Gary
Newbie RV’er
2015 Spree 300RLS. 2015 Chevrolet 2500 High Country Duramax.
Posts: 43 
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Post by Gary on May 23, 2016 9:02:38 GMT -5
I have been studying fifth wheel towing capacity for my 2015 Chevrolet 2500 4X4 High Country Standard Bed truck. There is a lot of talk about maximum capacity which in my case seems to be 17,100 lbs. And there are plenty of fifth wheels to choose from at that weight or less. I can't imaging towing at maximum capacity but how much less should I be aiming at? I figure I need at least 1,500 lbs but am more comfortable looking at fifth wheels that have a GVWR of less that 15,000 lbs. Please tell me what you are towing with your 3/4 ton truck. I'm confident that a Durango 2500 works with the 3/4 ton trucks but most Durango Gold units are under my capacity.
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Post by kmart4321 on May 23, 2016 15:09:24 GMT -5
Don't forget tongue weight. I am finding none of the big three manufacturers make a 3/4 ton that can handle 4 people in the cab, weight of fifth wheel and my 358 bhk.
Towing capacity is fine but tongue weight is an issue. Gonna have to SRW 1 ton
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Post by RdRmr on May 23, 2016 16:59:19 GMT -5
Gary,
I would be careful with a 3/4 ton truck. You need to check your GVWR of your current vehicle, most 3/4 tons run around 9-10,000 GVWR. Not to mention your payload capacity. That is the reason I stepped up to a 1 ton SRW prior to purchasing our Durango 2500 315RKD, hitch weight on that unit empty started at 1,980. Now put me, the wife and all the stuff in the 5TH wheel and we are over the capacity of the truck. Will it still pull it? Yes but you are over your truck's rating (not good) if you were to have an accident. I towed a Cougar High Country 291RLS with my 3/4 ton, GVWR of the Cougar was 9,000 with a hitch weight empty of 1,200. Be careful with the GVWR of your truck. Do your homework carefully. Happy Camping....
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Post by kmart4321 on May 23, 2016 18:49:39 GMT -5
Gary, I would be careful with a 3/4 ton truck. You need to check your GVWR of your current vehicle, most 3/4 tons run around 9-10,000 GVWR. Not to mention your payload capacity. That is the reason I stepped up to a 1 ton SRW prior to purchasing our Durango 2500 315RKD, hitch weight on that unit empty started at 1,980. Now put me, the wife and all the stuff in the 5TH wheel and we are over the capacity of the truck. Will it still pull it? Yes but you are over your truck's rating (not good) if you were to have an accident. I towed a Cougar High Country 291RLS with my 3/4 ton, GVWR of the Cougar was 9,000 with a hitch weight empty of 1,200. Be careful with the GVWR of your truck. Do your homework carefully. Happy Camping.... Gary, What truck did you go with? What kind of cab and truck bed? |
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Gary
Newbie RV’er
2015 Spree 300RLS. 2015 Chevrolet 2500 High Country Duramax.
Posts: 43
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Post by Gary on Jun 22, 2016 9:23:58 GMT -5
Here is where I'm at today, tomorrow is a different day and this could change.
My GCWR is 24,500 and my truck weight from a CAT scale is 8,100 lbs so lets throw in 200 for a hitch and I am at 16,200 lbs available.
My GAWR Rear is 6,200 and my truck CAT scale rear axle is 3,220 so adding 200 lbs for a hitch that leaves me 2,780 lbs
My rear tires are rated at 3,195 each so lets say 6,400 minus the CAT weight of 3,220 leaves me 3,180 lets add the 200 lbs for hitch and I am at 3,000 lbs.
So it depends on how you do the math but using the tire rating which is feel would be the weak link it puts me over the GVWR but I feel 3,000 lbs is a good number.
I am looking at a KZ-RV Durango 2500 D325RLT, its gross weight is 13,000 lbs which is below the 16,200 I would have available.
