Forum Discussion

docjason's avatar
docjason
Explorer
Feb 26, 2017

Help picking new truck

Hello to all...been lurking here for years and have learned lots here but just signed up as a new member for some advice. I started camping with the normal progression...pop up then a travel trailer (still have) and am now moving up! Just ordered a 2017 Grand Design Reflection 367BHS 5th wheel today...dealer will set it up when it's in (late April or early May) at our seasonal camp site as our current truck is a Silverado 1500 6.2 and of course would be crushed under the new rig. We will be trading the Silverado for a proper truck for the camper next spring.

So my question is what type of truck should we be getting into? Our dealer told us a 2500 diesel will do just fine. I'm not so sure, I think we will need a 3500 diesel and possibly dual axle. The specs on the camper are:

UVW 12362
Hitch weight 2496
GVWR 14995
Length 41 feet

The payloads on the 2500 diesel trucks with 4x4 (necessary where we live) are all under 3000 pounds that I'm seeing online. The 3500 diesel trucks all have payloads over 4000. So am I reading this wrong that a 2500 is not enough truck and I should go 3500? I would prefer 2500 but am OK with bigger. Also, with 3500, do I need dual axle for this rig? Dealer says no.

Thanks so much for the advice in advance
Tow Vehicles
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 26, 2017
    Forget 250/2500s.....not enough carrying capacity (payload)

    A NEW 350/3500 in SRW will handle a 15K GVWR 5th wheel no problem


    I tow a 14K 5th wheel with a 2007 3500.....all good.

    Folks will be along shortly posting Dually but a properly matched SRW is a very stable towing platform.
    It's all about understanding the trucks capabilities and staying within those ratings....especially RAWR, Rear Tire Max Load Ratings and GCVWR (truck/trailer totals)
  • docjason's avatar
    docjason
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2017
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Forget 250/2500s.....not enough carrying capacity (payload)

    A NEW 350/3500 in SRW will handle a 15K GVWR 5th wheel no problem


    I tow a 14K 5th wheel with a 2007 3500.....all good.

    Folks will be along shortly posting Dually but a properly matched SRW is a very stable towing platform.
    It's all about understanding the trucks capabilities and staying within those ratings....especially RAWR, Rear Tire Max Load Ratings and GCVWR (truck/trailer totals)


    Thanks Biscuit, they payload was what was pushing me to think the 2500 was not enough for this rig. Glad to hear the single axle works well for you on a weight similar to mine
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Feb 26, 2017
    You really need to think dually. I towed a goose neck shop trailer that weighed close to that with a 3500 SRW, it was not a fun experience and the truck was beat to death in three years. I have to admit, few rv'ers will ever venture into where we took that trailer but even on the highway the truck was marginal. For your safety and peace of mind, figure out what you really need then go one step up.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Feb 26, 2017
    I tow a 16K 5th wheel with a 2015 RAM 3500 SRW. We are loaded heavy for full timing and I am 40 pound over on the TV GVWR. Under on everything else. Trailer is 39'4" and we towed in 40MPH cross winds in the fall on 93 in Nevada and I did that get pushed around at all. Trailer has All Steel ply Sailun S367 235/85R16G's.

    It has the 18" TV tires and let the rears now to 45-50 empty and it rides great. Love the 3:42's and Aisin tranny setup. Tow in 5th gear at 60+. Pulls mountain passes great at 24,500 combined.

    FWIW the newest generation of SRW 350/3500 trucks can handle what yesteryear required a dually. Ford in 2017, RAM in 2013 and GM in the last couple years greatly increase the frame strength of their pickups, which leads to much better towing experience.

    Chris
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2017
    Welcome to the forum and nice trailer! You may not need DRW but you probably want it. One note of caution, the DRW 1 ton truck bed rails are about two inches lower than SRW and may fit your trailer better when it comes to towing level. The extra expense of adjusting your trailer's suspension may help offset the additional cost of a dually. (If I recall, Grand Design may have suspension adjustability built in) I would measure the trailer overhang and take a tape with you when truck shopping.
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2017
    When you compare prices you will find the cost difference between a 250/2500 and a 350/3500 is not that great, especially when compared to the additional amount of truck you are buying. That may help your decision-making process.
  • Army11Bravo's avatar
    Army11Bravo
    Explorer II
    Feb 26, 2017
    Congratulations, docjason.

    Good thread. I hope to move up to a Grand Design in the coming years and know I will need a new diesel truck. I was pretty certain a one ton SRW truck would suffice, and am happy to read others are happy in similar circumstances.

    A dually would be best for towing, but not as pleasant in big city traffic when unhitched and exploring. I think a SRW one ton would be a happy medium for me.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Feb 26, 2017
    Here is our setup. Note we have an Elite model Bighorn which has the high roof line all the way to the rear and is 9" taller than OP's new trailer. Our truck is also our daily driver and we did NOT want a dually. Chris

  • docjason's avatar
    docjason
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2017
    Thank you everyone for all the responses so far, definitely going to go the 3500 route, but the truck will also be a daily driver which was why I wanted to avoid a dually, but definitely want the right set up. One of the reasons I got the camper first was to be able to take the time to get the right truck and not have a truck and hope it works with a new camper

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