Forum Discussion

stanco's avatar
stanco
Explorer
Feb 12, 2015

5th wheel tow vehicle

I currently have a 2003 Silverado 2500HD...do you think it is capable of towing a 34 ft 5th wheel toy hauler out west? Should I look at trading it in for a 3500?
  • Not enough information.

    Trucks run out of cargo capacity with a 5th wheel before they run out of towing capacity. The truck needs to carry about 20% of the 5er's loaded weight in the bed. Example a 12,000# loaded 5er have approximately 2,500# of pin weight for the truck to support.

    GVWR (probably around 9,900# see sticker driver's door jam) - actual trucks weight (load the truck up with fuel and family and head for the CAT Scale ) = cargo capacity to carry the pin weight.

    Good luck.
  • I think you'll either be really be displeased with performance if you have a gas engine or severely overloaded (GVWR and rear axle) with the diesel.
  • Not enough info...

    Truck - Gas or diesel?
    5er - What is the Brand/Model/GVWR?
  • 9200 GVWR in all forms.
    weight of your truck loaded ready to travel?
    34 foot toy hauler GVWR ?
    Pin weight will be approx 20% of the weight.
    You do the math!
  • Sounds like I need a bigger tow vehicle...thanks for the help...
  • As stated below, there is not enough factual weight information given to really help. With that said, if you want a new 3500 then that's my answer. Good luck.
  • If is a gas engine. Not enough engine. If it is a 2500. Not enough payload. You get the picture.