How much truck do I need for a 23K 5th wheel?
I currently have a Cedar Creek 36CKTS which when loaded with a couple of weeks worth of stuff weighs about 15K- 3k is on the hitch and 12k on the axles according to the scale. I'm pulling it with a F3...
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RustyJC wrote:SoCalDesertRider wrote:
It can be done with a very late model diesel 1-ton dually with low axle ratio.
I would rather do it with something bigger, a small Freightliner (M2, FL60) or International (4000 series). The bigger trucks are built to haul and pull those heavy weights under continuous duty and do it problem free for years and years. The pickups are not rated for that. They have the power all cranked up and are taxing everything to max to get those big numbers in their ratings.
Yeah, you're right. These things are real hand grenades. That's why the manufacturer won't even warrant them. Oh, wait. They do. For 5 years and 100,000 miles (powertrain warranty) with more available if you want to buy an extended warranty.
The 385/900 Cummins in our truck lives in the 1700 to 2300 RPM range even on steep grades. It doesn't have to wind to redline to pull grades. It uses its midrange torque.
Rusty
I don't think there is much question on towing 20-22K the power is there, but can you really haul it safely.
There is no difference between my previous truck, and this new Ram I have . Previous truck was 99 Superduty 350 crew cab short bed same as the Ram. They both weight pretty much the same, but the towing experience is night, and day. Tire rating is the same on both trucks E rated @ 3640, which in most cases with fifth wheels tires are the limiting factor . A few years ago I heard everything from the truck can't stop it, to its going to be the tail wagging the dog etc ect.
My 99 was underrated with my current fifth wheel, but is not with this 2014 Ram. Trucks weigh the same so one shouldn't be getting pushed around anymore then the other ??. It comes down to the power of one over the other. night ,and day difference ,but only that it goes up, and the mountains easier, gets the load moving faster, but is this Ram truly any safer hauling that fifth wheel. IMO handling seems the same. So I ask again what is safer about my new truck compared to the old one, other then possibly braking , both are 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes . Ford was pretty impressive in a panic stop loaded or unloaded, this Ram ,thank goodness ,has not been tested yet in that respect.
