Hello,Can someone tell me what size truck I need to pull this 5th wheel comfortably?Would a Ford F-350 SD XLT SuperCab Long Bed 4WD with a 6.0L V8 OHV 32V TURBO DIESEL handle it?We want to be able to head out west.Thank you for your suggestions!

Hi,It depends on the model year of the F-350 and if it is a dually or not.Before 2005, the GVWR of the SRW F-350 was only 9,900 pounds. The dually was high enough for your trailer. In 2005, the GVWR for a longbed supercab diesel F-250 went up to 10,000 pounds, while the F-350 was a bit higher - like 11,500 pounds. You will have to open the drivers door and check.Nevermind. The 2005 and later F-350 came with 18" rims in the SRW edition, 17" rims in a dually. The 2004 and earlier F-350 came with 235/85R16E tires in the single rear wheel, only rated at 3,042 pounds each. So no it is not enough truck. The curb weight of a 4 wheel drive F-350 SRW diesel crewcab is about 8,000 pounds, leaving a tiny 1,900 pound cargo rating for both passengers, your 150 pound hitch, and the trailer's 2,600 pound "loaded" hitch weight.Besides the 6 liter has had many problems, that is why you can pick one up so low cost. A good coolant filter system since it was new would have avoided the problems, but rarely did a owner put on a coolant filter.The 2004 and earlier V10 would be much less overall curb weight, and might work well. But a better pick is the 6.4L diesel or V10 in a 2005 and newer truck. However with their stronger chassis, resale value is higher, so it is sort of catch 22. Get one cheap or something that has more capibilities. Also pay attention to where the water tank is in the fifth wheel. If it is under the bathroom (most are) then it can apply much of it's 600 pounds of weight to the hitch. So expect the hitch weight to go up by about 300 pounds when the fresh water tank is full. Add to that anything in the bedroom (say 100 pounds of clothes?) and about 1/3 to 2/3 of the weight of everything in that large storage compartment below the bathroom.I know someone who towed with a 4X4 F-350 dually about 18,000 pounds Holiday Rambler back in 2005 with a 2004 model. He ended up rplacing it with a F-450 rated for more weight. He was OK on all his axle weights, but was over Ford's recommended GCVWR by about 1,000 pounds. The newer F-450 had 19.5" rims and had no problem with the higher GCVWR.Good luck on your search.Fred.

Someone can tell you, then someone else, then someone else will disagree. Personally I'd be looking at an MDT or converted Class 8 tractor. That's a big 5er. If you insist on getting a pickup, then the 350 will be fine.

You don't state if you want new or used TV. Based on the TV you purposed and 04 to 08 Ford F350, you are likely looking used. Unless you have a solid history on the Ford 6.0, I would be looking at a DuraMax of Ram. Used that age you will likely need to get a dually to be within the numbers. If fully loaded to the 16,000 GVW pin can be an easy 3,000 to 3,200#.

i have 2002 ford f350 swr 2 wheel drive i pull a 14000 pound 5er with no problem i bet you can do it

AdamBryner2012 wrote:Hello,Can someone tell me what size truck I need to pull this 5th wheel comfortably?Would a Ford F-350 SD XLT SuperCab Long Bed 4WD with a 6.0L V8 OHV 32V TURBO DIESEL handle it?We want to be able to head out west.Thank you for your suggestions!With a '13/14 model year dually, you likely wouldn't have a problem, but that's pushing the boundaries, IMO. Ford and Navistar just settled a big suit on the 6.0l engine, so unless the one you're looking at, or own, has been upgraded extensively, I'd really be leery of towing that kind of load. Payload for an '07 (latest year for the 6.0l, I believe) might also be an issue, and definitely an issue if older. Again, just MHO.Lyle

What size truck do I need? | Good Sam Community

Greentow
Explorer
Oct 28, 2013
Two trips west in past 3 years, thru Montana and Idaho, same TV, (now at 145K). Running between 8 and 15 thousand miles the past three years. Check my signature block for the vehicles. Good to go.
AdamBryner2012
Explorer
Oct 28, 2013
rhagfo wrote:
Don't limit yourself to Fords, from 2003 to 2010 they didn't have the best diesel, you would be better looking at a GM or Ram.

