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 12362Hitch weight 2496GVWR 14995Length 41 feetThe 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

Forget 250/2500s.....not enough carrying capacity (payload)A NEW 350/3500 in SRW will handle a 15K GVWR 5th wheel no problemI 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)

One ton dually is what you need.

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 problemI 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

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.

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

Help picking new truck | Good Sam Community

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.
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
Paul_Clancy
Explorer
Feb 26, 2017
One ton dually is what you need.
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)

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