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Welcome to MOC. This is a modified copy of an earlier post.
I feel there are only three basic facts affecting TV selection; how much weight will it be carrying, how much will it be towing and the total weight of the fully loaded system. There are seven basic numbers and a comfort/risk factor involved. Four are easy, they establish the vehicles design parameters and are available from the manufacturer; Base or "dry " weight of the truck, payload capacity, towing capacity and gross combined weight rating, GCWR. The other numbers available are subsets or details of these basics and only serve to confuse the issue in my opinion. Three are your resposibility to get [commercial scales]: fully loaded weight of; the truck [includes topped off with fuel, personnel, pets, hitch, and "stuff", without the 5er], the 5er [axle weight], and pin weight [the weight of the loaded truck at the rear axle with the loaded 5er hooked up minus the loaded truck rear axle without the loaded 5er hooked up]. There may also be a significant difference on the trucks front axle, with and without the 5er. Valid estimates could be used as could numbers reported by other users to get a "feel" for your situation.
How much it will be carrying [actual payload] equals loaded weight of truck, minus dry weight plus loaded pin weight.
How much it will be towing equals loaded 5er axle weight.
Total system weight equals combined loaded weight of truck and 5er.
Your selection will depend on your comfort level with the numbers you generate [loaded numbers] vs the design capacities. Non-weight related factors are involved also. Either of the 3500's you are considering will work.
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