311JL
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 16 
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Post by 311JL on May 17, 2020 23:39:31 GMT -5
I have a 2020 Sportsmen 32ft and pull it with my half ton Ram. I’m going to get a bigger truck, a diesel for sure. While I have no plans to trade campers now I can see when the kids get a few years older going for a 5th wheel. I do not want to I have to switch trucks again if the three-quarter ton will not be enough.
We go camping at least once or twice a month and I make it a point to try and talk to people out there and have heard both sides of the arguments. Just looking for more personal experience/input.
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willb
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 10
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Post by willb on May 18, 2020 21:22:40 GMT -5
Hi 311jl, It all depends on what fifth wheel you get. We have a KZ 311TH10 fiver which I pull with a 2016 Ford F250 gasser, with max GVWR, tow package, etc. We've taken many long trips with it including weeks up and down the Rockies with no problem. But it is a lighter fiver with 7800 lb unloaded weight. Keep in mind on a particular model the truck brakes and suspension are the same diesel vs gas but the diesel has a big advantage pulling uphill. I certainly wouldn't want to pull a larger fifth wheel with my truck, even though it works wonderfully with my 311TH10. The best thing to do is choose the trailer, then do a thorough job of matching the truck to it. Resources like rvtowcheck.com and rveducation101.com can give realistic answers on matching a truck to that fifth wheel you love. |
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Post by Edd505 on May 19, 2020 13:19:49 GMT -5
Check the door frame on your truck, it will give max towing capacity. Get a 5W below that weight and allow for equipment & passengers. The equipment & passenger loads going to be a guesstimate. Internet weight cops will say you can't exceed that sticker weight, I wouldn't worry if your a little over but that's just me. You need to decide what you would accept if your do go over. I towed years with an F250 but as the 5w got larger so did the truck.
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Post by nvguy on May 23, 2020 0:45:18 GMT -5
Figure 20% of a 5th wheel gross weight rating is what you will have for pin weight and that number needs to be less that the payload or max cargo weight number which will also be on the door post sticker. Really you want to have your 5th wheel picked out before you buy a truck, or just go for it and get a one ton dually.
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goose
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 7
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Post by goose on Jun 9, 2020 13:09:05 GMT -5
My current 5th wheel lists for 8000 empty, 12k max. I pulled it in the TN/WV/NC mountains fine with my 2013 RAM 2500 diesel. I was under the limits for everything. Knowing we will be looking for a new(er?) 5ver in a couple of years, I have purchased 2020 RAM 3500 dually in anticipation. We are hoping to find a replacement camper like we found this one. Someone we knew was trying to sell something that was in great shape, hardly used and well maintained. Now we can pull anything we would be interested in.
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Post by csp1116 on Jul 1, 2020 22:49:56 GMT -5
I have a 2017 36’ Durango 2500 fifth wheel with a GVW of 12,500. I’ve pulled it with a 6.2 gas 2017 Ford F-350 long bed for three years through the mountains of TN, WV, PA, NY and all of New England. Altogether so far I’m at 21,000 miles pulling my fifth wheel. I’ve been extremely pleased with the performance and the truck has exceeded my expectations. The only thing I’ve done is run it with a K&N air filter. When I go bigger with the trailer I will probably upgrade to the new 7.3 gas from Ford with the ten speed transmission. I have a buddy that is a troubleshooter for Ford and he states the 6.2 is bulletproof and recommends I stick with the 6.2 or the 7.3 gas with the ten speed tranny for the next upgrade. I’m not bashing diesels. It’s my everyday vehicle and makes life simpler for me. JMO
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Post by hedwigsrevenge on Feb 18, 2021 10:45:48 GMT -5
I have had no issues towing my friends 5th wheel. He has a Jayco Pinnacle sitting at 14k with hitch at 2.2k. I have a 2008 2500 Duramax extended cab and 8' bed. I can definitely tell the difference between that and my 362DB though. Just check the weights and I've always said its better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. If you can afford a dually and are comfortable driving it, get it.
