Getting Ready to pull the Trigger but have towing ?

[Philbert]

Newbe to this forum. Almost ready to order a Pinnacle 38FLSA
I have done some searches but am looking for some real world towing advice.

I am looking to upgrade from a 8000 lb travel trailer to a fifth wheel that is 13800 dry weight and around 15000 loaded up. My truck is bone stock. We would be going on small trips with the yearly Florida winter trip. about 3500 miles round trip. Do you think i have enough truck for this camper? Or will i have regrets. I know the newer years have higher tow ratings. But this truck looks like a new one and i really don't want to upgrade. One option is i could swap gears from a 3.73 to 4.10. Just was wondering if others have towed with a 2004 ram 3500. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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2004.0 RAM 3500 DW 5.9 305HP 48RE 3.73 All Stock
2014 Keystone Passport Elite 33BH

[Crabman]

I cannot answer your questions but I can welcome you to the forum!

[Philbert]

Thanks Crabman. I might be worrying for nothing. There is a guy with a new toy hauler i know that grosses out around 23000 and he is pulling that with a f350 drw. that is on the verge of needing a toter.

[Ustabslim]

You have plent of truck. I've pulled more with single wheel.

[Flyrotor]

I too think your truck is up for the challenge, you don't need to change anything, just enjoy it. The older 5.9 trucks have been well proven.

[WVDusty]

First welcome to the group.
My TT is close to 10k and i pull it with a 2005 ram 5.9 with no problem at all.

[Grawe]

Philbert, DO IT! We just bought our FLSA after almost a year of shopping for a TV and RV. While not a Dodge we also towing with an older truck, 2001 Chevy 3500 DRW. I believe the DRW makes a bigger difference than the year or make. We picked ours up on Friday before Christmas and left on Saturday for a 1000 mile, 4 campsite, week long adventure - what a blast! The FLSA (our first 5er) pulls like a dream with the MorRide hitch and suspension. A dually and the FLSA make the perfect combo for us. Will add a tag line a pic soon...

[Seann45]

What does the drivers door panel info card say for tow weights? I should give you all the info you need to know for towing.

[cariboocreek]

I use to own the same truck. It will definitely do the job, however, if memory serves me correctly you won't be "legal". I believe that the quad cab 4x4 with 3.73 was rated at either 9400 lbs or 10,400 depending on the package with a gcwr of either 17k or 18k again depending on your vehicle package. Your moving to a fifth wheel that weighs empty at 14k and realistically loaded at over 16k. Your truck empty weighs over 7k so legally your well over your "legal" limit.
Changing to 4.10 gears won't help with the legal weight issues and won't match your tranny programming. Even with the 4.10 from the factory, max towing was 12,400 with a gcwr of 20k. Your over that with the 3.73 or even the 4.10. I'm not suggesting to not keep your truck, just that the numbers are problematic. It has only been in the last few years that the big towing numbers have come out.

That 5.9 is a great engine, but to upgrade your power put a tuner on the truck and a bigger exhaust. To me that would be better all around than changing the rear end.

Best of luck and enjoy you're new unit.

[Philbert]

Its a 2wd crew cab DRW with a gcwr of 21000 it says if it had a 4.10 gear instead of the 3.73 it would be 23000. The delivered weight will be around 13850 with a max weight of 15950. so i think we will be around 14750. should be around 21750. I guess if it does not like it i will have to upgrade.

[swburbguy]

Go to 5thwheelst.com they have a calculator there. Its free.