Can a RAM 2500 Tow a Keystone Montana?
The Keystone Montana 3100RL is a high-end fifth wheel and the RAM 2500 is a capable heavy-duty truck with the legendary Cummins diesel. On paper the tow rating looks more than sufficient. But fifth wheels live or die on pin weight, and that is where this matchup falls apart. Here is the full breakdown.
Quick Verdict
No — a RAM 2500 SRW (single rear wheel) cannot safely tow a Keystone Montana 3100RL. The problem is nottowing capacity. The Cummins trims are rated to pull 19,780–19,860 lbs, which comfortably covers the ~17,000 lb loaded Montana. The real killer is pin weight: the loaded Montana puts roughly 3,400 lbs on the truck's bed, which alone exceeds the 2500's ~2,600 lb payload — before you add a driver, passengers, or cargo. You need a RAM 3500 SRW or DRW for this trailer.
Keystone Montana 3100RL Specifications
The 2026 Keystone Montana 3100RL is a rear-living fifth wheel aimed at full-timers and extended-stay RVers. It is a big, heavy, well-appointed trailer with three slides and a 35'11" footprint. Let's look at the numbers that matter for towing.
Actual Loaded Weight
Nobody tows a fifth wheel dry. By the time you fill fresh water, top off the propane, load groceries, clothes, tools, and full-timer gear, the Montana 3100RL picks up serious weight. Here's a realistic loaded estimate:
| Item | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Dry Weight (UVW) | 15,030 |
| Full Fresh Water (70 gal × 8.34) | 584 |
| Propane (60 lbs) | 60 |
| Cargo (gear, food, clothing) | 1,000-2,000 |
| Typical Loaded Weight | ~16,674 - 17,674 lbs |
| Loaded Pin Weight (~20% of loaded) | ~3,335 - 3,535 lbs (~3,400 typical) |
Key Insight:The loaded weight is well under the Montana's 18,000 lb GVWR and under the RAM 2500's tow rating. So far, so good. But fifth wheels transfer ~20% of their loaded weight straight onto the truck as pin weight. That ~3,400 lb loaded pin weightis the number that sinks this matchup — not the trailer weight itself.
RAM 2500 Requirements for This Trailer
To safely tow a loaded Keystone Montana 3100RL, your truck needs to clear four bars. Pay close attention to the second one.
Tow Rating: 17,000+ lbs
This covers the loaded trailer weight of ~17,000 lbs. Most Cummins-equipped RAM 2500s clear this easily at 19,780–19,860 lbs. The 6.4L HEMI Power Wagon, however, does not.
Payload Capacity: 3,500+ lbs
This is the real bottleneck. The loaded Montana pushes ~3,400 lbs of pin weight onto the truck. A 2500 SRW payload is typically 2,450–2,600 lbs — hundreds of pounds short before you even open the door.
GCWR: 25,000+ lbs
Combined weight of truck + trailer. A ~7,400 lb Cummins 2500 plus a ~17,000 lb Montana lands around 24,400 lbs — tight but within the 25,000 lb GCWR on diesel trims.
Hitch / Pin Rating: 3,500+ lbs
Your fifth wheel hitch must be rated to carry the loaded pin weight. Many aftermarket hitches are rated 3,000–4,000 lbs; verify yours is rated for at least 3,500 lbs before towing.
RAM 2500 Trim Comparison
Here is how three common 2025 RAM 2500 configurations stack up against the loaded Montana 3100RL. Notice that the Cummins trims have the tow rating but not the payload, while the Power Wagon lacks both.
| Trim / Engine | Tow Rating | Payload | GVWR | GCWR | Curb Wt | Hitch | Works? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Horn 6.7L Cummins I6 Diesel 4x4 | 19,860 lbs | 2,600 lbs | 10,000 lbs | 25,000 lbs | 7,400 lbs | 2,000 lbs | ⚠️ Caution |
| Laramie 6.7L Cummins I6 Diesel 4x4 | 19,780 lbs | 2,450 lbs | 10,000 lbs | 25,000 lbs | 7,550 lbs | 2,000 lbs | ⚠️ Caution |
| Power Wagon 6.4L HEMI V8 4x4 | 10,330 lbs | 2,560 lbs | 9,900 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 7,340 lbs | 1,033 lbs | ❌ No |
Why “Caution” and not “No” for the Cummins trims? The tow rating and GCWR are fine, so the truck can pullthe Montana. But the payload and GVWR are exceeded once the pin is in the bed. Towing in this state is overloading the truck's rear axle and chassis — unsafe and legally risky. The Power Wagon fails outright on tow rating (10,330 lbs vs ~17,000 lb loaded).
