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Old 10-24-2019, 09:17 AM   #1
Jim55
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Truck too big?

Considering downsizing from a Ram dually pulling a 34’ fifth wheel to a 3/4 ton Ram short box and a fifth wheel under 30’. It just looks to me like the bed will be far too high to pull the shorter fifth wheel evenly.

Does anyone here tow with this set up and what are your thoughts?

Thanks
Jim
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Old 10-24-2019, 10:25 AM   #2
Canonman
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Our set up is very similar to the one you're thinking of moving to. The Cougar does ride a little nose high with our Ram being 4x4. I've had a couple of service guys look at it and all have said "a little nose high is OK. The tandem axle can compensate". I have not had the opportunity to get weights on each axle to verify if the load is evenly distributed but tire wear seems to be even. Apologizes for not having a photo with the Cougar hooked up, but I think you get the idea.
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Old 10-24-2019, 10:30 AM   #3
Justvisiting2day
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Yeah just don't drive at night, your lights are terrible. Keep a long box, a better rida all around for you and the units. I have a 3/4 Silverado long bed and do not regret any time riding in it.
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Old 10-24-2019, 12:09 PM   #4
travelin texans
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Check the payload on the 3/4 before buying. You may be better off with the SRW 3500, long or short bed, if you're just wanting smaller with less hips.
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Old 10-24-2019, 12:49 PM   #5
JRTJH
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As Danny said, you may find a 350/3500 fits your needs better than a 250/2500. If you're considering a gas engine, the 3/4 ton payload may cover any "under 30' fifth wheel" (except a couple of "special purpose models"). On the other hand, if you're considering a diesel, then the payload may be reduced so much that it's not as "capable" as some half ton models....
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Old 10-24-2019, 07:33 PM   #6
Jim55
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Thanks for the replies. I full time, but am considering setting up a home base and then travel off and on from there during the year. So I won't be carrying the weight that I do right now. But you guy's make a good point that even switching to a smaller and lighter RV, I can still push the cargo capacity of the truck quite easily. My goal is to end up with a smaller, more maneuverable combination.


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Old 10-24-2019, 08:10 PM   #7
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I tow a 31' Cougar XLite fifth wheel with a GVW of 10K and an "empty weight) (I know Danny) of around 7000 pounds. I've got a F250 Lariat Diesel and I "push my payload and GVW to the "absolute limit" every time I tow.... I bought the F250 in 2015, when the F350's were about 3" taller than the F250's. The 350 wouldn't fit through the garage door and the way our house if built, I can't heighten the doors, soooooo.... And yeah, I kick myself every time I get ready to tow the fifth wheel.....

IMHO, stick with a one ton if you're looking at diesels, regardless of the length trailer you plan to tow, you'll have something to put in the bed that'll make you glad you've got those few extra pounds of payload..... BTDT GTTSAP
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Old 10-25-2019, 08:13 PM   #8
mtofell
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I've read the replies twice and am totally confused - I think you might actually ride higher with a 2500 than your DRW. I'm pretty sure I've seen several threads and the DRW actually have lower bed rails than the 2500. Someone said, "don't drive at night becuase your lights are terrible".... huh?? What is this even referring to?

I feel like I'm in the bizarro world..... Everyone on this board giving truck advice constantly says you need a DRW truck to pull even a medium sized 5th wheel. Now, someone has one and you're telling him to downsize???
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Old 10-25-2019, 10:01 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtofell View Post
I've read the replies twice and am totally confused - I think you might actually ride higher with a 2500 than your DRW. I'm pretty sure I've seen several threads and the DRW actually have lower bed rails than the 2500. Someone said, "don't drive at night becuase your lights are terrible".... huh?? What is this even referring to?

I feel like I'm in the bizarro world..... Everyone on this board giving truck advice constantly says you need a DRW truck to pull even a medium sized 5th wheel. Now, someone has one and you're telling him to downsize???
No.... If you read Jim55's FIRST post, he states he currently owns a DRW and is considering downsizing.... He (not any of us) is suggesting what you've got confused....
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Old 10-26-2019, 10:42 AM   #10
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Simple rule:

Better to HAVE it and NOT NEED IT than to NEED IT and NOT have it!!
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Old 11-26-2020, 04:39 PM   #11
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1 ton diesel is my answer.
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