RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20 
|
Post by RGB on May 30, 2017 12:53:32 GMT -5
Hi to all you Durango owners, I was interested to know if there any out there who are using an F250 6.7L to pull their respective
Durango 5th wheels. If so, what is the Durango model of your 5th wheel and what modifications, if applicable, have been done to
your tow vehicle to accommodate that particular model.
I am the new owner of a 2014 F250 6.7L Lariat SRW CC 6.7" bed. It was a deal too good to pass up: only 8900 miles on the speedometer,
spotless overall, and equipped with a Pullrite SuperGlide 16K hitch already installed in the bed. No other mods have been done to the truck.
My research & curiosity with 5th wheels has pretty much ended with Durango. I am very impressed with their quality but I have
concerns about my TV's capabilities in pulling same.
The tow ratings and information that is out there is plentiful, but after reaching a saturation with it all, I thought it might be a good
idea to ask my questions at this forum.
I am familiar with the ratings for my particular truck: GVWR 10K lbs, max trailer hauling rate, 15,900 lbs, GCVWR - 23.5K lbs, etc. Tires
are Michelin LT275/70R 18E 125/122R and rated at 3640# max load @ 80PSI each. Axles, front - 5200, rear - 6100.
Hitch/Pin wts listed in mfg literature is usually based on approx 15% of the trailers GVWR, so that figure could potentially change up
depending on the actual GVW of the trailer. My truck, with the Pullrite hitch and DW and full fuel tank is right under 8400lbs.
I have considered yanking the Pullrite SuperGlide hitch and getting an Andersen Ultimate Connection hitch for the sake of gaining some
extra cargo weight. The Pullrite hitch weighs in, with all mounting accessories, at approx 275 lbs. The Andersen UC hitch weighs in
at approx 50 lbs.
So, I would love to hear advice and information from you. It would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Ron Graham
|
|
|
|
Post by RdRmr on May 30, 2017 14:39:07 GMT -5
rgb,
Congrats on your purchase. We have a 2016 Durango 2500 315RKD with a empty hitch weight of 2,000 lb. Sorry, don't have a Ford but a 3500 SRW Ram with the 6.7. That hitch weight is why I stepped up to a 3500 SRW. My previous 2500 didn't have the payload capacity, was rated for a payload of 2,375 and a GVWR of 10,000. The 3500 SRW has a GVWR of 12,000 and a payload rating of 4,400. So, with that being said as you can see the 2500 after attaching the 5TH wheel only had 375 left to max out the truck. Just a bit to thin for my liking. Once we got in the truck and loaded the trailer we were over the rated numbers for payload but under on trailer weight. Will your truck pull it? Yes but you will be over your payload capacity, what Durango do you have, a 1500 or 2500 series? The numbers due get a bit confusing. Good luck on what ever you decide. Happy Campin....
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on May 30, 2017 20:51:30 GMT -5
I can't directly answer your question to which Kz 5th wheel will match your truck, Kz has a number of different lines of 5th wheels, the 1500, 2500 series, Sportsman, Sportster, Sidewinder and then the " Durango Gold Line "G" which is the full time luxury 5th wheels. Durango Gold "D line" D315RKD 2500 start at unloaded UVW 9,820 with a GVWR of 12,500 all the way up to the D347BHF an D343MBQ UVW at 11,970 and GVWR at 14,500 ... The Durango Gold (G line) G353RKT,UVW 11,090 an GVWR of 14,000, the G355RLT UVW 10,900 an a GVWR of 13,800 with the heaviest which is G382MBQ at UVW 13,330 and a GVWR of 15,600 The Sportsman by Kz is much lighter, in the UVW 7 to 8k range, Sportster UVW of 4 to 8k, Sidewinder UVW 10 to 12K... So if you look at the Kz web page under specs you can get a real good idea of weights ... We have a Ford F350 Dually Crew cab long bed with a 6.0 with air bags and a chip, our trailer is a G384RLT UVW 12,250 and a GVWR of 14,995, our pin weight is 2,530. What I found out our UVW was 11,950 and our pin weight was 2,420 so Kz figures were off a few hundred pounds at the the cat scale I went to ... I believe that Edd505 my chime in because I believe he has closer to what you looking for in regards to type of truck and engine ... AS was stated, can you pull it, yes, can you stop it different story  but with all the options that Kz has as far a 5th wheels I'm sure one of the line Kz builds will fit you needs for years to come I believe Kz make a good product, are the prefect, by no means, but I believe they care about their product and try to make it a better product than most RV brands .... Safe Travels & Don't forget about the Kz Rally this Summer Chuck |
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
|
Post by RGB on May 30, 2017 22:39:47 GMT -5
Thanks Chuck, ...sounds like you have a very nice set up. I have been researching for so long now that my hair has turned white from the anxiety.
