2500 vs 3500 Trucks for Fifth-Wheel Towing
If you’re shopping for a truck to tow a fifth wheel, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is whether a 2500 or 3500 is the better choice.
Both are heavy-duty trucks, but they serve slightly different purposes — and when it comes to hauling a fifth wheel trailer, those differences matter more than you might think.
Whether you’re planning weekend camping trips or embracing full-time RV living, understanding what separates a 2500 from a 3500 can save you from costly mistakes, overloaded axles, and buyer’s remorse.
Let’s cut through the sales talk and get to what actually matters when choosing between these two truck classes.
🔍 Quick Comparison: 2500 vs 3500 for Fifth Wheel Towing
| Feature | 2500 Truck | 3500 Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Payload | 2,000–3,200 lbs | 3,500–7,500+ lbs |
| Towing Capacity | Up to ~17,000 lbs (varies by model) | Up to ~37,000+ lbs (dually diesel) |
| Pin Weight Support | Limited — smaller fifth wheels only | Strong — supports heavy RVs |
| Rear Axle Type | Single rear wheel (SRW) | SRW or dual rear wheel (dually) |
| Ride Comfort | Softer unloaded ride | Firmer but more stable when loaded |
| Best Use Case | Weekend use, lightweight fifth wheels | Full-time travel, heavy/long trailers |
What Separates a 2500 from a 3500 for Fifth Wheel Use?
The 2500 (three-quarter-ton) and 3500 (one-ton) trucks may look similar on the surface, but they’re built for different levels of work.
A 3500 typically includes heavier rear springs, beefier axles, and in many trims, the ability to run dual rear wheels for superior weight handling.
The most critical difference? Payload capacity.
A 2500 might offer payload up to around 3,200 lbs, while a 3500 (especially in dually form) can deliver over 7,500 lbs.
For official factory specs and payload breakdowns by trim and axle ratio, check out the 2025 RAM Truck Towing Guide (PDF).
Payload vs Towing: Why Pin Weight Is the Real Issue
Most buyers get this part wrong.
It’s not your tow rating that gets you into trouble — it’s payload.
Fifth wheels drop a portion of their weight directly into the bed of the truck, and that’s called pin weight. This is typically 15%–25% of the trailer’s fully loaded weight.
So, a 14,000 lb trailer might create a 2,800–3,200 lb load on your truck’s bed.
That number is dangerously close to the limit of most 2500s — especially diesel models, which have less payload due to the heavier engine.
Real-World Scenario: When a 2500 Isn’t Enough
Dan from Arizona bought a 2023 2500 HD diesel to tow a 13,000 lb fifth wheel.
The dealership said it would work, but once fully loaded with passengers, gear, and a generator, his pin weight exceeded 3,200 lbs.
After just two trips, the rear end sagged noticeably, and braking felt soft.
Dan upgraded to a 3500 SRW — and said the difference in ride stability, cornering, and braking was “like night and day.”
Lesson: don’t rely solely on sales brochures — weigh your rig.
You can find the nearest truck scale using the CAT Scale locator tool for accurate weight readings.
When a 2500 Can Handle a Fifth Wheel
You don’t always need to jump straight to a 3500.
A 2500 may be enough if:
- Your fifth wheel weighs less than 12,000 lbs
- You travel light and only tow occasionally
- You’re not adding a lot of passengers or gear
- You value ride comfort and daily driving ability
Even then, be cautious.
A loaded diesel 2500 can have a payload as low as 2,200 lbs — not enough for even a mid-size fifth wheel.
Always verify your payload using the door jamb sticker, and double-check with a real-world weight from a CAT scale.
Why a 3500 Is the Better Choice for Most Fifth Wheel Setups
A 3500 offers significant advantages in both payload and pin weight capacity, especially in dual rear wheel configurations.
Here’s when you should strongly consider one:
- Your fifth wheel GVWR is over 13,000 lbs
- You’re full-timing or towing long distances
- You plan to carry extra fuel, water, tools, or a generator
- You want better control and wind resistance with a dually
- You don’t want to stress your truck’s brakes, suspension, or transmission
Gas vs Diesel Considerations
Diesel trucks shine when it comes to torque and pulling power, but they reduce your available payload due to engine weight.
If you’re near the limit on pin weight, a gas 3500 may have more usable payload than a diesel 2500 — even though it may tow less overall.
That’s why it’s critical to check both payload and curb weight before buying.
🛠 Quick Checklist: Is Your Truck Fifth Wheel Ready?
✅ Know your trailer’s GVWR and estimate pin weight (20% rule of thumb)
✅ Check your truck’s payload sticker on the driver door
✅ Weigh your actual setup using a certified CAT scale
✅ Choose the right hitch for your bed length and weight class
✅ Factor in passengers, tools, water, and cargo for real-world weight
What’s the max fifth wheel weight a 2500 can tow safely?
Technically, some 2500s can tow up to 17,000 lbs, but the limiting factor is payload. Pin weight often overloads the truck before you reach the full tow rating.
Can a single rear wheel 3500 tow a fifth wheel?
Yes — SRW 3500s often offer 3,500–4,500 lbs of payload. That’s enough for many fifth wheels under 15,000 lbs, depending on gear and passengers.
Is a dually required for fifth wheel towing?
Not required, but highly recommended for fifth wheels over 15,000 lbs. Dual rear wheels improve stability, especially in crosswinds and uneven road surfaces.
What happens if I exceed payload capacity?
Overloading can lead to suspension damage, poor braking, handling issues, and insurance denial in case of an accident. It’s also unsafe.
Is diesel always better for towing a fifth wheel?
Not always. Diesel offers more torque and towing power, but gas trucks sometimes have higher payloads, especially in base trims.
Final Thoughts: Go Bigger Than You Think
When it comes to fifth wheel towing, the truck you choose makes all the difference.
A 2500 might get the job done in the right scenario — but a 3500 gives you margin, safety, and flexibility.
And when you’re hauling your home on wheels, having extra capability is always worth it.
Before buying, always look at the payload sticker, weigh your loaded trailer, and double-check your numbers using real tools — not just the sales brochure.
For more help choosing your setup, explore: