Towing 39 ft 15.5 k with 1ton Sw diesel - Mistake ??

Tom/Barb:

I gotta side with NC Hauler on this one.

The example you gave of the F 350, some years back, also showed a vehicle WITHOUT the effective exhaust brakes today's new trucks all have.

It also showed that the F350 owner was probably going way too fast for conditions, so no amount of brakes was gonna help prevent the fiasco ahead of them.

You add good vehicle brakes now, with 17inc or bigger tires standard, built in trailer brake controllers (set properly), fiver brakes in good shape and also set properly and the VERY effective exhaust brakes all three brands (Ford, Ram, and GM) now offer you'll find a pickup that can safely pull, carry, and stop a fifth wheel.

No special fifth wheel haulers needed.

All that said, I'd still stick with my dually for towing 15.5K.

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

bobandvicki wrote:
Was assured that my TV 04 f350 kg ranch PSD SB 6.0L 4x4
would be up to the task.Hate to trade it in but need to be safe. What do you think? What TV do you use for a similar 5er? Been rving 11 months a year for the last
9 years and should know better than trust the dealer.
Look forward to your input. Bob

Pulling close to 15,000 pounds I'd want the safety margin of a 450/4500. you will see the ranchers, and car transporters, using the 450/4500 series trucks to haul the fifth wheel cattle and car trailers, they know.

When was the last time you looked at specs of the newer 350/3500 duallys? Appears you're a bit out of touch. As Chris stated there are 1 ton SRW trucks that will tow a 15,000# 5er. MY 1 ton dually has a RAWR of 9750#, has a GVWR of 14,000# and an idiotic GCWR, with 4.10 of 37,500#! So no, OP doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15000# 5er, but his older 1 ton SRW might be over loaded, and a newer 1 ton SRW 350/3500 would easily handle his 5er. Heck, the newer 3/4 ton trucks could probably handle it depending on how configured.

You can walk as close to the edge as you like and go with out any safety margin for as many miles as you like, I won't because I've seen too many accidents caused by not having enough truck to do the job. When you are going to work a truck, get a truck built to work. The kinetic energy of a 15k trailer built up behind a truck towing at 60MPH is huge, your suburban garbage hauler will be over powered in a nano second when thing go sour.

Now I KNOW you have no idea what you're talking about, a suburban garbage hauler?!?..now youre dilussional. You obviously have no clue what you're talking about. Some of the new 3500 duallys have more HP & TQ than a 450/4500, and can tow far more then YOU are aware of. My 5er weighs in at 16,300#. I have a pin weight of 3400#. Im UNDER my trucks GVWR by 1200#.. and WAY under my trucks RAWR, (thats a pretty big hunk of safety margin, and with a combined weight of 25,500#, Im under GCWR by 12,000#!!) I've been towing since 75, and know a little bit about all the equations too. Op doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15,000# 5er. You need to do more research on the new trucks. With 385HP, 850lbft of TQ and a medium duty tranny strapped to a medium duty diesel, Im just as safe, if not more so than you are...Do the research, you're behind the times. Safety is ALWAYS my first concern.

Your truck numbers are for how much it can carry and how much it can pull. Neither tells you how much it will stop. About 3-4 years ago, I-5 at Marysville Wa. a 350 Ford dually was pulling a 5th wheel in the left lane, traffic went to hell in front of him, he hit the brakes and the trailer pushed him into 3 cars in front of him, and then jack knifed, then the trailer rolled over the truck across the median, and hit 2 cars in the north bound lane. he and his wife died that day as well as 3 others. his truck was well under the load recommendations of the manufacturer. 5th wheel haulers are built for a reason you haven't figured out yet. and probably never will.

Its obvious you have been in MH too long and dont understand these new trucks. You need to catch up with the times. Its you with your close mindness that doesn't want to learn something new. Not only does the trucks brakes help slow the load, the 5ers brakes slow the 5er.... and I do know brakes, seeing that I just happen to be in the brake caliper manufacturing business as well as ABS systems.