It's dry pin weight is 2,100 which gives me a bit of room till I hit 3,000 lbs.
I figure it would be a good idea to install air bags or Timbren suspension but when talking with GM they stuck by the rated 17,100 lb rated fifth wheel capacity and told me to ignore all the other numbers (which I have trouble doing).
Also 13,000 times 20% pin weight gives me 2,600 lbs and I may never get to 13,000 lbs.
I am hoping you can agree with my logic. please share your opinion.
Thanks,
Gary
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Post by kaboom on Jun 23, 2016 10:45:21 GMT -5
I think you have done your home work and are right in your calculations. I looked at the same numbers back when I bought my 2013 Chevrolet 2500 Duramax. I found that the only difference between a 2500 and a 3500 srw was an extra rear spring and hangers and the tire load rating.
So I think you are correct in that the tire load rating is most critical. The spring issue could always be resolved with the addition of bags or springs to level the bed of truck.
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Post by joecamper on Jun 23, 2016 22:00:39 GMT -5
I have a 2004 GMC Duramax short bed and pull the same camper that you are wanting to pull. My total for my truck was 18,500. On my first trip I went to the Cat Scales and with fully loaded camper, water and full tank of fuel, my weight was 18,000. Yep, that's pretty close. I've since pulled about 10,000 miles with no issues. Side note: my truck was rated higher because a 5th wheel has a higher rating than an ordinary pull behind trailer, at least that is what my research showed.
Go for it in my opinion.
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Post by johnr on Jun 24, 2016 7:06:36 GMT -5
I can't get past 17,100 for a 3/4 ton pickup. That's a lot of weight! Things must have really changed since I've been truck shopping. My 2006 Dodge Ram 1 ton dually isn't even rated to tow that much. The last 3/4 ton I used was strained at 12,000 pounds towing. It was tough to get up steep grades. Remember, it's not all about the pulling, you've got to be able to stop as well. Maybe it's just me... I dunno  |
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Post by joecamper on Jun 25, 2016 16:10:35 GMT -5
I live in the mountains in Colorado, I have no problem pulling almost all the hills at the speed limit (but generally keep it at 60 or less depending on the actual speed limit). And I am really cautious going down hill. Lower gear, slower speeds. Just really have to use your head when towing anything that weighs a lot. My only regret is that I know all the newer trucks have exhaust brakes and that must make a big difference.
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Gary
Newbie RV’er
2015 Spree 300RLS. 2015 Chevrolet 2500 High Country Duramax.
Posts: 43
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Post by Gary on Mar 26, 2017 18:04:15 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I haven't posted for a while. Currently I think we're just going to use our Spree 300. Our truck tows it with ease and there are lots of upgrades I plan to do. Planning on selling the house mid 2018 and moving into the Spree until I retire about a year later. So after we sell the house we can buy a fifth wheel any time but plan to see if the Spree works out. This will save a lot of money in the mean time. I just put new Goodyear tires on the Spree and feel really great about that. I sealed up the AC ducts that were leaking into the attic space and that made a huge improvement. I have plans to put shelves in the stupid cabinet in the bathroom where shelves should have been installed by KZ. I am out of warranty now so it's time to make some changes.
