Build my TV

bc-00044 wrote:
Upgrading from a 27'TT to a 41' 5er. Obviously now also need to trade in my TV for something more capable.
Relying on the collective wisdom of this group for guidance. I do not have any strong brand loyalty beyond american made -- concerned about driving experience, ride comfort, towing capacity for the quoted trailer, and reliability. Make your proposals.
Pretty well set on a diesel, but convince me if I am wrong.
Trailer is 40' UVW 14344 lbs

Should have added more detail. GVWR = 16,800# Hitch weight 2686#
Very interested in the comments on DRW v SRW

Well I will add my thoughts, first of all what you are missing is the 5er payload which is 2,456# which for a 40' 5er is low.

Next the 2,686# DRY pin is only 18.7% of the dry weight, most 5er run about 22% wet pins. That would put you at 3,696#.
So those are somewhat real world pin weight.

Most SRW 3500's top out at between 4,000# and 4,200# payload, leaving you around 500# for everything else you add to the TV after it leaves the factory. Making thing very tight weight wise.

Newer SRW 350/3500's max out at 12,400# GVWR and as mentioned for a diesel 4X4 Crew Cab about 4,000# to 4,200# of payload.

Now a 350/3500 DRW Diesel 4X4 all now have 14,000# GVWR and payloads in the range of 5,400# +/-.

Many on this forum will say you can get by with a SRW, but for a far more comfortable towing experience DRW is the way to go. We full time and our only vehicle is a 2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 4X4 with 3.73. Ram listed Payload by VIN is 5,410.58# and towing capacity is 25,21.58# I worry a lot about the .42# that the Yellow sticker rounded up to 5,411# :).
Just an FYI the 14,000# GVWR less the Payload 5,411# meant the truck weighed 8,589# with a full tank of fuel and a 150# driver when it left the factory.
The last time I scaled it ready to tow, with DW, me, hitch, dog, on board air, and in bed tool box with stuff, we scaled 10,000#! Yep we lost 1,411# of payload before we hooked up the 5er.

So I would suggest the 350/3500 DRW of your preference, with the trim level you like, Diesel and 3.73's or 4.10 gears.

We tow with the 5er right at about 13,000#, and compared to the 2001 Ram 2500 5 speed and 3.55's we use to tow with, I need to check the mirrors to be sure it is still back there.

Good luck with your hunt.