need rough guideline for what size TV for a fifth wheel

[dnhx]

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

[lenr]

Speaking from experience with Fords (but a Ford fan):
You're going to be disappointed with the rear end squat of an F-250 pulling a 14K lb fifth wheel with 2500 - 3500 lb. of pin weight. While that would be perfectly fine for our 9400 lb fifth wheel we wanted to be able to upgrade to a bigger trailer in the future without having to upgrade the truck, so 350 works for us. I actually think that 14K is about the limit for a 350 SRW--over that I would go to DRW. If one trades trucks every five years then 250 now and 350 later is no big deal. Back in 2012 when we purchased the 350 was only about $1,000 more. Around IN dealers don't stock many 350s so finding one on the lot can be tough--we ordered, got exactly what we wanted, and could not be happier.

[tinner12002]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
New current 250/2500..........up to 14K GVWR 5th wheel

New current 3500 SRW .........up to 16K GVWR 5th wheel

New current 3500 DRW..........Everything


Models older than 2013
250/2500....12K
3500 SRW....14K
3500 DRW....18K

X2 In my opinion.

[thomas201]

I will add to OTRFUN, where do you live? Neighborhood roads and parking 8k or less? When you drop the trailer do you want to run on parkways or the hammer lane in the Northeast? Do you need get a commercial ezpass in your home state for the 35 trucks? If you say yes to these questions then the 25 or 35 truck matters.

When you drop the trailer, will you play in the mud or snow with the truck? Then dual rear wheels are not as much fun.

In some national forests and parks out west you may be limited by length of your 4 wheel drive truck. To get to Torrowheap(sp) in Grand Canyon Park even a crew cab short bed would be too long according to the signs. Should not be bigger than a club cab. Might save money on some ferries by length too. Buy the tools to do your job, but consider all the angles (literally).

[ulvik]

Its not only what you can tow but what you can stop. In my opinion there are hardly no true 1/2 tom compatible fifthwheels so 3/4 up to 9,500 lbs and a 1 ton for anything heavier. JMO

[JIMNLIN]

3/4 ton trucks have 6000-6500 RAWR which runs around 2800-3200 lb payload in the bed. These trucks are good for up to around 12k trailers. However much depends on dry weights and CCC numbers. Some trailers may have 3k-4k CCC numbers.
I pull a 11200 lb 5er with my '03 2500 Dodge/Cummins with no problems anywhere and the truck is well under all axle/tire weights.

Our one ton SRW trucks have 7000-7050 RAWR for around 3500-4000 lb payload in the bed. Same engine tranny so no issues pulling 15k 5th wheel trailers.

And of course the one ton DRW has those big 9350-9800 rawr for over 6k lb payloads in the bed. Some have over 30000 lb tow ratings.

The diesel will have no problems with any of the listed tow ratings. Many 6.4....6.0.....6.2 gas owners report no problems up to around 12k lbs.

Hard to say how much a certain 3/4 or one ton truck truck will handle. You will have to look at each trucks tow ratings...axle loads...gas or diesel engine/etc.

[otrfun]

Another thing the OP should keep in mind: Depending on your state of residence, you may have to deal with additional licensing and registration requirements for larger rigs. In a number of states, if the GCWR (truck GVWR plus 5r GVWR) exceeds 26,000 lbs., then special licensing is required. Other states like CA have different guidelines. Best to check beforehand.

For some folks, the licensing hassles are enough for them to pass on a 1-ton SRW or DRW. As a plan B they end up going with a 3/4-ton truck with a 10k GVWR and a 5r with a GCWR less than 16,000. If you happen to reside in a state where you can drive any RV, regardless of the GVWR/GCWR with a standard Class D operator's license, then, of course, not an issue.

Just something to consider . . .

[mhardin]

You can never have "too much truck". The cost of an F-350 vs an F-250 is not much at all. You won't regret getting the 350.

[md_procouple]

Our 1st Truck was a F 150... hulled our 38' TT fine. Then the truck was stolen and totaled. We moved up to a F-350. Long story short..and we were just killing a Sunday afternoon looking for a new camper for the spring...(big mistake lol) she fell in love with a 40' Montana signed the papers an hour later. Glad we bought the F- 350. Oh and your wife has Good tastes in Trucks !! Merry Christmas and Happy Camping !!

[BB_TX]

For that weight you would most likely be fine with the 3/4 (250/2500). But for $1,500 more you could get a one ton (350/3500). That's about the difference on a new one.

[azdryheat]

Consult Trailer Life Towing Guides. They've got the recommended max towing weights for every tow vehicle out there.

My first TV was a 2009 Chevy 2500 Duramax and we towed a Keystone Everest 5th wheel with a 14,000 GVWR. That combination worked great as we criss-crossed the USA for two years.

When we decided that we needed a 19,000 GVWR toy hauler we traded the 2500 for a 3500 dually. It's a great set-up.

[IdaD]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
New current 250/2500..........up to 14K GVWR 5th wheel

New current 3500 SRW .........up to 16K GVWR 5th wheel

New current 3500 DRW..........Everything


Models older than 2013
250/2500....12K
3500 SRW....14K
3500 DRW....18K

That's about how I'd break it down. I'd only add that Timbrens or bags would equalize the 2500 and SRW 3500. Not on paper but in the real world there would be no performance difference. If buying new and you can get the same or very close to the same deal on a 3500 go that way, if you can't get the configuration you want or it would cost significantly more I'd get the 2500 and spend a few aftermarket bucks if you find it necessary. The difference between a DRW 3500 and SRW 3500 is far greater than the difference between a SRW 3500 and a 2500.

[agesilaus]

If you are buying a new TV then get a one ton. The price difference between 3/4 and 1 ton a miniscule when compared to the price of the truck. It was a couple hundred dollars when I bought my truck. Both trucks handle the same and look the same.

[Jayco-noslide]

I'm not sure but I've read and heard that there is little reason to not go bigger (cost possibly) as far as ride quality is concerned. When on the border line go bigger.

[Old-Biscuit]

New current 250/2500..........up to 14K GVWR 5th wheel

New current 3500 SRW .........up to 16K GVWR 5th wheel

New current 3500 DRW..........Everything


Models older than 2013
250/2500....12K
3500 SRW....14K
3500 DRW....18K

[Peg_Leg]

Your talking 12-12.5k gross. A 10,000 gross can put you at 2,000-2,500 pin weight. Add in the hitch and odds and ends thrown in the bed. Check the specs on the truck cause different engine, tire and gearing combos have drastic number changes.