Its you that doesnt want to learn anything new... You dont tow a 5er with a truck. Its obvious you don't know towing capabilities of todays trucks and how safely they can do their job. Bottom line, though it appears you can't comprehend that a a new 350/3500 SRW truck could tow a 15,500# GVW 5er, but believe what you want, but your reasoning is flawed..

Being in the break business you must know how much energy is stored in any 15k trailer at highway speeds, and you should also know the brakes on the trailer are dependent upon 1 electrical connection. OBTW, you assume wrong, we didn't move up to the coach until 2009. but we have owned every type of camp made. IMHO the big 5th wheel, and a little truck is the least safe vehicle on the highway. But you keep right on believing the manufacturer's hype and sales pitches.

rhagfo wrote:

kaydeejay wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
Beef up the .......... GVWR???

And how would you do that?

The whole statement was "Beef up the suspension or increase the GVWR.

I was referring to that "Magic Towing Dust" that could increase magicly the GVWR and GCVWR.

I know how to beef up the suspension, but beefing up the GVWR involves lots of cash and a trip to the dealer for a new truck:W

Tom/Barb wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

bobandvicki wrote:
Was assured that my TV 04 f350 kg ranch PSD SB 6.0L 4x4
would be up to the task.Hate to trade it in but need to be safe. What do you think? What TV do you use for a similar 5er? Been rving 11 months a year for the last
9 years and should know better than trust the dealer.
Look forward to your input. Bob

Pulling close to 15,000 pounds I'd want the safety margin of a 450/4500. you will see the ranchers, and car transporters, using the 450/4500 series trucks to haul the fifth wheel cattle and car trailers, they know.

When was the last time you looked at specs of the newer 350/3500 duallys? Appears you're a bit out of touch. As Chris stated there are 1 ton SRW trucks that will tow a 15,000# 5er. MY 1 ton dually has a RAWR of 9750#, has a GVWR of 14,000# and an idiotic GCWR, with 4.10 of 37,500#! So no, OP doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15000# 5er, but his older 1 ton SRW might be over loaded, and a newer 1 ton SRW 350/3500 would easily handle his 5er. Heck, the newer 3/4 ton trucks could probably handle it depending on how configured.

You can walk as close to the edge as you like and go with out any safety margin for as many miles as you like, I won't because I've seen too many accidents caused by not having enough truck to do the job. When you are going to work a truck, get a truck built to work. The kinetic energy of a 15k trailer built up behind a truck towing at 60MPH is huge, your suburban garbage hauler will be over powered in a nano second when thing go sour.

Now I KNOW you have no idea what you're talking about, a suburban garbage hauler?!?..now youre dilussional. You obviously have no clue what you're talking about. Some of the new 3500 duallys have more HP & TQ than a 450/4500, and can tow far more then YOU are aware of. My 5er weighs in at 16,300#. I have a pin weight of 3400#. Im UNDER my trucks GVWR by 1200#.. and WAY under my trucks RAWR, (thats a pretty big hunk of safety margin, and with a combined weight of 25,500#, Im under GCWR by 12,000#!!) I've been towing since 75, and know a little bit about all the equations too. Op doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15,000# 5er. You need to do more research on the new trucks. With 385HP, 850lbft of TQ and a medium duty tranny strapped to a medium duty diesel, Im just as safe, if not more so than you are...Do the research, you're behind the times. Safety is ALWAYS my first concern.

Your truck numbers are for how much it can carry and how much it can pull. Neither tells you how much it will stop. About 3-4 years ago, I-5 at Marysville Wa. a 350 Ford dually was pulling a 5th wheel in the left lane, traffic went to hell in front of him, he hit the brakes and the trailer pushed him into 3 cars in front of him, and then jack knifed, then the trailer rolled over the truck across the median, and hit 2 cars in the north bound lane. he and his wife died that day as well as 3 others. his truck was well under the load recommendations of the manufacturer. 5th wheel haulers are built for a reason you haven't figured out yet. and probably never will.

