dnhx wrote:
Hi
We are considering a new fifth wheel and truck. We only have a small TT and SUV now. I am wondering if there is a rough estimate as to when you will need a 1 ton or 3/4 ton truck. For example, a 5th wheel with dry weight of 10,000 lbs and hitch weight of 2200. I know the loaded weight is going to be more that that depending on what we take (we pack pretty light, and do not usually travel with water in the tanks) Best I can tell, this is going to be too much for F250 (my wife likes fords). So my question is at about what dry hitch weight range will the F350 be needed? Would it be fair to say over 2000 lbs, or maybe even less?
TT are a little easier, max tongue weight on f150 is 1200 lbs, so any TT with a dry hitch weight under 900 should be no problem.
Thank you
Don
Without reading ahead...
Almost any 10k dry wt FW is going to need a 350, SRW at minimum, dually if much larger or heavy on the pin. That being said, there are some nice lighter weight FWs out there that are easily towable with a 250. I'm thinking along the lines of Jayco's Eagle HT or KZ's Durango 1500 lines. Not the only ones, but I'm familiar with both, as they are on my short list for my next FW.
The rule of thumb for someone jumping in from the get-go, is find the floorplan you like, then buy a =proper= truck to match it. If the needed truck is more than what you want, or can afford, then scale back on the FW; that's all you can do.
I wish I had known this before I got my truck and FW. I would have gone for a SRW 3500, for sure. Be a whole lot more comfortable towing my FW.
Lyle
