weight of trailer and pull capacity of truck

I think a drop test is a good idea but with an unloaded RV there is still a lot of weight to be added mostly to the TV rear axle.

Ours wrote:

I just purchased a Silverback 5th wheel which weighs dry at 10,880. I will be pulling it with my 2014 duramax which has a pulling weight of 15,800. Am I going to be just fine with this set up. Thanks

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Your pin will easily be 2,800# and probably more!

I have towed similar to fhagfo and I knew I was at my safe limit.

That is a BIG RV for a 2500. You will be clenching a lot! It is very tiring.

Keep in mind, I didn't do the math before we bought our latest 5er. I did a "Drop Test", we hooked up to the 5er lifted the gear and moved to a level spot on the lot before signing the papers. The truck sat better than level with the unit attached, so we signed the papers. I was a bit surprised the first time we hit a set of scales! Whiles we still have about 650#+ of rear axle capacity and 650#+ on the front axle, we are over GVWR. That said truck has no need for bags or Timbiern's just the stock Camper Package springs, and a set of Bilstien 5100 shocks.
How does mine tow? I say great, we drive roads like below all the time, main state highway to the Oregon Coast speed limit, normal traffic flow 60 mph+, I travel with traffic. Not sure I would want that extra 1,000# or not. Currently a very comfortable driver.

Your pin will easily be 2,800# and probably more!

I have towed similar to fhagfo and I knew I was at my safe limit.

That is a BIG RV for a 2500. You will be clenching a lot! It is very tiring.

ours wrote:
You all helped me understand a lot through this thread. I looked up information and found the pin weight to be 2,067 lbs, GVWR is 14,067 lbs Length is 36'11" I am new to this so all of this is a learning curve, we used to be tenters and then pulled a TT. Thanks for all the info you can give me.

TXiceman wrote:
Forget the dry weight and look at the trailers GVWR. Probably around 15,000# ..give or take.

A 3/4 ton cannot carry the pin weight when you load up for camping. maybe a 1 ton SRW but I'd get a dually.

Ken

The 5er has a GVWR of 14,067 lbs, Dry weight of 10,880 lbs., over GVWR likely, over Tire and axle ratings not likely>

The decision to run over GVWR is yours, and your alone.

I tow 11,000 lbs. with our 01 Ram and do great. You would be about 1,000 lbs. heaver than us, so take that into account.

Forget the dry weight and look at the trailers GVWR. Probably around 15,000# ..give or take.

A 3/4 ton cannot carry the pin weight when you load up for camping. maybe a 1 ton SRW but I'd get a dually.

Ken

This might help:

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml

http://www.lichtsinn.com/towing.aspx

Thanks for everyones thoughts. It is all going to work out just fine. I have learned a lot. Now on to learning about the 5th wheel and how she operates.

You'll be over the trucks GVW, but under the RAWR, GCVWR and tow rating. IMO it's borderline for a 3/4 ton. Looking around on the net it seems like the dry weight is around 11,100lbs delivered. Factory pin is 19% so around 2100lbs. Add 200lbs for the 5th hitch and you're at 2300lbs dry pin. Add propane/batteries and that could put you at 2400lbs empty. Now load all the gear in the front and in the bedroom and you'll likely be pushing 28-2900lbs. RAWR is what 6200lbs? Empty RAWR around 28-2900lbs? 56-5800lbs on the rear axle.

I've looked at Silverbacks myself and own a 3/4 ton. I couldn't see towing that one with my truck. Only the 29RE would make my list. Still put me over my GVW but well under the rest of the ratings.

If you're set on keeping the truck I would suggest upgrading the tires to load range E's with the 3415lb rating. That would give you a better cushion.

ours wrote:
I have a 2500 Silverado 6.6. 4x4, crew cab, 6 1/2 sized box.

What year? Makes a =big= difference. I agree, you're likely to exceed the payload capacity of the truck.

Lyle

IMO you will likely exceed your trucks GVWR. What you decide to do is your decision but I do not run the road overloaded.