Forum Discussion

eluwak's avatar
eluwak
Explorer
Mar 27, 2017

*sigh* Newb FW questions

We're already hunting for our next trailer that we plan to purchase next January or shortly after. Ideally we would like to stick to TTs, but have found a couple of really nice FW floorplans that would work better for us to take longer trips with. So questions for you FW guys:

- I know pin weight on these hovers around 20% or so (no THs). I've heard some folks say rear axle capacity is the real payload to be concerned with here since the front load doesn't change much. Is this a valid statement? I have a 3k lbs. payload on the truck, but assuming I have 3k lbs. left on my RAWR unhitched would that be my real limiting factor here?

- We tend to do more week-long trips a few times a year, and I like having a cap on the back of the truck the rest of the time. Has anyone here had experience removing a cap for towing the FW and then reinstalling back when not?

Just trying to figure out the limits without having to switch to a 1-ton.
  • john_bet's avatar
    john_bet
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2017
    My fiberglass cap can be put on and off with 2 people if need be, but 4 is better. We have done it several times for winter travel with the truck. In fact the cap has been on 3 different Dodge/Ram trucks since we bought it in '98.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Mar 29, 2017
    RAWR = can be the lessor of a tire/wheel/axle and rear spring pack so don't exceed it. When carrying a 5th wheel/GN trailer it changes the trucks front axle very little to non.

    I have a 5th wheel rv trailer and have always a GN trailer(s). I keep a hard tonneau or a cab high topper for my trucks. I have a home made rack with rollers in the tractor barn. I back the truck up to it ....and slide the cover/topper off the trucks bed onto the rack.
    My son keeps a aluminum Retrax on his trucks. It roll up like a shop door.
  • eluwak's avatar
    eluwak
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2017
    Thanks for the input all!

    I've already got the cap, and don't plan to get rid of it. Unfortunately my garage is not tall enough to back the truck into. I think I could create a lift though to use for placing it on a dolly to move into the garage though, and there's enough space to just store it there on the dolly until it is reinstalled.

    I'll have to think about this some more.
  • Hammerboy's avatar
    Hammerboy
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2017
    My topper has been off for the last year,I think I am going to sell it. Honestly I don't miss is anymore and prefer driving without one. Have a tonneau cover now instead.

    Dan
  • leftybj's avatar
    leftybj
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2017
    Look at a Roll-N-Lock cover. It limits your space to the bed height but is very convenient.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2017
    I have a softopper and I got it because it folds up or down in a few minutes or off and on entirely in about 10 minutes. I use it on family trips when there's potential for rain or other weather and I need a dry place to store luggage and a kennel for our labradoodle. It works really well in my application where I'm only wanting a topper on the truck occasionally. But there are some tradeoffs (security is the big one) so it wouldn't work as well for a guy wanting a canopy on the truck for more than occasional use.

    You can find a ton of ideas for hoist systems online that some folks use to remove and store a canopy in their garage or shop so that's another option to consider.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2017
    About the cap? I keep my cap on the back of my pick-up all the time. It's VERY heavy, since it has built in shelves (2 shelves, each side) the entire length of the shell. Also, in addition to the spongie weather proofing seal under the cap and between the bed rails, I also caulked the gaps with silicon calking. Plus, it's wired for the stop like, and a dome light. To remove this beast takes a lot of effort and a total of 3 people, (to do it without damaging anything), it's just too heavy. So, unless there is an absolute reason for removing the shell, it never comes off. (Thus another reason why I never opted for a 5er).

    I have a feeling, if you flip to a 5er from a TT, you'll not be using the cap at all. Better start getting your mind adjusted to not using it now, and save yourself your mind from agonizing over it later. If you can't handle the cap by yourself, you'll never put it back on.
  • bfast54's avatar
    bfast54
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2017
    You absolutely should have plenty or truck for the fifth wheel it sounds like you're talking about


    as far as the cover off you have a garage ????

    you could make up a system to just lift the cap off your truck you know'--- it hangs in the garage
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 27, 2017
    Sounds like you got it figured out. Yes RAWR/tire max rating, is what matters most. Yes, a 10,000 lb gross wt FW will make pin about 2K.

    I would not bother putting a heavy cap on/off, but that just me. Most use some form of roll up cover, or folding, etc.

    Jerry

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