Thinking About This 5th Wheel

[Calicajun]

We have been looking at getting a 5th wheel, a Solitude 300GK. Our 2015 Ram 2500 4x4 SRW diesel is rated a towing 15,500 pounds. Wondering how well our truck would be able to handle this 5th wheel? Wife really likes this one over all the others we have looked at over the last few months.

Solitude 300GK
GVWR (Lbs.) 15,000 lbs
UVW (Lbs.) * 12,100 lbs
Hitch Weight (Lbs.)** 2,635 lbs
Exterior Height 12' 11"
Exterior Length** 34' 11"

Thanks,
Craig

[cruz-in]

We have a Ford F250 and for years pulled a small (28 foot) 5th wheel. When we wanted to go to a bigger RV, to stay within the weight ratings of our F250, we had to go to a Bumper pull (lower TW than a 5th wheel of equivalent size).

[KeithAS]

My 2010 Dodge 3500's GVWR is 10,100 lbs.
With my Reflection 303RLS hitched, the weight on my truck's axles is 10,580 lbs.
My Reflection's GVWR is 11,995 lbs.
OP's Solitude's GVWR is 15,000 lbs.
My 3500 is overloaded by 470 lbs. (and the RV is not fully loaded)
OP's 2500 overload is a given.

[hampvett]

My wife and I have a 2014 GD Solitude 368RD. Dry weight 12,400. Reference GD we have not had any noteworthy issues. This is our 2nd RV. I have called GD customer service a time or two with questions and was pleased with the assistance I received. We are very satisfied with the design and workmanship in the unit we have. The features are outstanding. I am pulling this with a 2014 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4. We owned the truck before purchasing the Solitude. I get a 1 3/4"-2" drop/sag when hooked up. We have multiple trips under our belts with the Solitude. (I don't have experience pulling with a 3500) The truck pulls great and drives true. It is a comfortable ride. I don't experience any sway from winds in the southeast or trucks passing on the interstate. This RV has drum brakes like the majority of trailers on the road. At some point I may consider a disc conversion because of reviews I have read and would consider that no matter what truck I owned.

However, I don't have any issues or reservations pulling the Solitude with the truck I have.

[JIMNLIN]

I was thinking about adding air bags in the rear and front of the truck. Not so sure what I'm going to do now

The trucks front axle doesn't need air bags. Waste of money and not needed as 99.9 percent of a RV trailers hitch weight will be on the trucks rear axle/tires/springs.

Not all dealers may carry all floor plans of a certain brand on their lots.
And a rv mfg may market different lines of trailers in different areas of the USA.
I would go to each mfg website and check what they have to offer.
http://changingears.com/rv-sec-manufacturers-type-fw.shtml

[Cummins12V98]

The unit GVWR is 15K. Most likely you will exceed that, most do. Lets say you are 15K the min pin is 3,000# that is most unlikely also. Easily can be 25 percent @ 3,750#.

Truck tow rating is really attainable with a gooseneck since they are closer to 15 percent pin.

[Gsport]

I've had my Grand Design Solitude for over three years now and couldn't be happier. I don't think you can go wrong with any Grand Design unit..

[Calicajun]

I was thinking about adding air bags in the rear and front of the truck. Not so sure what I'm going to do now.
Wife has to have counter space, storage space, large oven (26"), 12 cubic foot frig or larger and larger micro wave. Just can't seem to find those things in lighter 5th wheel or travel trailers.

[Margos_]

garyp4951 wrote:
I will never have a tv that is not straight on viewing, unless the recliners are movable.

X2. We are looking at all the floorplans (and even with recliners moving, to much trouble) and first thing we look at is where is the TV and then the bathroom for toilet placement and how big the shower is. Want one with a seat. After this is the kitchen counter amount. We aren't even looking to upgrade for 4 years but want the info now.

[SabreCanuck]

Technically not enough truck. Will it do it. Yep. are others doing it. Yep.

[garyp4951]

I will never have a tv that is not straight on viewing, unless the recliners are movable.

[FlatBroke]

Me Again wrote:
Looking at the FPs I like the 321RL much better with straight on viewing of the TV. I just do not understand the apeal of rear entertanment floor plans. Chris

Had an RE. Glad it's gone.

[IdaD]

Greene728 wrote:

IdaD wrote:

mtofell1 wrote:
Hasn't it been well established that the only difference between a 2500 and 3500 is the rear suspension? In the case of the Ram in question the coils are a limiting factor but with a set of airbags isn't the truck the exact same machine as a 3500? Same brakes, frame, engine, gears, etc, etc.

There's a 500 lb difference in RAWR between the two, and that's the coils vs leafs. Everything else is the same. Put airbags or timbrens on the 2500 to address the slightly softer suspension and you've got the same or perhaps better capability than the stock 3500. The low payload rating is due to the class 2 GVWR limitation. This is real world truth.

The rv.net version is he needs a semi with a suitable payload sticker to pull a utility trailer. Why let facts get in the way of that?

All that being said, for that size trailer it may be worth stepping up to DRW.

Dear OP
I hope you can read between the lines in the above post and realize the sarcasm.
Here's some more truth.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/12/can-you-boost-your-payload-ratings.html

Everybody gets to have their own opinions. Mine are based on facts and my own first hand knowledge. If you want to base yours on the blog you linked, that's up to you. Have a great weekend. :C

[Me_Again]

Looking at the FPs I like the 321RL much better with straight on viewing of the TV. I just do not understand the apeal of rear entertanment floor plans. Chris

[Me_Again]

Calicajun wrote:
First thanks for all the comments. Wish I had made this post a year ago before buying the 2500 truck. At the time I thought a ¾ ton truck could pull most anything.

Only question now is which one of you wants to tell m wife she can't have the 5th wheel? ?? ??

Thanks again,
Craig

Show her the Cedar Creeks first! Or the Bighorn 3160el with a dry pin weight of 2095. However understand these are all going to have you way over your GVWR. Some do not care about that and we towed that way for years. Chris