Forum Discussion

Allistah's avatar
Allistah
Explorer
Oct 14, 2013

Help Choosing TV (By the numbers)

Hi everyone..

We will be getting a new 5th wheel next year and I am making all the effort up front to get the right TV with the right hardware to which will end up in a great tow experience.

The 5th wheel that we will be getting is the Coachmen Brookstone 315RL. These are the specs for this unit:

  • Hitch Weight 2,350 lbs. (1,066 kg)
  • Base Weight 11,230 lbs. (5,094 kg)
  • GVWR 14,500 lbs. (6,577 kg)
  • Cargo Carrying Capacity 3,270 lbs. (1,483 kg)
  • Exterior Length 34' 8" (10.6 m)


We will also be towing a jet ski trailer behind the 5th wheel with three PWC on it which will end up being about 2000 lbs. max.

Now for the TV. We will get a Chevy 3500. What I don't know is what config of that TV will be required and how to absolutely know without any doubt that I have enough TV to pull that 5er plus the 2000 lb. jet ski trailer without being overweight and ultimately - unsafe.

I've read a lot and the numbers are all over the map and very confusing. Most of the time I've been looking at the GCWR of the truck and then the GVWR of the truck and trailer itself and it almost always goes over the GCWR. Then I see people say that it's very difficult to get under the GCWR.

How do I make a Chevy 3500 TV safe to tow the 14,500 lb GVWR 5er plus the 2000 lb PWC trailer and be safe?

Any help here would be appreciated.. Thanks!
  • sdetweil's avatar
    sdetweil
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2013
    Go to a Chevy dealer, find the truck similar to what you want. Open the door and get the rating info from the door tag.

    GVWR, F(ront) and R(ear) AWR

    then you can fill out this form

    sure someone will tell you their ACTUAL weights.
    its the ACTUALS that matter

    2350 dry on the pin will start getting close on the RAWR.

    14500+2000 + truck will probably put you over on GCVWR
    most SRW are in the 23500 range(due to many state laws)- 16500 = 7000, and most trucks weigh more than that. My shortbed f250 weighed 8300 empty. I haven't weighed my 350 dually yet, but expect near 9000 empty.

    also, double tow is not allowed in all states. usually due to length limits.

    RAWR is also a concern. On my 250, the rating was 6100, the actual was 3380 empty. leaving 2720 total (people, fuel, stuff, hitch)
    ford 350 SRWs have 7000 or 7300 RAWR, adding another 900-1200 lbs over the 250 level. (sorry, giving ford numbers, don't know any correct info for Chevy, but it will get you close. that worksheet makes it easy.

    Sam
    ps. I traded in my 250 for a 350 DRW cause I would be right at the limit for any 5th wheel we wanted.
    got a 2013 Keystone Alpine, 2350 pin empty, 12457 empty, 15500 GVWR.

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