How much truck do I need for a 23K 5th wheel?

SoCalDesertRider wrote:

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

My International with it's DT466 will haul and pull those weights, daily, without ever being unloaded, for half a million miles, before it's first in-frame rebuild, and then go another half a million miles, under the same stress.

Compare your pickup to any large frame class 6-8 truck. There's about 10,000 lbs more iron and steel in a real commercial truck than there is in a pickup.

You have alot of horsepower, arrived at with a low duty cycle rating, and that's about it. Real commercial trucks are rated at 100% duty cycle, for the life of the truck. They're so beefy for a reason.

Everything on the larger truck is massive and heavy duty. My truck's transmission likely weighs 2 to 3 times what yours does. Same with the rear axle. Same with the frame. Same with the front axle. Same with the driveshafts. Same with the brakes. Same with the transfer case. Same with the steering knuckles. Same with the wheels and tires. Everything is MASSIVE, compared to what's on a pickup.

At 66 yrs of age and recovering from a stroke...it's much easier for me to climb in and out of my truck...same for my wife who had hip replacement..My two dogs can easily get in and out of my not as massive pick up truck. I can take my truck to and from work, to church, through drive throughs...tow my 5er..disconnect and use my truck for sight seeing or whatever..I can use the bed of the truck. I can tow my unit safely. As stated early, some need to check out some of the newer 3500/350 1 ton dually's..they're NOT the same truck they were just 4 years ago.

Jim