DesertDogs wrote:
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.
Yes, heavier duty tires will ride more rough. That's the tradeoff of higher payload carrying capability. You ultimately need to decide what is more important to you and make the decision. If its more important to have a large 5th wheel, then get the right truck the first time. Seems to me that 4000lbs pin weight would have me in a dually.
On the other hand, if you decide that a more comfortable daily driver is more important then you need to downsize the 5th wheel you're looking at. Without researching every make/model/trim level, I would estimate that a reasonably equipped 1 ton SRW diesel truck will have about 4000 +/- payload. Subtract weight of hitch, passengers and any gear in the truck and you are probably around 3200-3500 lbs for actual hitch weight.
You can't have a super capable truck that also rides like a Cadillac and gets Prius like mileage. You have to accept trade offs and make decisions based upon what is most important. You are coming from Class A campers, which are designed to carry the weight they have. You will not be happy if you have too small a truck for your new camper, as you will either take a hit on trading in the too small truck or the too big camper. Do it right the first time, save yourself some time and money.
