Tow Rig question SRW or DRW for 5th RAM
I'm sure this has been debated millions of times, but here is a new spin. At what weight would you consider a DRW to be mandatory whilst towing a fifth wheel ? 10k 11k 12k 13k 14k 15k 16...
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Me Again wrote:justme wrote:
After experiencing both I would say that the point to consider a dually would be with a trailer at 16.5 GVW. Then I would consider a F450 or equivalent because those truck are designed to DRW with a stronger frame and suspension. People talk about stability of DRW for pulling 5th wheels, but that is mostly physiological if the SRW has an optional rear sway bar. Saying that, a 16.5GVW trailer would exceed the Combined vehicle weight by a couple of hundred pounds, but that is not a critical factor in towing--- provide the trailer has good brakes.
Sounds like you have not looked the RAM 3500 that got new frames in 2013. Ford is planning similar frame upgrades for MY 2017.
BTW the RAM 3500 SRW trucks are rated to tow 17K+ 5th wheels.
Chris
Yes I have looked at all of them. And I only mentioned the F450, but I should have said all 45 series trucks. All of the manufacturers are about the same over-all. However, Ford did not need a frame upgrade because they have always been strong ;-). However, Ford my have leap frogged the completion in 2017 with the aluminum body and engine power increases. I suspect GM and Dodge will have their years of leap-frogging, because that is what competition is all about. One can not go wrong with a Ford, Dodge or GM product.
