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Taxman2436's avatar
Taxman2436
Explorer
Sep 17, 2022

Upgrade to 5th wheel

I have a 2019 Ford F-250 6.7l diesel. I’m looking at a Grand Design 320MKS but want to make sure my truck can haul it. According to the brochure the trailer is 10,721 UVW. According to Fords towing guide the truck will tow 14,800 lbs. I’m thinking that if it will I may need to beef up the rear suspension. Also, I’m not sure how “UVW” relates to the actual weight I will be towing. Also looking for hitch recommendations.
Thanks for any help provided.

Lenny

50 Replies

  • 2112 wrote:
    I calculate it this way:
    6340-2840=3500lbs. This is your rear axle limit
    3500-200=3300lbs. Subtract 200lbs for the hitch
    12000 X 0.25=3000. Guesstimated pin weight if the 12,000lb trailer is loaded to the max

    3300-3000=300. You have 300lb margin on your rear axle.

    I thought the pin weight was taken at 20% of gross weight not 25%.
    12000 x .20= 2400 3300-2400=900
  • Ok with a 300 pound margin on the TV rear axle with a 12000 pound 5er? Not me!
  • Zero capacity or towing concerns with that setup. Essentially a perfectly matched combo on all accounts.
  • Your truck will work for that trailer. Your springs will likely be your weakest link, but still within spec. If your truck seems to squat more than you like, you can add aftermarket support, to restore to level.

    If your truck has the FW prep kit (puck system) a B&W 3300 is a great hitch choice for your truck.

    Jerry
  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    I calculate it this way:
    6340-2840=3500lbs. This is your rear axle limit
    3500-200=3300lbs. Subtract 200lbs for the hitch
    12000 X 0.25=3000. Guesstimated pin weight if the 12,000lb trailer is loaded to the max

    3300-3000=300. You have 300lb margin on your rear axle.
  • OK, so the rear GAWR is 6340 and the RAW is 2840. So, it appears the 12000 for the loaded trailer would be OK, but would I be pushing to the limit?
  • What is your trucks RAWR? What is your RAW ready to tow. The difference is what your pin weight can be. Multiply that number by 5 and that will get how heavy a loaded 5er can be. Reality is I would multiply by 4 as many 5er's have up to 25% pin weight.
  • Twenty percent of the max gross weight of that 5er is 2800 pounds of pin weight. TOO much for a 3/4 ton truck IMO when you add passengers and stuff in the truck.
  • You need to look at your truck's payload capacity. And the unloaded pin weight plus about 20% -22% to get an approximate loaded pin weight. That pin weight vs your payload capacity is going to be your limiting factor.
  • What’s your estimate of the loaded pin weight? With all your stuff and passengers in the truck are you within payload? “Beefing up” levels the truck but doesn’t increase payload.

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