New truck?

[MILBY]

Looking at a new truck it is a 2005 dodge 2500 with the 5.9l. I own a 2011 Cougar 327RES it weighs 10000 dry and with all the wifes crap problably 12000 loaded. Good choice for the truck?? Need answers quick going to talk price tommorow

[Festus2]

Have you researched this truck to find out its towing capability and GVWR and compared that with the GVWR of your 327 Cougar? You can find out this information by going to the Trailer Life and/or Dodge truck websites. There are a number of other diesel forums that you can visit as well. Without knowing the capability and rating of the Dodge, it is pretty hard to give you any "quick answers" that would be reliable.
Perhaps some 327 owners can chime in and give you some information based on their tow vehicle.

[woolfski]

You will need air bags to compensate for the pin weight. Personally, I would look at a 3500.... I tow a 37 foot 5er with a 2007 Dodge 5.9L and feel a liitle un-easy with it...

[jq1031]

If my memory serves me right the 327 RES is a TT not a 5er & a bit more weight than my Laredo. Having said that, & towing almost 7K miles in the last few months, a couple thoughts. A 3/4 ton truck works just fine as long as you have the correct rear gears, at least 373 & WD hitch. A diesel would serve you much better in my opinion.

[THedges]

It seems like a lot of trailer for that truck, but then again I tow mostly in mountainous areas. If you are towing in flat lands maybe you will be OK.

My trailer isn't as big as yours and I traded in a 2000 F350 with a 6.8 V10 because it was having a hard time pulling on steep grades.

[kenn209]

If you can look at the 3500's I have a 2500 MegaCab and am over about 250lbs on the GVWR. But way under on the GCWR and Axle weights. Other than that its a great truck and a great engine. I also have RideRites and am thinking of new shocks and a PacBrake for peace of mind.

On edit the 327 res is a fiver

[CarKath]

I think Festus hit the nail on the head. It will depend on what the truck will handle as far as ratings. But I will also add, your personal budget will play a roll. Best to research what truck works for trailer you have and what fits your personal budget. If ratings there and dollars make sence. your all good.

[Festus2]

Installing air bags, spring assists, shocks and other helpers do not add to the towing capability of the vehicle. They might improve the ride and handling but do nothing to change or increase the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. They might give you "peace of mind" but the truck's tow rating remains the same whether you have them or not.

[MILBY]

Ok checked it out on trailer life for tow rateings and it said 13400, what do ya think

[CarKath]

13400 towing or total gross? Not to mention what each axle will carry/ rated for. It all plays into it. If 13400 if your total...... forget it. My truck has 24500lb total gross weight ability, and it is also a 2500 series.Chevy mind you.

And thank you Festus for Installing air bags, spring assists, shocks and other helpers do not add to the towing capability of the vehicle. They might improve the ride and handling but do nothing to change or increase the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. They might give you "peace of mind" but the truck's tow rating remains the same whether you have them or not.

Alot of people believe it increases carrying capacity when it fact does not!!

[66ken]

I pull our 327RES with a Chevy 2500 Duramax, have no problems at all, with power to spare. Truck and trailer combined weight 19,560 lbs, truck weight 7,640 lbs, 2,140 lbs on kingpin.

[kenn209]

Specs from the Dodge website:

2005 dodge ram 2500 pickup 2500 SLT, QUAD CAB, 4WD, 8.0 Ft Bed, 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, 5.9L High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine:

With 3.73 Axle Ratio Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 12800 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 9000 lbs
Payload [i] = 1950 lbs
Curb Weight [i] = 7050 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4358 lbs/4358 lbs
GAWR Front/Rear [i] = 5200 lbs/6010 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 20000 lbs

http://www.dodge.com/towing/D/vehicle_to_weight.jsp

Go there you can select which truck you have

[kenn209]

I pull our 327RES with a Chevy 2500 Duramax, have no problems at all, with power to spare. Truck and trailer combined weight 19,560 lbs, truck weight 7,640 lbs, 2,140 lbs on kingpin.

What's the GVWR on your trcuck? I hear the newer 3/4 tons have a higher rating. Mine's only 9k. Would love to upgrade to a newer one. or even a 3500.

[66ken]

What's the GVWR on your trcuck? I hear the newer 3/4 tons have a higher rating. Mine's only 9k. Would love to upgrade to a newer one. or even a 3500.

The sticker shows 9,200 lbs
Max trailer weight 13,900 lbs
Total combined max 22,000 lbs
Max 5th wheel king pin 3,500 lbs

[MILBY]

Think I am going to buy just as a pull truck, it's in great shape. Also I see alot of the answers were from people with the 327res. I hope all are as happy with thiers as we are so far with ours.

[KanTC]

Milby,

As you can see by everyone's posts, it's not as simple as *yes or no* without knowing all the specifics
& correct info about the truck, but... since you asked for a 'quick answer' ---

5th wheel specs: (as per the website)

2011 Cougar 327RES (GVWR: 11,945)
Shipping Weight 10154
Carrying Capacity 1791
Hitch 1545


Might also be helpful to read this thread:

http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3161


Good luck,
Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

[THedges]

What's the GVWR on your trcuck? I hear the newer 3/4 tons have a higher rating. Mine's only 9k. Would love to upgrade to a newer one. or even a 3500.

The 2011 the GVWR is 10,000.

[CarKath]

Milby, I hope you find something to suit your personal needs.

As far as the debate about capacities, here is more info.......zipped format....sorry.... but all the info is out there. It just takes some digging

[hankpage]

I think the OP was looking at a Dodge. http://www.dodge.com/towing/D/vehicle_to_weight.jsp This should help. I think he will be very close limits but should be OK. JM2¢, Hank