Which truck?

[jdeputy1]

Hi everybody,

I am looking to retire in a few years and will be in the market for a fifth wheel. The floor plan that we are looking at is around 41feet long with a GVWR of 20,000 lbs. I am thinking that a properly equipped one ton dually will do the trick. My question is:


Long bed vs Short bed, what are the advantages or disadvantages of each.


Thank you for your input.

[Michelle_S]

The OP said the floor plans he was looking at had a GVWR of approx of 20K so possible pin weight 4 to 5K. Slightly out of SRW territory, but still within New Breed 1 ton dually territory..

[4x4ord]

rhagfo wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
Dually = long bed. Not sure what the OP is looking fir here.

Not necessarily, Ram Mega cab only comes comes with SB!

More than likely if the OP had realized dually means long bed or possibly short bed/mega cab he would have asked his question different. I think it is unlikely a retiree will be looking for a mega cab. So the question as to whether or not a dually is required for his trailer would have to be answered before concerning himself with what bed length to get. Without knowing the specifics of his trailer it is impossible to say for certain but chances are he needs a dually.

[2oldman]

Terryallan wrote:
A MTD is what you will need. A 41' Trailer is almost as long as a 18 wheeler trailer. Longer than some. and will be right at the top of the 3500 / 350 towing capacity. Need more truck.

What I find most enjoyable about towing with one is the weight. The heavier you are in relation to the 5er the more steady you are, especially in wind.

[laknox]

Were I ever to consider going that large, I'd be in Cummins12v98's camp, much as I'd hate to not drive a GM. Right now, that's the cream of the 3500/350 trucks, IMO, for the larger (NOT largest) FWs. Since I never, =ever= see myself going that big, it's not something I need to worry about.

Lyle

[Cummins12V98]

I tow 33k all the time combined and 35k when double towing at at or below all SAE Ratings.

ROCK solid towing in ALL conditions.

RAM DRW 4.10's and AISIN combo can't be beat. Oh the LongHorn is a must with Factory rear air ride. FULL RAWR of 9,750# in pic. Same ride height loaded or not.

[ppine]

one ton diesel long bed

[4x4ord]

A SRW one ton might be enough if you're looking at a triaxle trailer... otherwise a dually will more than likely be required to handle the pin weight

[lee_worsdell]

Long bed for sure. I have 2107 gmc 3500 with aux fuel tank about 8 inchs wide and a honda 7000 that sits up against it. I never take the genny out all summer long. I still have over 2ft to trailer once its hooked up.

[Veebyes]

A beeeeeg one.

[Michelle_S]

20K is well in the range of the New Breed of 1 ton Duallies. I'm pulling a 43' 19K plus and am in spec.

[KD4UPL]

Long bed for sure. The longer wheelbase will ride better. Many models have a larger fuel tank with a long bed. And, you will be able to put more stuff in the bed.
When it comes time to sell a dually lots of contractors might be potential buyers of a high mileage long bed dually to use as a work truck. Not so much with a short bed.
Further, if your buying new GM doesn't offer a dually short bed and I don't think Ford does either. Even in the past when they have they were quite rare.
However, I would look hard at medium duty trucks. You will have a much more capable truck all the way around for probably less money than a new dually.

[B_O__Plenty]

Every one of the current crop of duallies is a long bed except for the Ram Mega Cab.

B.O.

[TXiceman]

Either Ford or Ram dually with a 4.10 rear axle for that much trailer. DO NOT even attempt to pull with a single rear wheel truck.

Ken

[Terryallan]

2oldman wrote:
This post in Tow Vehicles should help.

For a rig that big, I'd rather see you in something like this:


First post. No profile. Hope this isn't a bait post.

Gonna have to agree. A MTD is what you will need. A 41' Trailer is almost as long as a 18 wheeler trailer. Longer than some. and will be right at the top of the 3500 / 350 towing capacity. Need more truck.