Edit: I pulled the Jayco throughout the mountains of the Pacific NW. 6% grades up and down.
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Post by jfspry58 on Feb 25, 2021 0:27:10 GMT -5
I know the internet weight police would probably draw and quarter me for saying this, but I pull a Durango D333RLT with a 2012 Ram 2500 CTD. When towing a 5th wheel, the tow capacity is really a pretty useless number as you will almost always exceed your maximum payload long before you get close to maxing your tow capacity. And yes, I am slightly over the payload capacity as is stated on the yellow sticker but I am well under both the GAWR and the tire weight rating. My truck handles the trailer easily. Being a 2012 mine is one of the last years Ram put leaf springs on 2500s and I have the extra leaf just like a 3500. I have had the truck a few years and already had it when we upgraded our 5er a few months ago. I know many who tow heavy with 3/4 ton trucks. I'm not advocating to tow heavier than the stated payload capacity, but I do not believe it's a huge issue as long as 1) you stay under the GAWR and tire ratings, 2) your truck still rides level when fully loaded, 3) your truck handles well when fully loaded and has enough power to handle the load comfortably in all conditions, and 4) your brakes (combined truck and trailer) are fully adequate to stop and control your load under any and all conditions. Also if you must tow above the payload capacity of your truck, try to stay as close to it as possible. As the old saying goes, you can pull just about anything, but can you stop it? So, to answer your question, yes you can pull a 5th wheel with a 3/4 ton truck. But if your future plans may include a larger 5er, you would probably want to consider a 1 ton when upgrading. My next truck will definitely be a 3500. Good luck and safe travels!
Jay
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senior
Weekender RV’er
2022 KZ280TH
Posts: 80
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Post by senior on Feb 25, 2021 8:32:10 GMT -5
It is much easier on the nerves towing with a truck too big as opposed to a truck to small!
My personal comfort zone for a 3/4 diesel would be in the 12,000 GVW 5th wheel, I'm sure you could stretch it a little but my bud just went thru it, was towing 14K trailer with 2,500 diesel & went with a 3,500 diesel & said same thing, so much more comfortable towing with the 3,500 at that weight.
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Post by jfspry58 on Feb 26, 2021 11:51:31 GMT -5
Totally agree with Senior, if you're upgrading, go with a 3500.
Jay
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Post by barnettgreg6 on Mar 12, 2021 6:55:46 GMT -5
Hi 311jl, It all depends on what fifth wheel you get. We have a KZ 311TH10 fiver which I pull with a 2016 Ford F250 gasser, with max GVWR, tow package, etc. We've taken many long trips with it including weeks up and down the Rockies with no problem. But it is a lighter fiver with 7800 lb unloaded weight. Keep in mind on a particular model the truck brakes and suspension are the same diesel vs gas but the diesel has a big advantage pulling uphill. I certainly wouldn't want to pull a larger fifth wheel with my truck, even though it works wonderfully with my 311TH10. The best thing to do is choose the trailer, then do a thorough job of matching the truck to it. Resources like rvtowcheck.com and rveducation101.com can give realistic answers on matching a truck to that fifth wheel you love. I have the same 5th wheel as HI 311jl and also towing with a F250 , no problems as long as you keep it around 65-70.. The big Diesels are always passing me on the highways.. i usually have a couple Harleys in the back so cruising 65-70 works for me.. I have the 8 ft bed and can swing a u turn without worrying about a camper truck cab strike , My buddy with a shortbed F250 has a nice dent in his cab. |
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Post by foneguy on Mar 7, 2022 20:40:10 GMT -5
weight police will say 3500, 350, or bigger. I have a 344bh sportsman fifth wheel 40 ft gross 12Klbs and I have a 2500 crew cab cummins 4x4
sticker in the door says I'm maxed out if I add a mouse turd. but she rides smooth very little chucking, and I added ride right 5000 Lb air bags to keep it level.
I would have preferred a 3500 but none available I was in a pinch. now they are all $10K-$20K higher in price, good luck either way
been hauling campers for 30 years now..
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