Forum Discussion

mikemc53's avatar
mikemc53
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2014

Lots to Learn

OK, I do not currently own any RV but we are starting our research. I have owned TTs and a popup in the past but that was a long time ago.

My questions, today, will involve fifth wheels - and the TV, but I have not ruled out TTs - just using this as a starting point. I've been browsing the forums and trying to absorb even a little knowledge, but I am still extremely green when it comes to towing/capacities/best practices, etc.

As an example, we looked at some RVs at a recent show and noted some specs - but obviously not all of them - so I will use one that we rather liked and work from there.

A Rockwood Ultra-Lite with the following manufacturer noted specs:

Dry Hitch Weight
1,324 lbs. (601 kg)
Unloaded Vehicle Weight
7,944 lbs. (3,603 kg)
GVWR
TBA (TBA)
Cargo Carrying Capacity
1,406 lbs. (638 kg)
Exterior Length
31' 11" (9.7 m)
Exterior Height
12' 5" (3.8 m)
Exterior Width
96" (2.4 m)
Fresh Water Capacity
43 gal. (163 L)
Gray Water Capacity
38 gal. (144 L)
Black Water Capacity
38 gal. (144 L)


First am I to assume that (for analysis sake) adding the cargo capacity to the unloaded vehicle weight will give me the GVWR or is that the GCWR?

Also, if this were our choice and we don't currently own a TV, would looking at used 3/4 ton diesels (3-4 years old) SRW, be an OK starting point? I realize that this presents many unknowns and I'm not proposing an actual buy scenario. I'm wondering, basically, if a 5er this size, under relatively normal conditions, could be easily handled by a 3/4 ton SRW diesel...with the understanding that the TV would need certain capabilities also.

Maybe a little convoluted approach but I'm just trying to get some baselines since I really don't own either as of yet and, sadly, do not have an unlimited budget.

Also not in a hurry and want to know as much as I can about the water before I step into the pool.
Tow Vehicles

5 Replies

  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2014
    I tow a 5'er pretty close to those weights with a 2500 CTD. Great combo.
    Only concern I have is the low CCC of the 5'er you're looking at. That's probably a brochure number and it will likely be lower when delivered. We pack a little heavy at 1500lbs of stuff in our 5'er. Most folks carry 1000-1500lbs with them. You will be close to max on the suspension with just 1000lbs of cargo.
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2014
    Welcome to the forum !

    First decide if you believe in the OEM ratings or not

    If not, then do whatever and note that you have taken the liability
    and the OEM's are off the hook

    If yes, then read up and this quote/diagram should help you 'see' the
    whole picture of the ratings system(s). Really easy and simple math
    once you understand both how the system works and some of the terms
    which are to be followed or are meaningless

    Then figure out which advisor believes in the ratings or not to base
    your decision using their advice

    BenK wrote:
    howmuchcanitow howmuchshoulditow

    That your wheels won't instantly fall off if over loaded...just sooner
    and that your PERFORMANCE will be reduced

    Above quote from this thread: Trailer Weight Calculations & Load Estimator Utility...five pages of discussion

    The OEMs use 'stripper' models (curb or dry) to derive the ratings
    The only way to know for sure where you are in reference to those
    ratings is to actually go out and weigh the whole setup axle by axle

    So many folks have a hard time understanding and/or accepting that
    the OEMs do this and in reality the OEMs have no choice because of
    the buyers who only look at the brochure numbers/ratings. To decide
    their purchase based on the 'King of the Hill' comparison numbers

    No one knows you and how you pack. From nothing to taking the kitchen
    sink plus the dog... :B

    So you can do the simple math using the GVWR's (the rated maximum of
    both the TV and the trailer). Some will argue never will reach GVWR
    to some who will advise it's okay to exceed because they designed in
    'safety factor'....which is true...but how much and will you reach that?

    Good luck!
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2014
    Welcome to the Forum
    Yes that ccc weight added to your dry weight would be pretty close to the GVWR for that camper. Your pin weight should be close to 2k lbs.
    A newer 25 series truck should work fine for this camper... although many of us upgrade the camper over the years and they're usually bigger which could push over the 25 series weight ratings. Many of us will spend a few more dollars ($500) and get the 35 series for the bigger spring's and tire ratings.
    Good Luck
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Mar 01, 2014
    Good for you for doing your research and asking questions. I've never seen a FW with GVWR TBD. All towable vehicles I've seen have the GVWR posted on a sticker on the outside of the coach along with the tire size, pressure, etc.

    GCWR is Gross Combined Weight Rating. This is the associated with the TV, and is total permissible weight of the TV, FW, including passengers and cargo.

    There are a couple key items when considering a TV. One is towing capacity. Let's say for example that you have a 12,000# towing capacity, and the GVWR of the FW is 11,000#. You'd be fine.

    Another key point is payload. All TVs have a payload limit. It's usually listed on the tire placard on the door post. Payload consists of everything you add to the TV. It includes passengers, cargo, pin weight, FW hitch, etc. You could have met the towing capacity of the truck, but still not have enough payload to be safe.

    Of course, there are other items such as axle ratings to consider also.

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