Do I believe the salesman?

[Harreec]

Today I was told my 2014 Dodge RAM (per VIN):
Engine: 5.7L V8 HEMI
3.21 Rear Axle Ratio
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap 6800 lbs
Gross Combined Wt Rating 13500 lbs
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 7850 lbs
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front 3900 lbs
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear 3900 lbs
Curb Weight - Front 3180 lbs
Curb Weight - Rear 2295 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap 6800 lbs
Gross Combined Wt Rating 13500 lbs
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 7850 lbs
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. 785 lbs
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. 7850 lbs
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. 1177 lbs
Maximum Trailering Capacity 7850

would tow/handle this Fifth Wheel

Jayco 26.5 RLS
Hitch Weight 1340 lbs
Gross Weight 9950 lbs
UVW 7310
DHW 1340
CCC 2640

[BCK]

In a nut-shell, no. Good thing you asked.

The dry hitch weight would put you over the truck's GVW without any gear or occupants and the GCVWR would be almost maxed out at the dry weights before occupants or gear.

[Crabman]

Without doing much math it looks to me like you could easily exceed your payload with loaded hitch weight and your trailer tow rating, and...other ratings too!.

[Screwby]

You could absolutely do it, if you don't want your truck to last very long and be at or over the threshold of your trucks capability every time you hook up. I've always said just because you can, doesn't always mean you should. You'll have people all day long say how they towed some huge thing all over the world and never ever had a problem. Stories about their cousins, uncles, brother-in-law who towed a 5vr with a Yugo. I'd rather have plenty and be comfortable knowing I'm no where near mechanical failure as opposed to wondering if my rig is going to fail hours from home on a hill overlooking an active volcano.....

[need-a-vacation]

Harry,

Look in the drivers door jamb of your truck for a yellow payload sticker that states "All occupants and cargo not to exceed XXXXlbs".
What is the listed payload for your truck? Chances are it is no more than 1400lbs based in the numbers you posted. As posted above, the loaded pin weight will probably exceed your trucks payload, without the weight of 5ver hitch, passengers, or any additional cargo.

Ask the salesman to put it in writing that you will not exceed any of your trucks ratings.

Good luck!

[DocBrown]

Even if you ignored the pin weight and payload, towing capacity vs GVWR of the trailer isn't even close.

Maximum Trailering Capacity 7850

Gross Weight of trailer 9950 lbs

I'm thinking the shipped weight (yellow sticker on the side of the trailer) is already at or above the max trailering capacity of your truck. Add "stuff", and you'll be way over your towing capacity.

Run away from this "salesman".

[TxTwoSome]

I have almost the exact same truck I would not even attempt to pull that trailer with my truck.

I like my truck and that trailer would kill it.

Would it pull it yes it would but not well and most importantly for you and your family NOT SAFELY!

[Dustdevil]

Pulling it is one thing. Stopping it is another. Unless there is some data provided by the Engineering Dept of Chrysler Corp, you can't always tell what is the weak link in the TV setup. Is it the high axle ratio? The trans spec? The brakes? The tires? The chassis? The hitch? Likely, it's several of these, if not all of them. Dodge makes trucks to haul heavy loads. It appears this isn't one of them.

[Jhowemca]

Do I believe the salsemen?

NO. Without even reading this thread... NO WAY do you trust a salesman!

Salesmen and politicians... Don't believe a word. They both will say anything to sell you.

[nwminnesota]

Typical salesman trying to make sale. Watch you will go back and tell him the input you got from a forum his answer to it will be.....all you will need is a couple of air bags. Trying to convince you it will increase your payload. That's what happened to my neighbor when I told him that a half ton truck wouldn't work with the trailer he ordered, lucky he was in the market for a truck at the time and ended up with 3/4 ton . Don't fall for their tricks!

[3'senough]

I wouldn't even give him the courtesy of going back. Clearly he is just looking to make the sale and has no experience or regards for his customer(s).

You did your homework well and now you just need to find the right fit for your TV. HT series might be attainable if you want a 5th, but a well optioned TT is always a real good choice too.

Good luck in your search!

[bedrck46]

You also want to consider that your ram has the 3.21 axel You would be better with a 3.73 axel even then I wouldn't tow that RV with your rig

[RAurand]

I do not trust car/truck salesmen any further than I can DROOL! believe me.... That is not very far!

[schrederman]

The answer to the title question is............. NEVER! You're doing the right thing by doing your homework. Good on you.

[Murff]

Go back and see if the Jassack will put what he told you in writing!

Murff

[ykcamom]

Run away! Run away! LOL

[TWP723]

I would keep shopping. He obviously doesn't have you and your family's safety in mind. A good salesman would tell you straight from the cuff that you'd be over cap. Very discouraging that this still happens in this day and age. I've always believed there should be certain criteria that should be met before the unit can be titled and registered. For everyone's safety.

[Fire_Instructor]

Been there, done that! "Sure, your Jeep Cherokee can pul that 20' hybrid!"....

Made the mistake of believing the salesman.... Pulling it home empty (in a blizzard!), NO PROBLEM!!! Loaded, and the first trip with it was a disaster.... Bought a new pick-up the following week after that first trip!

[jal0710]

I pulled a 26.5 RLS with my 2011 3/4 ton Ram diesel long-bed with a 3.42 rear end and while my truck didn't have any problem handling the weight of the 26.5 RLS, I think you would be somewhat disappointed in this one since it's a 1/2 ton with a 3.21. Unloaded mileage will probably be great and the motor is probably strong enough to pull the FW, but I think the 3.21 is too high a ratio to be an effective tow vehicle for your FW. By the way, do you have the towing weights for a FW as usually that is greater than a tongue-pulled trailer. If you are going to pull that 26.5 RLS. I would suggest that you look at a GM or Ford product to see if the towing capacity might be a bit higher, if you want to stay with a 1/2 ton.

[LittleLuth]

Since February I have towed a set up over 3k miles that is at the outer edges of my truck's capacity. I've got to be honest - it is not worth it. Frankly, your proposed rig looks over your limits across the board. Mine I think is on the edge and it is still not worth it. You want to have spare capacity, not push your limits. Also, sales people at both RV and car dealers know NOTHING about towing and they usually care even less. Sorry to offend anyone in that business, but that is my experience and I actually like both my usual car and RV dealer and the service they provide very much. I'd actually recommend buying from them to someone else, but I'd also say whatever you do, DON'T take their word for it on your towing set-up.