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

45Ricochet
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
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.
laknox
Nomad
Oct 25, 2013
relaxin wrote:

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"

:-) I've wanted a truck with stacks since before I was legal to drive. The only Dodge I'd consider owning is an old RFD 1/2 ton. :-)

Lyle
Me_Again
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2013
AdamBryner2012 wrote:
Thanks for your feedback guys, I appreciate it your time and input.

What I've learned is that I could do it, but the truck is too small for this size of camper. This is not what I want.

This is the same model 5th wheel that I will be purchasing in FL this winter -- http://www.collierrv.com/inventory/251636/Used-2011-Forest-River-RV-Blue-Ridge-3704BH.aspx
(Note: not actual 5th wheel, but same exact model).

I'm going to be looking now for either a 3500 Dodge Dually 6.7L, or a Ford 450 6.4L.

Would I have plenty of power and be safe heading out west through the mountains?

Thank you!

Order the Goodyear G614 LRG upgraded tire option. I would take the Dodge over the 6.4 Powerstroke! Join the Cardinal Club forum to learn more about the Blue Ridge little brother! www.cardinalrvclub.org

Chris
sdetweil
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
AdamBryner2012 wrote:
Thanks for your feedback guys, I appreciate it your time and input.

What I've learned is that I could do it, but the truck is too small for this size of camper. This is not what I want.

This is the same model 5th wheel that I will be purchasing in FL this winter -- http://www.collierrv.com/inventory/251636/Used-2011-Forest-River-RV-Blue-Ridge-3704BH.aspx
(Note: not actual 5th wheel, but same exact model).

I'm going to be looking now for either a 3500 Dodge Dually 6.7L, or a Ford 450 6.4L.

Would I have plenty of power and be safe heading out west through the mountains?

Thank you!

you will get much better performance, mileage and fewer problems with the newer Ford 6.7l 350/450. I had an 08 6.4l dually, and now have a 2012 6.7 dually.. no comparison in terms of power. my FW is GWVR at 15,500
jrwhited
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
I tow a similar size trailer with a 2010 F450. I wouldn't use anything less
john_bet
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2013
If it was me and I had the coin it would be a '13 Dodge crew cab,long bed dually with max-tow,2wd and 4.10 rear end. JMHO.
2oldman
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2013
AdamBryner2012 wrote:
Would I have plenty of power and be safe heading out west through the mountains?
Not in my opinion.
AdamBryner2012
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
Thanks for your feedback guys, I appreciate it your time and input.

What I've learned is that I could do it, but the truck is too small for this size of camper. This is not what I want.

This is the same model 5th wheel that I will be purchasing in FL this winter -- http://www.collierrv.com/inventory/251636/Used-2011-Forest-River-RV-Blue-Ridge-3704BH.aspx
(Note: not actual 5th wheel, but same exact model).

I'm going to be looking now for either a 3500 Dodge Dually 6.7L, or a Ford 450 6.4L.

Would I have plenty of power and be safe heading out west through the mountains?

Thank you!
Michelle_S
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2013
First off, take that hitch weight and forget it, you'll more than likely be running between 3500 to 4000 with a 5 slide unit. Our unit is 40' 4" with a gross of 16.5K and only three slides and runs a pin weight of 4K (has an onboard genny). So to really fall within specs you will probably need one of the newer Diesel Duallys to be able to handle the pin weight and control that beast. Any Diesel can pull it, but most won't be able to carry the weight.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2013
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!

So the spec's look like a three axle toy hauler???? Will you be towing at near the trailers GVWR?

If this is not a three axle TH(with 5 slides it is maybe not a TH), then the tires noted just barely cover the axle weight and it needs an upgrade to LRG 16" tires or 17.5 rims and tires, or you will be back shortly with a failed tire thread!

So you should think about replacing the 235/80R16E tires with more reliable tires. That size is noted for problems time and again. Do that in the deal before purchasing!

Tell us more about the trailer and your plans.

As many have pointed out, you are generally better off staying away from a 6.0 Powerstroke. A 2006 or early 2007 Classic Duramax/Allison dualie would be a good choice with the LBZ engine. No LLY from 2004.5/2005 because many over heating problems. Or a 2005-early 2007 5.9 Dodge/Cummins with a manual tranny and exhaust brake.

Chris

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