I have been looking at the D325RLT. The DW loves the floorplan. I just get to pull it down the road with Pepe, my pet mule. It would be my first 5th wheel.
I have pulled TT before with no problem, but this is a nice move up. I just want to do it right. Retired folks like me must have a certain "pickiness."
I like what you said about the UVW reported by KZ. The UVW of the 325RLT is 10290 lbs. GVWR is 13,000 lbs. I don't see ever loading enough to get to 13K.
So, the pin wt. will be reduced. The formula for pin weights that I have discovered with manufacturers is: 15% x GVWR. That is what they post in their specs.
I am about ready to pull the trigger and, although I put the cart before the horse, I think I will be okay. I guess I just needed some informed
assurances. what better place than on this forum. Thx again. Ron
|
|
|
|
Post by Edd505 on May 30, 2017 22:45:53 GMT -5
rgb Like chuck said I now tow a Durango G353RKT 11090lbs with a 2000 F250 Extended Cab Long bed 7.3 SRW with 3:73 gears. The truck has an Edge programmer set to TOW mode & Air Bags. I have about 2000 miles with the Durango, wind & semi's have not been a problem. The air bags really help with stabilizing & leveling the weight of the 5W. The air bags IMHO are a must on a 250, you will notice the difference the first time you hookup. I run full synthetic oil: engine, trans, & rear end, change it all once a year no matter how many miles. This is my 3rd 5W and the truck is used primarily to tow them, other than tires and one set of brakes every thing is original, no mechanical work at 165,000. With the F250 I tried to stay under 10K dry and my average load is 1,600LBS, my last 5W was 33ft 9,800 and had the most miles, one single trip was 8K+. I would look for something 11000-12000K. I'm currently dealing on a diesel F350King Ranch CC as the Durango has a lot more storage and I have a DW that will fill it. I should have a spotless F250 for sale soon.
Good luck & safe travels
Edd
rgb just saw the 5W weights you posted. I would not worry with your the F250 & the weights listed. I'd still recommend the air bags they will level and can be softened when not towing.
|
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
|
Post by RGB on May 31, 2017 0:22:47 GMT -5
Thanks, Edd ...I agree,the air bags sound like a good stability solution. I'm looking at Firestone model 2802 with wireless control. I really like the 353RKT floorplan, as does the DW. You have good taste.
I haven't done any mods as of yet, but thinking about some things. With only 9000+ miles on this truck, it is barely broke it. I like and I've named it -- Pepe, my pet mule. So, it looks like it will be in
the family for a while.
