What size 5th wheel plate should I get?
Recently purchased a 3500 series Chevy. Vin indicates that gross is just under 20,000 max wt capability. My question is what is the best wt rating to go with. I'm looking at a 16,000 rated plate used...
Forum Discussion
Roman Duck wrote:
The TV is a Chevy 3500 dually with 4 wheel drive. air bags on rear axle, Gear Vendors over and under add on, with a gas 454, 8ft bed with extended cab. GCWR is 19,500. We asked a local dealer to check with the Vin.
I guess we need to find out what is the heaviest 5ver out there.
It's a 1990 in like new condition. Last owner towed a 20,000 lb equipment trailer with it. claimed to have no issues, driving the truck I completely believe him .
So what's the heavy fifthwheel on the market?
the bear II wrote:
For your truck it would be a maximum of 16,575 lbs. That is the heaviest 5th wheel you would be able to tow safely with that truck. It's not so much being able to tow heavy but doing it safely. You need to stay under the gross of your tow vehicle.
Well a little lost here The Bear II. :h
OP stated the GCVWR of 19,500, likely being a 1990, pulling a 20,000# equipment trailer was likely really stretching it! Even with a Gear Vendor under drive you will be crawling up hills with the engine screaming near red line. I would say at most 12,000# to 12,500# GVWR on the 5er would be max.
