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size of truck for 5th wheel

Kent_McKinnon
Explorer
Explorer
First time posting.
Not sure where I should put my post?
I have a 2008 Crossroads Seville 35RL 5th wheel camper.
What size of truck?
I am looking at a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 V10 2WD automatic
It cost $7500.
I don't have lots of money.
Please help me - This is my first rodeo.
Thanks
9 REPLIES 9

Miss_Ellie1
Explorer
Explorer
We were brand new also so Hubby chose a monster RAM 3500 Dualie because we never knew if we were going to want to upgrade in a few years. WHile we tend to like nice houses but are not car people so expect truck to last 10+ years. Except for the truck our newest car is 2005.

andy431
Explorer
Explorer
best truck to pull any 5r would be a deseil . I have a 5r 36ft denali, 335rkl and I pull it with mt 1999 f250 super duty turbo 7.3.

rhagfo
Explorer III
Explorer III
Well 2001 CTD with camper package and optional 265/75-16E tires here and that 5er would tax my TV. At 11,600# dry about 13,000# loaded you will exceed the 6,084# tire capacity on the rear axle. You might be ok with the optional 265/75-16E's.
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#

"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"

JIMNLIN
Explorer
Explorer
If I was going to pull a 5th wheel trailer over 10k-14k range with a older high mileage gas truck it would be a 8.1 GM 2500/3500 SRW or a F250/350 SRW Ford with the V-10.
Now if that 35' trailer weighs over 14k lbs I would look at the DRW trucks in those two brands.
Without any weights we have no idea what size truck would match up with a xxxx brand 35RL trailer.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers

'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er 11200 two slides

DanNJanice
Explorer
Explorer
The high percentage of trailer weight, on the pin of a 5th wheel, usually maxes out a 3/4 ton. If you can swing a 350/3500 that would be a better option. Having said that, there are lots of people towing 5th wheels with 3/4 ton trucks.
2015 Jayco 27RLS
2015 F250 PSD

1492
Moderator
Moderator
Moved from Forum Technical Support

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
Check the frame of the vehicle for rust. The #1 reason why I traded my first 3500 duly (gas) truck was because my service guy pointed out how bad the frame was rusting, and warned me it was marginal for towing a trailer any longer. So we traded for a new version.

Living in a snow state means trucks and cars are exposed to road salt in the winter. I'm sure you get your share of snow in Minnesota too.

Check the frame. Ensure there is still enough strength to tow safely. The last thing you want is to be going down the road and the truck splits in 2.

the_bear_II
Explorer
Explorer
You need to know a couple of things to determine if the truck will work:
Weight of the Trailer
The weight at the Pin (hitch point) of the trailer
The truck towing capacity

You should be able to find the trailer info on the manufacturers sticker affixed to your trailer. Same with the truck there will be a sticker with the info.

Use the sticker info to determine if the truck has the capacity to safely tow the trailer.

schlep1967
Nomad
Nomad
NADA specs list that 5th wheel at 11,600 empty. If that truck is in very good condition with a fairly fresh suspension, you are at or just over the max with that 5th wheel. I would consider a 3500.
Not saying you can't do it. But with a truck that old I wouldn't go far.
2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ 3500 Diesel
2022 Montana Legacy 3931FB
Pull-Rite Super Glide 4500