Fairly new Forum member

[cfegender]

Hello all,

I entered the Forum a few months ago, but have done nothing on it until now.

We have a 2017 Pinnacle 36FBTS and I tow with a 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab, 6.7L Cummins.

This is our 6th RV starting in 1980, but our first 5er. We picked it up the end of May/beginning of June and have used it (only) 3 times so far. We are very pleased with it.

One of the first things I did was have the brakes changed from electric to electric over hydraulic disk brakes. What a positive difference!!

One of the complaints I have (and I told Jayco) is the background on the plate for the switches just inside the door. I have a hard time reading what each switch is for.

I have run across some of the same issues I read about here and will use many of the answers everyone has posted.

[Wampuscat]

Welcome cfrgender, we have a Pinnacle Kpts on order and will be pulling it with a Ram 2500 crew cab bighorn. How does your 2500 do with pulling your trailer? Are you comfotable with the truck pulling the weight of the Pinnacle. I ask because so many ask me if I think the 2500 will handle the weight and not be too overloaded. I personally don't see a problem due the fact that my brother-in-law and a friend both pull their 40' trailers in the mountains in Colorado. Just concerned as I want to be safe.

David

[cfegender]

David,

I have experienced no issues so far and expect none. The truck does fine pulling the trailer.

Before I bought the trailer, I went to the Dodge web site to check the tow rating. It said 17,500. Since the GVWR of the trailer is 16,500 and we never max load, I thought I should be fine.

As I said in my first post, one of the first things I did was have the original electric brakes replaced with electric over hydraulic brakes. It makes a world of difference in slowing and stopping.

Chuck

[Aero_Dave]

Your 'Dry' Hitch Weight on you're 5'er is 2735lbs. If you have a 4x2, your Cargo weight in your RAM is only 2740. If its a 4x4 its only 2270. If you have a Rambox its even lower. That's usually calculated with one 150lbs driver & gas. So don't kid yourself into thinking you are Not overloading the trucks capacity. Be careful, being 'able' to tow is one thing, but being Able to STOP when needed is another.

I did a Lot of research before getting my setup (see my signature of my truck).

Good Luck!

Dave...

[cariboocreek]

You may feel safe, and your friend and brother in law may feel safe, but there is no way you are legal. There are more calculations than just max towing. There is GVWR, GCWR, pin weight, axle weights, etc...

I pull a 2014 351 RSTS with a 2013 Ram 3500 6.7 Cummins HO with the Aisin tranny and I am legal but barely. My fifth wheel is empty at 12,000ish and max at 16,500. Over the scale empty I am at 3300 pounds pin weight and 22,800 GCWR. Your camper empty weighs more than mine so I would guess that empty you are already over your max cargo capacity.

Loaded over the scale I max out rear axle 6890 pounds (7,000 pounds), end up at 24'000 pounds GCWR, and pin weight of 3,900 pounds on the pin (4,000 max).

Not trying to rain on your parade and you do what you want to do. Just do it with your eyes wide open and make your risk decisions based on real data. I would be curious of what an insurance company may do with an accident claim on a rig that exceeded the trucks legal capacity.

[Wampuscat]

Thanks for the input fellas. Don't get me wrong but I am concerned more about the pin weight than just the max towing capacity of the TV. I guess I didn't realize just how much weight would be on the rear axel. My weight calculations are surely flawed. I am definitely concerned about the safety aspect. I guess I will be looking for a new TV.

Thanks

[Wampuscat]

Well, bit the bullet and ordered a new TV today to be safe. 2017 Ram 3500 dually 4x4 6.7L Diesel high output with Aisin tranny. This should do it.

[cariboocreek]

That will work. Congrats and good decision....the Ram part anyway.