Montana 3920fb

Although a different RV, last year we ought a Big Country 3560 SS. At that time, we had a '15 F350 SRW sb, cc,4x4, PSD, as we just bought that truck in Dec of '14. The BC specs from factory were: dry wt/13420, pin/2888, max wt/16,000. Weighed unit on a CAT scale on way home from dealer netted: empty wt/14,000, pin wt/2860. I was aok w/ steer axle weights. Just under rear axle by 500 and pretty much at truck max capacity of 11,500 completely UNLOADED! I knew I was going to be close on weights w/ everything, BUT NOT this close!. Once fully loaded, I was over on rear truck axle by 300 and truck by 860 with NO ONE in cab. Oh, pin weight now came in at 3680, and total weight for the BC was 15,980 or maxed out. With the BC hooked up, rear truck axle was 7300 (max axle: 7000), max tire capacity: 7280. Again nobody in cab.

So to say the least, we towed all last summer ('17) w/o any problems and a long trip to Bar Harbor. However, I had in back of my mind this nagging/gut feeling about the overall weight of things. Come summer '18 planning and trip to FL in height of summer (Aug) and NOW the weight of things was really eating away at me and the gut feeling got worse. Was always told to trust your gut, so we ended up getting a '17 F350 CC,4x4,PSD, dually. Admit-tingly, since we bought it, I haven't weight things and cannot explain why, but just haven't. I will say, it was a very wise decision and felt very comfy towing the BC down/back at 70 mph and w/ wife driving at times.

While I haven't looked at today's towing numbers for SRW trucks, personally, I'd be very concerned and nervous to tow a RV over 15-15,500 with a SRW. I guess you could say, "Well how many half tons do you see towing overweight?", which is true, but based on my personal take, I just wouldn't. To each his own, but IMO to answer OP's question about rucks, I'd opt for a dually from one of the mfr's.

I think at best you are on the ratty edge of a one ton SRW, but really in DRW territory.

Only reason I say ratty edge of SRW is because 16,800lbs x 20% pin weight is 3360 pin weight. My Ram 3500 has RAWR of 7000 lbs, cargo capacity, I believe is 3400 and change. Unloaded axle weight is 2900 - 3000 lbs, so pin weight on that axle is 6400, 600lbs under RAWR but this 5er along with other cargo (passengers) will clearly exceed typical payload of a SRW.

Mike

Watch out for sparks coming off the back of that 1/2 ton that's dragging the ground, plus you wouldn't need power steering since the front wheels would be lucky to be on ground.

lee worsdell wrote:
I can tow with a half ton I bet

LOL! :B

I laugh, but someone likely tried it! :S

I can tow with a half ton I bet

Me, I'd use a dually at that weight but you can tow it with anything you want. I had a friend that, for a short period, towed a triple axle toy hauler with a 2500.

You can ask your question on the Montana Owners Club forum and find members with that model. But I agree, you are in the 350/3500 dually range.

I tow my Montana High Country 375FL, approximately the same size and weight and would not consider towing it with anything less than a 3500 / 350 dually. Yes, I'm one of those dually advocates for something this big and heavy.

Well the numbers tell the story.

Key specifications - 3920FB FIFTH WHEEL

Shipping Weight 13,812#

Carrying Capacity 2,988#

Hitch 2,810#

GVWR 16,800#

Length 41' 4"

Height 13' 5"

Well for a 41' 5er, the 2,988# payload is a little lite, this 5er is in 350/3500 DRW territory with a 16,800# GVWR.

Do not listen to anyone that does not provide weights. You need to do the research and buy enough truck to tow as well as haul the trailer. Your pin weight once loaded will be about 20% of the trailer GVWR.

First make sure the truck has sufficient payload capacity to carry the pin weight, plus the hitch, plus any truck cargo plus passengers. Second, look at the tow rating.

DO NOT use the brochure dry weights, use the trailer GVWR.

You will get a slew of unknowing folks telling you they pull their 39 or 42 ft 5er with a 3/4 ton truck with air bags....ignore them. Air bags add nothing to the weight ratings on the truck. Buy enough truck to tow and haul within the ratings and not try to make it work with add on crutches.

Now, all the anti weight police folks can back off because I am not telling him to get a dually, but to do the math and get a truck rated for the job at hand.

Ken