Looking at 5th wheels

[newrver327]

I have a 3/4 ton duramax and was looking at different 5ers and discovered that I can tow only the small ones. I really wanted one 32 to 35ft. Any suggestions on some light weight ones, otherwise I will just get a bumper pull model?

[rmn72]

I have a 2nd to the Open Range Light series. We bought a 2016 LF319RLS in May of this year and we absolutely love it. We are pulling it with a 1998 Dodge 2500 with the 5.9 gas engine and we have no problems pulling. This is the biggest of the Light series with 352 sq ft and is a great layout.

[Milt]

I agree with 2hams. Look at Grand Design There are two Reflection fivers
27RL and 29RS both over thirty one ft. with three slides. And they claim are half ton towable. We bought a 29RS and think it's a really nice outfit.
milt

[Beaker]

This is a update on my question, Looking at 5vrs. My truck is a 2009 duramax CCSB. The door sticker for gcvw 9200#,it has 3.73 gears, and it weighs approx. 6850# with a half tank of diesel and driver. By the time I add more fuel,another passenger and the hitch it leaves me with 1700# for the pin weight and all the extras I would also be adding.

I have an '08 and the paper that came with the truck showed the weight of tuck as 7010# and gcvw 9200#. Drop 200# for hitch and at least 500# for 40gal aux/tool tank leaves me at best maybe 1500# payload.

My fifth has a gross of around 11000# but there is close to 4000# payload, which leaves a "uvw" of around 7000# putting pin somewhere in
the neighborhood 1400. This is on a trailer of 28ft. I have not weighted it but wouldn't really matter because I certainly wouldn't change trucks or trailer at this point. 6ok on truck and fifth is exactly what we wanted.

I think like others have said that this truck is underrated on payload and if you go by RAWR you have plenty of room to go.

I like what I have. First diesel and if lucky it will last until I quit in 10 or so years.

[LOFAT36]

I pull a 33'-0 Crossroads Cruiser (3 slides) and not a problem with my 2010 Silverado 2500HD Duramax CCSB.

[kyle86]

They want you to pay more for a srw 3500 which from what I have read just had stiffer springs and a bigger price tag.

[mtofell1]

I also hate to jump into the fray of the weight game but you have a very capable truck. I ran an 06 Duramax with airbags and towed a 12000# 5th with ease. Power is no issue at all. And you likely won't be anywhere close to the max axle weights. As I remember the rear is 6800#. The 9200# total is what you'll be at or slightly over. There are various speculations on the web that number is artificially low for various reasons.

[newrver327]

Thanks to all who replied to my question, all are appreciated.

[laknox]

newrver327 wrote:
This is a update on my question, Looking at 5vrs. My truck is a 2009 duramax CCSB. The door sticker for gcvw 9200#,it has 3.73 gears, and it weighs approx. 6850# with a half tank of diesel and driver. By the time I add more fuel,another passenger and the hitch it leaves me with 1700# for the pin weight and all the extras I would also be adding.

What size tires are you running? If you've got the OEM 245/75R16 like mine is spec'd for, then jump up to 265's. You'll pick up about 900 lbs of tire capacity, which =should= put you over the RAW number. Frankly, if your pin puts you a bit over total payload, but under RAW and tire capacity, you'll be fine. Might want airbags to level things out, though.

Lyle

[padredw]

Someone here is going to get on to me but I would not sell yourself short on that truck

I am breaking my rule to never comment on this topic, but I have a 2008 Duramax/Allison and tow a 34' HitchHiker II with confidence and every feeling of security and control. We have 81,000 miles on this truck, much of that towing.

We have been all over the mountain west and over many of the major passes which the tow/haul mode proves it value every time.

Now, I'm out of here before I get attacked -- but note my covered map in the signature below.

[2112]

I'm towing the KZ Durango 1500 in my sig with a 1/2 ton :E

[2hams]

Check out Grand Design.

[Paul_Clancy]

I pull a crusader 295 rst and it is a great match for my 09 dmax cc sb. 32ft 3 slides. Many mountain passes as fast as I want. Air bags to adjust ride and comfort.

[tdsxt51]

Check out the Rockwood Signature Series Ultra Lite 8289WS w/Diamond Package. They are very reasonable and come with a lot amenities you see more in bigger trailers. Your truck will handle this trailer easily.

[kyle86]

newrver327 wrote:
This is a update on my question, Looking at 5vrs. My truck is a 2009 duramax CCSB. The door sticker for gcvw 9200#,it has 3.73 gears, and it weighs approx. 6850# with a half tank of diesel and driver. By the time I add more fuel,another passenger and the hitch it leaves me with 1700# for the pin weight and all the extras I would also be adding.

Someone here is going to get on to me but I would not sell yourself short on that truck. I recently bought a 2000 3/4 ton gas motor 2500 (non-hd) and was pretty bummed about the numbers on the door too. Your truck is a very capable tow vehicle as it is not a 3/4 ton, it is really a 1 ton truck with a full floating rear axle. I wouldn't hesitate to pull what you are looking at considering what all I've seen other people in the camp grounds towing. The numbers on the door are a rating based on the weakest link, not a definitive limit of what the truck can handle.

It is really really easy to get caught up in the numbers which will probably limit you to a 25' travel trailer 😉 It got me real down until I talked with some folks who do a lot of towing and they said just hitch and go. Keep an eye on the gauges and take it slow. But in all seriousness, hit up some campgrounds and see what everyone else is pulling. From what I have seen the 2500HD is the most popular TV for 5th wheels and I have seen them towing some ginormous trailers.

One more thing. I'm not sure what hitch you have, but check out the anderson ultimate 5th wheel hitch RAIL design. They have an aluminum version that weighs just 38 lbs. I have handled many B&W companion hitches and they are easily over 200 lbs. Just switching to the anderson would give you a coulple hundred extra pounds pin capacity. Also from what I have read the 2500hd have soft springs for a smooth ride which could be the weak link on your truck. Switching to some air bags, timbrens, or extra leafs will stiffen it up. If you have a dmax 2500, you have a 14 bolt full floater axle which has a 11.5" ring gear. That axle supposedly is used in 20,000 lb ratings for other vehicles. The 10.5 is supposed to be rated for 10k. I doubt that axle or frame could care less what pin weight you actually put on it. A weak suspension probably does though. I am not an expert or even 1/2 know what I'm talking about so take my OPINION with a grain.