Thank you, I will do just that.
I appreciate everyone's insight and advice, very helpful!
rhagfo
Explorer III
Oct 26, 2013
Dry pin/dry weight=18% so based on that at max GVW pin would be right at 3,000#.
If a older used truck, need to get 350/3500 to have enough payload. Newer 350/3500 SRW might have enough, but I would watch carefully.

Don't limit yourself to Fords, from 2003 to 2010 they didn't have the best diesel, you would be better looking at a GM or Ram.
whsk
Explorer
Oct 26, 2013
as for the 6.0 powersroke-my advice is to "RUN FAST" as it will be a money pit sooner rather than later-get the ram with the cummins and tow happy!-peace of mind is wonderful!-whsk
Sturgeon-Phish
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
Our camper is about 2500 pounds lighter than yours and we did fine with our '03 3500 DRW Dmax. If doing the trip again, I'd get an exhaust brake.

For your camper go and the bigger truck fits other needs, go with the Medium Duty. You may find youself dollars ahead in the long run.
AdamBryner2012
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
Mike E. wrote:
"Would I have plenty of power and be safe heading out west through the mountains?"

Any of the trucks you are considering have enough power for the 'west.'
Guess it depends on if you are bound and deterimed to scream up any pass at posted speeds...
Me, when I get to a pass I get the truck in a comfy powerband, watch my temp guages and get to the top.....speed limit is not my concern as long as I'm not a hindrance to other drivers....which I have never been.

Plus, I'm on holidays.....no rush, and if somebody towing passes me up the climb that usually means they get to the CG about 2 minutes before me. No biggie.

Commend you for doing the research before buying the truck as there is a wealth of knowledge here, but don't be freaked out about "you need this, and that can't do it". Depends on your driving style, and yours alone.

All the best, and keep us updated!!

Mike

No, I don't care of I'm doing 10 mph at the top of the hill like every other truck. What I care about is getting to the top at all and not blowing up. Additionally, I want to make sure I have enough engine to get me down the hill without overheating brakes. I've never had a diesel in my life.

Thank you guys, very informative. I wish I would of done this before buying my last 5th wheel and truck!
AdamBryner2012
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
45Ricochet wrote:
Which ever brand you get make sure it has 6 tires :W as your pin will be well North of 3k lbs. I believe the new Fords SRW trucks max out at 3500 lbs and the 6.4L SRW is much less payload.

Yes, I will make sure it's a dually of some kind now.

Thank you!
Me_Again
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2013
JUST DID IT AGAIN!!!! double post!

Chris
Me_Again
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2013
45Ricochet wrote:
Which ever brand you get make sure it has 6 tires :W as your pin will be well North of 3k lbs. I believe the new Fords SRW trucks max out at 3500 lbs and the 6.4L SRW is much less payload.

Very true. FR Cardinal/Blue Ridge moved the axles back in the last couple years, putting more pin weight on the truck!.

Chris
Mike_E_
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2013
"Would I have plenty of power and be safe heading out west through the mountains?"

Any of the trucks you are considering have enough power for the 'west.'
Guess it depends on if you are bound and deterimed to scream up any pass at posted speeds...
Me, when I get to a pass I get the truck in a comfy powerband, watch my temp guages and get to the top.....speed limit is not my concern as long as I'm not a hindrance to other drivers....which I have never been.

Plus, I'm on holidays.....no rush, and if somebody towing passes me up the climb that usually means they get to the CG about 2 minutes before me. No biggie.

Commend you for doing the research before buying the truck as there is a wealth of knowledge here, but don't be freaked out about "you need this, and that can't do it". Depends on your driving style, and yours alone.

All the best, and keep us updated!!

Mike

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