Its obvious you have been in MH too long and dont understand these new trucks. You need to catch up with the times. Its you with your close mindness that doesn't want to learn something new. Not only does the trucks brakes help slow the load, the 5ers brakes slow the 5er.... and I do know brakes, seeing that I just happen to be in the brake caliper manufacturing business as well as ABS systems.

Its you that doesnt want to learn anything new... You dont tow a 5er with a truck. Its obvious you don't know towing capabilities of todays trucks and how safely they can do their job. Bottom line, though it appears you can't comprehend that a a new 350/3500 SRW truck could tow a 15,500# GVW 5er, but believe what you want, but your reasoning is flawed..

kaydeejay wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
Beef up the .......... GVWR???

And how would you do that?

The whole statement was "Beef up the supension or increase the GVWR.

I was referring to that "Magic Towing Dust" that could increase magicly the GVWR and GCVWR.

I pulled a 13200 lb fiver with an 06 F350 SRW 6.0 and it did pull it but struggled on hills. I traded out to an 08 GMC 3500 DRW D/A and it would leave the F350 in the dust. I could never use the cruise on the F350 and always use it on the 3500. I would never pull a trailer your weight with your truck.

Not bashing the F350 as it was a handsome truck and much more manuverable the my 3500 but it just didn't have the power of my 3500.

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

bobandvicki wrote:
Was assured that my TV 04 f350 kg ranch PSD SB 6.0L 4x4
would be up to the task.Hate to trade it in but need to be safe. What do you think? What TV do you use for a similar 5er? Been rving 11 months a year for the last
9 years and should know better than trust the dealer.
Look forward to your input. Bob

Pulling close to 15,000 pounds I'd want the safety margin of a 450/4500. you will see the ranchers, and car transporters, using the 450/4500 series trucks to haul the fifth wheel cattle and car trailers, they know.

When was the last time you looked at specs of the newer 350/3500 duallys? Appears you're a bit out of touch. As Chris stated there are 1 ton SRW trucks that will tow a 15,000# 5er. MY 1 ton dually has a RAWR of 9750#, has a GVWR of 14,000# and an idiotic GCWR, with 4.10 of 37,500#! So no, OP doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15000# 5er, but his older 1 ton SRW might be over loaded, and a newer 1 ton SRW 350/3500 would easily handle his 5er. Heck, the newer 3/4 ton trucks could probably handle it depending on how configured.

You can walk as close to the edge as you like and go with out any safety margin for as many miles as you like, I won't because I've seen too many accidents caused by not having enough truck to do the job. When you are going to work a truck, get a truck built to work. The kinetic energy of a 15k trailer built up behind a truck towing at 60MPH is huge, your suburban garbage hauler will be over powered in a nano second when thing go sour.

Now I KNOW you have no idea what you're talking about, a suburban garbage hauler?!?..now youre dilussional. You obviously have no clue what you're talking about. Some of the new 3500 duallys have more HP & TQ than a 450/4500, and can tow far more then YOU are aware of. My 5er weighs in at 16,300#. I have a pin weight of 3400#. Im UNDER my trucks GVWR by 1200#.. and WAY under my trucks RAWR, (thats a pretty big hunk of safety margin, and with a combined weight of 25,500#, Im under GCWR by 12,000#!!) I've been towing since 75, and know a little bit about all the equations too. Op doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15,000# 5er. You need to do more research on the new trucks. With 385HP, 850lbft of TQ and a medium duty tranny strapped to a medium duty diesel, Im just as safe, if not more so than you are...Do the research, you're behind the times. Safety is ALWAYS my first concern.

