correct me if these values are wrong.) Basically I am thinking about a getting a small (around 22 ft) 5th wheel travel trailer and would like a little more margin of safety on the rear.

Thing is, it looks like the 1500 and 2500LD both have the 9.25 rear, so what is the difference that gives you the extra 1000 lbs payload, and can I upgrade my 1500 to match that?

If that won't work and I go with a D60 from a 2500HD, is there more to it than just the D60 with its leaf springs and such that gives you more payload?

Last, are both 2500LD and 2600HD trucks 8-lug, or just 2500HD?

I am assuming the front axle won't matter as much with a 5th wheel that is basically mounted above the rear axle. Also I don't mean to ask dumb questions just have never needed more than my 1500 in the past and never figured all this stuff out.

 

2500 and 3500 are 8 lug, not sure what the 2600HD is....

 

how much weight of the trailer will be on the rear end or your truck? I think your best and easiest bet is to get some air bags or add a leafs to take care of however much squat your going to have. I wouldn't think by putting a 22 ft 5th wheel on there isn't going to max out your payload but I might be all wet.

 

You list payload ratings yet talk about wanting to tow? They are Seperate Ratings.


Big difference I'd 9.25 is c clip and 60 is full floating rear.

 

Well the towing capacity of 1500 and 2500 with 5.9 magnum isnt much different, I found 7250 lbs for mine and 8150 for a 2500HD, not enough to swap an axle IMO. I was just worried about the weight on the rear axle.

 

A fifth wheel trailer is probably going to exceed the tow rating of your truck in any event. It isn't about just how much weight the truck can carry, it's also how much weight the truck can STOP. The half-ton has pretty wimpy brakes for such duty.

Even if you are 'within spec' on tow ratings..... I still consider a half-ton truck inadequate to the task for such adventures...... Better take a close look at just what kind of weight you are talking about, as, if you ARE over the rating, and have an accident, your insurance company can refuse you any coverage.....

If you want to haul around that size camper, get a 3/4 ton truck. (HD)

There is no such thing as a 'dumb question' here. Well, aside from the ones that don't get asked.

Even if you do upgrades to your truck, it won't 'legally' change it's tow rating.......

 

Toungue weight should be 10% of trailer gross weight.

wel. Fifth wheels are different so idk

 

Excellent point that I didn't think of... I'm not looking to get another truck though. I will make sure I don't exceed the 1500's capacities, so if I do upgrades then they will be for my own peace of mind.

So what is the difference between the 1500 and 2500LD, sounds like 8-lug axles (even both use 9.25/D44) and brakes (what is different about the brakes?) but what else?

 

The LD 2500 has MUCH bigger brakes than your half-ton, but, they are still Dana 44 up front, and Corporate 9.25 in the rear.... also has stiffer, beefier, springs. I think that's it. (and yes, they ARE 8 lug.)

Going to the LD 2500 calipers, and 1 ton wheel cylinders is an excellent upgrade on yoru half ton. And they have the added advantage of being direct bolt ons. (and if you tow with it, I HIGHLY recommend it. )

 

How much of a difference is there in the frame between 1/2 and 3/4 tons?