Going Bigger? Got my answer!
We just purchased a new Keystone Montana Fifth Wheel model 3750FL. We had been using and towing a Cedar Creek Silverback 33' BHS for the last six years. We travel all over Florida and also into GA, NC mountains and SC coast. I did a lot of research including asking questions on this forum and the Keystone owners site about towing a larger fifth wheel. We added about 300 pounds in PIN weight and about 2300 pounds overall. We were within the towing specs of the truck including gear, people, hitch etc. My concern was would we notice the weight and would this be an issue with my SRW Dodge 3500 Mega Cab. I looked at the DRW vs. SRW opinions (stability etc.)and the length issues as well in going from 33 to just over 38.
The Montana is equipped with the MOR/ryde pin box and suspension. I use a Pullrite Superglide hitch so we added a new capture plate to the front. What a difference the MOR/ryde hitch and suspension makes! This combination tows better than the Silverback and I don't notice any difference in the performance of the truck. This was tested on I-75 in a construction zone with bumpy uneven lanes and during a torrential rain storm. This is a stock truck with the exception of Bilstein shocks. For this truck and this fifth wheel I am glad we made the move. The SRW performs perfectly in this scenario with a fifth wheel that weighs approx. 12.5K dry.
My point is that I wish I had had this MOR/ryde system (or anything else that performs the same) a long time ago. I'm also happy that we purchased the larger unit (after doing the numbers for weight and capability) and see that it's actually easier to tow. I also back this unit into a covered storage area with a large boat on one side and a steel pole on the other with no real difference other than obviously where to stop. Hopefully this post will help someone who may be considering going up without going over their trucks capabilities.
The Montana is equipped with the MOR/ryde pin box and suspension. I use a Pullrite Superglide hitch so we added a new capture plate to the front. What a difference the MOR/ryde hitch and suspension makes! This combination tows better than the Silverback and I don't notice any difference in the performance of the truck. This was tested on I-75 in a construction zone with bumpy uneven lanes and during a torrential rain storm. This is a stock truck with the exception of Bilstein shocks. For this truck and this fifth wheel I am glad we made the move. The SRW performs perfectly in this scenario with a fifth wheel that weighs approx. 12.5K dry.
My point is that I wish I had had this MOR/ryde system (or anything else that performs the same) a long time ago. I'm also happy that we purchased the larger unit (after doing the numbers for weight and capability) and see that it's actually easier to tow. I also back this unit into a covered storage area with a large boat on one side and a steel pole on the other with no real difference other than obviously where to stop. Hopefully this post will help someone who may be considering going up without going over their trucks capabilities.
