2014 2500 HD Chev.

reddog7571 wrote:
How big of a 5th wheel will this unit tow safely??

That really depends on a couple of things.....
1) The payload rating of the truck (Hint, Crew cab 4WD long box diesel will have a lower payload than a 2WD standard box gas unit.)
2) The pin weight ratio of the trailer. This can vary from 15% to 25% of the fiver weight.

So,
- look at the fiver you want
- Estimate the pin ratio (empty pin weight/dry weight of trailer)
- Add 1000 - 1500# to the trailer weight for "stuff"
- Add the pin ratio of that extra weight to the "dry" pin. (eg 20% of 1500# would be 300#)
- Figure out how much you will load in the truck (people, pets, tools, accessories etc.
- Add the weight of the hitch you will need.

Figure out the total of the pin weight and what is in the truck.
Buy a truck that has AT LEAST that much payload available. If you have access to a potential truck, look for the yellow/black Tire loading info label on the drivers door pillar. On there is a number for "Combined weight of occupants and cargo must not exceed XXXX". THAT is your max payload rating!

As for the Towing weight, you will max out on payload before you exceed what the truck is rated to pull.

FWIW a 2500 will limit the size of the fiver.
The truck in my sig has 2815# of payload. I'm using all but 200# of that with a 27' 9600# fiver.

Good luck.