|
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on May 31, 2017 8:46:32 GMT -5
Hi rgb,
I have the Durango Gold 384RLT. I am also towing with a 2013 Ram Crew 4x4 LB 2500. I am REALLY close to my max on everything GVW, GCW, payload within a couple hundred pounds of max on everything. It is a little close for comfort for me so what I am going to do first is to adjust my load in the camper. There are a lot of thing I don't need to be trucking around the countryside. Then I will re-weigh. Right now I have got about 1500 miles under my belt with this combination and so far everything is good but it may require a new TV in order to have a bigger comfort zone on weight. |
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
|
Post by RGB on May 31, 2017 9:42:52 GMT -5
Thx for your comments, Jetzen. My F250 6.7L does offer the exhaust brake and that will be helpful here in the Colorado mountains. My approach is to not go over my GCWR of 23.5K. I may fudge a bit on the TV's GVWR of 10K but not by much. The truck is capable (per Ford specs) of hauling 15.9K in 5th wheel towing capacity. The 325RLT Durango 2500 has a GVWR of 13K with a UVW of 10,290. If I were to load up that trailer with 1500 lbs it might give a GVW of the trailer of 11,800 lbs or so. My GCWR of 23,500 - trailer wt of 11,800 = 11.2K for my TV, which is over my GVWR. It begs the question of what are the main differences of the F250 and the F350 ...if not in an added leaf spring and a spacer in the rear. Most other aspects of the two vehicles are the same. The 10K GVWR of my truck, as I understand, is rated as such to provide for cheaper registration fees (being < 10,000lbs). I asked a suspension and spring shop manager here locally about this and he says the true (unoffical, of course) rating of the F250 is more in line with a figure of 11.2K in GVWR. However, the mfg'rs stamp says 10K for GVWR and there is no changing that figure. So, the best I can do, possibly, is to beef up the suspension with airbags and maybe Timbren bumpers, and maybe some stiffer shock absorbers. In essence, my truck would then be an F350 (without the "official" stamp of a (F350's) GVWR of 11.2K).
Complicated? probably, but definitely nerve-racking when trying to put all the numbers (safely) into play with the "cards that I'm holding." Thx again, Jetzen. Hell, it's only money (and a few other things).
|
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on May 31, 2017 10:33:16 GMT -5
rgb,
As far as your question about what is the difference between a 3/4 ton and a 1 ton SRW, Almost nothing. Overload springs and a higher GVWR certification. That's it period, same rear/front axle, same tire/wheel combo, same brakes, same frame. Now a DRW is a little different story but even then the difference is minimal.
Coming to the rally this summer??? Would love to see you there!! |
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on May 31, 2017 12:11:26 GMT -5
rgb, Like Edd505 stated I also highly recommend AIr bags (I bought Air-Lift), I also recommend you put in a chip and program it to tow mode (I bought the X4 by SCT), It will give you a little more horse power but not over work your engine. As you said it's only money and I already told our kids the DW an I are working hard to spend what they think they will be getting when we are gone LOL Gzzzeeees I keep thinking of stuff after I post , I did not install the air compressor with my air bags, I have two inlets for air attached to were the license plate bolts us to be, I also run 40pds when towing and 20pds when I am not. Safe Travels & Don't forget about the Kz Rally this Summer Chuck |
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
|
Post by RGB on May 31, 2017 16:24:42 GMT -5
Thx to you, Jetzen, for your comments. I find it curious that the two trucks are so much the same. With the deal that I got on mine, I don't feel too bad. It is a keeper, for now.
And to you, Chuck, for what you said. I agree about the kids and what they think they'll get. I have 7 grandkids that are eye-ballin' all our stuff. I just tell the kids and the grandkids that maybe
they'll get lucky and get some of our stuff -- USED !! very USED !! My wife and I have figured out a formula where we spend everything, down to the last nickel, the day before we leave this planet. I say let 'em fight over what's left.
Regarding the airbags with a wireless control -- That seems to me to be the only way to go. I can stand a certain distance away and hit the button and watch things happen ....just in case I did something wrong. It happens.
If I can get a Durango 2500 325RLT before the KZ Rally, I will make every effort to show up there. But, I don't seem to have such luck just yet. I do want to buy local if I can, so I can get local service, etc. We'll see. Thx again. RGB
|
|
|
|
Post by rvdude on May 31, 2017 20:21:58 GMT -5
Talking about spending the kids money, I saw this one that fits me 100%... "This RV is a gift from our children. It was bought with money they won't inherit."
