Will 2,380 lbs dry weight really make a difference?

[LaurieandDoug]

We are narrowing our search for a new 5th wheel and are debating between the smaller/lighter Grand Design Reflection 303 and the larger/heavier Grand Design Solitude 320.

The GVWR is 11,995 vs. 15,000 = difference of 3,005 lbs,

The Dry Weight 9,200 vs. 11,580 = difference of 2,340 lbs,

The Hitch Weight is 1,660 vs. 2,480 = difference of 820 lbs.

The Solitude is also a foot higher, 7" wider, and 1'-10" longer.

I will be purchasing a Ford F-350 diesel (based on all of your advice on our previous post!) and wondered if I'll really feel the difference. I originally wanted to stay smaller and lighter, but the Solitude offers a LOT more features if I can get comfortable with the extra size and weight.

Thanks for any advice and wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

[NC_Hauler]

TXiceman wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

alboy wrote:
Evan though our 06 3500 srw ram towed our 15k fiver fine over 55k,our new 15 GMC 3500SRW TOYS with it in comparison.

"Toys with it"..:h

Yeah, that means you never it knows it is back there...Ha Ha

ken

Gotcha Ken:).... I would hope that an almost 10 year newer truck would have been upgraded enough to tell a difference...In the last 3-4 yrs, the Big 3 all have upped GVWR, GCWR, TQ and HP..so if alboy weren't able to tell a difference going that route, from an 06, to a 2015' same type truck, I"d been a bit upset 🙂

[TXiceman]

NC Hauler wrote:

alboy wrote:
Evan though our 06 3500 srw ram towed our 15k fiver fine over 55k,our new 15 GMC 3500SRW TOYS with it in comparison.

"Toys with it"..:h

Yeah, that means you never it knows it is back there...Ha Ha

ken

[Michelle_S]

OK, never did any 1/4 mile runs with either, but traveling the same route from Western New York to Florida and back didn't notice any major difference. Did it make a difference, maybe, but again none that was that noticeable that I could say yes or no.

[NC_Hauler]

Michelle.S wrote:
We went from 14000 to 17000 and if anything the TV road better with the additional pin weight and mileage didn't change enough to be even noticeable.

So you can build up to 60 mph just as fast with 3,000# more as you did with 3,000# less???

Not saying it can't handle it, not saying it can't get the job done easily..AM saying if one increases their towing weight 3000#, you'll notice it towing up a 6% Grade...1 and a half tons more does make a difference, that's all I'm saying.

[Michelle_S]

We went from 14000 to 17000 and if anything the TV road better with the additional pin weight and mileage didn't change enough to be even noticeable.

[NC_Hauler]

alboy wrote:
Evan though our 06 3500 srw ram towed our 15k fiver fine over 55k,our new 15 GMC 3500SRW TOYS with it in comparison.

"Toys with it"..:h

[alboy]

Evan though our 06 3500 srw ram towed our 15k fiver fine over 55k,our new 15 GMC 3500SRW TOYS with it in comparison.

[JIMNLIN]

Boy folks must be drunk on turkey and dressing.
Will you notice a difference in 3000 lbs?? Depends on you......and what size truck you have.

[TXiceman]

For the 15,000# GVWR trailer, you need to be looming at a dually.

Ken

[John___Angela]

NC Hauler wrote:

John & Angela wrote:
The only numbers that make no difference are the GVWR's as they are a rating and not a weight. Generally speaking for any given weight the bigger the GVWR the better as it is more an indication of axle, rim and tire capacity.

Happy hunting.

If the GVWR makes no difference, why do you go on to contradict yourself by stating that the bigger the GVWR, the better:h

The more important number if one is going to ignore the GVWR is the RAWR, which I think you stated by adding information on the axle and tires.....

Yah I suppose it was worded badly. How about this. If you have two trailers side by side both weighing 6500 pounds. One has a GVWR of 8000 pounds and the other of 10,000 pounds. Obviously the higher rating of 10,000 pounds is an asset.

[NC_Hauler]

John & Angela wrote:
The only numbers that make no difference are the GVWR's as they are a rating and not a weight. Generally speaking for any given weight the bigger the GVWR the better as it is more an indication of axle, rim and tire capacity.

Happy hunting.

If the GVWR makes no difference, why do you go on to contradict yourself by stating that the bigger the GVWR, the better:h

The more important number if one is going to ignore the GVWR is the RAWR, which I think you stated by adding information on the axle and tires.....

[John___Angela]

The only numbers that make no difference are the GVWR's as they are a rating and not a weight. Generally speaking for any given weight the bigger the GVWR the better as it is more an indication of axle, rim and tire capacity.

Happy hunting.

[stetwood]

You may notice the pin weight more than the gross weight and of course the height is almost 10% higher of the bigger one.

[wandering1]

Yes it will make a difference. Figure out which 5th wheel you want first. Next get a truck that will handle the 5th wheel. DONT take personal opinions about how much 5th wheel a truck will handle. Get the facts from the manufacturers towing specs. You are legally responsible for having an adequate tow vehicle not the truck towing expert wannabes.

Ford Towing Guide

Be sure and read the specs for 5th wheel towing.