We've decided to replace our truck (2006 Tundra) with a 3/4 ton truck. I've looked at new and used. Today I saw a couple of very nice used 3/4 ton trucks (Ford and Ram) and I've got a couple questions that I haope you can help with. First, none of the used trucks were equipped to handle a 5th wheel (meaning none had the factory prep package). The sales guy said that it could be easily added, but he didn't know how much it would cost. Is this expensive? Should this work be done by the truck dealer or a could it be done by an RV dealer?The one dealer (RAM) assured me that his used truck was equipped with the proper rear end (3.73) so it can tow and the other dealer didn't know off hand, but is checking. Is there any way for me to verify, say with the VIN number? I'd like to double check whatever they tell me.Lastly, we don't have a trailer...yet. We decided (with your help) that our old truck can only safely tow a very light trailer, so we are upgrading. There a couple trailers we really like and they are all have GCWs less that 9000 lbs. We are slightly leaning towards a 5th wheel, but one that's no longer that 30'.Thanks

“The sales guy said...” Gee, why don’t I believe the sales guy? lolViolate the rule at your peril! Buy or select the TT/5er FIRST and THEN buy an adequate tow vehicle.

Forget a 2500, instead just go to a 3500 SRW. Many 2500 series trucks can easily get overloaded quickly. If your ever thinkingmofma fiver get a 3500 for sure. A TT will plave approx 10-15% of their loaded weight on the vehicle. A fiver will place approx 20% of their loaded weight directly over the rear axle. Even a lightly loaded 30 foot fiver could dump over 2000 pounds on the truck.Most 2500 series trucks will only have a real world payload of 2000 pounds.

I don't know about the VIN number check but my RAM 3500 didn't have a factory 5th wheel prep package. I just had the dealer where I bought my 5th wheel put one in. It consists of two rails that the hitch pins to with 4 pins. Easy to put in and take out. I have the B&W Patriot 16K hitch that was recommended to me in these forums by MFL. I couldn't be happier. I had a 35 foot travel trailer before and now have a 34 foot 5th wheel. I am so happy with the decisions I made. Take the advice of other long standing members here when they reply to you and you too will be happy. This place has so many members with a wealth of information!

5th wheel hitch components can be added quite easily. I can't comment on cost as I'm not in the USA.Are you shopping for gas or diesel? That makes a difference as to which axle ratio would be suitable, though most any 3/4 ton truck will be fine with an RV with a 9000# GVWR.For RAM, just google RAM VIN DECODER and type in the VIN. It'll give you a good idea about axle ratio and options the truck has. A call to a dealer would enable you to get the "build sheet" for a used truck that would give all the details.

You don’t need the underbed “factory hitch prep” if you don’t mind having the mounting rails in the bed. No big deal, but some prefer the underbed mounts. What year model trucks are you looking at. Could easily influence the recommendations.

3/4 ton truck questions | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 11, 2018
Hey guys, he's back on a half ton kick now. This thread can die....
Edd505
Explorer
Dec 11, 2018
Last years towing guild

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/
NWnative
Explorer
Dec 10, 2018
3110#'s of payload for the F250 in my sig. Does all I need it to and is more than capable for what I tow. If you are going Diesel or towing heavy, get the 1 Ton.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 09, 2018
rhagfo wrote:
deltabravo wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Forget a 2500, instead just go to a 3500 SRW. Many 2500 series trucks can easily get overloaded quickly. If your ever thinking of a fiver get a 3500 for sure.

DITTO,

Did you read the two previous post, OP may be in an area with restrictions based on GVWR, so get a F350 SRW with Camper Package and 9,900# GVWR.

No, they just like bitsching about weight "capacities".
Beerbrewer, get a 3/4 ton if that makes you compliant with local laws. Or if you want/need a 1 ton, get one and then get some 3/4ton badges for the sides!
valhalla360
Navigator
Dec 09, 2018
rhagfo wrote:
deltabravo wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Forget a 2500, instead just go to a 3500 SRW. Many 2500 series trucks can easily get overloaded quickly. If your ever thinking of a fiver get a 3500 for sure.