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on May 31, 2017 21:14:11 GMT -5
rvdude We already told the kids they will get the 5th wheel but they will have to pay the last payments on it LOL rgb Don't hurry, take your time, you still have some time before the Rally, just remember the most important part of buying is the dealer ... You want a dealer who will give you great service and back you up 150 percent if in the event something major happens under warranty ... Not sure were you live but sound like there may pretty good dealer in NW Ohio per a few fellows here, Edd505 found one in I believe New Mexico, we have one out here in Tacoma WA so they are around ... I tried to start a folder on good and bad dealers somewhat like what the Montana people have but only one person responded to it.... Right now we all can tell you the Kz dealers are giving away lots of perks and pretty good price's on 5th wheels along with great trade-in price's ... The was a web page I ran across a while back that had good and bad dealers and RV repair places, but my other laptop went bottom up an I lost the link, maybe someone can find it, was pretty good site... The Good Sam reflector sort of has something along the same lines I also believe ... I will tell you that one of the members want to buy a Venom in Western Washington at a dealer, he ask a number of times for a price, no response after a number of attempts. He contacted the Kz rep in the area and advised him of what was happening, he has now stated he is going to wait and find a dealer in a different state next year ... Good luck, hope you find what you want, make sure you get the deal you want Safe travels Chuck |
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
|
Post by RGB on May 31, 2017 22:06:57 GMT -5
rvdude (Daryl) -- your comments about spending the kids money absolutely fits. I'm a baby-boomer (1948) and was raised by depression-era parents, hardcore blue-collar
& working class. Of all the things that they taught me, one thing really sticks: When you learn to earn your own way, you learn the meaning of value and self-respect.
Somehow, it's different in this day and age.
Chuck, thx for the advice about dealers. I am in Colorado Springs and there is one Durango dealer here. I concur with your comments. Of course, the sales person that
you deal with is important, too. There has to be an honest connection. I would really love to get this Durango at this local dealership (and at the right price), but they do not have
that model in their inventory. I know I can order it but that takes upwards of 8 weeks, maybe more. I am going for a visit tomorrow to see them and will discuss my concerns.
The local dealer is Pikes Peak TraveLand (http://www.pikespeakrv.com/). It has had one owner since 1982 here in Colorado Springs. Maybe the planets will align. And then again, maybe not..... We shall see.
Regards, Ron
|
|
|
|
Post by Edd505 on May 31, 2017 23:33:14 GMT -5
rgb I have Firestone bags and separate fill valves in the back bump, theoretically you can raise one side. I have never had a bleed off of air and check the bag pressure at the same time I do tires, every time the 5W is going to be towed. I carry a small compressor and a 3100I generator so I always have power as do the majority of CG I go to. I passed on the on board compressor & remote.
On a side I was in Colorado Springs 2 weeks ago @ Penrose Hospital with a kid having surgery.
|
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
|
Post by RGB on Jun 1, 2017 0:20:10 GMT -5
Edd -- good info on the air bags, etc. thank you. I hope the surgery went well and all is okay.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Jun 1, 2017 0:27:08 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by rvdude on Jun 1, 2017 0:37:25 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by johnr on Jun 1, 2017 7:02:37 GMT -5
Inheritance is funny. My wife is 1 of 3 sisters and they all talk about wanting this or that of their mothers. Their dad jokes that they can get whatever they want, just be sure to bring money to the sale.
At least I think he's joking... ? LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on Jun 1, 2017 8:07:50 GMT -5
I use Timbrens on mine instead of the air bags. Simple bolt on no adjustments, to break and less expensive. Timbrens are variable rate overload springs that only activate when needed
Here is a link timbren.com/ |
|
but with all the options that Kz
