I currently pull a TT (<10k) with a 08 Ford Superduty (SRW). We are looking at switching to a new trailer (5ver) and likely a new truck. We are considering a Grand Design (Solitude 344gk). It maxes at around 16k lbs. We really love the new 2020 GMCs. I also intend to put a fuel tank in the bed (1000 lbs) and a heavy hitch (Hensley).My dilemma is SRW vs DRW. I really prefer a SRW (size, parking, etc.), but don't want to make a mistake and have to replace the truck in 2 years. I live in NM, so altitude and mountains are a real effect, but we want to use it to travel the country as I retire.Any real world advice/experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

For a trailer that big I would for sure get a DRW truck. With a trailer that big you're in the big boy club now. Get a tool which fits the job which IMHO is a LB DRW truck.

Don't even consider an srw with that kind of weight. I towed a 14,000# goose neck shop trailer with one (not my choice), it was not fun or legal.

This one is pretty obvious with 1000 lb fuel tank, plus heavy hitch. Yup, OP already knows answer to question.Jerry

I guess the question was as much about hitch weight as capacity (since I would be new to 5ver).Math follows:If I assume 10-15% tongue weight of 16K = 1600-2400 lbs. With fuel (1000 lb), plus hitch and DW (500 lb), that would put me just under 4000 lbs (payload of a SRW - 4078 lbs).But I have seen people indicate 20-25% tongue weight (3200-4000). That again puts me at 4000+1000+500 = 5500. About the payload of a DRW (5607 lbs).So depending on what the actual hitch weight is, I could be up against the weight limit for either SRW or DRW.Bigger is "always" better. I just was wondering if anyone made a SRW work.

ggates wrote:I currently pull a TT (<10k) with a 08 Ford Superduty (SRW). We are looking at switching to a new trailer (5ver) and likely a new truck. We are considering a Grand Design (Solitude 344gk). It maxes at around 16k lbs. We really love the new 2020 GMCs. I also intend to put a fuel tank in the bed (1000 lbs) and a heavy hitch (Hensley).My dilemma is SRW vs DRW. I really prefer a SRW (size, parking, etc.), but don't want to make a mistake and have to replace the truck in 2 years. I live in NM, so altitude and mountains are a real effect, but we want to use it to travel the country as I retire.Any real world advice/experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.Dry weight on that trailer is 12600 lbs from the factory. Based on my Grand design trailer add about 400 lbs to that for 13,000 lbs. Add 1500 lbs of stuff you are at 14,500. At 22% pin weight would be 3190 lbs. Add 1000 lbs fuel and 300 lbs hitch total payload is nearly 4500 lbs. My SRW Ram 3500 has a payload of 3830. Seen as high as 4150 when shopping. I think you are gong to need a DRW truck.

New Trailer and Truck | Good Sam Community

Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Sep 02, 2019
For a trailer that big I would for sure get a DRW truck.

With a trailer that big you're in the big boy club now. Get a tool which fits the job which IMHO is a LB DRW truck.
romore
Explorer II
Sep 02, 2019
Don't even consider an srw with that kind of weight. I towed a 14,000# goose neck shop trailer with one (not my choice), it was not fun or legal.
MFL
Nomad II
Sep 02, 2019
This one is pretty obvious with 1000 lb fuel tank, plus heavy hitch. Yup, OP already knows answer to question.

Jerry
ggates
Explorer
Sep 02, 2019
I guess the question was as much about hitch weight as capacity (since I would be new to 5ver).

Math follows:

If I assume 10-15% tongue weight of 16K = 1600-2400 lbs. With fuel (1000 lb), plus hitch and DW (500 lb), that would put me just under 4000 lbs (payload of a SRW - 4078 lbs).

But I have seen people indicate 20-25% tongue weight (3200-4000). That again puts me at 4000+1000+500 = 5500. About the payload of a DRW (5607 lbs).

So depending on what the actual hitch weight is, I could be up against the weight limit for either SRW or DRW.

Bigger is "always" better. I just was wondering if anyone made a SRW work.
CaLBaR
Explorer
Sep 02, 2019
ggates wrote:
I currently pull a TT (<10k) with a 08 Ford Superduty (SRW). We are looking at switching to a new trailer (5ver) and likely a new truck. We are considering a Grand Design (Solitude 344gk). It maxes at around 16k lbs. We really love the new 2020 GMCs. I also intend to put a fuel tank in the bed (1000 lbs) and a heavy hitch (Hensley).

My dilemma is SRW vs DRW. I really prefer a SRW (size, parking, etc.), but don't want to make a mistake and have to replace the truck in 2 years. I live in NM, so altitude and mountains are a real effect, but we want to use it to travel the country as I retire.

Any real world advice/experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dry weight on that trailer is 12600 lbs from the factory. Based on my Grand design trailer add about 400 lbs to that for 13,000 lbs. Add 1500 lbs of stuff you are at 14,500. At 22% pin weight would be 3190 lbs. Add 1000 lbs fuel and 300 lbs hitch total payload is nearly 4500 lbs. My SRW Ram 3500 has a payload of 3830. Seen as high as 4150 when shopping. I think you are gong to need a DRW truck.
MFL
Nomad II
Sep 02, 2019
ggates wrote:
I guess the question was as much about hitch weight as capacity (since I would be new to 5ver).

Math follows:

If I assume 10-15% tongue weight of 16K = 1600-2400 lbs. With fuel (1000 lb), plus hitch and DW (500 lb), that would put me just under 4000 lbs (payload of a SRW - 4078 lbs).

But I have seen people indicate 20-25% tongue weight (3200-4000). That again puts me at 4000+1000+500 = 5500. About the payload of a DRW (5607 lbs).

So depending on what the actual hitch weight is, I could be up against the weight limit for either SRW or DRW.

Bigger is "always" better. I just was wondering if anyone made a SRW work.

Let me start over, welcome to the forum! :)

Yes, a normal FW pin wt will be 20 percent or more. By adding the heavy loads you mentioned, a DRW would be the tool for the job. A SRW may work for you, without the extra tank, but a full load for sure.

You see a lot of overloaded mismatches on the road, so they are doing it.

You will enjoy the FW experience. Stay under the RAWR/tire rating, and a FW will handle well, even while a little over payload.

Jerry
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Sep 03, 2019
Absolutely no debate with that weight of a trailer, duals. You may even be approaching the 450 arena.
memtb
Explorer
Sep 03, 2019
It’s certainly safely doable ( at least with a Ram ;) ) with some upgrades to the truck.....though, you may potentially have liability issues if you are at fault in an accident! We’re running the Hensley, some stuff in the bed, and towing a 5er that grosses-out a little over 20K pounds, and occasionally tow doubles! But, to make it a safe tow rig.....upgrades are seriously recommended!

Though....the 1000pounds of fuel would likely be a “deal-breaker”! If you kept it at a more reasonable 500 pounds or less.....maybe! I also, would “not” consider.....unless the trailer has disk brakes! As earlier stated.....upgrades! memtb
Mote
Explorer
Sep 03, 2019
Like the others have said a SRW may be capable, but since you are planning on traveling the country with this setup you will really appreciate the extra stability of the dually.
We just have a small 30 foot fifth wheel. When we went from SRW to Dually I was amazed at the difference in handling.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Sep 03, 2019
Mote wrote:
Like the others have said a SRW may be capable, but since you are planning on traveling the country with this setup you will really appreciate the extra stability of the dually.
We just have a small 30 foot fifth wheel. When we went from SRW to Dually I was amazed at the difference in handling.

^This.