Your truck numbers are for how much it can carry and how much it can pull. Neither tells you how much it will stop. About 3-4 years ago, I-5 at Marysville Wa. a 350 Ford dually was pulling a 5th wheel in the left lane, traffic went to hell in front of him, he hit the brakes and the trailer pushed him into 3 cars in front of him, and then jack knifed, then the trailer rolled over the truck across the median, and hit 2 cars in the north bound lane. he and his wife died that day as well as 3 others. his truck was well under the load recommendations of the manufacturer. 5th wheel haulers are built for a reason you haven't figured out yet. and probably never will.

To the OP: Here is a link for the F-350 towing guide from Ford.Clicky You will dicipher for yourself what the manufacturer intended for a load on this vehicle.
Everytime weight comes up here, there are way to many opinions and not enough proof. I have eaten enough popcorn watching these people thow out their weight theories, I am full of popcorn and never have enough beer.;)

Jim-Linda wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
There is no reason for a 5er to have 20% pin weight other than the manufacture can put cheaper axles/tires under it. Before I'd get rid of my truck I'd shift 1000 lbs to the rear, even adding a tool box on the back to put heavy things from the front storage areas. This ASSUMES you are not at the limit of your axles and tires.

And pray tell, do you realize what 1000lbs hanging from the rear of a trailer will do do the frame? Your statement regarding pin weight is evident from one with a MH, too little weight on the pin will result in uncomfortable towing, chucking, possible bouncing between pin box and hitch, not to mention trailer stability. YMMV

Jim

The 20% has far more to do with towing comfort that TV capacity. My 01 is well over it's GVWR, but I still have 500# to spare on my rear axle and new stuff goes in ballanced or more to the pin.

Tom/Barb wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:

bobandvicki wrote:
Was assured that my TV 04 f350 kg ranch PSD SB 6.0L 4x4
would be up to the task.Hate to trade it in but need to be safe. What do you think? What TV do you use for a similar 5er? Been rving 11 months a year for the last
9 years and should know better than trust the dealer.
Look forward to your input. Bob

Pulling close to 15,000 pounds I'd want the safety margin of a 450/4500. you will see the ranchers, and car transporters, using the 450/4500 series trucks to haul the fifth wheel cattle and car trailers, they know.

When was the last time you looked at specs of the newer 350/3500 duallys? Appears you're a bit out of touch. As Chris stated there are 1 ton SRW trucks that will tow a 15,000# 5er. MY 1 ton dually has a RAWR of 9750#, has a GVWR of 14,000# and an idiotic GCWR, with 4.10 of 37,500#! So no, OP doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15000# 5er, but his older 1 ton SRW might be over loaded, and a newer 1 ton SRW 350/3500 would easily handle his 5er. Heck, the newer 3/4 ton trucks could probably handle it depending on how configured.

You can walk as close to the edge as you like and go with out any safety margin for as many miles as you like, I won't because I've seen too many accidents caused by not having enough truck to do the job. When you are going to work a truck, get a truck built to work. The kinetic energy of a 15k trailer built up behind a truck towing at 60MPH is huge, your suburban garbage hauler will be over powered in a nano second when thing go sour.

Now I KNOW you have no idea what you're talking about, a suburban garbage hauler?!?..now youre dilussional. You obviously have no clue what you're talking about. Some of the new 3500 duallys have more HP & TQ than a 450/4500, and can tow far more then YOU are aware of. My 5er weighs in at 16,300#. I have a pin weight of 3400#. Im UNDER my trucks GVWR by 1200#.. and WAY under my trucks RAWR, (thats a pretty big hunk of safety margin, and with a combined weight of 25,500#, Im under GCWR by 12,000#!!) I've been towing since 75, and know a little bit about all the equations too. Op doesn't need a 450/4500 to tow a 15,000# 5er. You need to do more research on the new trucks. With 385HP, 850lbft of TQ and a medium duty tranny strapped to a medium duty diesel, Im just as safe, if not more so than you are...Do the research, you're behind the times. Safety is ALWAYS my first concern.