What size truck do I need?

I allways lean to overkill
I really don't like breaking something when I am on vacation, and not being able to get where I am going,
Pushing something to its limits or beyond will only risk breakage and faster wearing it out. the manufacturers are stretching the limits with their vehicles.

I use to tow with what I had, which was barely enough, a few tranies later and alot of white knuckle rides, I went to the other end of the scale 3 times more than I needed, 25 foot TT with a 454 dually wash like pulling a dishrag down the road, what was funny with that "when towing" I got the same fuel mileage with the 454 as I did with a 350.


Hows that saying go???
"Go big or go home"

If it were me I'd have a '12-14 F350 dually. Though I have seen many with 6.0L F350 SRW pulling the same size fiver. Mine is about 14,000 lb loaded and I have no issues.

I would be looking for a 12-13 F-450 for that Trailer. For piece of mind. Should be some good sales, out there, now. Also the 2015 F-450 is getting upgraded.
Good luck on your search
Scott

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

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

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#.

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.

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.