Is 37' to much for a shortbed SRW??

[Kevin_O_]

Hey guys I need your help... My wife and I are very interested in a 2015 Cougar 330RBK

Specs for 330RBK
Shipping Weight 10065
Carrying Capacity 2380
Hitch 2045
Length 37' 4"
Height 12' 10"
Fresh Water 60
Waste Water 38
Gray Water 76
LPG 60
Tire Size ST235/80R16E

My truck is a 2001 F350 diesel crewcab
9900lb-GVWR
6830lb-RAWR
13,300lb-tow capacity(fifth wheel)
20,000lb-GCWR

I also came across this form that was in with my trucks paperwork stating that I have a camper pkg with 2571lbs of payload.



I was on a while back interested in a similar trailer and received mixed advice. This was before I found this form stating what I actually have for payload. So looking at the #'s I don't think I should have a problem?? My biggest concern now is if 37' is to much for a short bed SRW ?? If it was a bumper pull I wouldn't even attempt it. Of course the dealer says it won't be a problem but I know not to trust them. I have no experience with fifth wheels and could use your help before i possibly make a very expensive mistake..
Thanks, Kevin

[craig7h]

Heres a great link to help with weights
http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-fw.shtml

[Gsport]

I tow a 2014 Grand Design Solitude, 39' with a chevy 3500 SRW short bed. I have a slider hitch just in case, but have never needed it

[rhagfo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
IMHO too much tail for your dog! Towing down the highway no problem. It's the unexpected that will get you.

Cummins12V98, Really you and I both tow(ed) than much with 2nd Gen Ram Cummins, yes it is 5' longer than my Copper Canyon, but almost exactly the same weights! The OP has 1,100# more GVWR than we did, and 746# more GRAWR than our 2500's. Well with the optional 265/75-16E with the Camper Package on mine that is what my rear axle should rate.

PAYLOAD!! To the OP, Payload equals GVWR minus TV loaded as ready to carry 5er. you will likely use up all your payload, and maybe a little more, I run right at 10,000# with our 5er in tow, zero issues. I still have lots of rear axle, and no issues with power.

It is your choice, but I tow the same weights, with a 2500.

[newk]

Unless you take special steps to keep your weight down, you're sure to be over your "maximum" cargo weight. Empty the 5er's pin is 2045. AT LEAST 20% of its carrying capacity of 2380 (480 lbs) will go onto your hitch (which itself will be ~200 lbs.). That would put your truck 150 lbs. over its capacity right there, then add people and whatnot and you'd be well overweight.

Depending on the weight of your family and how much weight you'll put into the 5th wheel, it probably wouldn't be a rolling hazard, but it wouldn't be ideal either.

It's not the length of your truck, just its limited carrying capacity. It's an older truck, and payload capacity back in 2001 wasn't much compared to today's trucks.

[Me_Again]

You most likely will be at or a little over on the trucks GVWR. What does the truck weigh ready to tow. Figure pin weight at 2600-2800 lbs. With LT265/75R16E(3415 each) tires and the 6830 RAWR you should be under axle ratings.

Work out a deal for something besides the ST235/80R16E may pops, for happier trailering!

Chris

[Cummins12V98]

IMHO too much tail for your dog! Towing down the highway no problem. It's the unexpected that will get you.

[lawrosa]

IMO load the truck with fuel and load with cargo and people ready for camping...

Take it to a cat scale and get your individual axle weights...

That will tell you what you can tow...

Also post your tires max psi and max weight ratings...

[TucsonJim]

old guy wrote:
Using the "rule of thumb" of 20 feet for 110 inches of wheelbase and an additional foot for every 4 additional inches, so check your wheel base measurement and go from there. also look into getting a good weight distribution hitch and sway control

That rule of thumb and a WD hitch is for a TT. The OP is looking at a FW.

[old_guy]

Using the "rule of thumb" of 20 feet for 110 inches of wheelbase and an additional foot for every 4 additional inches, so check your wheel base measurement and go from there. also look into getting a good weight distribution hitch and sway control

[tajRVtalk]

Our '12 Cougar 325SRX has identical specs, currently using our DODGE RAM 2500 Quad SRW (shortbed) 6.7 CTD.
WORKS GREAT!!
I wouldn't go heavier unless I had more brakes.

[mayberryman]

Hi Kevin, I think that you might be fine with your truck. We recently purchased a Cougar 327res which is 36.5 feet and tow with a 2005 F250 SRW diesel. So far this set up is great! We also have always had pull behind trailers. We did purchase a pull rite slider fifth wheel hitch which is a good investment with a short bed truck. The hitch weight on our unit is less than the one you are interested in, but it looks like to me that you are safely within your limits. Hope this helps. Let me know if I could be of any help. Good luck with a decision. Fifth wheeling is awesome!

[TucsonJim]

With an empty hitch weight of 2045, you'll probably be pushing your payload capacity a little by the time you add cargo, fifth wheel hitch and passengers to your F250.

But to answer your question, you should be fine with the short bed SRW. I pull a similar sized rig (36 foot) with a short bed SRW F350, and it handles very well.