Ram 1500 w/5.7 ft. Bed Towing Tips

[RandyS]

Pin weight of the 5.0 (dry) is only 630 lbs.
I have this little gadget that seems to be very accurate in measuring actual weights
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51701

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by RandyS

Pin weight of the 5.0 (dry) is only 630 lbs.
I have this little gadget that seems to be very accurate in measuring actual weights
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51701

Says +/- 5% which means it could be over or under by 31.5 lbs.
Ad also says: Not intended for weight certification

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by RandyS

Pin weight of the 5.0 (dry) is only 630 lbs.

As with tongue weight for a conventional trailer, it goes up as the trailer is loaded, roughly in proportion to total trailer weight, which is why actual pin weight in use is always higher than 630 lb and normally much higher.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by RandyS

I have this little gadget that seems to be very accurate in measuring actual weights
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51701

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Says +/- 5% which means it could be over or under by 31.5 lbs.
Ad also says: Not intended for weight certification

This device works by collecting data from the vehicle via the on-board diagnostics (OBD) port and then guessing trailer characteristics (total weight, pin or tongue weight) from the vehicle's response to the trailer when pulling it. It only works if the characteristics of that model of vehicle have been collected and programmed into the accompanying mobile app - Curt's web page allows a potential user to check if their vehicle is supported. I'm impressed if it is actually as accurate as claimed, given the method used, but if the truck is supported it would be handy to have a rough check on trailer and pin weights each time the trailer is pulled.

[Scambo1]

I don’t have the ram but I do have the tundra short bed. I had my hitch installed over the rear wheels, THEN I got a 4” setback ball onto which I put my Anderson hitch. The Anderson itself also has a setback from center of maybe 4-5”. THEN I moved my actual 5th wheel on the camper forward one bolt hole. Torqued everything down well touch up painted the 5th wheel hitch on the camper. We have camped it a bunch without any issues.

I’ve been told I lose some of my jackknife-ability but that’s what spotters are for.

My part number on the 4” setback will be different from yours because it is tundra specific. I found the best price on eBay.

pm me if you want pics

[SkipperClyde]

I also have a Tundra short bed. I totally agree with the previous poster. Install a turn over gooseneck ball. Then use the Anderson hitch with the adaptor that attaches to the gooseneck ball. It is aluminum and weighs less that the rail mount system. I did this without the additional gooseneck offset ball that adds 4-5 inches. It worked well except when backing on a sharp turn there was the possibility that the trailer could hit the cab. I then bought and installed the offset ball and now have no worries. I can now back the trailer past 90 degrees without even thinking about a trailer strike to the cab.

[Colorado Kirk]

We have a 2019 Ram Limited with the hemi.. You may know that this truck has the air suspension standard. It came with the brake controller but we had to have the gooseneck hitch added at a local trailer shop. We chose the B&W turnover ball gooseneck ball system. It is just awesome and does not interfere with normal use of the truck bed. We also have a BedRug (10 out of 10) in it with a flap cut to cover the turnover ball so it truly is “invisible” when not being used.

Our particular Ram has about 1320 lbs of GVWR capacity. Actually a bit less with the turnover ball system (~75lbs) installed. Further, when I took it to local scales with me in it (200lbs…😬😬&#128519 and about 2/3 of a tank of gas, I ended up figuring I had about 925 lbs of capacity left. I have not had my 2020, 5.0 trailer weighed to determine the pin weight but I’ve figured it at 625 leaving 300 lbs for passenger and some stuff. I’m careful to only add weight directly over the axles in the 5.0 trailer (cases of water and beer…&#128077. We use the Andersen Ultimate hitch and it further subtracts 35lbs. It’s all very close with the Ram’s but I knew this going in!!

It’s my best and honest effort to not exceed GVWR. I’m quite sure there may be days where I could be +/- 25 lbs. especially with a full gas tank. I drive it like an old man and typically never exceed 70mph. I am sure there is a safety factor built in (here comes all the comments/love!!!). I routinely and regularly get 14 mpg and it tows like a dream. It is smooth and the braking has NEVER scared me. We moved up to this trailer from a Casita like so many others on this forum. Interestingly, we only got about 12.5mpg when pulling the Casita. I guess this all has to due with aerodynamics as air comes over the cab and immediately continues across the top of the 5.0 without spilling through the bed and hitting the front of the Casita.
Your Ram will be fine!!!

[Colorado Kirk]

Oh forgot to make my point about the air suspension. It’s awesome in that it levels the truck and it all runs without the common “V” look on many setups. However, the B&W hitch will NOT work with trucks that have had 3rd party airbags added. The installer spent a bunch of time with B&W tech support trying to understand the “without airbags” in the installation instructors. Just an FYI. That is all…carry on.

[Deva]

Originally Posted by oreo

Looking at new campers like Northern lite . I bet lots of 3/4 and 1 ton owners with newer campers are overloaded with all the gear they carry and it does looks obvious and they don't get harassed . Loaded there 4000 Lbs. plus

Yes, I see this all the time. I was originally in the market for a northern lite or big foot truck camper, until chip shortage and lack of HD trucks. Most of these campers should be on a dually for safety and stability. What many of these overloaded people don’t know (or don’t care?) about is the fact that in a worst case scenario, their insurance will not cover them as they’ve gone over the listed cargo capacity of the truck. It would be a total loss, bye-bye money, bye-bye truck and camper. Not to mention they endanger everyone sharing the road with them.

[Cogswheel]

Congratulations on your choice of a 5.0!
We have had so much fun with ours in the last 18 mos, I literally have tears of joy reviewing pics for posting : )

Our Ram 1500 shortbed 4x was ordered with off-road suspension, but due to pandemic parts shortfall came with standard suspension. I decided to upgrade to Bilstein shocks and springs after our first few trips, and have been exceptionally satisfied! Ram later offered to cover the expense in their recall process! I’ll post that info shortly!

[Cogswheel]

And we chose the B&W undermount gooseneck turnover and Anderson Ultimate Aluminum Toolbox model. Toolbox is UWS fifth wheel toolbox (mounted on some aluminum banister from Home Depot).

We try to be careful about weight, and usually travel with just 2 adults, and empty tanks for what it’s worth. It’s the easiest tow in many years of differing setups!

[cpaharley2008]

I put air shocks in my rear Ram springs, 5-10 psi keeps it level towing.....

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I put air shocks in my rear Ram springs, 5-10 psi keeps it level towing.....

I assume that you meant air bags in the coil springs - air shocks (shocks with air springs on them) wouldn't go in the truck's coil springs.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Cogswheel

And we chose the B&W undermount gooseneck turnover and Anderson Ultimate Aluminum Toolbox model. Toolbox is UWS fifth wheel toolbox (mounted on some aluminum banister from Home Depot).

We try to be careful about weight, and usually travel with just 2 adults, and empty tanks for what it’s worth. It’s the easiest tow in many years of differing setups!

Hi: Cogswheel... I find our 5.0TA tows better with the fresh water tank full. Seems to lift the pin box some and take some weight off it. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
Hi: cpaharley2008... Some of us know what you meant!!! Alf