Advice needed -- will I regret a shortbed w/ 43' trailer?

[loudounrv]

I'm about to make a decision on a TV - Ram 3500 dually. I hope to have 14000 lb, 43 ft fifth wheel later this summer. I have 3 kids so I'm leaning towards the Mega Cab option for the added comfort for them, but of course this means I'll have a 6'4" box.

Am I going to regret having a shortbed every time I'm trying to back that trailer into a tight space, or will one of the slide hitches solve my problem? Can you recommend some good hitches to consider?

Thanks, Tom

[M_GO_BLUE1]

I doubt you even have enough truck for a 43' footer...

[Devocamper]

doesnt the mega cab have lower tow ratings do to the extra weight of the larger cab?

[army_guy1]

Look at the crew cab - there is only a few inches difference in the rear. I, myself, would have nothing but a long bed.

[ib516]

Lantley wrote:
As others have mentioned be sure you have enough payload and beware many short beds have small 26 gallon fuel tanks

My Megacab shortbed has a 35 gal tank.

I think whether or not you need the long bed depends on the front cap / front end design of the 5er. I am ok to about 85* turning with mine. No slider hitch or anything else fancy.

[goducks10]

If you're buying a 2013-14 Ram 3500 DRW you will have no issues what so ever with payload. However if you're getting a 2012 or earlier you won't have the payload for a 14,000lb dry weight 5'er.

Can't help you on the short vs long bed issue.

[Lantley]

As others have mentioned be sure you have enough payload and beware many short beds have small 26 gallon fuel tanks

[eHoefler]

Look at the Ram Crew cab, the cab is not that much smaller than the Mega, but is available with the 8' box.

[HappyKayakers]

Instead of using the listed dry weight of your trailer, find the GVWR of the trailer. That will give you a more realistic picture of what you should buy to tow it. Most people use 15% - 20% of that GVWR to determine the hitch weight. A Dodge 3500 should have no problem pulling that BUT the limiting factor is usually payload of the truck. If you're near max weight of the truck when you get all your stuff and people in it, then add 1500lbs on the hitch, you could go over the truck's GVWR.

[loudounrv]

byronlj wrote:
I drive in Colorado and several other Western states. After I bought my 40' fifth wheel I traded my shortbed for an 8' bed. The first drive on a winding mountain road confirmed I needed a long bed dually. Is the 14000# the dry weight of that 43 footer? If so, dry weight means little for towing information.
Dave

Hi Dave,

Yes, that's the dry weight of the trailer I'm hoping to buy. Are there any other specs I can add that would help? If I can't find them online, I'm sure I could get them from the salesman.

I'm pulling a 33' travel trailer now, and I've never towed a 5th wheel. Can you elaborate a little more on the mechanics of a short bed vs a long bed on those windy roads? Sorry for the simple question - I'm guessing that the long bed would let you take those turns a little sharper, right?

[byronlj]

I drive in Colorado and several other Western states. After I bought my 40' fifth wheel I traded my shortbed for an 8' bed. The first drive on a winding mountain road confirmed I needed a long bed dually. Is the 14000# the dry weight of that 43 footer? If so, dry weight means little for towing information.
Dave

[kzspree320]

I have no problem with my 6'4" bed and my fifth wheel. I have a Pullrite SuperGlide automatic sliding hitch. I drive it just like I was driving a long bed truck. When the turns get sharper, the hitch head automatically slides back for additional clearance. The only problem with a manual slider is that you must think about it and get out to use it before you need it. The SuperGlide will set you back a few more bucks, but I think it's well worth the piece of mind. Good Luck.