coozy wrote:
I am a 5th wheel want-a be! I would like some advice on the 5th wheel towing capacity for the rig we are thinking of buying.
We brought a 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab, 4x4, 6'6'' box, Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 turbo, Allison transmission, 3.73 axle, with the 5th wheel trailing and Z71 packages. The GVWR is 9200#, GAWR Front 4860# Rear 6884#, GCWR 22,000#. The Chevy dealer helped me pick out a truck to tow a 5th wheel and says "this truck will haul anything".
We are considering buying a Montana 3400RL with the Mor/ryde suspension system and several options. The shipping weight is 12460#, carrying capacity 3180#, hitch (King pin weight?) is 2140#, Fresh 66 gal., Waste 50gal., Grey 93gal., and LPG 60#. Tire size is 234/80R16E.
The RV dealer says we will have "no problem" towing the 5th wheel with our truck (because it is a diesel).
We would like to know what experienced 5th wheel owners think of this rig set up!
After we retire next May, we intend to use the rig for a three month trip to Alaska!! Any advice on planning for that trip would be appreciated as well. Thank you.
Bottom line answer: Your 2500 is fine for the Montana 3400RL. Some people will recommend a bigger tuck because they feel it's safer. The truth is that the majority of RVs the size of the Montana 3400RL is being safely towed by 2500s. The power-train between the 2500s and the 3500s are much the same. The load classification is the biggest difference. That line from the dealer "this truck will haul anything" is a common one but don't believe it like I did. In my case I did have to go up to the 3500. It's good that you came here to ask.
