Advice on truck size and other fifth wheel info new owner

The rear end ratio makes a big difference. I think a 4.1 would be needed for that BIG RIG.

therink wrote:

Norskeman wrote:
Probably a 3500HD/F350 dually diesel would be the best.

I have a fifth wheel that "only" has a GVWR rating of 12,380 lbs and I am within 600 lbs of the GVWR on my truck.

Me too
2012 Silverado 3500HD SRW Crew. Fiver scaled at 12,280.

I know you have only a gasser and SRW but I'm surprised that you're at the limits of your truck. My 2011 dually diesel is rated for 21,100 5er. RU sure you're not looking at the trailer rating?

Something not touched upon yet is stability of SRW vs DRW's while towing.

From my experience towing larger fivers with everything from 2500's to custom built International tractors; the steering corrections required when that tall slab-sided trailer is hit with either a cross wind or the pressure wave of a passing semi are going to be more frequent with a single axle and it's two tire - four sidewalls resisting side flex deflection than will be required for the dual axle, eight sidewalls.

Pick-ups, in an effort to give you towing capacity and comfortable ride, maintain the tall profile tire to offset harsher ride characteristics from stronger/stiffer spring rates. Those taller sidewalls are less able to resist flexing from side forces induced on them by the front of a tall trailer trying to push the rear of the truck sideways when hit by a crosswind. This results in you having to make frequent steering corrections as the rear of the truck is taken off it's straight forward line of travel.

I'd opt for the reduced requirement of steering inputs, extra margin of safety given by eight of those sidewalls resisting flex or tread lift along with two addtional contact patches for braking purposes over the single rear wheel and it's questionable width convenience advantage. JMHO.

RedAce wrote:
Like others have said, at the end of the day you will be happier with a dually.

. Yes.... And, that Montanna is for sure dully territory. Numbers don't lie.

Like others have said, at the end of the day you will be happier with a dually.

In February 2012 when I was looking for a fiver, there was no Montana fiver that I would or could safely pull with my 2011 F250, diesel, CC, longbed, RWD.
I don't think you need to wait for real numbers, you would need a one ton dully. Good Luck

Dave H M wrote:
I would think one would rely on real world figures than just winging it.

To me the numbers have to be crunched.

I got the brochures and worked the numbers - thought that would be more reliable than opinions.

Excellent point.
Trucks don't pull trailers determined by their length or a name.
Why folks come on this forum and say I have a xx foot long RV with no numbers and expect us to give anything more than opinions beats me.
Also is the 39' trailer its actual length or is it a manufacturers 39'abcd number. Makes a huge difference in actual weight.

Some folks are for it and some will be against it.
My guess without any numbers is the trailer pin weight is too heavy and might not work ........... but if its pin weight is light enough it may work.

I would think one would rely on real world figures than just winging it.

To me the numbers have to be crunched.

I got the brochures and worked the numbers - thought that would be more reliable than opinions.

Your friend want a BIG trailer - well, it takes a BIG truck to safely to the job. A dually would give him give him more confidence in handling the load.

Of course, with slight modifications :B he could tow that trailer with a four-banger Ford Ranger, standard cab, grocery-getter.

Tell your friend not to fear the dually. The fenders don't stick out past the mirrors so it's not that big of a deal unless you spend a lot of time city driving and street parking. My wife drives our only vehicle and it's a 1 ton dually quad cab 8 ft box.