5th Wheel Towing Capacity and 5th Wheel Hitch and Rails for 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4WD Short Bed

Question:

2004 dodge 2500 slt 5.9 turbo Cummings 5th wheel towing capacity The GVWR IS 9000 lbs the gawr front is 5200 and the gawr rear is 6000 lbs how can I figure the towing capacity

asked by: Edward J

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity for your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT is determined by a number of factors: axle ratio, engine, cab size, bed length, transmission, and if it is 2WD or 4WD. You gave me enough information that I could look up the capacity and determine your towing capacity is either 12,850 lbs (manual transmission) or 13,050 lbs (automatic transmission).

With a short bed you'll need a sliding hitch and I recommend the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R16 Roller # 16516 for a budget-friendly option for occasional towing or the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Square Tube Slider # RP30051 if you plan on towing more regularly. The difference is the jaw system on the hitches, the E16 having a basic slide-bar jaw that will have a bit of a looser connection than the dual-jaw system of the Reese.

Either option will be able to mount in standard base rails, and I recommend the Curt Semi-Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram 2500/3500 # C16301-200.

You will also need a wiring kit and if your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 has the factory 7-way I recommend the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness # HM42137.

I have added links to video reviews of the base rails, wiring harness and both hitches, the Curt E16 # 16516 and Reese # RP30051.