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Post by spreevilla on Mar 30, 2017 8:39:05 GMT -5
hi Gary, I have F250 6.2L with 3.73 rear, I did a lot of homework and settled on D325RLT. I pull it with no problems even on hills in Pennsylvania, I average 8-9 mpg when towing. I opt for gas instead of diesel because of the cost and maintenance on the diesel and I don't tow the unit every week. I think you should be fine with your calculations and weight for the 3/4 ton and D325RLT. I did add airlift 5000 airbags (at 38-40lbs) and it makes a huge difference, no sagging. Happy Camping
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Post by RdRmr on Apr 11, 2017 20:31:56 GMT -5
Gary,
Here is a bit of info regarding vehicle specs and what things mean,it is Ram specific but you can plug in your own numbers. Congrats on your retirement plans, take it from one who's there,(it's great,love it). Happy Campin.... 2015 towingbasics.pdf (165.12 KB) |
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Post by Chuck on Apr 11, 2017 22:56:13 GMT -5
RdRmr I don't know about you, but retire really isn't what it's all cracked up to be, I have twice the honey-does and three times the work LOL I am also one who can't get past a 4x4 SWD GVW at 17K, my F350 1 ton 4X4 DWD CC LB is at 17K, something just doesn't add up here |
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Post by jetzen on Apr 12, 2017 8:19:38 GMT -5
Chuck,
The new 2017 2500 Ram trucks are rated at 17,900lbs max with a gross combination weight of I think 24,500lbs. (truck/trailer combined). They will pull just about anything were the problem comes on a 3/4 ton truck is pin weight.
I have an 2013 Ram truck it is a 2500 it is rated at 20,000 GCW. The cargo capacity is 3100lbs and is rated to pull 13,700lbs. While I haven't had a chance to weight it yet with the new trailer I know it will be real close to max. My problem will be cargo capacity. The truck empty with me and a full tank of fuel is 6304lbs, with the DW and the 2 dogs 6595lbs. That leaves me with 2800 for a pin weight. I should be right around 13,300-13,500 on gross trailer weight.
A new truck may be in order, most likely a SRW 3500. I had a 2003 Ram DRW 3500 and while it was a good truck the cost of maintenance was a killer, never again.
Now some general info somewhere in the mid 2000's a law came into effect from the federal DOT that each trailer needed to be weighed and a placard affixed stating said trailers as delivered net weight, pin/tongue weight, gross weight rating and cargo carrying capacity.
So while Chuck and I have the same trailer and the GVWR will be the same the net weight, pin weight and CCC may be different. The stats in the brochures are for general info only.
Follow the link and watch the video www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sHvBZVPK_s |
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Post by RdRmr on Apr 12, 2017 11:15:04 GMT -5
Chuck
That's one reason I stepped up to a one ton SRW 2WD from a 3/4 ton, payload capacity. My previous vehicle had a payload capacity of 2,475, now the new one has a capacity of 4,400. Works for us. I also thought that weight for a 2500 was a bit much.
It's amazing how the RV manufacturers juggle the numbers, most are just an average of the unit as it rolled out the door. There is always that little disclaimer in there: "depending on options".
Yep, honey-do list has gotten longer and seems like the neighbors are always needing something when we are home, OH well, keeps me busy.
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Post by Chuck on Apr 12, 2017 11:55:37 GMT -5
Ok Guy's Well like I said it just seemed odd that SRW drive truck could be the same or more than my DRW truck, of course my truck is 10 years old. I wish I could afford a new one but since I bought the Palace as we call it I don't think I'll see one soon  My problem with retirement is that the honey-do list is very long and I can't say no to volunteer work. Also my problem is I'm one of those 10 percent worker bees that can't say no, and believe me in the last year I have started to say no to a few volunteer programs ... |
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Gary
Newbie RV’er
2015 Spree 300RLS. 2015 Chevrolet 2500 High Country Duramax.
Posts: 43
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Post by Gary on Dec 20, 2017 20:53:40 GMT -5
Update; we are now looking at buying a KZ 384RLT. What I have done is bought some new Michelin tires.
My original equipment 265/60R20 have a combined capacity of 6390 lbs and the rear axle weighed 3220 which leaves me with 3175 lbs.
My Michelin 275/65R20s have a combined capacity of 7500 minus the axle weight of 3220 leaves me with 4280 lbs capacity.
