Towing a 5.0 w a half ton

[dlakeman]

Originally Posted by Selkirk

Payload might be a concern, depending on the specific half ton model/trim.

I understand that some highly-optioned trucks can have payload capacities that drop down to the 1000lb range. The pin weight of an empty 5.0 is 650lbs....which wouldn't leave much capacity left for the driver/passenger....let alone anything else carried the the cab/trailer.

Based on mid-level trim half ton models I've recently researched, it's more typical to find payload capacities in the 1600-1800lb range, which should be more-than-adequate for a 5.0.

PAYLOAD CAPACITY OR ALSO CALLED CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY (CCC) should be the #1 consideration in buying a truck. I see too many people with huge 5th wheels that I know put the truck way over its CCC. I speak with a lot of people at campgrounds that don't have a clue about CCC. I'm glad to see some people on this forum have mentioned CCC. The same basic truck can have a reduced CCC when options are added. Look at every specific truck you are considering and look at the sticker on the driver's door jam for the CCC. Remember; you, wife, dog, gasoline, and anything you put in the truck or attach to it reduces the CCC. For example, myself, wife, dog, and a full tank of fuel weigh 638lbs. I've reduced the truck's CCC by 638lbs before I even attach a 5th wheel or trailer, much less what else I put in the truck or the trailer. I try to balance the load when I put "stuff" in the 5th wheel. I don't want all the "stuff" in the front adding more weight to the hitch/pin, or too much "stuff" in the rear adding too much weight to the rear axle/tires.

[GinoandLinda]

Originally Posted by dlakeman

…For example, myself, wife, dog, and a full tank of fuel weigh 638lbs. I've reduced the truck's CCC by 638lbs before I even attach a 5th wheel or trailer, much less what else I put in the truck or the trailer.

Does this mean you can’t have beer and nachos when you go camping?

[jjdeluca]

Originally Posted by dlakeman

PAYLOAD CAPACITY OR ALSO CALLED CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY (CCC) should be the #1 consideration in buying a truck. I see too many people with huge 5th wheels that I know put the truck way over its CCC. I speak with a lot of people at campgrounds that don't have a clue about CCC. I'm glad to see some people on this forum have mentioned CCC. The same basic truck can have a reduced CCC when options are added. Look at every specific truck you are considering and look at the sticker on the driver's door jam for the CCC. Remember; you, wife, dog, gasoline, and anything you put in the truck or attach to it reduces the CCC. For example, myself, wife, dog, and a full tank of fuel weigh 638lbs. I've reduced the truck's CCC by 638lbs before I even attach a 5th wheel or trailer, much less what else I put in the truck or the trailer. I try to balance the load when I put "stuff" in the 5th wheel. I don't want all the "stuff" in the front adding more weight to the hitch/pin, or too much "stuff" in the rear adding too much weight to the rear axle/tires.

Just a point of clarification; the posted Payload Capacity (or CCC) is the curb weight of the vehicle, plus a full tank of gas and other necessary fluids, subtracted from the vehicle's GVWR. So you shouldn't have to reduce your truck's CCC (Payload Capacity) by the weight of a full tank of gas; only the weight of the occupants and other "stuff" you put into it.

[Jeremy Kessenich]

Open to being wrong about this, but I believe the payload number on the sticker includes a full tank of gas already accounted for. You don't subtract the weight of a full tank from your payload number. But I agree with you 100% that payload should be the key number folks look at when considering their truck and the 5.0.

[Jeremy Kessenich]

Originally Posted by jjdeluca

is the curb weight of the vehicle, plus a full tank of gas and other necessary fluids,

I believe curb weight includes all fluids.

[Jeremy Kessenich]

GVWR = Payload + Curb Weight

Curb Weight includes all fluids including a full tank of gas is my understanding.

Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight

[jjdeluca]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Kessenich

I believe the payload number on the sticker includes a full tank of gas already accounted for. You don't subtract the weight of a full tank from your payload number.

Yes, that was the point I was trying to make - Thanks!
Jim

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Kessenich

GVWR = Payload + Curb Weight

Curb Weight includes all fluids including a full tank of gas is my understanding.

Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight

Nice as I've understood it as dry weight. I'll be more that happy to pick up the 36 gallons of extra payload.

Even an old guy can learn something new everyday.

[Jeremy Kessenich]

Originally Posted by WillyB

I'll be more that happy to pick up the 36 gallons of extra payload.

Even an old guy can learn something new everyday.

Speaking of learning something new, today I learned that premium gas weighs about 1/4 lb more per gallon than lowest grade gas. I had no clue. Wouldn't have guessed there's a difference in weight.

[Michael.Chadwick]

Been towing my 5.0 for 6 hears now with a RAM1500……5.7 Hemi, tows great