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rb2boxer's avatar
rb2boxer
Explorer
Sep 17, 2018

SRW for pulling Fifth Wheel

I am looking to buy a new truck because we intend to upgrade to a fifth wheel within the next few years. I have read a ton of articles and posts saying that a dually is better and the truck to have. Problem is that I dont really want a dually, we pull maybe 10 times a year for weekends and family vacations, etc. The SRW is a much better daily option for us

I am looking at a chevy or gmc 3500 crew cab diesel with the standard bed. I would really love to hear from people with the similar truck pulling fifth wheels....any issues?

I would make sure whatever fifth wheel I bought matched the specs of the truck. The one we are thinking of grosses at 15K and a pin weight of 2500#

Thanks in advance!
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  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    Sep 17, 2018
    We pull our 16k fiver with our SRW. The trailer pulls beautifully. You don't want a duely for a 15k fiver.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Sep 17, 2018
    As per my sig line you'll see that we have a SRW F350 and have pulled our 34 ft fiver all over the US and Canada. Including up 12 percent grades. Never had a problem. Just keep the size of the fifth wheel within reason, 35 ft or below as a rule of thumb and you should be fine.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Sep 17, 2018
    Your pin weight will be about 20 percent of your gross trailer weight - This is why most people go to a DRW. Expect that 15k GTWR trailer to have a 3000 LB pin weight and choose your vehicle wisely. I think Ram currently has the highest GVWR in the SRW, so you may not want to limit yourself to one brand when truck shopping.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Sep 17, 2018
    A 15K fiver is realisticslly going to have a pin weight north of 3000 pounds.
    Next question, is that 15K fiver your considering the dry or gross weight? Does make a difference. A 15K dry fiver is going to wind up in the 18-19K range loaded ready to travel. That would put you well into dually territory. Heck, even a 15K gross fiver could overload your truck. Remember, everything you add to the base truck subtracts from its load carrying capacity. And load carrying capacity is what your after.

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