Chevy Duramax 2500HD - 5th Wheel Towing Question

Right on the edge...I wouldn't get a 5er that heavy.

One only needs to look at YOUR payload/rear axle numbers vs that 5vrs 'dry' pin weight to figure it out.

THAT is a NO.

You need to load up truck 'camp ready' and go get weighed.
That payload number has to carry pin weight, hitch weight, passenger weights and all stuff inside truck (bags/packages/stuff etc.

Weighed amp ready will give you a better idea on actual payload available.
Then use 20% of a 5vrs GVWR to get an idea on what wet pin weight can be.
Actual payload vs wet pin weight.

Hi,

Most 2500 series trucks do not make a good match for a fifth wheel. But I see that the GVWR is now up to 10,000 pounds, so they are getting better. If you had a gas engine, then the curb weight would be around 500 pounds less, and it might work while not exceeding the GVWR.

However with only 2,700 pounds of total cargo rating, and you and the wife and dog weights around say 400 - 500 pounds, the hitch will come in a 200 pound crate, then that only leaves say 2,000 pounds for hitch weight. That is not much when you are considering a 10,000 pound trailer with 20% on the hitch, or 2,000 pounds!

With a 3,000 pound hitch weight on a 200 pound hitch, and 500 pounds of passengers, you are looking at a dually truck, or at least a stout 3500 series truck that will be cutting the weight thing very close.

Stick to travel trailers until you are ready to upgrade the pickup to a dually. Or find a 3/4 ton suitable trailer. Titanium trailers by Glendale RV where balanced very well, so that the water tanks where located between the axles, and the hitch weight was fairly low, making them 3/4 ton towable!

You might want to look at other brand fifth wheels too!

Good luck!

Fred.

#1. A 5er with a 16,500# GVWR is DRW area!
#2. The 2,900# dry hitch may not change much, but will likely put you well over the GRAWR, which is likely based on tire capacity.
#3. Just for comparison, I carry an 11,000# (Loaded) 5er, with our 2001 Ram 2500 and I am right at 10,000# GVW for the TV, with 2,000# of hitch weight. I carry about 5,500# on the rear axle rated for 6,084#. So you will be over GVWR, Not so bad, but not good. Over GRAWR by likely 300#+, not good, and likely over max tire ratings Very Bad!

Why a Toy Hauler if you don't plan to haul anything?

WAY too much fiver for a 2500.
Look at your payload rating.
Subtract the weight of the hitch, people, stuff, fuel from that number.
Compare what's left to the (est) 2900# hitch weight of the fiver.

Do YOU think you are OK?

Then think about your powertrain warranty if you had mechanical problems. It COULD be voided due to overloading. You REALLY don't want to be there with a diesel!

Toy Hauler because I have a portable dobsonian telescope (2'x 2'x 6.5' tall x 70 lbs) that I can carry fully assembled in the garage and just roll it out when I want to use it.

We also like the garage area of a toy hauler as a sheltered picnic area and a more open place to hang out. Also with two queen beds, plenty of room for when relatives visit our camp site and want to stay over.

Many thanks to all have provided feedback to my question. As I suspected, the Toy Hauler we liked is too much trailer for my truck.

I think a 5th wheel like the GD Reflection 303RLS (specs below) or something with comparable specifications as this 5th wheel would be a much better choice for my 2500HD truck.

Grand Design Reflection 303RLS
11995 - GVWR
9200 - Dry Weight
1660 - Hitch Weight (based on average - per GD web site specification)
32'11" - Length

Thanks again,

Keith

My father pulls a 40ft Newmar fiver at 17,000lbs. At the weight your looking at you are in the 3500 dually range to be comfortable and safe.

gsitexas, like your second choice but no place for your telescope. I suggest you keep looking, we found many toy haulers out here in SoCal with much lighter weights and floor plan similar to what you have been looking at so far.

Good Luck,
Craig