Forum Discussion

DanDon's avatar
DanDon
Explorer
Feb 06, 2015

SRW Truck Max length 5th Wheel

Am about to purchase a 3/4 ton diesel truck. We are going to upgrade our 5th wheel at the same time. Trying to figure out what the Max length I can safely tow. ALL kinds of stuff on line about DRW vs SRW towing weight. Not worried about that. Three or four companies now make light 10-11k 5th wheels, that are very long, with hitch weights of 1700lbs. The weight part is easily towable weight wise with a 2015 2500HD Duramax diesel. I'm not worried about weight on the single rear tires as the payload of the truck is 3000k+, the hitch weight is well within the safety range for SRW vs DRW. The rigs we like are 41-42 feet though. What I want to know is if anyone else has towed one of these new long/light 5th wheels with a SRW? Does the wind throw you around the highway? Looking for experience, not conjecture. Lot of money riding on our decision.
Thanks to everyone in advance.
  • lynndiwagon's avatar
    lynndiwagon
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    It doesn't "throw" me around but I can tell if there is a crosswind. Tailwind and headwind no problem. I'm pulling 40'......
    Good luck with your decision.
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    Of course the wind is going to push you around. 40' long 12' high is 480 square feet of side area. Headwind will cut your fuel milage. Tail wind will increase your milage. The worst is a head wind at about 45 angle from the front.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    I'm not going to say you need a dually because you probably don't.
    If I were buying a new truck I certainly wouldn't get a 2500 when 3500 SRW trucks are available for almost exactly the same price. There's really no reason not to get the higher rated tires, wheels, springs, and possibly rear axle.
  • kaydeejay's avatar
    kaydeejay
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    Max Tow rating is only half the story and is very misleading when it comes to pulling a fiver.
    Total truck PAYLOAD is the number you need to pay most attention to.

    Just because the truck can PULL 15000# or more does not mean it can handle a large fifth-wheel.

    Not sure there are any 40'+ fivers that a LOADED 2500 series truck will be able to CARRY when the fiver is loaded up. The dry pin weight is meaningless, you need to figure out what it will be when loaded.

    Truck in my sig has 2700# payload and uses 2500# of that (and is within 200# of GVWR) when pulling my 27' 9600# fiver.

    Get the 3500! But be prepared that a SRW truck will still have limitations. Most 40' fivers really are in DRW territory.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Feb 06, 2015
    Just because you are barely within specs of the truck does not mean that all is fine & dandy.

    The first time you hit an exit ramp turn too fast you are going to wish you had alot more truck. When you get caught out on the open on a windy day you are going to wish that you had alot more truck. When you are going up & especially going down those very long western mountain grades you are going to wish that you had alot more truck.

    With a 2500 you will be borderline but you will have lots of company out there. It might be OK if you are doing short weekend hauls to the local CG but if you plan on doing some real long haul traveling there is nothing like have more than enough truck for peace of mind & security when things are not perfect.
  • lynndiwagon's avatar
    lynndiwagon
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    Keith, throw some 19.5's on the baby and you'll really feel like it is a truck. lol
    Has anyone followed behind one of those dually PU's and imagined it did not have those wide fender flares.....looks just like a 2500 or 3500 otherwise. I have read that most components are the same, just increased tire capacity and rear springs. Something to think about. As far as stopping, how could a dually be better than a SRW? It's the trailer brakes that need to be working.
  • leggy's avatar
    leggy
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    Our 5er is 40ft and i had a drw and now have srw. There is a difference but in general I don't have any issues. Mine is a f350, but i have also pulled it with my oldr f250 but only short distances, less than 150 miles.
  • drfife's avatar
    drfife
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2015
    Veebyes wrote:
    Just because you are barely within specs of the truck does not mean that all is fine & dandy.

    The first time you hit an exit ramp turn too fast you are going to wish you had alot more truck. When you get caught out on the open on a windy day you are going to wish that you had alot more truck. When you are going up & especially going down those very long western mountain grades you are going to wish that you had alot more truck.

    With a 2500 you will be borderline but you will have lots of company out there. It might be OK if you are doing short weekend hauls to the local CG but if you plan on doing some real long haul traveling there is nothing like have more than enough truck for peace of mind & security when things are not perfect.

    This is a false statement and is not based on fact.

    If you are withing specs for your truck, you will be fine.
  • spud1957's avatar
    spud1957
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    Are you sure the 3/4 diesel has a 3000lb+ payload? Did this come from a brochure, cargo sticker or a salesman? Just seems kind of high.

    That truck should weigh at least 7500lbs with options. With a gvwr of 10k, that gives you a payload of 2500lbs. Never believe brochure weights as real world numbers!

    Maybe some other GM owners can chime in.

    I wouldn't worry about length. It's all about weights.

    S

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