Grit dog wrote:
So desert dogs, I'll presume these questions are due to your lack of experience towing.
If I'm wrong, apologies.
You know a 2 ton pin weight is ultimately handled better by a dually, and unless you're already comfortable towing large trailers, it's also my reccomendation as the best way to go.
BUT, that said, a 4000lb pin weight and typical other truck cargo (people and some other stuff) is not out of the realm of the capability of a srw truck. Yes it's heavy, quite heavy, but back to your original question, slap some airbags and some heavy duty tires on it that are good for close to 4000lb ea and you'll drive a lot of miles without issue.
You'll be right at the upper end of your tire and wheel rated capacities but if you think about the 1000s of trucks driving around every day with similar loads, you'll realize it's not the end of the world.
OR, if you want real belt and suspenders, pick up a set of 19.5s, either new, which will run you a couple grand, or keep your eyes peeled for a used set for about 1/2 that.
I am a very experienced RVer with diesel pusher motorhomes over 40', have had several. My only 5th wheel experience, though, was around 2000 -2002, and it was a smaller and lighter one than what we're considering today. So, my 5th wheel experience is dated quite limited. These are two very different kinds of towing. Pulling a 1/2 ton GMC Sierra behind a 43' diesel pusher is a lot different than pulling a 35' 5th wheel behind a pickup truck.
I'm pretty sure I can keep the pin weight and weight of passengers and stuff in the truck below or at 4,100 lbs. So, yes, that's pushing the limit. It amazes me how many people apparently go way beyond limits and shrug it off like that's no big deal. I do take it fairly seriously, but I'm not overly cautious about it all.
Will heavy duty tires close to 4000 lbs. each create a significantly worse ride for daily use?
I'm open to going with a 5th wheel which has lower pin weight - giving us a buffer zone of capacity, but we do really like that Vilano 320 which is the smallest 5th wheel VanLeigh makes.
Still kicking the ideas all around in my head. No hurry. We've got time to sort it all out and get comfortable with the decisions.
