TV/Fifth Wheel combo provide an acceptable ride?

laknox -
Well if I upgraded to a '11- '16 F350 wouldn't I have the same exact equipment, frame, springs, etc. as I have now?

Perhaps the best next step is to have someone with an F350 SRW tow my trailer to see if they experience the same issues. It would be helpful if I could demonstrate if it was the truck or the trailer. If it is just the combination then that would be unfortunate.
Thx,
Gary

Lyle - those figures are fully loaded ready to camp with all occupants onboard.

IMO, that 2,740 lbs of pin weight puts you firmly in 1T territory. Does it also include you, whomever else is riding with you, and all the "stuff" you typically carry in/on the truck, besides the FW?

Lyle

Answers for Old-Biscuit:

IS 5th wheel LEVEL when hitched to truck?
(Garyl53) Within 1" or so.

What air pressure are you running in air bags on truck?
(Garyl53) I have tried to be be just barely off the overloads (about 30# in bags) and I have also tried to level the truck which is about 1-2" off the overloads (about 50# in bags).

5th wheel has a dry weight of 9795# and dry pin weight of 2375# (24% pin weight)

What pin weight do you have with 5vr loaded up camp ready?
(Garyl53) about 2700#

Mor/Ryde RPB, Correct Track II, EZ-Flex Equalizer, Lippert Shock Kit on 5vr should provide SMOOTH towing

Issue with chucking could be stiff truck suspension (4X4 Camper/Plow/FX packages) and the wheel base of that F250

F250..10K GVWR
1683# cargo carrying capacity
14,400# max tow.........but you have run out of payload hence the air bags and rough riding

The label specs on my F250 are 10k GVWR, 14.4k max tow, 2020# payload, 23.5 GCWR, 6200# GRAWR. I also believe due to the options configuration it is identical to F350 with following specs:
11.5k GVWR
15.7k max tow
23.5k GCWR
3.5k payload

I think I am under all specs except labeled payload (2020# v 2720# actual)
Here are CAT numbers:
Truck only -
Steer - 4720#
Drive - 3300#
Total - 8020

Truck + 5vr -
Steer - 4840#
Drive - 6020#
5vr - 8680#
Total- 19540#

Thank you for the questions.

Simply, not enough truck...by far. You're over your payload with the FW =empty=. 4 solutions:

1. 1T truck
2. Different FW
3. Move to a driveable instead of a towable
4. Quit RVing

Lyle

Our rig seems to have a very acceptable ride. Details in Signature

I've been looking at fifth wheels and various hitches, but am no expert. From what I've read though I believe the Andersen Hitch requires a fixed pin box.

I did a quick lookup and you appear to have a pin weight of over 2300 lbs what is the cargo capacity of your truck (sticker inside of drivers door.) if you are at or over the max for your truck it could be contributing to your problems. I pull a Silverback 37MBH 42' long 16,000 lbs gross and a pin weight of close to 2500 lbs. my TV is a Silverado 3500HD Duramax 4x4 Dully crewcab. Stock pinbox and curt Q20 hitch. I due get some chucking on big potholes but overall I dont even know the 5th wheel is back there. My wife calls it our cowboy Cadillac.

IS 5th wheel LEVEL when hitched to truck?

What air pressure are you running in air bags on truck?

5th wheel has a dry weight of 9795# and dry pin weight of 2375# (24% pin weight)

What pin weight do you have with 5vr loaded up camp ready?

Mor/Ryde RPB, Correct Track II, EZ-Flex Equalizer, Lippert Shock Kit on 5vr should provide SMOOTH towing

Issue with chucking could be stiff truck suspension (4X4 Camper/Plow/FX packages) and the wheel base of that F250

F250..10K GVWR
1683# cargo carrying capacity
14,400# max tow.........but you have run out of payload hence the air bags and rough riding




My truck/5vr in signature..........SMOOTH

My profile truck rides just fine. Full air ride. Just a *bit* more money than a pickup.