So I am looking for some advice, hopefully from people who have done the same thing. Here are the truck details, 2016 Ford F250, 4X4, CC, 6.2, 4.30. I am currently towing a trailer with a max weight of 6,000lbs; I am looking at moving up to a fifth wheel that will max out at 9,000lbs. I am happy with how the truck pulls the current trailer, but concerned that I might not like the heavier fifth wheel. I am not worried about pin weight and issues like that; the truck can more than handle the weights. The question I have is how much will I feel the increased weight in actual pulling. Will the truck slow down significantly? Will the 3,000lbs increase cause a large difference in pulling hills? Also what will moving from a bumper pull to a fifth wheel effect pulling in head winds, concerned about wind resistance. Thanks for any help you might give.

First question, What is the Payload rating of your pickup?

I think you will notice an improvement in how your truck feels towing. You should have no problems.

5th wheels pull better. They do add more wind resistance as they sit higher than TT.

In tow haul mode you probably won't see much difference in mpg. You will see an improvement in handling, especially in wind. Because the pin weight is centered in your truck bed and rear axle you won't have wind whipping or sway like you might pulling a TT. At least that was my observation when we switched. Good luck

5th wheel much easier to pullTruck is more then enough for a 9 K fifth wheelYou don't need a diesel for 9k wieght either if that has crossed your mindMore stability in the cross winds with a fifth wheelPayload is on door sticker and I suspect that you will be fine thereI pull 10k with a gas 3/4 Gmc and have zero issuesThe extra 3k wieght won't be as notiacble as u thinkWith newer fifth wheels you may not need or require a slider, I don't and have zero issuesYou have the right truck so go out and have fun picking out a great fifth wheel!!

Moving from a Bumper Pull to a 5'er | Good Sam Community

TomG2
Explorer
Sep 03, 2017
First question, What is the Payload rating of your pickup?
Mike_Taverniti
Explorer
Sep 03, 2017
I think you will notice an improvement in how your truck feels towing. You should have no problems.
dfletch
Explorer
Sep 03, 2017
5th wheels pull better. They do add more wind resistance as they sit higher than TT.
guidry
Explorer
Sep 03, 2017
In tow haul mode you probably won't see much difference in mpg. You will see an improvement in handling, especially in wind. Because the pin weight is centered in your truck bed and rear axle you won't have wind whipping or sway like you might pulling a TT. At least that was my observation when we switched. Good luck
kw_00
Explorer
Sep 03, 2017
5th wheel much easier to pull
Truck is more then enough for a 9 K fifth wheel
You don't need a diesel for 9k wieght either if that has crossed your mind
More stability in the cross winds with a fifth wheel
Payload is on door sticker and I suspect that you will be fine there
I pull 10k with a gas 3/4 Gmc and have zero issues
The extra 3k wieght won't be as notiacble as u think
With newer fifth wheels you may not need or require a slider, I don't and have zero issues
You have the right truck so go out and have fun picking out a great fifth wheel!!
2112
Explorer II
Sep 03, 2017
I went from a 7000lb TT to a 9000lb FW and am very happy I did. The FW tows, handles and hitches so much better/easier. It's a much better ride.
ib516
Explorer II
Sep 03, 2017
I towed a 37' 12k 5er with a Ram 6.4L Hemi/4.10. It did fine. Hills, wind, didn't matter much. You will use more fuel, and it will work harder on uphill grades.

In general, you'll be fine.
2001400ex
Explorer
Sep 03, 2017
I went from a 7,000 pound wet bumper pull to 12,000 pound wet fifth wheel. I get within 1 mpg, which amazed me that I didn't lose much mileage. And my setup it handled about the same. Towing is less about weight and more about aerodynamics.
N-Trouble
Explorer
Sep 03, 2017
dfletch wrote:
5th wheels pull better. They do add more wind resistance as they sit higher than TT.

False... Bumper pull and TV act as two separate masses cutting through the air. 5er and TV act as a single large mass since they are much closer to one another.
MFL
Nomad II
Sep 03, 2017
N-Trouble wrote:
dfletch wrote:
5th wheels pull better. They do add more wind resistance as they sit higher than TT.

False... Bumper pull and TV act as two separate masses cutting through the air. 5er and TV act as a single large mass since they are much closer to one another.

I agree with this, while a FW may be a bit taller, more of it is blocked by the TV, actually having less wind resistance in MOST cases. Many newer FWs have a very aerodynamic nose, mine is almost bullet shaped. Makes a big difference, when comparing to the older flat/square front FWs.

I doubt the OP will notice much difference in towing effort, or gas mileage, with the 3K heavier FW. Towing up a steep, long grade of 7 percent or more, you will feel some difference towing an extra 3K. In this case, one gear lower, going up/down will make up the difference.

Jerry

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