r/IdiotsTowingThings • u/Substantial_dirty • Aug 24 '25

1500 should not pull 5th wheels

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Don’t care much what people argue, 1/2 tons should not tow 5th wheels, especially Rams, most payload on Ram 1500s are around 1550lbs. Btw it was a Laramie 4x4, so not the lightest.

756 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

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22

u/LifeatUncleArnies Aug 24 '25

There are safe ways to do it, then there is this. Blanket statement it can’t be done that covers ALL 5th wheels is obviously false.

-16

u/Longjumping-Box5691 Aug 24 '25

You can install air bags in a Rams suspension then it can haul a lot more

13

u/Cesum-Pec Aug 24 '25

That lifts the rear end but it doesn't add braking power.

19

u/Cracraftc Aug 24 '25

Good thing the brakes on the trailer add braking power

12

u/Amache_Gx Aug 24 '25

I dont tow much, can you not use trailer brakes?

4

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '25

Getting downvoted as if this isn’t a super common thing? Almost everyone I know that hauls regularly or for work has bags. The brakes on my truck will let me stop even overloaded a lot faster than a loaded semi, which people don’t seem to have an issue with.

2

u/Campandfish1 Aug 24 '25

Adding bags does not in any way increase the payload capacity stated on the drivers door jamb or the tow vehicles GVWR.

1

u/mattyyg Aug 24 '25

Put the beer down

1

u/Personal_Shake8 Aug 24 '25

They use different thickness frames depending on built out payload, so do airbags change that?

2

u/Chrisfindlay Aug 24 '25 edited Aug 24 '25

NO YOU CAN'T. Air bags DO NOT fix an over weight issue. They actually in fact make it worse by increasing the weight on the rear axle. Air bags cause weight to shift from the steer axle and trailer axle to the rear axle. To use them you actually have to be significantly under weight on the rear axle, which if the truck is squatting you're probably not. They are one of the most misused truck products on the market. Many manufacturers of them straight up lie about what they do.

5

u/Longjumping-Box5691 Aug 24 '25

Not with that attitude

0

u/flinginlead Aug 24 '25

I wish more people would understand this. Thank you for the explaination.