DITTO,

Did you read the two previous post, OP may be in an area with restrictions based on GVWR, so get a F350 SRW with Camper Package and 9,900# GVWR.

Go down to the local dealer and tell them you are missing the F250 decals on your truck...Then replace the F350 with F250.

Problem solved.
Huntindog
Explorer
Dec 07, 2018
BeerBrewer wrote:
the 260RD (UVW: 7,225 lbs | Hitch Weight: 1,325 lbs | Length: 29'9") and 295RL (UVW: 8,496 lbs | Hitch Weight: 1,391 lbs | Length: 32'9"). As for Travel Trailers we are considering the Imagine 2600RB UVW: 5,725 lbs | Hitch Weight: 594 lbs | Length: 29' 8".
UVW = unloaded vehicle weight.

That is pretty much a useless number that many make the mistake of using.
You will NEVER go camping with a empty trailer.

Use the GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. That is the most it should ever weigh. Don't fall for the trap of trying to estimate how much weight you will add..... For a trailer you have not even decided on, or have used yet.... You simply do not know... Nor will anyone else
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 07, 2018
deltabravo wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Forget a 2500, instead just go to a 3500 SRW. Many 2500 series trucks can easily get overloaded quickly. If your ever thinking of a fiver get a 3500 for sure.

DITTO,

Did you read the two previous post, OP may be in an area with restrictions based on GVWR, so get a F350 SRW with Camper Package and 9,900# GVWR.
deltabravo
Nomad
Dec 07, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
Forget a 2500, instead just go to a 3500 SRW. Many 2500 series trucks can easily get overloaded quickly. If your ever thinking of a fiver get a 3500 for sure.

DITTO,
thomas201
Explorer
Dec 06, 2018
This is really for the OP, but I checked the Ford website and they still offer a 9900# F350. So you can get the camper package, getting the max springs, but the door sticker will say 9900#. Our fleet manager used to get our guys these trucks, so they could take their trucks home. Most of us only look at RV's, but Ford and Chevy (at least used to) make these trucks for the only reason that matters. Customers buy them.

So for the OP, I think the 10k or 3/4 ton trucks also pay less on the ferries and over the bridges off the island. Of course I am a cheap ba**ard.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 06, 2018
blt2ski wrote:
thomas201 wrote:
For ED505, in the east from DC up through Maine we have a bunch of strange rules. Some neighborhood's streets are restricted to 10k pound registration or less (ever wonder why Ford builds an F350 with a 10k door sticker?). Some states if over 10k, you are commercial, even if it never works for pay. The left lanes on interstates (with 3 or more lanes) are restricted to 10k or less, and only non-commercial, less than 10k vehicles can use parkways (these have nothing to do with parks by the way). So the OP is from out on Long Island and if he uses the truck for anything but towing the 250/2500 trucks have their place. I don't make the rules, but I have to play by them when visiting the DW's home stomping grounds.

Please note. Poster is talking registration! NOT the door sticker gvwr! At least where in Wa st, if things meet the correct registration rules, I can register my truck for less than its door tag! I have done this with my C2500, as I buy tonnage by the ton! so its either an 8K or 10K plate! I do not get to run down the road at the door sticker of 8600 lbs legally as I have an 8K registration! I could buy a 10K registration, and I would be legal to have 10K distributed to my 4 tires, legally. Door sticker means squat! One could take their 10,001+ lb gvwr truck, and buy a 10K plate, and meet the requirements mentioned by thomas201. Not saying it is a smart move or bad one for that matter.
From a legal standpoint, their are wills and ways to meet some requirements!

Marty

ps

Said (maybe) strange rules exist here in the puget sound region too!

I see the issue as some HOA and local ordinances state not over a certain GVWR, not the registered GVWR, but manufacture GVWR, once again why would Ford offer a F350 SRW with a 10,000# GVWR :h

If HOA one could work to change or move, local or state law is a lot more effort. Most of these laws were likely written when a 10,000# GVWR was a small semi! This is much like the old Blue Laws that prevented business operation on Sundays, these laws need to be updated. Worst yet would be having antiquated laws like these on the book, then having a DOT or State Police start weighing RVers! Talk about a catch 22!