First time towing

krbrat · 03-07-2018, 06:55 AM

I would like some feedback on towing my 2017 Pinnacle with my 2016 Dodge Ram HD Diesel 2500 4x4 long bed. I just had airbags installed and have a new B&W 25,000 lb hitch. The guys at the hitch store and the dealer said I should have no problems. But I drive an 18 wheeler for a living and would like some feedback due to this is my 1st 5th wheel RV and my home.
Thanks

NewBlackDak · 03-07-2018, 08:01 AM

We would need more details(model, options, etc) on the fiver, but my guess is that any pinnacle on a 2500 diesel will be over your official payload capacity. However, the rear suspension setup is the only difference between a 2500 and 3500 SRW.

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RedHorse1 · 03-07-2018, 08:11 AM

Since you arrive commercial, you’ll know how to visit the scales. A trip to the CAT will tell you how your TV stacks up.
You can see my TV and 5th in the sig: 5th GVW is 12700# with 3020# on the pin. I’m about 400# below the Rear GAWR.

krbrat · 03-07-2018, 08:59 AM

My pinnacle gvw is 16500, and my ram 2500 says says 10000. I am going to the cat scales today to get the ram's true GVW. If I had the Peterbuilt to hook to my RV I wouldn't worry. i have airbags installed on the ram.

krbrat · 03-07-2018, 09:01 AM

The ram specs says I can tow 17080

Doubleheader · 03-07-2018, 09:35 AM

The question is your trucks payload and axel ratings. I have a 2014 short bed diesel Ram with factory air shocks. my payload is 2,300 lbs. I gotta believe you’re truck will be similar and you’re probably over on your payload due to that units pin weight. But anyhow it’s the payload that’s the first concern. From a “can I do it standpoint”, disregarding the legality of payload, it comes down to axel ratings.
My front axel is rated for 6,000 and rear 6,500 lbs.

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rsday75 · 03-07-2018, 09:38 AM

Payload will be the issue. I am guessing you will have 2200-2400lbs of payload depending on the truck config.

Loaded i bet your pin weight will be 3000ish lbs...

The truck will pull the weight fine, just watch the payload....

krbrat · 03-07-2018, 10:52 AM

Just weighed the ram. Front axle 5360, rear 3840.
Truck sticker say front gawr 6000, rear 6500. I think the kingpin should be 2500 max. Needless to say I will empty all water tanks. Thanks for your help guys

Doubleheader · 03-07-2018, 10:58 AM

I might not understand, what’s in your truck that driving your GVW to 9,200 lbs?

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krbrat · 03-07-2018, 11:03 AM

Hitch and more camping gear

goducks · 03-07-2018, 11:31 AM

Your GVWR is 10,000. Your weighing in at 9200 lbs. You've only got 800 lbs left to hit the GVWR. Your rear axle is 3840 lbs. Your RAWR is 6500. You've only got 2660 left.

Not sure where you're getting 2500 lbs for pin weight. The lowest pin weight on a Pinnacle is 2670 for the 38REFS. Most are in the 2700-3100 range. And thats the dry fake news brochure weight.
Add propane, 2 batteries, front cargo stuff and front bed/Kitchen or bathroom stuff and thats around 300-400lbs. That would put you over your RAWR by 300-400 lbs.
I'm not sure there's anyway out of this.
Which Pinanacle do you have? Even an SRW 3500 would be near max. You're definitely in DRW range.
On the brite side you could always debadge your 2500 and that would keep the RV park weight police from stopping by.

krbrat · 03-07-2018, 11:48 AM

I have a 36ktps. There are 2 of us in it. Me and my mom. We're full-time and going for the time from Texas to Mississippi for 10 days. Hopefully

eagleback · 03-07-2018, 02:24 PM

We full time and have an SOB 5th wheel with a GVWR of 16500 lbs and a 2017 Ram 3500 DRW and any of the pinnacles are 1 ton and i recommend the DRW, sorry your 2500 ram is under rated. You need a 3500. I'm a retired truck driver same as you and you know its more about controlling the load and not the ability to get it rolling down the highway.

Doubleheader · 03-07-2018, 02:42 PM

Honestly I’d re-weigh as I can’t see how your truck could weigh that much no matter how much gear and hitch wt.

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goducks · 03-07-2018, 03:28 PM

Dry mythical pin weight of your 5er per Jayco is 2780.
Propane 60 lbs.
Batteries 100 lbs
Gear in the front basement? 100 lbs min.
Stuff in the bedroom? 100 lbs
360 lbs plus 2780=3140+3840=6980 lbs on the rear axle.
Just a word of caution. Your rear axle will handle that load without issue. However and this is the big one. Your tires are real close to their limit. You've got about 150 lbs per tire left. Of course this is all speculation based on hypothetical weights.
I would seriously get your truck and 5th wheel weighed before attempting your trip.
And shame on the dealer for selling your a 5th wheel thats grossly over the weight ratings for your truck.

Gary C · 03-07-2018, 04:35 PM

Think about your liability. If you are “overloaded” and have an accident, what will happen? I have a Pinnacle and went to a dually to alleviate the question. I’m not a lawyer, but I’m married to one!

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vcbice · 03-07-2018, 04:44 PM

I don't worry about the liability, but, I do know that I am much more comfortable towing when I have plenty of capacity left over. BTDT a couple of times.

My 2009 dodge 2500 was ok at over the truck GVWR (but under the GAWR's) but I had to add TImbrens to it. Airbags would have worked better. That was with our current trailer that only has 2000lb on the pin.

I would not dream of that much trailer with a 3/4T and probably not even a 1T SRW.

DonaandDon · 03-07-2018, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krbrat

I would like some feedback on towing my 2017 Pinnacle with my 2016 Dodge Ram HD Diesel 2500 4x4 long bed. I just had airbags installed and have a new B&W 25,000 lb hitch. The guys at the hitch store and the dealer said I should have no problems. But I drive an 18 wheeler for a living and would like some feedback due to this is my 1st 5th wheel RV and my home.
Thanks

I have towed my North Point 381 DLQS for 3500 miles so far. My F-250 6.7 XLT has added leafs and Timbrens to support the extra cargo weight. I use cruise control (unless in the mountains and rain) extensively. From Chicago Ill to Harlingen TX, with numerous stops in between. Just keep greasing the bearings on the 5r and you'll be fine.

Gary C · 03-07-2018, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcbice

I don't worry about the liability, but, I do know that I am much more comfortable towing when I have plenty of capacity left over. BTDT a couple of times.

My 2009 dodge 2500 was ok at over the truck GVWR (but under the GAWR's) but I had to add TImbrens to it. Airbags would have worked better. That was with our current trailer that only has 2000lb on the pin.

I would not dream of that much trailer with a 3/4T and probably not even a 1T SRW.

I was towing my 2018 Jayco Pinnacle FBTS with a 2014 Ford F-350 6.7 diesel crew with a 5th Wheel rating of 15,900#. The Pinnacle GAWR is 16,500#. Again I was thinking about the liability issues. I switched models and went with a Chevy 3500 Duramax diesel DRW with a GAWR of 22,600#. Stability much better but fuel economy and parking issues are problematic.

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Chiggins · 03-07-2018, 06:36 PM

I felt I was maxed for what I would pull with my f350 6.7 with my Eagle 325bhqs... Y'all are really pushing it. 75% of cap is what I feel is max. Pushing at truck to 100% or beyond is unsafe due to compromised stopping power and asking for a short life of the truck. Just my 2 cents though...

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