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  1. #1
    maburns00
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    Who's Towing with a RAM 2500 Diesel ?

    Who is towing their Solitude with a 2500 RAM Diesel ?

  2. #2
    Seasoned Camper rwoverman's Avatar
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    I just received my Solitude 369. I tow with a 2006 Dodge Ram MegaCab. I have a 50 gallon external transfer flow tank in the bed. I added air bags to the existing helper spring I added when I bought the truck. I added 50 lbs of air to the bag. Towed from Austin to South Houston. Did not have any problems. I also don't have a heavy foot. I give plenty of room between me and ongoing traffic. Engine never got hot. Had no problem stopping the truck / trailer. However, I realize I will need to be vigilant in adjusting breaks due to wear to maintain proper braking.

    Bob
    Robert & Josie Overman
    2017 Solitude 369RL
    2017 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn DRW (Transfer flow 37 gallon extra tank, B&W Companion Hitch and Retrax Pro Cover).

  3. #3
    Site Sponsor
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    I am hoping that the additions to your (incomplete) description of your dodge Ram include DRW, because if not, when it comes to putting your truck and Solitude on a scale, the weight on the rear tires will be way Overman! Could not resist! We hope everything works out.
    AKA Steve and Lynne
    Storm the Black Lab
    Reflection 337 RLS vin 573FR3628E3300393
    2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab Longbox
    6.7 Cummins, 68 RFE transmission
    B and W Companion, Air Lifts

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper rwoverman's Avatar
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    no DRW added. Axels are rated at 10K. Tires are rated for about 6500 combined. I'm pretty sure that I don't exceed exceed 6500 lbs on the rear axel / tires. But, I am thinking of changing my tire size to gain a few exta pounds in the back.
    Robert & Josie Overman
    2017 Solitude 369RL
    2017 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn DRW (Transfer flow 37 gallon extra tank, B&W Companion Hitch and Retrax Pro Cover).

  5. #5
    Site Sponsor
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    Robert,
    We have a Reflection 337 and 2008 Ram 2500 as described in the signature. I ran over the Cat scale in Pueblo, CO, and had 6520 lb. on the rear axle of the truck. I have moved the B & W one hole toward the cab, hope that gets me below max for the tires. Tires are rated at 3195 max @ 80 psi. Dry pin weight of our fifth wheel, call it 2100. 369 Solitude is 2600. The Mega Cab makes it more challenging to adjust hitch position- shorter bed. I have researched other tires for our 17 inch wheels- Nitto makes one that is rated for 3750 lb., but bigger diameter changes effective gearing, loss of power and raises the truck. All of these realities are bad! When we bought our Reflection two years ago, I thought we had lots of reserve capacity. Not true at all. My personal opinion is that 10,000 + pounds DRY weight= dual rear wheels for safety and stability, not to mention what if you have a rear truck tire blowout! We do feel for you, but your truck is very desirable for lots of people, and used duallies are all over, and can be inspected by good shops. You make it obvious you are a person who takes great care of your truck, just need one a little more able for that beautiful fifth wheel!
    AKA Steve and Lynne
    Storm the Black Lab
    Reflection 337 RLS vin 573FR3628E3300393
    2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab Longbox
    6.7 Cummins, 68 RFE transmission
    B and W Companion, Air Lifts

  6. #6
    Seasoned Camper
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    Quote Originally Posted by rwoverman View Post
    no DRW added. Axels are rated at 10K. Tires are rated for about 6500 combined. I'm pretty sure that I don't exceed exceed 6500 lbs on the rear axel / tires. But, I am thinking of changing my tire size to gain a few exta pounds in the back.
    The weak point on the older Rams tended to be the wheels. If you start dropping pressure, you probably have a cracked rim.
    2015 Laramie 3500 MegaCab 4x4 DRW Maximum Steel
    Aisin | 4.10 | Air Assist | 37,800 GCWR
    2015 Grand Design Solitude 365DEN
    https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1459/...75d6a83b_n.jpg

  7. #7
    Seasoned Camper rwoverman's Avatar
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    I've been doing some research. The new dodge trucks come with either 20 inch or 18 inch OEM rims. The highest load index rating on these size tires that I can find on Tire rack and or Discount tire have a load index of 125. If I put a 1 inch level kit on my truck I believe I can put 18 inch Michelins with a load index rating of 3638 lbs per tire over the 3195 lb rated Michelins that I currently have. That would give me a total of 7276 lbs load for the tires vs 6400 lbs I currently have. I have a friend that has a 1 ton 2015 SRW, so tire wise I should be on par with a 1 ton truck. I've got to go talk to a tire shop first to confirm. I've driven about 500 miles on my current tires. My next goal is to weigh my truck with the current tires and see what is actually on the rear wheels weight wise. Then I can make a more informed decision.
    Robert & Josie Overman
    2017 Solitude 369RL
    2017 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn DRW (Transfer flow 37 gallon extra tank, B&W Companion Hitch and Retrax Pro Cover).

  8. #8
    Seasoned Camper
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    The new 2500's aren't 3500's anymore. 2500's have coils, 3500's are leafs. You're also blowing out your RAWR (Rear Axle Weight Rating) by 1,276 with those tires. Max rear axle on an 2500 is 6,000, 6,500 with 2016's. SRW 3500 now sits at 7,000. 9,750 for DRW after that.

    https://www.ramtrucks.com/assets/tow...ing_charts.pdf
    https://www.ramtrucks.com/assets/tow...ing_charts.pdf

    I'm not sure where the 10,000 lb axle rating came from.. but I've never seen that before.

    My weight before we even started loading up

    2015 Laramie 3500 MegaCab 4x4 DRW Maximum Steel
    Aisin | 4.10 | Air Assist | 37,800 GCWR
    2015 Grand Design Solitude 365DEN
    https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1459/...75d6a83b_n.jpg

  9. #9
    Setting Up Camp
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    I pull my 2015 379FL with a 2500 diesel. No issues and on stock rims with Nitto Terrra Grapplers. I've been from Wisconsin to Louisiana and back up work in Kansas. I have Firestone air bags and a leveling kit. It pulls like a champ. Be careful though on a stock built transmission if you have a 3rd generation truck. Ask me how I know.....I had mine rebuilt and the valve body built for towing.
    2015 Grand Design Solitude
    2003 Dodge Ram 2500

  10. #10
    Seasoned Camper mageorge's Avatar
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    I'm doing a light weight pull with my 2014 2500. We just pull a little 303 with ours and my wife tends to pack light because I made her aware of the kitchen side weight issues. I did put Timbrens on the rear this year, just wish I had a newer 303 with 16" since the 20s on the truck tilt us towards the rear. Our next setup I will know better.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Mike & Debbie
    Hot Springs, Ar
    2014 Ram 2500 4x4 Short Bed Diesel
    B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch
    2014 Reflection 303 (#405)

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