Will It Tow?
2026 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins I6 turbo diesel) with the 2027 Heartland Bighorn 31RL at its full GVWR of 16,000 lb, two adults and a dog aboard and a weight-distribution hitch.
Over on payload.
- Tow rating: Not sure yet (16,000 lb camper, rating 14,500 to 20,000 lb)
- Payload: Over by 110 lb (3,700 to 4,820 lb used, payload 1,790 to 3,590 lb)
- Truck and trailer together: Not sure yet (at least 24,266 lb, GCWR 23,090 to 28,110 lb)
Check it with your own numbers- Fifth wheel hitch (needed): Rated for at least your camper's weight (16,000 lb) and about 4,000 lb of pin weight. That points to a 16K-class hitch or bigger. It mounts in the bed over the rear axle.
- Weight distribution and sway control (not needed): Fifth wheels ride on a hitch over the truck's rear axle, which makes them much more stable than a bumper-pull. These are for travel trailers.
- Short bed? (check): With a bed under 8 ft, use a slider hitch or a pin box made for short beds so the camper clears your cab on tight turns.
- Brake controller (needed): Your camper has electric brakes, and the controller in your cab runs them. Many newer trucks have one built in.
- Measure your pin weight (tip): We're estimating 2,880 to 4,000 lb. A CAT scale weigh, hitched and unhitched, gives you the real number. Enter it in step 2.
Hitches make towing steadier, but none of them raise your tow rating or payload. The hitch itself counts against payload.
Ratings come from manufacturer towing guides and spec sheets. These are planning estimates, not a safety guarantee. Your truck and camper stickers, your owner's manual and a scale always win.