Ford 250 PSD 6.4 SD '08 4x4 Crew
total wt: 8550 ( two people, dog , some luggage, hitch)
GVW: 10,000
Pin wt: 2100
Total hitched : 10650 (truck fails here)
Cameo 34'
dry wt: 11,733
total wt: 14,000
Max fiver for this truck: 15,300
Truck payload: 2400
GCVW : 23,000
Truck also fails in pin wt-payload.
We are new to this Rv life. I allowed a salesman to convince me that I had the correct truck for the fiver we planned to purchase. In fact, we purchased one that was "lighter" than the one we originally planned to buy, and one of the lightest that Carriage makes. Our overall weight and pin weights are less than what appears to be a majority of fivers in the same length of fiver class. If we exceed the GVW ( ok with the GCWR : within the 23000) but fail in the other categories, what are the real safety ramifications?
If a majority of five drivers are also over their GVW limits, where are the GVW "police", and why don't we see more catastrophic accidents? After all, it is not so much a towing issue as it is a "stopping " issue. You would think that industry wide there would be some sort of listed recommendations for trucks and fifth wheel manufacturers. And you would think that more often the state police would periodically monitor fifth wheel drivers to check on weights, because it just might be a financial gold mine for them with fines and the like.
We now must consider our options, among which would be to purchase a one ton dually, or even a one/one-half dually. I am not certain about the latter, but it certainly would provide a much wider margin of safety. I am bewildered by it all at times, and wonder how many folks feel the same way.
Thanks for the opportunity to ask questions and "pontificate"! <>< al fisher