The 384RLT dry pin weight is listed as 2530. So as I have explained in the past IMHO the tires were the weak link and my new tires help a lot. I will not be over my GCWR and might need air bags or Timben help to level things out. I am pretty comfortable with these new numbers. Don't get me wrong I do believe a 1 ton truck would be better but I am not changing trucks. I have crawled under 3/4 ton, 1 ton and duallys but they all have the same axle. We really love this Durango Gold and have looked at many fifth wheels but always come back to the 384RLT. Hope to sell our Atlanta house this summer and move into a new Durango Gold until I retire in less than two years. Gary
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Post by Chuck on Dec 21, 2017 12:33:56 GMT -5
Well Gary Owning a 384RLT we have enjoyed ours allot, have there been a few hick-ups, yes, but all minor an now with over 9000 miles on the road with it, an three months living in it this past summer we are still happy campers ... The only thing I do not like is that we could not put slide toppers on the main door slide because of the tall windows on the slide... We addressed this at the Kz rally with the 5th wheel rep an he stated it would be looked at an wrote it down on his note pad, but he also said that the 384 was one of their best sellers at the time of the rally I still think that the Kz is more or less a better built unit than most, I also believe they listen to their customer base, even thought some people do not think so, I an other's here have right along had good dealings with them. Maybe it's because they have seen our face's an talked directly with us I do not know, all I know is they have stood behind our product 150 percent when ask to do something  I can't say that about our dealer  Safe travels an don't forget about the Kz ally this coming summer in August  Chuck |
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Post by doublewa on Dec 21, 2017 12:38:39 GMT -5
I live in the mountains in Colorado, I have no problem pulling almost all the hills at the speed limit (but generally keep it at 60 or less depending on the actual speed limit). And I am really cautious going down hill. Lower gear, slower speeds. Just really have to use your head when towing anything that weighs a lot. My only regret is that I know all the newer trucks have exhaust brakes and that must make a big difference. I want to second this post: I live in Colorado as well. I have a 1 ton SRW and I got that so that I have more turck than I need. This CANNOT be overstated enough! Especially in the mountains here. 7% grades at 10,000'+ are no joke. Even though I didn't own my camper when I bought my truck, I had it in mind when I purchased the truck. Currently, I have a Sportster 311TH10 with a dry weight of 7,500lbs. GVWR is 11,500, so I am well under my towing capacity and that makes all the difference when breaking at grade. Yes, I have an exhaust brake and I would never EVER by another truck without it. Keep in mind too, most of the camping I do is boondocking, so I have to factor in 300lbs in a generator, 8lbs per gallon of water (75galx8=600lbs) and that's not counting the couple gallons in the black tank or the wife, dogs, chairs, tables, dirt bikes, etc. So I made sure I bought the truck first BEFORE I looked at the campers. When it comes to safety, there's no problem having more truck than you need. As a side note, manyu people forget that once they reach the 26,001lb threshold, some states will require that you have a CDL to operate your vehicle. Regardless of whether or not it is for personal use or not. So be very careful with this as well. THere are many RV'ers oot there getting overweight tickets in these states. |
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Post by Chuck on Dec 21, 2017 17:44:23 GMT -5
I have to agree with doublewa on some things But I have to say the only state I have ever seen the State Police weighing a 5th wheel was California. I also know why they were weighing such, the truck look to be a early 70's half ton an the back of the truck was maybe at best eight or ten inches off the ground an the bed of the truck looked like a low rider the amount of tire that was stuck up into the wheel well Ugh !!! Now what I will say is if you get into an accident an are over weight, the first thing the ambulance chasers are going to look at was if your the combination of complete vehicle was legal, ie truck an trailer Reading what Gary has posted I believe he has done the math an is legal as long as he dozen't load up 2500pds of water, 1000pds of food, 1000pds cloths, he will be safe along with his DW ... Most of these states do not want to make travelers mad because they spend lots of money, thus hands off ... Unless you are traveling in a out right unsafe vehicle, speeding or operating in an unsafe manor they will never pull you over, of course this is only my 3 cents  Safe Travels Chuck Attachments:
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I can't say that about our dealer 
