opinions (i know this is dangerous :))

heffnerfam wrote:
I wanted to stay well away from max towing. Here is info for an open range light 347 res. Max weight would be fine,but hitch weight is high.

Hitch Weight=2225
Dry Weight=10955
GVWR=14225
Fresh Water=85
Grey Water=57
Black Water=41

So you would work with the GVW on figuring weights, (dry weights are a joke when figuring what truck to tow with)....GVW of 14,225 could give you a pin weight of 2800#, If it were me, I'd travel with black water tank empty, gray water empty and maybe 10 gallons of fresh water. heck, I use to even empty the hot water heater...but I did tow a 14,000 GVW 5er with an 03' Chevy 2500 D/A, weighed in at 13,000# with almost a 2800# pin weight (Coachmen Somerset 3 slide)....I purchased that 5er early 05 and within months went to a Dually.

All that being said, JIMNLIN gave you a good idea of axle weights..weigh your truck ready to go camping, add 200# for a 5er hitch if you don't have one...Go to a CAT scale and weigh the truck...see what weight you have over the rear axle (drive axle)...subtract that weight from the 6200 RAWR and that'll tell you how much pin weight you might be able to safely put in the bed of your truck WITHOUT GOING OVER THE REAR AXLE WEIGHT RATING.

I'd be concerned towing a 40' 5er with the 2500, though I know some do it, doesn't make it right or safe...If rarely towing on mountainous, curvy roads, may not be an issue, but I too would want to stay within 36' or so in length....