Real-World Payload Example
Let's walk through a payload calculation for a RAM 2500 Big Horn 6.7L Cummins 4x4 with a 2,600 lb payload capacity, hooked to a loaded Montana 3100RL with a ~3,400 lb pin weight:
Danger: You are over payload by 1,600 lbsbefore adding a fifth wheel hitch, firewood, or a dog. This truck is overloaded the moment the pin drops into the bed. Driving this combination risks axle failure, blown tires, loss of control, and a voided warranty — not to mention liability in an accident.
Recommendations for Safe Towing
Step Up to a RAM 3500 SRW or DRW
This is the real solution for a heavy fifth wheel like the Montana. A 3500 SRW with the 6.7L HO Cummins offers roughly 4,000–5,000 lbs of payload, and a 3500 DRW jumps to 4,000–6,000+ lbs. Either comfortably absorbs the Montana's ~3,400 lb pin with room for passengers and cargo.
Consider a Lighter Fifth Wheel
If you are committed to a 2500, stay under roughly 14,000 lbs dry for a fifth wheel. That keeps the loaded pin weight in the ~2,200–2,500 lb range, which fits a Cummins 2500's payload with room for people and gear. Many mid-profile fifth wheels fit this profile.
Weigh Your Setup at a CAT Scale
Estimates are no substitute for real numbers. Run two passes at a CAT Scale — truck-plus-trailer and truck-only — to get your actual steer, drive, and trailer axle weights. Compare every number against your door jamb sticker.
Verify Pin Weight with a Scale
Use a CAT Scale re-weigh or a pin-weight scale to measure exactly how much the Montana places on your truck. The 20% rule of thumb is only a starting point — your floor plan, cargo distribution, and slide placement all shift the pin weight.
Recommended Towing Safety Gear
Essential safety equipment for confident towing. We may earn a commission when you shop through these links.
Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control
Essential for trailers over 5,000 lbs. Improves stability, braking, and ride quality by distributing tongue weight across all axles.
Proportional Trailer Brake Controller
Industry-standard proportional brake controller. Automatically adjusts braking force based on deceleration for smooth, safe stops.
Trailer Sway Control System
Friction-style or electronic sway control that prevents trailer sway caused by wind, passing trucks, or uneven roads.
Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Products shown are categories of recommended gear; actual product availability and pricing may vary.
Final Verdict
A RAM 2500 SRW cannot safely tow a Keystone Montana 3100RL, even though the Cummins tow rating easily covers the trailer weight. The loaded pin weight of ~3,400 lbs blows past the 2500's ~2,600 lb payload and pushes the truck over GVWR before you add a single passenger. For this trailer, step up to a RAM 3500 SRW or DRW.
Check Your Truck & Trailer ComboFrequently Asked Questions
Can a RAM 2500 tow a fifth wheel?
Yes, but only lighter fifth wheels. A 2500 SRW typically maxes out around 14,000-15,000 lbs dry for a fifth wheel due to pin weight payload constraints. The Keystone Montana at 15,030 lbs dry is too much.
What is the pin weight of a Keystone Montana 3100RL?
The manufacturer estimates 3,006 lbs pin weight dry (~20% of UVW). When loaded, expect 3,300-3,500 lbs of pin weight, which exceeds most 2500-series payload capacities.
Why can't the RAM 2500 tow it if the tow rating is 19,860 lbs?
Tow rating only measures pulling power. Pin weight (which sits on the truck) consumes payload and counts toward GVWR. The ~3,400 lb loaded pin weight exceeds the 2500's 2,600 lb payload before you even add passengers.
What truck do I need for a Keystone Montana?
A RAM 3500 SRW or DRW (dual rear wheel) with the 6.7L HO Cummins. The 3500 DRW has payload capacities of 4,000-6,000 lbs, which comfortably handles the Montana's pin weight.
Does a slider hitch help?
A slider or auto-sliding fifth wheel hitch helps with cab clearance in short-bed trucks but does NOT reduce pin weight. Pin weight is determined by the trailer, not the hitch.