Finally pulled the trigger on a 5er

Yes, you are confused, by using your GVWR. Towing a FW, the most important numbers are RAWR/tire max rating. Your truck's shipping wt is likely less than 8,000, more like 7,300, looking at the CGVWR of 20K. So if you subtract the truck wt of 7,300 from the 20K, you will have 12,700 towing capacity. That CGVWR is to protect your drive line for warranty purposes.

In any case, even with suspension enhancement, your going to be limited to SRW status, and should not be towing more than 14K. Even that will strain your drive train without moving to lower gearing.

Jerry

Here are the numbers I found—my truck GVWR is 9600 lbs. The CGVWR, according to he 2012 towing guide, is 20,000 lbs. Even though the towing capacity is 12,700 lbs, I really only have 10,400 I’m towing capacity remaining according to the GVWR and CGVWR, right? Or am I figuring this all wrong? I don’t know enough about how these numbers work....and I don’t understand how you can get a 12,700 towing capacity rating when the CGVWR minus the GVWR is 10,400...ugh....I am so confused...

You'll be over your payload but may be able to stay under your axle ratings. A 2500 is capped at 10K payload rating to stay in a certain class of truck. Towing over payload but under axle ratings is probably the #1 most argued about topic in towing forums.

FWIW most 2500s are the exact same truck as the 3500 except for some rear suspension that can easily be made up for. All this being said, that is one big 5th wheel and all loaded up is likely pushing the limits of any SRW truck.

Really dig into the numbers and do some research to figure out what you are comfortable with. You've learned the first and best lesson - don't listen to the salesman.

The goofy thing is that you would be safer and more comfortable towing a 5ver that over loads your 3/4 ton than you would be towing a tag trailer that falls within your truck's ratings.

I think you could find a nice 5th wheel that your truck could handle. If this RV dealer does not have anything there are other dealers that will.

I knew I wanted the Grand Design Reflection when I went looking. Fell in love with the 303RLS but when I looked at the weight it was really pushing my limits. We looked the at a 27RLS which is a discontinued model and it weighed less and was a foot and a half shorter.

We gave up the island and large pantry plus washer dryer hookups but we are happy and my truck handles the 5th wheel like a dream.


My brother has a bumper pull travel trailer and when he drove my truck and 5th wheel he loved it.


Take your time and get what is right for your truck your wife and your wallet!

Dave

2001400ex wrote:

Trumpeterb wrote:
I talked to the dealer this morning and expressed my concern. He assured me that I could tow it. So I asked him if his dealership would be willing to sign a document accepting responsibility for any accidents or damage caused by towing an overweight RV. He wouldn’t of course, and then admitted that we were “approaching the limit,” and suggested looking at a big travel trailer instead.

I personally wouldn't get a travel trailer. I went from a 24 foot travel trailer to a 33 foot fifth wheel last year. I'm over my capacity with a 3/4 ton, and I added air bags, already have 3,415 pound capacity tires. When I went to the scale, I'm over my GVW but under my rear axle rating on both axles (limiting factor on 3/4 to one ton is weight rating of tires). My total length is basically the same but I get 9 feet more interior room.... That's why I'd say no to the travel trailer. They both tow roughly the same and roughly the same mileage.

If you want the fifth wheel, a singe rear wheel 1 ton would work (many on here wouldn't tow more than 10k pounds without a dually). My buddy has a bigger heavier fifth wheel and it tows fine with his 2013 1 ton Ford SRW.

You also can get higher rated tires and air bags like I did. You'll be over GVWR but under your axle ratings. That's $2,000 or spend your money getting the same year 1 ton pickup. Or you can spend $1,000 on helper springs and a sway bar.

Lots of options. But I know I'd rather camp in the fifth wheel I want and mess with my pickup to get it right. That's just me, to each their own. :)

Somewhat X2
I never considered a TT, always a 5er person.

More storage
Far more stable tow
More inside headroom
Also over GVWR, but with camper package, stock suspension no bags, well within axle and tire ratings.
Your looking at a large 5er!!! With a 12,000+ Dry and a 16,000+ GVWR you really want a DRW.

Trumpeterb wrote:
I talked to the dealer this morning and expressed my concern. He assured me that I could tow it. So I asked him if his dealership would be willing to sign a document accepting responsibility for any accidents or damage caused by towing an overweight RV. He wouldn’t of course, and then admitted that we were “approaching the limit,” and suggested looking at a big travel trailer instead.

I personally wouldn't get a travel trailer. I went from a 24 foot travel trailer to a 33 foot fifth wheel last year. I'm over my capacity with a 3/4 ton, and I added air bags, already have 3,415 pound capacity tires. When I went to the scale, I'm over my GVW but under my rear axle rating on both axles (limiting factor on 3/4 to one ton is weight rating of tires). My total length is basically the same but I get 9 feet more interior room.... That's why I'd say no to the travel trailer. They both tow roughly the same and roughly the same mileage.

If you want the fifth wheel, a singe rear wheel 1 ton would work (many on here wouldn't tow more than 10k pounds without a dually). My buddy has a bigger heavier fifth wheel and it tows fine with his 2013 1 ton Ford SRW.

You also can get higher rated tires and air bags like I did. You'll be over GVWR but under your axle ratings. That's $2,000 or spend your money getting the same year 1 ton pickup. Or you can spend $1,000 on helper springs and a sway bar.

Lots of options. But I know I'd rather camp in the fifth wheel I want and mess with my pickup to get it right. That's just me, to each their own. :)

I talked to the dealer this morning and expressed my concern. He assured me that I could tow it. So I asked him if his dealership would be willing to sign a document accepting responsibility for any accidents or damage caused by towing an overweight RV. He wouldn’t of course, and then admitted that we were “approaching the limit,” and suggested looking at a big travel trailer instead.

dpgllg wrote:
The problem here is that the folks at the dealer were not honest with you. Like a lot of people they see diesel and assume you can tow anything.

Has there EVER been a dealer who told a potential buyer his/her vehicle was not capable? If the OP had pulled up in a 1/2 ton they would have said "No problem!"

Trumpeterb wrote:
Well, after 6 years of owning a travel trailer, that we bought used, and battling the issues we have had with that unit, we finally decided today to trade it in and jump into a brand new 2018 Open Range 370RBS fifth wheel. This will be our first 5er, and probably our last. I am hoping it tows easier than the travel trailer. Any tips as I make the change from travel trailer to fifth wheel?

IMO, with a 16.5 GVW FW, you're =firmly= into 1t dually territory. Either lower your sights on the FW or bite the bullet and go big, or go home and go for a new truck, too! :B

Lyle